Fitzbillies’ Guide to the Perfect Christmas in Cambridge

Cambridge offers a multitude of ways to celebrate Christmas and get into the holiday spirit, whether you are looking for a family outing, a place to find your holiday gifts, or a way soak in the magic of the season. Find what you need all in one place.

CHRISTMAS MARKETS

• Christmas Market on Parker's Piece: Experience Parker’s Piece transformed into a Christmas village including a market, bar, heated domes and ice skating.
• Dates: 14^th November – 5^th January, open 7 days a week
• Ely Christmas Gift and Food Fair: Located next the historic cathedral just 15 miles outside Cambridge, Ely’s Christmas Market is considered one of East Anglia’s best Christmas shopping experiences.
• Dates: 21^st – 23^rd November, open times vary by day

ACTIVITIES

Ice Skating

Located within the Christmas Market on Parker’s Piece, this will be Cambridge’s largest outdoor ice rink. Skating lessons and student nights are offered.

• Dates: 14^th November to 5^th January, open 7 days a week

FESTIVE FOOD

Fitzbillies

Combine a visit to Fitzbillies with winter activities in our wonderful city! Our 104-year-old bakery has a wide collection of Christmas treats available only for the winter season.

Make sure to check out these highlights from our Christmas collection:

Our award-winning mince pies are our best selling Christmas treat. With a crumbly shortcrust pastry that surrounds brandy-soaked mincemeat, they are sure to delight.

Our Christmas cake features an eye-catching decoration of King's College below seasonal stars, while a almondy marzipan icing covers this classic winter fruit cake.

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

Cambridge City Street Lights

Head to the Market Square this Sunday, 17th November, to see the Big Switch On for the city centre lights!

Sparkling Christmas lights can also be found on the following city centre streets:

• Rose Crescent: This beautiful street connecting Market and Trinity Street has lights strung from above.
• Green Street: This classic street known for its independent shops runs between St John's Street and Trinity Street
• The Guildhall on the Market Square: The Market Square features a Christmas tree and the hall is illuminated at night with colourful projections.

Image courtesy of: https://fieldandlawn.com/news/transforming-cambridge-city-centre-for-christmas

Botanical Garden Lights

Taking place at the Cambridge University Botanical Gardens, the event will “create a beautiful landscape for visitors to enjoy after dark”. The trail will include a light tunnel, colourful floating lilies, and presents a fully immersive experience that will transport visitors to an enchanted forest.

• Dates: Thursdays to Sundays, 29 November to 21 December

Image courtesy of: https://www.velvetmag.co.uk/win/win-a-family-ticket-worth-60-to-cambridge-botanic-ligh-9381480/ (Keith Heppell)

Wimpole Estate

The 17^th century estate will offer an evening “trail that brings the estate to life with over a million twinkling lights and seasonal sounds”, as well carol singing Christmas shopping. During the day, the house will be adorned with Christmas décor and plenty of festive food available.

• Dates: 22 November to 1 January

Image courtesy of: https://www.visitcambridge.org/event/christmas-at-wimpole 

FAMILY FRIENDLY

Santa’s Grotto

Also included in the Christmas Market on Parker’s Piece, Santa and his helpers will set up residence to meet, take pictures and give presents to children.

• Dates: 14^th November – 5^th January, open 7 days a week

Image courtesy of: https://www.christmasincambridge.co.uk/santas-grotto

Christmas Crafts

Offered in the Cambridge Botanical Gardens, Children can make Christmas decorations using natural materials from the garden. Christmas Crafts

• Date: Saturday 7 December 2024, 10am - 1pm

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Mill Road Winter Fair

Now in its 20^th year, the Mill Road Winter Fair is a beloved tradition. It remains a festive way “to celebrate the variety of cultures represented by the residents and traders of the neighbourhood”. Expect a bustling street of music, local art, and international food.

• Date: 7^th December 10:30 – 4:30

Image courtesy of: https://www.thevarsityhotel.co.uk/news/mill-road-winter-fair/

CAROL SINGING

A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols

This world-famous carol service has taken place in Kings College Chapel since 1918 and is broadcast to millions of people every year. Due to its vast popularity, limited public tickets are allocated by registaring on a ballot by November 15.

• Date: 24^th December, 3:00pm 

Image courtsey of: https://www.wxxiclassical.org/2023-11-29/a-festival-of-nine-lessons-and-carols-2023-sun-12-24-10-00am-live-from-kings-college-cambridge

Comment below with your favourite Christmas traditions and how you plan to celebrate Christmas in Cambridge!