Christmas is approaching, with festive fairs and markets preparing to return across Ipswich and the surrounding area.
From markets packed with independent traders to events featuring Santa visits, entertainment and seasonal food, there are plenty of opportunities to start Christmas shopping while enjoying some festive atmosphere.
Here are five Christmas fairs and markets to put in the diary in 2026.
1. Jimmy’s Christmas Fayre
When: Friday, November 13 to Sunday, November 15
Where: Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park, Pannington Hall Lane, Wherstead
Admission: Free, with free parking.
Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park is promising its biggest Christmas fayre yet, with more than 100 stallholders from across East Anglia.
Visitors can expect food and drink, choirs, carousel rides and an appearance from Santa.
Friday is a local residents’ preview from 4pm to 8pm, while the main fayre runs from 9.30am to 5pm on Saturday and Sunday.
2. Suffolk County Christmas Fair
When: Friday, November 20 to Sunday, November 22
Where: Hintlesham Hall, Hintlesham
Admission: Advance tickets cost £9 for adults, £7 for seniors and £5 for children aged three to 15, while under-threes go free.
More than 150 stalls will feature at the Suffolk County Christmas Fair, offering distinctive gifts, handcrafted products, decorations, fashion, homeware and artisan food and drink.
Visitors can shop inside heated marquees as well as at outdoor stalls around the grounds.
Father Christmas, live music, festive performers and a Ferris wheel will add to the entertainment.
3. Ipswich Town Hall Christmas Fayre
When: Saturday, November 21 and Sunday, November 22
Where: Ipswich Town Hall, Corn Exchange and Cornhill
Admission: £2 per adult per day, while children aged 14 and under can enter free.
More than 60 stalls will sell handcrafted presents, stocking fillers, decorations and seasonal treats, with the fayre returning with more than 60 stalls from 10am to 5pm on both days.
Visitors can enjoy live performances, a free festive trail and Christmas film screenings at King Street Cinema.
Ipswich Town Football Club will also be involved, with festive activities and a display of classic Town shirts.
Santa’s Grotto costs £15 per child, including one accompanying adult.
4. The Saints’ Winter Festive Market
When: Sunday, November 22
Where: St Peter’s Street and St Nicholas Street, Ipswich
Admission: Free
The Saints’ Winter Festive Market will bring together small businesses, artisans and creatives in one of Ipswich’s historic shopping areas.
The annual street market gives visitors an opportunity to find Christmas gifts while supporting independent businesses.
Organised by The Saints CIC, it will run from 10am to 4pm.
5. Christmas Market Big Weekender
When: Friday, November 27 and Saturday, November 28
Where: Trinity Park, Felixstowe Road, Ipswich
Admission: £1 for adults and 50p for children
The Christmas Market Big Weekender returns for its third year, with the Cattle Barn hosting stalls selling crafts, gifts, home baking, confectionery and other seasonal products.
It will run from 5pm to 7pm on Friday and from 12.30pm to 6pm on Saturday.
Anyone with a valid ticket for WILD: The Drone Light Show on Saturday will receive entry to the Christmas market at no additional cost.
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