Last updated: 11 November 2024
Make the most of the holiday season in Cambridge with our event guide. From Cambridge natives to seasonal migrants, our guide illuminates the path to holiday joy.
Popular events include the enchanting Cambridge Botanic Lights, where visitors can wander through a beautifully illuminated garden filled with artistic light displays. You'll also find the festive atmosphere of the Switching on of the Christmas lights in Cambridge, marking the beginning of the season with a community celebration. And the Christmas in Cambridge at Parker’s Piece is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering various festive activities and local crafts. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Cambridge Holiday Light Displays
Switching on of the Christmas lights in Cambridge
- What to Expect
- Vibrant city centre lights switch-on event.
- Description
- The annual Christmas lights switch-on event in Cambridge's City Centre marks the start of the holiday shopping period, featuring the illumination of our Christmas lights across the BID Area.
- Where
- Cambridge | More Info : Switching on of the Christmas lights in Cambridge
Cambridge Botanic Lights
- What to Expect
- Unique light installations and special experiences around the Garden.
- Description
- Cambridge Botanic Lights is a spectacular winter event at Cambridge University Botanic Garden, featuring artistic installations, new original pieces, and beloved features like the Fountain and Lake. The event highlights the Garden's most iconic elements, creating a beautiful landscape for visitors to enjoy after dark.
- Where
- Cambridge | More Info : Cambridge Botanic Lights
Cambridge Holiday Markets and Shopping
Christmas in Cambridge at Parker’s Piece
- What to Expect
- Real ice rink and festive market with unique shopping and dining options.
- Description
- Christmas in Cambridge at Parker’s Piece features a Christmas Market with chalet huts, street food, and a Xmas Tree Maze. The event includes an ice rink with skate aids, an Alpine Lodge bar, and heated domes for festive gatherings.
- Where
- Cambridge | More Info : Christmas in Cambridge at Parker’s Piece
Cambridge Christmas Markets
- What to Expect
- Heated domes with festive tipples and charcuterie boards.
- Description
- Cambridge Christmas Markets offer a variety of gifts and treats, including local produce and seasonal classics, in a festive atmosphere with activities like ice skating and a Christmas tree maze.
- Where
- Cambridge | More Info : Cambridge Christmas Markets
Mill Road Winter Fair
- What to Expect
- Community-driven celebration with diverse local participation.
- Description
- The Mill Road Winter Fair is a vibrant community celebration in Cambridge, bringing together local businesses, organizations, shops, stallholders, musicians, artists, and dancers for a one-day festival of joy.
- Where
- Cambridge | More Info : Mill Road Winter Fair
All Saints Garden Arts and Crafts Market
- What to Expect
- Weekly showcase of handmade crafts in All Saints Garden.
- Description
- The All Saints Garden Arts and Crafts Market is a weekly event where local artisans sell handmade jewelry, pottery, sculpture, photography, paintings, prints, and clothing. The market offers a diverse range of unique items, providing an opportunity to support local talent.
- Where
- Cambridge | More Info : All Saints Garden Arts and Crafts Market
Cambridge Central Market Square Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Historic market square with handmade crafts and local produce.
- Description
- Cambridge Central Market Square Christmas Market offers a variety of handmade crafts, local produce, and unique gifts in a historic setting.
- Where
- Cambridge | More Info : Cambridge Central Market Square Christmas Market
Ely Christmas Gift and Food Fair
- What to Expect
- Unique blend of indoor and outdoor shopping experiences.
- Description
- The Ely Christmas Gift and Food Fair is an exceptional shopping experience featuring over 100 boutique stalls and designers in the Cathedral's nave and Lady Chapel, with an additional 100 stalls in a super-sized Festive Shopping Marquee. Discover perfect presents for friends and family amidst an array of festive produce, gifts, and treasures.
- Where
- Ely | More Info : Ely Christmas Gift and Food Fair
Festive Christmas markets at Wandlebury Country Park
- What to Expect
- Local artisan market with seasonal goods.
- Description
- Explore local artisans and seasonal goods at Wandlebury Country Park, immersing yourself in the community's holiday spirit.
- Where
- Wandlebury | More Info : Festive Christmas markets at Wandlebury Country Park
Cambridge Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Christmas Carols at the Leper Chapel
- What to Expect
- Candlelit Communion and carols in a historic chapel.
- Description
- Join a simple yet meaningful Christmas celebration at the Leper Chapel, featuring candlelight Communion and carols in a wonderfully atmospheric setting.
- Where
- Cambridge | More Info : Christmas Carols at the Leper Chapel
Winter Wonderland with Prime Brass
- What to Expect
- Energetic brass ensemble performing festive music.
- Description
- Prime Brass presents a delightful brass music concert featuring traditional and modern Christmas tunes, perfect for all ages.
- Where
- Cambridge | More Info : Winter Wonderland with Prime Brass
Victorian Christmas with Robert Lloyd Parry
- What to Expect
- Dramatic reading of Charles Dickens' "The Signalman" in a candlelit setting.
- Description
- Renowned storyteller Robert Lloyd Parry brings Charles Dickens' eerie classic, "The Signalman," to life in a Victorian Christmas setting. The evening includes a dramatic reading and a candlelit walkthrough of David Parr House, adding to the historic ambience. Festive treats and seasonal refreshments are available.
- Where
- Cambridge | More Info : Victorian Christmas with Robert Lloyd Parry
Cambridge Film Festival
- What to Expect
- Celebrating diverse films with high-profile gala screenings and industry insights.
- Description
- The Cambridge Film Festival is a premier event showcasing a diverse range of films, including UK premieres, classic retrospectives, and international festival winners. It features gala screenings, Q&A sessions, and industry talks, celebrating cinema's rich heritage and fostering networking opportunities.
- Where
- Cambridge | More Info : Cambridge Film Festival
Cambridge Other Holiday Activities
Midnight Communion at the Leper Chapel
- What to Expect
- Candlelight Communion with carols in a historic chapel setting.
- Description
- Join a simple yet meaningful celebration of Christmas at the Leper Chapel, featuring candlelight Communion and carols in a wonderfully atmospheric setting. All are welcome, and donations are appreciated.
- Where
- Cambridge | More Info : Midnight Communion at the Leper Chapel
Ice Skating at Cambridge Ice Arena
- What to Expect
- State-of-the-art ice rink with diverse skating programs.
- Description
- The Cambridge Ice Arena offers a variety of ice skating sessions, including public skating, ice hockey, and figure skating. It is a full-size, year-round ice rink near Cambridge International Airport, providing a range of activities for all ages and skill levels.
- Where
- Cambridge | More Info : Ice Skating at Cambridge Ice Arena
Winter Punting
- What to Expect
- Enjoy winter views of Cambridge colleges without summer crowds.
- Description
- Winter punting in Cambridge offers a serene and peaceful experience, allowing you to enjoy the breathtaking winter views of the River Cam and its historic colleges without the summer crowds. The tours are available year-round, and festive events like Christmas Carols on the Cam add to the charm.
- Where
- Cambridge | More Info : Winter Punting
Apple Day 2024
- What to Expect
- Unique blend of apple tasting, identification, and activities.
- Description
- Celebrate all things apple at Apple Day 2024 in Cambridge University Botanic Garden, featuring heritage apple varieties, expert advice on cultivation, and various activities for all ages.
- Where
- Cambridge | More Info : Apple Day 2024
Halloween Afternoon Tea
- What to Expect
- Spooky Halloween-themed afternoon tea with vibrant colors and eerie décor.
- Description
- Indulge in a spooky Halloween-inspired afternoon tea at Roast Restaurant, featuring vibrant colors and eerie décor. Enjoy a selection of meticulously crafted pastries, delicate sandwiches, and fine teas in a tranquil setting above Borough Market.
- Where
- Cambridge | More Info : Halloween Afternoon Tea