This year, Salisbury Christmas Market has sadly been cancelled for 2025. There are plenty of other Christmas events that are going on though.
Christmas in Salisbury is far from cancelled! Christmas Begins kicks off the festive season on 21 Nov on Salisbury Market Place & Guildhall Square. Then their Christmas on the Square event on the Guildhall Square (smaller square outside The Guildhall) runs from 21 Nov – 31 Dec, featuring food & drink, with Santa’s Grotto and some retail huts running alongside until 24 Dec.
The Sunday Festive Markets run on the four Sundays before Christmas, and they take place on the larger Market Place area.
Tours and Activities In Salisbury
Christmas Begins
Date: Friday 21st November
Time: 1pm – 8pm
Location: Salisbury Market Place
Entry: Free
Kick off the festive season at Christmas Begins!
Enjoy live music and entertainment, browse the festive stalls, and indulge in delicious food and drink.
Plus, get ready for the opening of Christmas on the Square, which features Santa’s Grotto!
Bring your loved ones and celebrate the start of Christmas in Salisbury!
Christmas on the Square
Date: Friday 21st November – Wednesday 31st December
Time: 11am – 10pm
Location: Guildhall Square, Salisbury
Entry: Free; Santa’s Grotto £6 (+ online booking fee)
Join us during Christmas on the Square – a festive pop-up right in the heart of Salisbury!
Meet Santa in his grotto, treat yourself to delicious food, relax in the bar with live music and entertainment on select days, and explore a charming selection of eight festive retail huts.
Opening hours:
Retail Huts: 11am – 6pm
Snow Globe Bar: 11am – 10pm
Street Food: Mon – Wed 11am – 7pm; Thu – Sat 11am – 8pm; Sun 11am – 6pm
Santa’s Grotto: Click here for grotto opening hours.
NB: Christmas on the Square will open at 1pm on 21st November, at the start of Christmas Begins! Christmas on the Square will be closed on 25th & 26th December. The Retail Huts and Santa’s Grotto run from 21st November until 24th December only.
Find out more about Christmas on the Square
Santa’s Grotto
Date: Friday 21st November – Wednesday 24th December
Location: Guildhall Square, Salisbury
Entry: £6 + booking fee online; £6 walk-ins
Traditional meet & greet with Santa!
Santa has made time in his busy schedule to return to Salisbury this Christmas – pop in and meet him in his grotto this festive season!
Come and capture the joy of Christmastime by taking a family photo – don’t forget your camera – and feel the excitement as your little one awaits a special moment with Santa himself.
Each child will receive a wrapped gift to take home, straight from Santa’s workshop!
Pre-book for guaranteed entry at your preferred time!
Opening hours:
21 November – 12 December:
Thurs & Fri 16:00 – 19:45
Sat & Sun 10:00 – 19:45
13 December – 23 December:
Every day 10:00 – 19:45
24 December:
09:30 – 17:45
Star Trail
Date: Friday 21st November – Wednesday 31st December
Location: Salisbury City Centre
Entry: Free
Follow that star…explore the constellation of installations lighting up Salisbury’s medieval streets this Christmastime!
This accessible trail is fun for all the family, allowing lots of stops and pauses for photo opportunities.
A mix of ‘stellar’ art bejewelling our magical medieval streets, with an array of light-based projects. Make a wish upon a star, take a selfie by the Galactic Gateway and star-gaze in the High Street! All elements have been created, made and delivered by individuals from or with a connection to Salisbury.
You’ll be able to pick up a trail leaflet from Salisbury Information Centre from 21 Nov or click the link below to download the digital version.
This trail and its installations have been brought to you by Salisbury City Council, Salisbury BID and Experience Salisbury with support from the Wiltshire Towns Programme.
Sunday Festive Markets
Date: 30th November, 7th, 14th & 21st December
Time: 10am – 4pm
Location: Market Place, Salisbury
Entry: Free
Get into the Christmas spirit with the Sunday Festive Markets!
Whether you are hunting for handcrafted gifts, seasonal treats, or simply want to soak up the lively atmosphere in the heart of the city, the Sunday Festive Markets have got you covered.
Browse a wide range of stalls, showcasing a variety of unique goods and local traders!
With markets running on the four Sundays before Christmas, there are plenty of chances to explore the stalls, indulge in delicious food and drink, and find those special gifts for your loved ones.
