Off to the Christmas Market — yellow rubber duck in a festive hat and scarfGood trips start hereOff to the
Christmas Market
1127501 Burghley House, exterior, northern side Barnack 20240519 0051

Countryside Christmas · 2026

Burghley House at Christmas 2026

Around 200 stalls occupy courtyards, marquees and chalets.

Photo: Tilman2007 / CC BY-SA 4.0

Our verdict

Go if…

You want around 200 stalls across courtyards, marquees and chalets.

Skip if…

You want every Christmas experience included in one admission ticket.

Best day to go

Friday or Saturday for shopping after dark.

Our top tip

Book an arrival slot in advance: there are no gate sales. Standard and accessible parking are free; priority parking is an optional extra.

How we choose and check our guides

At a glance

See the official dates

2026 dates
26–29 November 2026
Opening times
Thursday/Sunday 9.30am–4pm; Friday/Saturday 9.30am–7.30pm.
Tickets
Advance booking is required; no gate sales. Standard adults £15, children 3–15 £5; Flexi adults £20, children £8. Standard/accessible parking is free; optional priority parking is £10, with some categories already sold o

The market and Christmas visit

Around 200 stalls occupy courtyards, marquees and chalets. Friday and Saturday continue after dark; food includes raclette, crêpes and hot drinks. The fair is separate from a general house-tour visit.

Separate market shopping from any house or trail booking. Use the official programme for individual opening days and the visitor information for the part of the estate your ticket covers.

Explore the official 2026 programme

Eat and drink

Food choices from the linked venue information. Photographs show food types; nearby cafés and separately booked meals are labelled.

Official 2026 fair offer

Sweet crêpes

The official fair offer includes sweet crêpes; choose fillings and check ingredients with the vendor.

Food and booking information

Official 2026 fair offer

Savoury crêpes

Savoury crêpes are also officially advertised, for a more substantial stop between the stalls.

Food and booking information

Official 2026 fair offer

Great Hall afternoon tea

Reserve this separately, in advance, alongside a valid Christmas Fair ticket. It is an optional seated experience rather than a walk-up stall.

Food and booking information

Makers and shopping

Check the organiser’s current exhibitor information before making a shopping shortlist. Individual businesses and short chalet lets can change; a previous-season listing is not a promise of attendance.

Organiser’s trader and visitor updates

On Instagram and from the organisers

For current views of the event, use the organiser’s own updates. No third-party Instagram photographs are copied or hosted here.

See the organiser’s updates

Map

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The linked list works without the map.

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All mapped places as a linked list

Where we’d stay

Choose an inn close to your arrival route, or a town base with an easy connection. Check evening transport before booking, especially if you plan to stay for the lights.

We may earn a commission if you book through our links, at no extra cost to you. Check the final price, cancellation terms and essential room facilities directly.

How accommodation links work

A perfect day

  1. At your arrival window

    Begin in the courtyards

    Use your pre-booked arrival slot, then explore the chalets and marquees at your own pace.

  2. Mid-visit

    Follow the food stalls

    Choose from the published food offer, including raclette or crêpes, and ask vendors about ingredients.

  3. A quieter moment

    Browse with a shortlist

    Keep space in the afternoon for gifts that deserve a second look rather than trying every stall at once.

  4. Friday or Saturday evening

    Stay for the later finish

    These days run until 7.30pm. Check the weather-dependent evening programme before deciding how late to stay.

Practical information

Tickets and booking

Advance booking is required; no gate sales. Standard adults £15, children 3–15 £5; Flexi adults £20, children £8. Standard/accessible parking is free; optional priority parking is £10, with some categories already sold out. Book an arrival slot.

Getting there and back

Follow event directions to the fair parking. Most parking is on grass and may be up to 500m from the entrance; pre-book priority parking if wanted. Check the onward journey from Stamford station.

Accessibility

All shopping areas have step-free access, but courtyards include cobbles and uneven surfaces. Accessible toilets and nearby accessible parking are published; carers can book a free accompanying ticket.

On the day

Use the specific event’s arrival instructions and bring the ticket or parking confirmation it requires. Check weather, footwear and any bag restrictions. Ask the food operator about allergens and the property about facilities essential to your group.

Questions before you go

When is the 2026 event?

26–29 November 2026

How do tickets work?

Advance booking is required; no gate sales. Standard adults £15, children 3–15 £5; Flexi adults £20, children £8. Standard/accessible parking is free; optional priority parking is £10, with some categories already sold out. Book an arrival slot.

What should I check for accessibility?

All shopping areas have step-free access, but courtyards include cobbles and uneven surfaces. Accessible toilets and nearby accessible parking are published; carers can book a free accompanying ticket.

Official links

Add a city market visit

Cambridge Christmas guide

Check the city’s trading dates separately before combining the two visits.