Festive markets return to West Suffolk this season

Festive markets are set to bring seasonal cheer to West Suffolk towns this November and December.

Whether you are searching for unique gifts, or soaking up the cheerful atmosphere, each market will showcase a lively mix of local traders, seasonal stalls and festive flavours.

Makers markets

The final makers markets of the year are perfect for picking up homemade gifts, such as sweet treats, original artwork, homeware, needlecraft, candles and much more.

The makers markets will take place across November at:

• Haverhill – Saturday, November 1, from 9am to 3pm;
• Bury St Edmunds – Sunday, November 2, from 10am to 3pm; and
• Newmarket – Saturday, November 8, from 9am to 3pm.

As well as across December at:

• Haverhill – Saturday, December 6, from 9am to 3pm;
• Bury St Edmunds – Sunday, December 7, at 10am to 3pm; and
• Newmarket – Saturday, December 13, from 9am to 3pm.

Additional markets

The last of the additional Mildenhall markets will be held on Sunday, December 14, from 10am until 3pm, featuring a mix of returning traders.

There will be additional markets in Bury St Edmunds, from 10am to 3pm, on Sunday, November 23, Sunday, November 30, and Sunday, December 21.

There will be festive music and hot food, as well as a mixture of regular traders and makers market stallholders selling a range of arts, crafts, gifts and much more.

New for 2025, there will be a Festive Friday Evening Market held in Bury St Edmunds town centre on Friday, November 28, from 2pm to 8pm, where you can enjoy over 80 seasonal gift, craft, food and drink stalls, as well as entertainment and seasonal refreshments.

Get in the joyful spirit (or to pick up any last minute essentials and gifts), make sure to stop by the Christmas Eve Market in Bury St Edmunds on Wednesday, December 24, from 8.30am to 2pm.

A full list of stallholders will be published on social media nearer to the event.

Regular markets

All of the special additional and Makers Markets run alongside the regular town markets, where many stallholders have been trading for over 40 years.

• Clare monthly market – held on the third Saturday of the month from 8.30am to 1.30pm. The final market at Clare will be on Saturday, December 20.
• Bury St Edmunds regular market – held weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9am to 4pm. The final weekly market at Bury St Edmunds will be on Wednesday, December 24.
• Brandon regular market – held weekly on Thursdays from 8.30am to 1.30pm. The final market at Brandon will be on Thursday, December 18.
• Haverhill regular market – held weekly on Fridays and Saturdays from 9am to 3pm. The final market at Haverhill will be on Saturday, December 20. There will be a smaller market on Tuesday, December 23. If shoppers would like to check if a particular stall will be at the smaller market, contact: markets@westsuffolkgov.uk
• Newmarket regular market – held weekly on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 9am to 3pm. The final market at Newmarket will be on Tuesday,  December 23.
• Mildenhall regular market – held weekly on Fridays from 9am to 2.30pm. The final market at Mildenhall will be on Friday, December 19.

Indy Wijenayaka, the cabinet member for Growth at West Suffolk Council, said: “We are proud to offer a vibrant programme of markets across West Suffolk – from our regular weekly markets, to the popular Makers Markets and special additional seasonal markets.

“Together, they help create thriving communities by encouraging people to shop local, discover unique gifts and enjoy everything that our towns have to offer.

“These markets not only celebrate the creativity and talent within our district, but also play an important role in supporting small businesses and boosting the local economy.”

For more information about markets in West Suffolk, visit: Welcome to West Suffolk Markets

To check if your favourite stallholder is attending any of the special markets, contact: markets@westsuffolk.gov.uk