This year, Worcester Christmas Market takes place from December 4th until December 7th 2025. The Worcester Victorian Christmas Fair is a highly anticipated event that takes place annually in the heart of Worcester. This festive market offers visitors a delightful experience, with a wide variety of stalls, food vendors, and entertainment options. In this document, we will explore the highlights of the Worcester Christmas Market, including its history, attractions, and the unique atmosphere it creates during the holiday season.
The stalls will be open between the following times:
- Thursday, December 4th: 12:00 – 21:00 (Market) and 12:00 – 22:30 (Funfair)
- Friday, December 5th: 11:00 – 21:00 (Market) and 11:00 – 22:30 (Funfair)
- Saturday, December 6th: 10:00 – 20:00 (Market) and 10:00 – 22:30 (Funfair)
- Sunday, December 7th: 11:00 – 17:00 (Market and Funfair)
Hotels Near Worcester Christmas Market 2025
Why Visit in 2025?
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Bigger food quarter: extra chalets around Cathedral Square expand the street‑food line‑up.
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New park‑and‑ride hub: Sixways Stadium makes parking stress‑free (details below).
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Enhanced entertainment: stilt walkers, choirs, Dancefest performances and themed parades daily.
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Victorian vibe: traders, buskers – even Sherlock Holmes turn up in full period dress.
Map & Layout
The Fayre unfolds in a loop you can cover in 20 minutes – longer when you stop to snack:
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Cathedral Square – food chalets, craft gin bar, choir stage
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High Street – jewellery, home‑wares & the giant Christmas tree
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New/Friar Street – Victorian characters, antiques, handmade toys
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Cornmarket – funfair, carousel, helter‑skelter
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Angel Place & Bell Square – street performers, local charities
Star Attractions & Must‑Do Experiences
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Catch the traditional carousel – golden gallopers dating from 1900 twirl to fairground organ music .
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Sip hot spiced mead from a pewter mug at Gin Lane.
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Try your hand at Victorian calligraphy – free workshops outside the Guildhall (times vary).
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Watch the moon‑inspired dance piece by Dancefest, roaming the streets after dusk .
Food & Drink Highlights
From German bratwurst to award‑winning local fudge, your nose will guide you. Top picks:
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Hanbao Burger pop‑up: Korean BBQ brisket in charcoal buns.
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Vegan curry house “Funny Name But Taste” – don’t miss the jackfruit biryani.
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Hot chocolate bar with 20 toppings; ask for Worcester‑sourced chocolate flakes.
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Mulled perry – a nod to Worcestershire’s pear orchards.
Shopping Guide: Over 200 Stalls
Expect a balanced mix of:
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Hand‑thrown ceramics & Royal Worcester‑inspired porcelain.
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Upcycled vintage fashion – look for the stall run by local college designers.
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Festive decorations carved from sustainably sourced timber from the Malverns.
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Zero‑waste gift ideas like beeswax wraps and refillable candles.
Many vendors accept cards, but queues slow at peak; bring some cash for speed.
Entertainment & Family Fun
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Live stages: Cathedral Square & Cardinal’s Hat courtyard rotate acoustic sets, brass bands and school choirs.
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Street theatre: jugglers, chimney‑sweeps and costumed town‑criers interact with the crowd.
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Children’s craft tent: build Victorian peg dolls (small fee).
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Funfair: carousel, big wheel & vintage gallopers in Cornmarket – tokens on site till 22:30 on Fri/Sat.
Getting There: Travel, Parking & Accessibility
By Train
Worcester has two central stations: Foregate Street (0.3 mi) and Shrub Hill (0.7 mi). Both run frequent services from Birmingham, Hereford & Oxford; extra late‑night trains operate during the Fayre.
By Car & Park‑and‑Ride
City‑centre car parks fill by 10 am. The council recommends the Park‑and‑Ride from Sixways Stadium, WR3 8ZE, running every 10–15 min on all four days – return adult £4, group (up to 5) £10 on the First Bus app.
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Blue‑badge spaces: ground floor of St Martin’s Gate multi‑storey; stewards on hand to assist.
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Cornmarket CP closed during the Fayre to host the funfair.
Coaches
Operators must pre‑book a free coach pass and will be marshalled on City Walls Road passenger zone Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre.
Where to Stay
Worcester’s hotels book months ahead. Three solid options within an eight‑minute walk:
| Hotel | Style | Approx. Rate* |
|---|---|---|
| The Cardinal’s Hat | 14th‑century coaching inn above a craft‑beer pub | £140 B&B |
| The Diglis House Hotel | Riverside Georgian house, cathedral views | £155 B&B |
| The Pear Tree Inn | Set in 20 acres of landscaped gardens, The Pear Tree Inn is just 15 minute drive from Worcester. | £120 room‑only |
*Guide rates for early‑December weekends; book early for best prices.
Accessibility & Facilities
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Step‑free routes marked on the printed map.
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Accessible toilets at Crowngate Shopping Centre & the Guildhall.
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Quiet‑hour shopping: 10 – 11 am Saturday (reduced amplification).
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Assistance dogs welcome; water bowls at info points.
Pro Tips to Beat the Crowds & Save Money
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Arrive before 11 am or after 6 pm for easier browsing.
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Mid‑week Thursday is calmest; Saturday after lunch is heaviest.
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Download the free Fayre app (launching November) for live stage times and stall finder.
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Use the Group Park‑and‑Ride ticket (£10/5 people) if travelling as a family.
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Bring a reusable cup – some vendors knock 30p off hot drinks.
Other Festive Things to Do in Worcester
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Worcester Cathedral Christmas Tree Festival – 80 trees decorated by community groups.
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Museum of Royal Worcester – “Porcelain & Pudding” tour with mulled wine.
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River Severn Winter Cruises – 45‑min trips with mince pies and carols.
FAQ Worcester Christmas Market 2025
Q1. When is Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre 2025?
The 2025 market runs from Thursday 4 December to Sunday 7 December 2025.
Q2. What time does Worcester Christmas Market open and close each day?
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Thu 4 Dec – 12:00‑21:00
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Fri 5 Dec – 11:00‑21:00
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Sat 6 Dec – 10:00‑20:00
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Sun 7 Dec – 11:00‑17:00
(The funfair stays open up to 22:30 on the first three evenings.)
Q3. How much does it cost to get in?
Entry to the market is completely free; you only pay for food, drinks or fairground rides.
Q4. Where can I park for Worcester Christmas Market 2025?
City‑centre car parks (e.g., St Martin’s Gate, Crowngate, Cathedral Square) are within a 5‑minute walk of the stalls but usually fill before 10 a.m., especially on Saturday.
Q5. Is there a park‑and‑ride service for the Fayre?
Yes – the council and First Bus run a dedicated Park‑and‑Ride from Sixways Stadium, WR3 8ZE, every 10–15 minutes across the four days. Adult return £4; group (up to 5) £10 via the First Bus app.
Q6. Is Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre dog friendly?
Dogs on a short lead are welcome in the outdoor streets and Cathedral precincts; avoid the busiest periods for your pet’s comfort.
Q7. How many stalls will there be in 2025?
Organisers confirm around 200 wooden chalets and street stalls selling gifts, crafts and international food.
Q8. Is Worcester Christmas Market accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes. All main streets are step‑free, with wide paved surfaces and dropped kerbs; accessible toilets are located at Crowngate Shopping Centre and the Guildhall.
Q9. Which train station is closest to the market?
Worcester Foregate Street station is only 0.3 miles from the High Street entrance; Worcester Shrub Hill is 0.7 miles away. Both operate extra evening services during the Fayre.
