Stratford Christmas Market 2025

Last updated: 12 August 2025

Stratford Christmas Market 2025 returns to Stratford-upon-Avon across two sparkling weekends — Sat–Sun 29–30 November and Sat–Sun 6–7 December 2025 (reserve 13–14 December if weather disrupts) — filling Bridge Street, Waterside and Henley Street with artisan stalls, live performers and a traditional funfair by the River Avon. Plan your visit with confirmed opening times (Sat 10:00–20:00; Sun 10:00–17:00) and easy Park & Ride, then use our map, travel tips and accessibility notes to beat the crowds, find great food and gift stalls, and turn your day out into a cosy winter getaway with parking and stay suggestions close by.

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Key info: Stratford Christmas Market 2025

• Dates: Sat–Sun 29–30 November 2025 and Sat–Sun 6–7 December 2025 (reserve 13–14 December if needed).

• Opening times: Saturdays 10:00–20:00; Sundays 10:00–17:00.

• Location: Bridge Street, Waterside and Henley Street, Stratford-upon-Avon (CV37 6AB).

• Admission: Free – no tickets required.

• Park & Ride (Bishopton, CV37 0RJ): Buses roughly every 15 minutes; Mon–Sat from 07:30, Sun from 10:00; last services early evening. Low-cost parking, family-friendly. Check live times before you travel.

• Parking tip: Town-centre car parks fill by mid-morning on Saturdays; Park & Ride is usually quicker.

• Road closures: Expect closures on Bridge Street and Waterside with traffic changes on High Street; final details are confirmed closer to the event.

• Nearest station: Stratford-upon-Avon (about a 10-minute walk to Bridge Street).

• Accessibility: Step-free routes across the market area. Accessible and Changing Places toilets available in the town centre (e.g. Bell Court and Waterside). ShopMobility operates from Bridgeway multi-storey (CV37 6YX) with scooter and wheelchair hire.

Hotels Near Stratford Christmas Market

Map & Market Layout

• Core streets: Bridge Street, Waterside & Henley Street, spilling into High Street, Meer Street and Wood Street. Expect fairy‑lit stalls flanking the River Avon and Shakespeare’s Birthplace.

• 200+ high‑quality stalls: artisan crafts, sustainable gifts, gourmet street food and mulled delights – one of the largest festive markets in the West Midlands.

• Victorian vibe: Traders don bonnets, waistcoats and top‑hats; live costumed actors wander the lanes, perfect for Instagram.

• Entertainment hubs:

  • Henley Street stage – choirs, brass bands & local school performances.

  • Wood Street & Rother Street funfair – vintage carousel, helter‑skelter and kiddie rides.

Getting There: Park & Ride, Train, Parking

Tip: central multi‑storeys fill by 10 am on Saturdays; use Park‑&‑Ride to skip congestion.

Road Closures & Accessibility

• Full closures: Waterside & Bridge Street (both directions).

• Traffic flow changes: High Street one‑way towards Barclays roundabout. Sheep Street open but no access to Waterside.

• Blue Badge bays: Windsor Street & Church Street car parks (check live signage).

• Step‑free routes: Level access along Bridge Street’s new layout; accessible toilets in Bell Court and Rother Street.

• Quiet hour: Sundays 10‑11 am are less crowded – ideal for wheelchair users or neurodivergent visitors.

Food & Stalls

1. Mulled Warwickshire cider – locally pressed apples with cinnamon.

2. Hand‑forged fudge – artisan flavours like prosecco & raspberry.

3. Birmingham‑style bratwurst – smoked over beechwood, vegan option available.

4. Luxury hot chocolate bar – choose Belgian white, milk or dark with marshmallow mountains.

5. Gluten‑free mince pies & plant‑based roasted‑nut roasts.

Bring a reusable mug – many vendors knock 20p off hot drinks.

Shopping Cheat‑Sheet – Gift Categories to Target

• British‑made leather goods (Henley Street)

• Hand‑blown glass baubles (Waterside riverside stretch)

• Woollen knits & alpaca scarves (Bridge Street north)

• Local gins & craft beers (Wood Street food court)

• Eco‑scented soy candles (High Street artisan row)

Pro‑tip: Stall numbers aren’t fixed year‑to‑year; scan the official market map (free at information points) as soon as you arrive.

Insider Tips to Beat the Crowds

• Contactless ready: Almost all stalls accept cards, but signal can dip; carry small change for charity buckets or the carousel.

• Dress in layers: Riverside breeze feels 2‑3 °C colder than forecast.

• Dogs: Allowed on short leads; avoid funfair area if your pooch dislikes noise.

One-day itinerary (Stratford Christmas Market 2025)

• 09:30 Arrive via Bishopton Park & Ride or train; coffee near Bridge Street.

• 10:00–11:00 Shop Bridge Street while it’s quiet.

• 11:00–12:00 Henley Street for music + artisan stalls.

• 12:00–13:00 Lunch on Waterside (street food, hot chocolate).

• 13:00–14:00 Funfair (Wood/Rother Streets).

• 14:00–15:00 Bancroft Gardens photos; quick RSC shop warm-up.

• 15:00–16:00 Second sweep for gifts/restocks.

• 16:00–17:30 Lights at sunset on Waterside; optional RSC Tower.

• 18:00 Head back or dine nearby.

Accessibility

• Step-free: Bridge Street, Waterside, Henley Street have dropped kerbs; surfaces can be uneven/wet.

• Quietest time: Sunday 10:00–11:00. Busiest: Saturday 15:00–17:00.

• Toilets: Accessible facilities at Bell Court, Waterside area, Windsor Street; RADAR key useful.

• Changing Places: Check local listing/opening hours before travel.

• ShopMobility: Bridgeway multi-storey (CV37 6YX); pre-book.

• Blue Badge: Use town car parks or Park & Ride; street bays limited during closures.

• Sensory: Music and lights near stages/funfair; bring ear defenders/sunglasses if needed.

• Assistance dogs: Welcome; keep on short leads.

• Rest spots: Bancroft Gardens benches, Bell Court seating, nearby cafés.

Beyond the Market – Festive Stratford in 60 Steps

• Shakespeare’s Birthplace (Henley Street) – candlelit Tudor decorations.

• Royal Shakespeare Theatre Tower – panoramic town & market views.

• River Avon Cruises – evening sail with mulled wine and carols (pre‑book).

• Holy Trinity Church – Midnight Mass inside Shakespeare’s resting place (24 Dec).

• The MAD Museum – quirky kinetic sculptures, heated indoor fun for kids.

Where to Stay & Eat

• Boutique B&Bs: The Arden Hotel (opposite RSC), double rooms from £145 inc. breakfast.

• Cosy Pubs: The Garrick Inn – roaring fireplaces & seasonal ales.

• Budget Pods: Stratford YHA – 15 min riverside walk, family rooms from £55.

• Fine Dining: Salt (Michelin‑star) offers a special three‑course festive menu – book early.

Wrap‑Up – See You Under the Twinkling Lights

Stratford‑upon‑Avon’s Christmas Market 2025 blends Shakespearean heritage with Dickensian charm, offering two action‑packed weekends of shopping, street theatre and seasonal flavours. Now you’ve got the dates, travel hacks and insider intel, all that’s left is to lace up your boots, charge your camera and let Stratford’s river‑side magic launch your festive season.

Stratford Upon Avon Christmas Market 2025: Frequently Asked Questions

• When is the Stratford‑upon‑Avon Christmas Market 2025?
  The market runs on 29–30 November and 6–7 December 2025, with a reserve weekend on 13–14 December if severe weather intervenes.

• What time does the Stratford‑upon‑Avon Christmas Market open and close?
  Saturdays trade 10:00 am – 8:00 pm; Sundays 10:00 am – 5:00 pm.

• Is the Stratford‑upon‑Avon Christmas Market free to enter, or do I need tickets?
  Admission is 100 % free and ticket‑free—just turn up and enjoy.

• How many stalls will there be at the 2025 market?
  Approximately 200 Victorian‑themed stalls packed with gifts, crafts and festive food.

• Where exactly is the market located within Stratford‑upon‑Avon?
  It occupies Bridge Street, Waterside and Henley Street in the historic town centre, right by Shakespeare’s Birthplace.

• Where can I park, and is there a Park & Ride service?
  Use Bishopton Park & Ride (CV37 0RJ) for 700+ spaces and buses every 10‑15 minutes until late; town‑centre car parks fill by mid‑morning.

• How do I reach the market by train or bus?
  Stratford‑upon‑Avon rail station is a 10‑minute level walk; diverted buses stop on Guild Street (“Mop Stops”) during road closures.

• Is the Stratford‑upon‑Avon Christmas Market accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs?
  Yes—dropped kerbs remain clear, portable ramps are installed, ShopMobility scooters are available, and there are radar‑key accessible toilets.

• Are dogs allowed at the Christmas Market?
  Dog‑friendly: well‑behaved pets on short leads are welcome across the market footprint.

• What food and drink can I expect?
  Mulled wine and cider, artisan hot chocolate, roasted chestnuts, gourmet street food, and plenty of local sweet treats.

• Are there toilets and baby‑changing facilities?
  Permanent toilets (many with baby‑change) at Waterside, Bell Court, Avonbank and Windsor Street, plus portable units on Bridge Street.

• What happens if bad weather forces a closure?
  Any lost day is moved to the reserve weekend (13–14 December 2025) to guarantee the full event goes ahead.