Why Is Shropshire’s Holiday Festival Schedule a Must-See?
Did you know that Shropshire was home to the very first food festival ever held in Britain? From sampling delectable cuisine to finding that special something, there are various events across the county where foodies can indulge and discover amazing gifts!
Families looking for adventure will delight in exploring Haughmond Hill – a popular walking trail near Shrewsbury – before visiting one of Shropshire’s vineyards to taste wine!
Ludlow Winter Festival
Ludlow is a lovely market town nestled into the verdant corner of Shropshire County. Boasting stunning aesthetics featuring medieval, Tudor and Georgian buildings from its history, Ludlow’s streets come alive during festive seasons with music and lights as locals join together in celebrating.
An outstanding aspect of the Ludlow Winter Festival is its culinary showcase featuring local vendors and producers, such as Hobsons Brewery beers and warm mulled wine from Hobsons Brewery; delicious delectable treats including Ludlow-made cheese, delectable brownies, and Argentinian-inspired cuisine from Ludlow Cheese Company and Ludlow Farmshop’s cheese; Tinsel Tuesday makers market; Santa’s Grotto at Ludlow Castle or Farmshop!
As soon as the sun goes down, Ludlow Castle ruins will come alive with light. Enjoy music and food throughout three nights as the show comes alive accompanied by folk music performances and Christmas Concert. Additionally, poetry readings and pizza nights will take place at St Laurence Church.
Originaly written during a simpler era, this playful operetta is ideal for families and holiday-goers looking to elevate spirits this holiday season. The tale centers on an orphan named Ludlow (an adorable Joshua Turchin), who stumbles into the eccentric Grimbles household with Nester and Hester and their bratty daughter Prudence (Luke Naphat). Drawing upon Charles Dickens and Fractured Fairy Tales for inspiration, their delightful tale unfolds into an unforgettable tale culminating in a Christmas miracle!
Apley Christmas Market
If you’ve always dreamt of experiencing an authentic European Christmas market without making the trip abroad, Shropshire provides the ideal setting. Quaint towns and historical buildings provide authentic experiences, with festive markets full of trinkets, food, and gifts waiting to be discovered.
Many markets feature traditional wooden chalets decorated with festive decorations, offering Bratwurst, Gluhwein, chilli sauces and cheese as well as Bohemian crafts and barista coffee for sale. Some even serve seasonal foods such as Stollen, Gingerbread or Mulled Wine Doughnuts!
Apley Farm Shop will host a two-day Christmas market this year to evoke the holiday spirit. Visitors will find everything from holly to hampers, cakes to candles, minced pies to mistletoe available for sale at this festive event which also boasts local craft stalls and festive tastings.
Make a homemade wreath at a workshop hosted by Ros Anwyl in support of Midland Air Ambulance and support this worthy charity while getting into the festive spirit! She will supply wreath rings, foliage and wires – any donation received goes straight towards Midland Air Ambulance.
Children will love zipping down the helter skelter at Ironbridge Gorge Museum or walking its Christmas Tree Trail, while older adults can indulge in a refreshing beverage at one of its festive pop-up bars. A staple of holiday celebrations in Shropshire is traditional pantomime; Telford Theatre will be hosting one this winter called ‘Treasure Island’ that promises an exhilarating time!
Weston Park Christmas Food & Craft Fayre
Nothing says Christmas like a festive market, and Shropshire offers several of them each year. These events bring life into local towns during this magical season – grab yourself some mulled wine, hot chocolate or mince pies while strolling amongst gift stalls!
Weston Park Christmas Food & Craft Fayre is an annual favorite event held over two weekends in December, featuring 100 artisan food and craft traders as well as street food. Additionally, the stately home will be open for visitors to explore, while children can ride the miniature railway.
Shrewsbury’s regular market comes to life at Christmas time, when its square is decked in festive sparkle and offering lifestyle, book, gift and craft stalls of every variety. Find beautifully crafted gift ideas such as glassware and art pieces made of wooden sculptures or handmade jewellery; natural skincare to pamper loved ones; award winning homemade gin and chutneys to fill a store cupboard; plus freshly baked cakes and pastries from Shrewsbury Market Square.
Hardwick House provides an enchanting setting for its annual winter fair, from its ancient floorboards and period furniture, to modern conveniences like its comfortable lounge. To celebrate the event, the house and grounds have been transformed with lighting to highlight landmarks and ancient trees as well as fire pits to add atmosphere – admission is free!
Bridgnorth Christmas Market
Embark on an exciting Christmas shopping spree during this holiday season at Shropshire Christmas markets. Visit them and discover delicious artisan food and drink while crossing off some items off your shopping list. Here are some of the finest in Shropshire.
Healey’s Cider Farm hosts this popular annual event, providing something for all members of the family to enjoy. Enjoy free tastings of some of the region’s finest produce, craft stalls, and an activity area for children; making this day trip an enjoyable one!
Shrewsbury Market Hall provides a rare treat at this time of year with late night openings. Take your time browsing 70 stalls selling everything from handmade gifts and arts & crafts to fudge and vodka before enjoying some delectable street food and listening to festive tunes.
Make time to visit Shropshire this December and celebrate all things handmade at the Made on the Borders: Homemade Christmas Festival held in the marquee at British Ironwork Centre’s marquee. Boasting over 80 stalls of homemade goodness, there’s sure to be plenty of Christmas presents (or stocking fillers for yourself) here!
Bridgnorth Christmas Living Museum
Make memories and enjoy age-old traditions and twinkling lights in Upton Cressett, where PG Wodehouse spent his youth cycling along its lush parsley and buttercup-lined lanes as a child. Just a short drive from historic Ludlow and within reach of Church Stretton Village, Ironbridge Valley of Invention Caer Caradoc and Shrewsbury; Upton Cressett provides charming market town charm in an area where many other beautiful locations lie within reach such as Shrewsbury.
Begin an incredible nighttime journey through Alderford Lake’s woodlands with this captivating Christmas light trail! Experience its transformation into an immersive light experience adorned with breathtaking light displays for one of Shropshire’s premier Christmas festivals!
On every evening, visitors can experience Winter Nature Nights or add on extras like Star of Wonder: Mystery of the Christmas Star or Laser Holidays for an enhanced holiday experience. Tickets must be purchased to attend these shows – more information on that topic can be found on the event website.
Historic Bridgnorth is an essential festive stop, featuring streets decked in real snow and offering an impressive variety of Christmas stalls with all sorts of treats. Catch a pantomime performance under the Big Top or visit Father Christmas himself at Victorian’s Grotto; now there is also the option of riding Bridgnorth Rugby Clubs Steam Train for an unforgettable experience!
Shrewsbury Christmas Lights Switch On
As Christmas draws nearer and festive cheer is building up around us, there are plenty of events to get into the Christmas spirit – from food and drink festivals in Ludlow to steam train rides at Welshpool Raven Square Station. Or why not visit Clun’s Michaelmas Fair for some dancing music and colour or take in its bustling market place for something completely different.
Are you excited for the lights switch-on this November 26? Church Stretton promises an evening full of festivity as Santa joins local schools and musical groups in commemorating it at 5pm. Shops will remain open late, live music entertainment will take place, as well as a funfair for everyone to enjoy.
Ironbridge will host an event of similar magnitude on December 7, featuring music and stalls with fireworks scheduled to end around 7pm. Or you could take part in Much Wenlock Square Choir event or Broseley Town Centre celebration with music, stalls and fun for an even merrier night of festivities!
There is also no shortage of illuminated houses to enjoy this holiday season; check out a stunning display on Gordon Road in Monkmoor or one raising money for Shrewsbury Town in the Community on Abingdon Road; an entire terrace on Connynger Crescent is equally captivating. Additionally, Shrewsbury hosts its Yuletide Market every Wednesday between 4 and 7 pm with free parking in Abbey Foregate, Frankwell Main, and St Julian’s Friars long stay car parks after 4pm for added festivities!
