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Christmas in Guildford 2026: Markets, Fairs & Dates

Reviewed by Wanderistan editorial team · Last updated Jul 27, 2026

Guildford runs its Christmas season across several separate markets and fairs rather than one central square — Guildford Cathedral's hilltop fair, a German-style mini market at the Guildhall on the High Street, and a run of farmers' and craft markets through November and December.

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Quick answer

Visit Surrey (the official tourism site) has already published specific 2026 dates for several of these — unusually early and complete for a UK town of Guildford's size, and the reason this guide can give confirmed dates rather than a historical pattern for most of its listings.

Guildford Christmas 2026 — confirmed dates

Confidence: confirmed for all of the above, per Visit Surrey's official listings as of late July 2026 — an unusually complete early publication. Visit Surrey itself still cautions that "opening dates and times may change," so a closer-to-the-date check is still sensible.

EventDateLocation
Guildford Cathedral Christmas Fair20–21 Nov 2026, 10am–4pm (£3 entry)Guildford Cathedral
Festive Market (Dapper & Suave)21–22 Nov 2026, 10am–6pmThe Guildford Pavilion
Christmas Youth Business Showcase Market28 Nov 2026, 09:30–15:00Guildford (venue tbc)
German Christmas Mini Market29 Nov 2026The Guildhall, High Street
Guildford Christmas Farmers' Market1 Dec 2026, from 10:00Guildford High Street
Christmas Arts and Makers Market12 Dec 2026, 10:00–16:00Guildford (venue tbc)
Christmas Antiques and Vintage Market13 Dec 2026, from 10:00Guildford High Street
Christmas Farmers' Market (Dec)15 Dec 2026, 10:00–15:00Guildford High Street

Planning a Christmas day out in Guildford

  • The High Street events (farmers' markets, the antiques and vintage market) are free to browse and run from the top of the town near the Guildhall down toward the river.
  • Guildford Cathedral's fair sits on Stag Hill, a walkable but uphill 15–20 minutes from the town centre — worth combining with a look inside the Cathedral itself.
  • Guildford is a 35-minute direct train from London Waterloo, making it a realistic half-day or full-day Christmas market trip from London without an overnight stay.
Does Guildford have a German-style Christmas market in 2026?
A German Christmas Mini Market runs at the Guildhall on Guildford High Street on 29 November 2026, alongside the town's own farmers' and craft markets through November and December.
Is there a Christmas market at Guildford Cathedral?
Yes — the Guildford Cathedral Christmas Fair runs 20–21 November 2026, 10am–4pm, with £3 entry and over 50 stalls, plus the Cathedral shop and café.
How do I get to Guildford for Christmas shopping from London?
Direct trains from London Waterloo to Guildford take about 35 minutes, making it an easy day trip for the High Street markets and the Cathedral fair.

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Cities with upcoming events

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