There’s nothing quite like a festive day out to get you feeling merry in the run-up to Christmas day. Wrapping up warm to pick out your presents, embracing a flurry of snow, and sipping on a mulled wine are simple seasonal moments worth looking forward to all year.
When it comes to Christmas markets in Northumberland, the region delivers in abundance – from charming villages to majestic castles. Here’s what to look forward to in 2026.
What makes Northumberland Christmas markets so magical?
There’s something about Northumberland that feels inherently festive. From the magical historic castles and quaint market towns to the dark skies in Northumberland, it all takes on a new life at Christmas time. Whether you’re a local exploring your neighbouring towns, or you’re coming from further afield, Christmas in Northumberland is a wonderful time to see what the region has to offer.
Having said that, markets in Northumberland thrive all year round, with Bedlington, Blyth market and Greenhead Farmers Market being just a few of the regular fixtures. But when December rolls around, the Christmas fairs in Northumberland really steal the show!
Must-visit Christmas markets in Northumberland this December
If you’re hoping to find some Northumberland Christmas gifts and enjoy the warm glow of twinkling fairy lights, here are some must-visit Northumberland Christmas market events to explore this festive season.
The Christmas Fair at Belsay Hall
Dates TBC
There’s always a beautiful selection of specialist crafts at Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens traditional gift fair, from festive trinkets to gorgeous homewares. There are countless ways to make a day of it, with the Grade I listed Northumberland gardens, Crag Wood Walk and medieval Northumberland castles a matter of steps away. As an added benefit, entry is free for English Heritage members. The Christmas Fair at Belsay Hall normally takes place on the penultimate weekend in November – the perfect time to get ahead on your Christmas shopping in Northumberland. But if you can’t make that weekend, the festive event fun is far from over. Father Christmas will be visiting every weekend from Saturday 5th to Sunday 20th December.
Ford and Etal Christmas Market
Saturday 28th - Sunday 29th November
Ford & Etal Christmas Market is back for 2026 and has stalls in Ford Village, Ford Castle, Etal and Heatherslaw, with entertainment, activities and decorations in all four hubs so you can make a full, festive day out of it. Visitors can also see Ford Castle, a venue normally closed to the public, as well as perusing over 70 stalls selling delicious food and drink, cakes and sweet treats, local crafts, gifts, pottery, presents for your pets, confectionary and much more. Book tickets to board the Heatherslaw Light Railway between Heatherslaw and Etal, or try out the vintage double-decker bus running between Etal, Heatherslaw and Ford. The markets will take place on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th November.
Hexham Christmas Market
Saturday 12th December
It’s easy to see why Hexham Christmas Market proves popular year after year. The picturesque market town of Hexham is another must-visit for Northumberland Christmas markets, with a variety of stalls lining Beaumont Street up into the abbey for one day only. Pick out your favourite seasonal delights from Northumberland's local artisans and treat yourself to a tipple. With the surrounding trees strung with lights, it’s a beautiful scene to be a part of. You might even have the chance to spot reindeer in the park. By the time Saturday 12th December comes around, the Christmas countdown will be well and truly on.
Alnwick Castle Christmas Fair
Tuesday 24th - Wednesday 25th November
Few places capture the magic of the season quite like Alnwick Christmas market. Step inside Alnwick Castle, which is opening especially for the event and is usually closed during winter, enter the festively adorned castle to find a whole host of suppliers including Cath Collins Fragrances, Amelia Anderson Art, Hepple Spirits and more. Alnwick Castle Christmas Fair will take place on Tuesday 24th November with a special preview night, followed by Christmas Market on Wednesday 25th November 2026.
More markets and Christmas fairs in Northumberland
The Brocksbushes Christmas Fayre | Thursday 12th - Sunday 15th November | Brocksbushes Farm Shop
Blanchland Artisan Christmas Market | Saturday 21st - Sunday 22nd November | Blanchland
Errington Reay Festive Fair | Sunday 29th November | Errington Reay Pottery, Bardon Mill
Forage Christmas Market | Saturday 5th - Sunday 6th December | Rigg and Furrow
The Sill Christmas Fair | TBC | The Sill
Hauxley Nature Reserve Christmas Fair | TBC | Hauxley Wildlife Discovery Centre
Experience a winter wonderland with Christmas in Northumberland
This is just the beginning of the wonderful winter events in Northumberland this Christmas. Once you’ve decided on the Christmas markets you’d like to visit, you can discover all the other festive events in Northumberland taking place throughout November and December.
No festive day out or weekend away in Northumberland would be complete, without passing the hours in a cosy Northumbrian pub next to a roaring fire. Explore all the places to eat and drink in Northumberland for hearty grub, including some of the region's best Sunday lunch options.
Get your festive wishlist in order at Northumberland's shops and join in on all the fun at the different Christmas markets on offer this season.
