If you want to explore a festive alternative to Birmingham’s German Market this year, consider a short trip to Cirencester in the Cotswolds. Just about 90 minutes’ drive down the M5, this picturesque market town comes alive with holiday cheer throughout November and December.
Cirencester’s narrow, honey-coloured streets transform into a Christmas wonderland, hosting four unique Christmas markets alongside a host of independent boutiques perfect for holiday shopping. You’ll also find cozy cafes and traditional pubs, making it an ideal destination for a festive day out or weekend escape.
Here’s what to look forward to at Cirencester’s Christmas Markets in 2025:
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Sunday 23 November, 10am – 4pm: Start the season with a charming market showcasing local artisans offering homewares, jewellery, crafts, and gourmet treats.
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Saturday 29 November, 10am – 6pm: Enjoy a vibrant street market featuring over 100 stalls, live performances, charity stands, Santa and his sleigh, big screens, and a silent fireworks display lighting up the town’s festive illumination.
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December Weekends (6-7, 14, 16-18, 21): A special series of markets with more than 40 stalls presenting local craftspeople, live music, and engaging street entertainment.
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Saturday 13 & 20 December: Savor festive flavours with stalls offering seasonal produce, game, baked goods, and locally brewed beers directly from Cotswold producers.
Additionally, Cirencester hosts regular markets throughout the year, including the Charter Market every Monday and Friday and the Farmers’ Market on the second and fourth Saturdays.
The Corn Hall adds even more shopping variety with weekly events like the Home Fashion and Garden Bazaar, Antiques and Collectables Market, Original Craftsman’s Market, and Cotswold Craft Market.
Beyond the markets, Cirencester is celebrated for its unique shops, antiques emporiums, craft outlets, and select national retailers. Nearby, the Cotswold Designer Outlet in Tewkesbury offers further shopping opportunities.
To fully immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere, consider spending a weekend in Cirencester. The Little Town Apartment, nestled in a beautifully restored period building with manicured communal lawns, offers a charming base in the town center. Alternatively, the cozy Five Mile House Barn in nearby Duntisbourne Abbots features an inviting open-plan living space with a traditional range cooker and woodburning stove—perfect for a winter getaway.
Getting there is easy: by car, it takes around 80 minutes from Birmingham via the M5, traffic permitting. Alternatively, take a train from Birmingham New Street to Kemble (with a change at Cheltenham Spa), then a short taxi ride into Cirencester.
Cirencester invites you to experience a warm, festive atmosphere that perfectly blends market-town charm with the spirit of Christmas.