Salisbury Christmas Market 2024: Gift Fayre On The Square

Salisbury’s Christmas on the Square returns after a break with a Gift Fayre, Artisan Market and Sunday Market. Expect 30 stalls offering unique gifts, locally produced stocking fillers and various food options.

Read on for confirmed dates. More winter events will be announced soon.

Christmas on the Square has a New Gift Fayre and 30 Stalls

Dates and Location – Confirmed

Salisbury dates: 22nd November to 19th December 2024 (confirmed). Verified with the tourist office.
Location: Guildhall Square.
Opening times:
Monday to Wednesday: 10am to 7pm.
Thursday: 10am to 8pm.
Friday and Saturday: 10am to 7pm.
Sunday: 10am to 4pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Admission: Free.
Sunday Markets: Market Place. 10am to 4pm.
Lights switch-on: 15th November.
Santa: Guildhall Square.
Ice skating: No.
Accessible: Yes.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion.
Reason to visit: Many events for children and the Twilight Tour at Salisbury Cathedral.
Specialities: Frost Bar, mulled wine and the festive afternoon tea.
Where to stay: The Merchant’s House is a highly-rated hotel, 3 minutes from Guildhall Square.

Where to Stay

Stay near Guildhall Square in Salisbury city centre to easily access key attractions like Salisbury Arts Centre, Salisbury Cathedral, Magna Carta Chapter House and Arundells. The Merchant’s House is a good option in this area.

Discover more places to visit with my UK Christmas Markets List. Start planning your itinerary now to avoid missing out.

What to Expect

Christmas in Salisbury is a festive affair marked by several events and activities:

• Christmas Light Trail: Lighting up Salisbury’s historic streets, the Christmas Light Trail invites visitors to follow a path of glowing decorations and delightful Christmas characters. The journey starts at the imposing Salisbury Cathedral and winds its way through the city. Illuminating the winter darkness from the 17th of November until the 2nd of January (to be confirmed), it’s a festive spectacle not to be missed.
• Santa’s Grotto: Children can immerse themselves in the magic of Christmas as they step into Santa’s Grotto with an opportunity to meet Santa in person, an experience that runs at Maltings Green Space until Christmas Eve.
• Salisbury Cathedral’s Twilight Tower Tour: For a different perspective on the city, embark on the Twilight Tower Tour at Salisbury Cathedral. Starting on the 17th November (to be confirmed), the tour provides visitors with a stunning view of Salisbury under the twinkling Christmas lights.
• Christmas Window Displays: Salisbury’s shops join the festive celebration with windows decorated by talented local artists. These creative displays, which can be admired from the 16th November (to be confirmed), add an extra dash of seasonal charm to the city streets.
• Christmas Pantomime (to be confirmed): Rounding out the festive offerings is the much-anticipated Christmas pantomime. Last year’s event was “Snow White and the Seven Christmas Elves”. This performance delivered laughs, drama and the unmistakable magic of Christmas.

Sustainable Travel Tips

• Choose Green Accommodation: Salisbury is known for its selection of accommodations that prioritise sustainability. When booking your stay, choose eco-friendly hotels committed to renewable energy sources. These places employ various practices to reduce their environmental footprint, such as using energy-efficient lighting and heating and reducing food waste.
• Be Mindful of Food Waste: When sampling the culinary delights at Christmas on the Square, consider portion sizes to avoid unnecessary food waste. Share larger dishes with travel companions or opt for smaller portions if available. Don’t forget to dispose of any waste responsibly, using the designated recycling bins around the city.
• Buy Only What You Need or Can Use: Salisbury’s shops are teeming with tempting items, but remember the principles of ethical consumption. Avoid impulse buying and choose quality over quantity. Support local artisans by purchasing handmade crafts, and consider the environmental impact of your purchases – preference for items with minimal packaging or made from recycled materials.
• Go for a Sustainable Diet: Many of Salisbury’s eateries have plant-based or locally sourced options. Choosing a vegetarian meal or one made with ingredients from nearby farms can significantly reduce your carbon footprint.
• Use Sustainable Transport: Explore Salisbury by foot or by bike to reduce your carbon emissions. The city centre is compact and well-signposted, making it easy to get around. Consider using public transport, such as the local buses or trains, for longer distances.

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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. This post contains affiliate links to hotels and tours in Salisbury, UK. This means I get a small commission from any bookings at no extra cost to you.