Dates for St Albans Christmas Market extended
St Albans Christmas Market is being extended due to popular demand and will run for four weeks right up until 23 December - the Saturday before Christmas.
The market is set to start on Saturday 25 November, followed by a spectacular launch party on Sunday 26 November to coincide with the Christmas Lights Switch-on.
Chalet-style stalls located in the picturesque Vintry Garden next to St Albans Cathedral will sell festive gifts, stocking-fillers, decorations and treats.
Visitors will be able to feast on food and drink, including mulled wine, hot mince pies, Bratwurst sausages and speciality beer. They will also be treated to a range of entertainment and have the opportunity to visit Santa’s Grotto.
Last year the market attracted the largest number of visitors ever - 118,000 people across the 25 days it was open. This was up 15% on the 103,000 who visited the market the previous year.
As in previous years, the market ended on the last Sunday before Christmas Eve with a week left to go before Christmas Day.
Following feedback from visitors, it has been decided to run the market right up to the last Saturday before Christmas that is over a longer period of 29 days. The new dates are subject to planning approval.
Council Beric Read, Portfolio Holder for Community Engagement and Localism at St Albans City and District Council, said: “Visitors will be able to do their Christmas shopping at St Albans Christmas Market almost right up to the big day. Open for the last five Saturdays before Christmas, the market is set to attract more visitors than ever to the City, benefitting the retail and restaurant trade.”
Councillor contact:
Council Beric Read, Portfolio Holder for Community Engagement and Localism at St Albans City and District Council,
Mob: 07956 220264
Contact for the media:
Amanda Wilkinson,
Media and Internal Communications Officer
St Albans City and District Council
Tel: 01727 819317
E-mail: amanda.wilkinson@stalbans.gov.uk
www.stalbans.gov.uk
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Photo: St Albans Christmas Market 2016
Photo credit: Stephanie Belton