In search of a Christmas market to peruse? Well, you’re spoilt for choice in 2022. Emma Way and Rhiannon Farr bring you a range of artisan events across Wales and its borders this December. 

CARDIFF CHRISTMAS MARKET

Beautiful, handmade items and foods, and small cosy huts return once again to the city centre, located on St John Street, Working Street, Trinity Street and the Hayes. 

Cardiff city centre, until Fri 23 Dec.

Admission: FREE. Info: here

SWANSEA CHRISTMAS MARKET

Just a taster of what to expect at this particular Christmas market – personalised decorations, photography gifts, greetings cards, garden ornaments, glass, ceramics and flower boxes. Look out for a plethora of festive entertainment and street food stalls too!

Oxford Street, Swansea, until Wed 21 Dec.

Admission: FREE. Info: here

CRICKHOWELL CHRISTMAS FAIR

The Crickhowell Resource and Information Centre (CRiC) hosts this year’s Crickhowell Christmas fair with a variety of food stalls, crafting opportunities, carol singers and market hall traders. 

Clarence Hall, Crickhowell, Thurs 1 Dec.

Admission: FREE. Info: here

ABERGLASNEY WINTER FAIR

Showcasing local artists, handmade ornaments and decorations, crafters and designers and unique art pieces, Aberglasney’s Winter Fair returns to the Gardens for early December. Plus listen to music from orchestras, singing groups, traditional and rock choirs, as well as a possible appearance from Santa himself. 

Aberglasney, Llangathen, Fri 2-Sun 4 Dec.

Admission: £10/free under-16s. Info: here

PORTMEIRION CHRISTMAS FOOD AND CRAFT FAIR

Local food, art, crafts and live entertainment in one place to celebrate the festivities and the very best of Welsh produce in a stunning setting. 

Portmeirion Village, Fri 2 Dec.

Admission: £8/£4 5-15-year-olds/free under-5s.

Info: here

VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS GROTTO

If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to experience a Victorian Christmas, Greenfield Valley will be hosting a Victorian Christmas Grotto and Artisan Market this December. You can expect donkey rides, cake decorating, hot chocolate, lunch time choirs, a self led trail and plenty of homemade items to browse through. 

Greenfield Valley, Holywell, Fri 2-Sun 11 Dec.

Tickets: £10. Info: here

CHEPSTOW CRAFT FAIR

Enjoy artisan crafts, festive treats, performances from Severn Tunnel Brass Band and Chepstow Singing Club and a visit from Santa’s Grotto. The event is organised by non-profit charity Chepstow Mencap, who support adults with learning difficulties.

The Board School, Chepstow, Sat 3 Dec.

Admission: FREE. Info: here

CHRISTMAS CRAFT AND GIFT FAIR

Experience Christmas at Alyn Waters Country Park by attending the country park’s fair which highlights local produce for you to browse from 11am, organised specially by community and green spaces action group, Groundwork North Wales.

Alyn Waters Country Park, Wrexham, Sat 3 Dec.

Admission: FREE. Info: here

HEXMAS MARKET

Hell On Earth Events present an alternative and goth take on the usual Christmas trader tradition. From taxidermy to handcrafted gothic furniture, you can expect to find oddities for yourself or that fresh as hell person in your life. Hell On Earth markets are wheelchair and pram accessible, with children welcome under adult supervision.

Fuel Rock Club, Cardiff, Sat 3 Dec.

Admission: FREE. Info: here

LLANTRISANT GUILDHALL CHRISTMAS BAZAAR 

For the price of a cup of coffee (£2) you can experience Llantrisant Guildhall’s Christmas Bazaar. The festive market hosts a selection of independent artists and craft vendors to its two floors, housed within this recently-restored historic venue. 

Guildhall, Llantrisant, Sat 3 Dec.

Admission: £2. Info: here

SNOWDONIA AND LOCAL CHRISTMAS MARKET

Local distillers, bakers and brewers come together for this one-day event within the Royal Oak Hotel. Try Welsh spirits, food and drink from small and micro businesses and have a look at the variety of gifts for sale. All traders live and work within 30 miles of the Snowdonia National Park. 

Royal Oak Hotel, Betws y Coed, Sat 3 Dec.

Admission: FREE. Info: here

VALE MAKERS CHRISTMAS MARKET

Vale Of Glamorgan craft group Vale Makers will be showcasing their wide range of craft disciplines, all made from raw materials. With gifts for a variety of friends and family, this is the place to find ceramic, wire, wood and print gifts plus soaps, chocolate and sweet treats.

Old Hall, Cowbridge, Sat 3 Dec. 

Admission: FREE. Info: here

MADE IN BRISTOL GIFT FAIR

Experience six floors over the course of two weekends at the Bristol Beacon as they welcome up to 200 independent creatives from in and around the city. This gift fair hosts skilled designer-maker and their collections of ceramics, woodwork, jewellery and more. Looking for the perfect original gift? Look no further.

Bristol Beacon, Sat 3 + Sun 4 / Sat 10 + Sun 11 Dec

Admission: FREE. Info: here

SOUTH WALES MAKERS MARKET

Open-air museum St Fagans welcomes you to its festive market, a showcasing of the country’s best local produce and handmade gifts. Taking place over two days, expect a variety of stalls which change daily featuring artisan glass, pottery, ceramics and jewellery.

National Museum Of History, St Fagans, Sat 3 + Sun 4 Dec.

Admission: FREE. Info: here

MYDDFAI CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR

All the Christmas shenanigans you would expect – mince pies, crafts, local artisans. 

Community Hall & Visitor Centre, Myddfai, Wed 7 Dec.

Admission: FREE. Info: here

WINTER VINTAGE & MAKERS MARKET

In search of the perfect unique gift this Christmas? Try the National Waterfront Museum’s Winter Vintage & Makers Market. In partnership with Cow & Ghost vintage, expect local traders, unique gift options and vintage picks displayed within the museum’s open space.

National Waterfront Museum, Swansea, Fri 9-Sun 11 Dec.

Admission: FREE. Info: here

RAILWAY GARDENS COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS FAIR

The newly revived Railway Gardens will be hosting its Community Christmas Fair on Sat 10, and Social enterprise Green Squirrel, who run it, will be hosting small businesses, carols and festive foods. So wake your festive tastebuds up with Christmas pud and brandy butter on toast and experience circus skills from NoFit State, song and dance from The Oasis One World Choir and crafts from Urban Vertical, amongst much more.

Railway Gardens, Splott, Cardiff, Sat 10 Dec.

Admission: FREE. Info: here

SWANSEA VEGAN CHRISTMAS MARKET

With even more people turning to meat alternatives, a vegan Christmas market was always on the cards. This Swansea based trader has all the treats and essentials you need for a compassionate Christmas. Brontosaurus Vegan Lifestyle Store’s Little Vegan Christmas Market offers pizza, nut-based cheese, baked goods, spirits and natural skincare alternatives from the centre of Swansea Market. 

Swansea Market, Sat 10 Dec.

Admission: FREE. Info: facebook.com/brontosaurusvegan

WREXHAM CHRISTMAS MAKERS MARKET

Returning with a very special festival addition, Wrexham Market hosts a range of traders within the bustling market space of Tŷ Pawb. You’ll find a variety of gift possibilities, homeware, wood work, ceramics and art showcases aplenty! You can also expect to experience the venue’s food court with plenty of live music to get you feeling festive.

Tŷ Pawb, Wrexham, Sat 10 Dec.

Admission: FREE. Info: here

words EMMA WAY / RHIANNON FARR