The Bowes Museum Winter Market
Visitors can browse stalls from over 100 artists, designers, and makers offering jewellery, ceramics, textiles, original art, candles, and skincare. Stalls stretch across the museum grounds and into the galleries, accompanied by street food, sweet treats, craft beers, and warming drinks. The event also features carolling, artist-led workshops, and included admission to the museum's collections.
What to Expect
Over 100 artisan stalls spanning museum galleries and outdoor grounds.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
The Bowes Museum
Food & Drink
Food stalls offer street food and sweet treats, alongside craft beers and warming drinks.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families, friends and seasonal shoppers
Vibe
Festive and creative
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
£
Photo Friendly
Moderate
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Adults: £7.50 before 7 December (£9 afterwards). Members must book tickets. Under 18s, full-time students and carers go free. – Get tickets
- Hours: 10am - 4pm.
- Parking: Free on-site parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis, with additional parking nearby.
- Accessibility: Specialist outdoor matting is provided for stalls in the grounds, with lift access and accessible facilities throughout the museum.
Tips & Advice
- Buy adult tickets before 7 December, when the price goes up, and remember that members also need to book a ticket for this event.
- The free on-site car park is first-come, first-served, so arrive early if you want a space behind the museum rather than parking nearby.
- Children under 14 must be accompanied, so plan for an adult to stay with younger children while you browse the stalls and galleries.
- Don't plan your visit around the Silver Swan, because the museum's automaton does not perform on the Winter Market weekend.
- Use your ticket's free gallery entry to see the museum's collections and exhibitions between the artist-led workshops and carolling.
Special Events & Promotions
- Adult tickets cost less if you buy them before 7 December.
- Under 18s, full-time students and carers go free.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I buy at the Winter Market?
More than 100 artists, designers, makers and food stalls sell jewellery, ceramics, textiles, original art, candles and skincare. The stalls run from the museum grounds into the galleries.
Does a market ticket let me into the museum?
Yes. Your market ticket includes free entry to the museum's galleries and exhibitions. It also covers the programme of artist-led workshops, carolling and festive activities.
Is the market suitable for children?
It's recommended for all ages, and under 18s go free. Children under 14 must be with an adult.
What food and drink is there?
There's street food, sweet treats, craft beers and warming drinks.
Will the Silver Swan perform during the market?
No. The Silver Swan does not perform on the Winter Market weekend.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.