Sutton Coldfield is set to transport visitors back in time this December with its enchanting Victorian Christmas Market. The event, returning for a second year, promises a shorter but more vibrant format packed with over 60 traders, festive entertainment, and a distinctly Dickensian atmosphere.
A New Victorian Format for 2025
Following feedback from last year's inaugural event, organisers have condensed the market into eight days across two long weekends to maximise atmosphere and footfall. The market will run from Thursday, December 11, to Sunday, December 14, and again from Thursday, December 18, to Sunday, December 21.
Gone are the traditional wooden chalets; instead, an artisan marketplace of illuminated gazebos will line The Parade. Stallholders will trade in Victorian costume, creating a step back in time. The market will be open from 10am to 8pm on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, and from 10am to 5pm on Sundays.
Traders, Treats, and Family Entertainment
Shoppers can browse a diverse mix of unique gifts, seasonal food, crafts, and festive treats from more than 60 confirmed traders. The lineup includes:
- Food & Drink: Artisan cheeses from The Cheese Boys and Bogarts Cheeses, flavoured rums from Beckford’s, craft beer from Fingerprint Brewing Company, and street food from Namaste Asian Kitchen and The Curry Man.
- Sweet Treats: Portuguese tarts from The Sunrise Patisserie, Dutch pancakes from Puff Poffertjes, and brownies from The Gooey Brownie Co.
- Gifts & Crafts: Handmade jewellery from Carmatara Jewellery, personalised Christmas ornaments from Christmas Memories, and garden furniture from Staffordshire Outdoor Furniture.
Family entertainment is a key focus, with a schedule featuring a walk-in snow globe, Victorian stilt walkers, and chances to meet Father Christmas near Ted's Potatoes. Specific weekend attractions include The Gingerbreads on December 20 and elves on December 21.
Supporting the Local Community
Michelle Baker, BID Manager at Visit Royal Sutton Coldfield, expressed delight at the market's return. "We intend for the Christmas Market to become an annual fixture that gets better year after year," she said. "The whole idea is to give people another reason to visit Sutton Coldfield town centre and to boost footfall." She encouraged visitors to support local businesses while in town.
The event is again organised in partnership with LSD Promotions, the company behind Stratford-upon-Avon's popular market. Jon Holliday, LSD's Business Development Manager, said they had listened to feedback to create a "more vibrant, atmospheric and community-focused" experience.
To encourage visitors, Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council has funded free parking at seven council car parks (Station Street, Upper and Lower Reddicroft, Mill Street, Anchorage Road, South Parade, and Duke Street) on Thursdays and Fridays from 4pm, and all day on Saturdays and Sundays until January 4. A cycle hire scheme from two docking stations in the town centre is also available until January 4, with a maximum 45-minute hire per ride. The total cost of the transport initiatives is £52,000.
