Christmas markets near THE PIGs: a little festive exploring
There's something rather lovely about a Christmas market. Twinkling lights, the smell of something delicious cooking, little wooden chalets filled with handmade gifts and plenty of excuses to stop for a warming mulled wine. Whether you're on the hunt for a few Christmas presents, fancy a festive afternoon out or simply want to soak up a bit of Christmas cheer, there's plenty going on around our PIGs this winter.
We've rounded up some of the Christmas markets and festive happenings close to our houses, so you can head out for a little exploring before coming back to ours for a cosy evening. Think a well-earned tipple, a fireside spot and a seasonal supper in the restaurant. And if you don't fancy driving home afterwards, why not make a night of it?
A little festive exploring near THE PIGs
Near THE PIG-at Combe & THE PIG-near Bath
Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market
13 November – 13 December 2026
Set against the beautiful backdrop of Exeter Cathedral, this festive market is a lovely one to explore. Expect plenty of independent traders, handmade gifts, seasonal treats and all the usual Christmas market cheer. A good excuse to get a little Christmas shopping done before heading back to Combe.
Bath Christmas Market
26 November – 13 December 2026
Bath is particularly lovely at Christmas, with its Georgian streets dressed up in twinkling lights and wooden chalets lining the city centre. Browse the stalls for thoughtful gifts, festive food and local makers, before finding somewhere for a warming drink.
Bath on Ice
14 November 2026 – 4 January 2027
If you're after something a little more active, Bath on Ice brings an outdoor ice rink and festive fun to the city. A lovely addition to a Christmas day out, whether you're taking to the ice or simply enjoying the atmosphere.
Near THE PIG-in the Cotswolds
Cirencester Advent Market and Christmas Light Switch-On
28 November 2026
Head into Cirencester for the annual Christmas light switch-on and Advent Market. It's a lovely way to kick off the festive season, with the town centre getting into the Christmas spirit.
Cirencester Advent Market
29 November 2026
The festivities continue the following day, with more stalls and seasonal treats to browse.
Cirencester Christmas Markets
5–6 December 2026
Make a day of exploring Cirencester's Christmas markets, with plenty of opportunities to pick up a few gifts and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Cirencester Christmas Gift Markets
13–22 December 2026
Still got a few presents to find? The Christmas Gift Markets are a good opportunity to pick up those last-minute bits and pieces.
Cheltenham Christmas Market
10–23 December 2026
For a little more festive exploring, head into Cheltenham and browse its Christmas market. With plenty of shops, cafés and seasonal goings-on nearby, it's easy to while away an afternoon.
Near THE PIG in the New Forest
Southampton Christmas Market
12 November – 27 December 2026
Southampton gets into the festive spirit with its Christmas market, bringing together seasonal stalls, gifts, food and drink in the city centre. A lovely spot for a bit of Christmas shopping and a wander before heading back to the New Forest.
Near THE PIG-on the Beach
Bournemouth Alpine Market and Christmas Tree Wonderland
12 November – 27 December 2026
Bournemouth is quite the festive spectacle at this time of year. Wander through the Alpine Market, browse the wooden chalets and take in the Christmas Tree Wonderland, with its sparkling lights and festive displays. A lovely excuse for a winter's day out by the coast.
Dorset Team Christmas Fair, Wimborne
5–6 December 2026
For something a little more local, head to Wimborne for the Dorset Team Christmas Fair. A good opportunity to browse local stalls, find a few thoughtful gifts and support some brilliant independent makers.
Near THE PIG-in the South Downs
Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market
20 November – 22 December 2026
Set within the beautiful grounds of Winchester Cathedral, this is one of the loveliest festive markets in the area. Browse the traditional wooden chalets, discover independent makers and pick up a few Christmas presents, all beneath the cathedral's impressive surroundings.
It's a lovely way to spend a winter's afternoon before heading back to the South Downs for a cosy evening.
Back to ours for a little Christmas cheer
After a day of festive exploring, there's nothing quite like coming back to ours. Kick off your boots, find a comfy spot and settle in with a warming drink from the bar. Perhaps a mulled wine, a seasonal cocktail or a generous PIG Cut pour.
If you've worked up an appetite along the way, why not stay for dinner? Our menus follow the seasons, making the most of what's growing in our Kitchen Gardens and the brilliant local producers on our doorsteps.
And if you're making a proper festive escape of it, there's always the option to stay the night. A cosy bedroom, a good dinner and a little more time to enjoy the season – sounds rather lovely to us.
A little Christmas shopping, a little festive cheer and a cosy evening back at ours.