Fayre trade: 5 of Liverpool’s best Christmas fairs and markets

This year in particular, our inbox has been stuffed with information about Christmas fairs going on. We didn’t notice that many last year but this year there’s a slew of great ones - which is ace, because they’re probably the best place for present buying outside of, er, Amazon and Church Street. There’s a handful of interesting ones going on over the next few weeks around the region. From vintage to food-heavy to to straight up Christmas themed, we’ve compiled a list of five to watch out for.

After this year’s hugely successful Hope Street Feast, yet another festival heads to one of the loveliest streets in the city. Blackburne House plays host to a food market showcasing some of the best local eateries, arts and crafts stalls, local choirs, facepainting for kids, a health zone and even Shiverpool are getting involved telling Christmassy ghost stories. Plus it’s exactly one month until Boxing Day’s turkey sandwiches, which is one reason to celebrate.
Blackburne House, Hope Street
Saturday 26th November, 11am - 5pm
Free
www.blackburnehouse.co.uk

A bit more of a high budget event, this two-day food festival and knees-up takes place down at Port Sunlight’s historic Hulme Hall. There’s over 100 local producers showing their wares off at stalls, as well as big name chefs like Simon Rimmer and Cyrus Todiwala doing demonstrations. There’s also a fairground, arts and crafts and live music. Last year there were 9,000 visitors, so it’s definitely doing something right. Yes, you do have to pay for this one - but £2.50 for all that sounds like a bit of a bargain.
Hulme Hall, Port Sunlight
Saturday 3rd – Sunday 4th December
www.portsunlightchristmasfayre.com
£2.50/Under 16s free

We love the CUC at the best of times, so another excuse to be welcomed into its multi-roomed bosom is great. It comes in the form of Vintage Wonderland, organised by Pillbox Vintage, taking place in December. As well as loads of retro mens and women’s clothing, there’s homeware (hrrrrnk! present for your mum alert!), cakes, confectionary and even a hair and make up salon, so you can look your best after you’ve browsed.
Contemporary Urban Centre, Liverpool
Sunday 4th December, 11am - 5pm
Free
www.pillboxvintage.com

Yet another event in beautiful surroundings, St George’s Hall plays host to Liverpool’s largest arts and crafts market for a whole weekend. There’s 150 different artists and craftspeople on show, where you’ll be able to snap up paintings, photographs, jewellery, cards, ceramics and tonnes more, all direct from the people who made them. Much more enjoyable than trawling the high street for a bunch of overpriced, mass-produced guff.
St George’s Hall, Liverpool
Saturday 3rd - Sunday 4th December, 10am - 5pm
£1.50/Under 16s free
winterartsmarket.wordpress.com

“In hard times we all need a different way to shop” say the organisers behind Merry Merry. “And why not try a new experience this Christmas with live music, mulled wine and delicious eatables”. We love a bit of Mello Mello’s do-it-yourself grass roots energy, so this one is well worth a look if you’re feeling uninspired.
Mello Mello, Liverpool
Saturday 17th December, 11am - 5pm
Free
www.mellomello.co.uk