Having visited Christmas markets from Copenhagen to the Alps during my decade exploring Europe, I was curious to see how Cambridge’s offering would compare. Based in Edinburgh, I’m fortunate to be close enough to Cambridge to experience the market firsthand at Parker’s Piece. Running from 13th November through 31st December with free entry, this market may be more compact than some of Europe’s grand festive bazaars, but it offers its own charm—and a few surprises that made my visit worthwhile. Here’s everything you need to know before you go.
A Christmas Market by one of the most historic student towns in the world
Cambridge is such a special place and it’s incredibly charming with cobbled streets, all the old buildings and punting boats along the river.
The Cambridge Christmas Market at Parker’s Piece
The Christmas Market in Cambridge has a mix of activities and stalls. At the vendor’s stalls you can find things such as socks, fudge, artisan spirits and luxury chocolate cakes. A good spot to find some little souvenirs, gifts or perhaps stocking fillers for friends and family. I was perhaps a little disappointed in the amount of stalls at the market, as it’s really limited. Usually it’s my favourite thing to wander through the stalls to discover local vendors and do some shopping. So if you also like your Christmas market shopping, perhaps this isn’t the best market for just that. On the other hand, this market does get gold star for the vibe at the bar inside the Alpine Lodge, which felt really cosy so let me tell you more about that.
Food & drink
When you get hungry there are various food options – I am partial to a crepe myself so was very glad to see that they were available here. But there is also bratwursts, churros, luxury hot chocolates and hog roasts. At the Alpine Lodge and Christmas Tipi you can find seating to escape from the cold and order some warming drinks. The vibe is very aprés ski and in the tipi there are certain times with live music performances. And if you are lucky Santa might even turn up to say hi. On Fridays and Saturday at 17.00 and 19.00 there is also a scheduled snowfall to brighten up the evenings.
Ferris wheel, curling or Christmas Tree maze at the Christmas market in Cambridge?
If you fancy an activity for your friends or family there are a few to choose from.
- Ferris wheel: Admire the view over Cambridge from above!
- Curling: Your team can be up to 8 people as you try out this fun winter activity, that the UK Olympic team tends to excel at. Will you be the next curling champion?
- Shuffleboard: Shuffleboard is more fun than you might expect, and games can get surprisingly heated when your opponent keeps knocking your pucks off the board and you plan your revenge by doing the same to them.
- Table football: I personally stay away from table football as I feel a bit traumatised from last years Christmas Tournament with my husbands family, but I’m told it’s great fun…
- Christmas tree maze: 300 illuminated trees line the path through this festive maze which is great fun for the little ones.
- Festive quiz: Every Monday at 19.00 you can join in and test your Christmas knowledge at the weekly quiz.
Don’t miss!
- Admire the view of Cambridge from above: Perhaps not for those scared of heights but the ferris wheel is bound to give you some new perspectives of the town.
- Put on your ice skates: Go skating on Cambridge’s largest outdoor skating rink. Make sure to book in advance to make sure you have a spot. Tickets are around £16 for an adult for a 1 hour session.
- Have you ever tried a Yorkshire Pudding Wrap? : Not your usual wrap as your fillings are wrapped in the British staple that is the Yorkshire Pudding.
- Admire the Christmas decorations around town: During my visit I saw so many festive wreaths around town. So even when you are not visiting the Christmas Market itself, it’s easy to get that festive feeling from the decorations all over.
- Christmas Concert?: If you are visiting Cambridge at the start of December you can combine your visit to the market with a festive performance from The Choir of St John’s College. They do a 45 minute performance at St John’s College Chapel before they embark on their European tour.
♥ Read my guide to all the other top things to do in Cambridge on your trip as well!
Where to stay in Cambridge (hotels near the Christmas Market)
If you are looking for hotels near the Christmas Market in Cambridge, I would highly recommend these ones!
- The Hobson Cambridge by Adina: Read our full review of this lovely Cambridge hotel here. The Hobson Cambridge by Adina is a stylish aparthotel in a former fire and police station, with modern studio rooms that include kitchenettes in a central Cambridge location. Prices: £100–£200+ per night
- Gonville Hotel: The Gonville Hotel is an elegant, boutique-style hotel overlooking Parker’s Piece in central Cambridge. It combines classic period features with modern comforts and offers easy access to the city’s main sights. Prices: £130–£300 per night
- University Arms, Autograph Collection: Located right by Parker’s Piece and the Christmas Market in Cambridge. There is an on site bar and brasserie and this stylish hotel has beautifully decorated rooms of various sizes. Prices: £160–£300+ per night
- Hotel du Vin & Bistro Cambridge: The hotel sits in a Grade II listed building and has a luxurious and moody style throughout the building. Cambridge city centre is a 5-minute walk away. Prices: £150–£300+ per night
- Turing Locke Cambridge: Turing Locke Cambridge is a stylish aparthotel with modern studios and apartments. The location near Eddington makes it a calm base with easy access to central Cambridge. Prices: £100–£150+ per night
FAQ About the Christmas Market in Cambridge
The opening hours depend on the day so my advice is to check the website for the most accurate information.
The market is open from the 13th November 2025 until the 31st December 2025. Some days in December are closed for certain times and the 25th December the market is closed all day. We will be updating the 2026 dates as soon as they are there 👩💻
The market itself is not very big but how long you want to spend here all depends on what activities you want to book and take part in.
Entry to the site is free of charge, but some of the activities inside are not and the site is mainly cash-free and require card payment.
You can bring your dogs, but it is not advised as the market can be really busy which can be stressful for dogs.
Need more inspiration for your Cambridge Trip?
- Where to stay in Cambridge: the 11 best hotels in this historic town
- What to do in Cambridge: what to see, eat and drink on your first visit
- The Hobson Cambridge by Adina Review: Elegance and history meet in this apartment hotel
Want to read more about Christmas Markets?
- Copenhagen Christmas Markets: 2025’s Ultimate Guide
- Discover the best Christmas Markets in Germany
- Visiting the Edinburgh Christmas Market
Meet Moa, our multi-talented writer from Sweden who now calls Edinburgh, Scotland home. With over a decade exploring Europe’s hidden corners—from Nordic landscapes to alpine villages—Moa brings a unique perspective shaped by her years as a travel guide in the Swiss and Austrian Alps. As a whisky book author and freelance drinks writer, she has an eye for exceptional food and beverage experiences, while her background as a photographer ensures she never misses a scenic moment. Whether she’s discovering old European cities or chasing golden hour in mountain villages, Moa’s stories blend cultural insight with a dash of adventure and plenty of authenticity.
