CHRISTMAS markets have set up stall in Stratford for the festive season.
Boasting some 200 stalls on Waterside, Henley Street and Bridge Street, the first of two weekends of markets took place on Saturday (November 29) and Sunday (November 30), with the next market set to take place on Saturday (December 6) and Sunday (December 7).
This is the second year they have been put on in this way rather than a continuous four day event from a Thursday to Sunday to allow visitors to experience the markets on what are traditionally the most popular days, while significantly reducing midweek traffic congestion.
Much-needed changes were made to Stratford’s Christmas Market back in 2024 following a raft of complaints including overcrowding.
The Victorian Market began in 2017 and was originally a three-day event with 207 stalls, but in 2021 it was agreed to extend the event to four days due to its growth and popularity.
It is now the biggest Christmas market in the country – bigger than the Birmingham German Christmas Market.
This year, visitors are able to browse stalls manned by traders dressed up in festive costume, there were gifts to purchase, food to eat and Christmas carolling to get people into the yuletide spirit.
