Published on: Tuesday, 30 October 2018
Last updated: Tuesday, 2 May 2023
Published 30/10/2018
With Christmas getting closer, why not visit a market to get into the Christmas spirit? Stock up on gifts and treasures while sipping mulled wine and snacking on cheese and gingerbread. Many markets feature live music and are a great day out for families, friends and couples.
Great value fares are available, including advance fares which start from as little as £10 from Norwich to London. Passengers travelling in a group of three or more can save a third with GroupSave and customers with valid Railcards can also save a third on fares. For the cheapest fares, book via www.greateranglia.co.uk or on the Greater Anglia app.
Here’s our pick of some of the best Christmas markets on our network:
Bury St Edmunds
Bury St Edmunds Christmas Fayre is one of the country’s biggest and most popular markets, and it’s easy to see why.
Steeped in history, the town provides a picture-perfect backdrop to the fayre, which boasts more than 300 stalls. Stock up on local and globally-produced crafts and gifts, and refuel on festive drinks, hot waffles and an array of cheeses.
The market runs from 22-25 November
Nearest station: Bury St Edmunds
www.burystedmundschristmasfayre.co.uk
Norwich
Mini wooden chalets will bring a touch of extra festive magic to Norwich’s 2018 Christmas market, which will be held outside the Forum. More than 40 market stalls will be showcasing their wares this year, as well as a tavern with a covered seating area, to rest tired feet and enjoy a tipple.
Live music will help bring festive cheer as shoppers stock up on hand-crafted goodies and snack on roasted chestnuts and other festive treats. Norwich is also home to many independent shops, which are perfect for finding something extra special this Christmas.
The market runs from 7-23 December
Nearest station: Norwich
https://www.themarketpeople.com/TMP/EventProfile/1031/norwich-christmas…
Ipswich
Ipswich Christmas craft fair focuses on jewellery, glassware and textiles. Held in the Cornhill, in front of the town hall, the festive fair is a great opportunity to buy some unique and thoughtful gifts. Shoppers can also buy creative decorations and bespoke presents.
The fair runs from 10-23 December
Nearest station: Ipswich
https://www.ipswichentertains.co.uk/ipswich-christmas-craft-fair-2018/
Colchester
Britain’s oldest recorded town will play host to several Christmas markets this year. Colchester Christmas Market will be held on 8 December. Just a two-minute walk away, shopping centre Culver Square, will hold its own Christmas market on 8 and 9 December.
Firstsite will welcome Helen Rollason Cancer Charity’s Christmas Gift and Food Fair on 2 December. Independent retailers will be showcasing homewares, gifts, books, jewellery and art while live music plays in the background.
Nearest station: Colchester Town, however all three locations also walking distance from Colchester North
Cambridge
Run entirely by volunteers, Mill Road Winter Fair captures the charm of Cambridge and brings the local community together. With entertainment, street performers and art created by local students, the event attracts some 10,000 people every year. Market and charity stalls line the streets, which have a carnival atmosphere.
The winter fair will be held on Saturday 1 December
Nearest station: Cambridge
Bishop’s Stortford
Bishop’s Stortford Christmas Fayre will be a collection of festive gifts and treats, bespoke hampers and more than 140 stalls. Held in the high street, the fayre also sees performances from local acts. Christmas trees and wreaths will also be on sale to help people get into the festive spirit.
The fayre will be held on December 1
Nearest station: Bishop’s Stortford