Christmas Gift & Food Fair - Stallholders

Ely Cathedral Christmas Gift & Fair returns for 2026 for its 14th year

Exhibit at the Ely Cathedral Christmas Gift & Food Fair 

• Thursday 19 November: 9am – 8.30pm (4 opening sessions) 
• Friday 20 November: 9am – 8.30pm (4 opening sessions) 
• Saturday 21 November: 9am – 4.30pm   
  Please note new opening times.

Ely Cathedral Christmas Gift & Food Fair continues to grow as one of the region’s most atmospheric and successful festive events, and this year we are enhancing the experience for both visitors and traders alike.  

We have evolved the visitor experience by increasing entry sessions from two to three daytime sessions, plus an additional evening session. These changes are designed to create a more fluid and enjoyable experience for visitors, while also extending trading opportunities.

Alongside the popular ticketed Christmas Fair inside the Cathedral, we are enhancing our free-to-access outdoor marquee and food and drink area. Located just outside the Cathedral, this lively festive space will feature an upgraded marquee, covered seating area, and much-loved street food vendors. It is designed to encourage visitors to linger, socialise, and enjoy the wider Fair, supporting a balanced and engaging overall experience.  

The 2026 Christmas Gift & Food Fair experience includes:  

• A premium ticketed Christmas Fair inside the Cathedral, featuring beautifully curated stalls and a festive seating area in the Lady Chapel. Attracting around 15,000 visitors.  
• A large marquee outside the Cathedral, offering additional stalls in a free-to-access area for both Christmas Fair ticket holders and open to the general public.
• Street food vendors and festive refreshments, drawing visitors throughout the day and into the evening.  
• An atmospheric Christmas shopping experience in one of the region’s most iconic heritage settings.  

This two-zone format allows stall holders to benefit from both high-value ticketed visitors and volume footfall from the wider public.  

Located within the magnificent Ely Cathedral and its historic precinct, the Christmas Fair offers traders a rare opportunity to sell in a setting that elevates products, encourages browsing, and creates a memorable customer experience.  

“I just wanted to extend my heartfelt thanks for organising such a fantastic Christmas Fair this year. It was my first time exhibiting, and I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Everything was so well organised, the selection of makers and sellers was brilliant, and the whole event had such a warm, festive atmosphere. I had a truly wonderful market, and I’m already looking forward to applying again next year. Thank you for all the hard work, care, and attention that goes into making the fair so special - it really shows.” 
One-of-a-kind-birds  (2025 Exhibitor)  

Stall Holder Applications Now Open  

Why Take a Pitch?  

• Access to a loyal, affluent audience actively shopping for Christmas.  
• Strong footfall across both ticketed and free-access areas.  
• A prestigious heritage venue with a proven track record for major seasonal events.
• Dedicated marketing support, including listing on our event webpage with a direct link to your website.  
• Carefully curated trader mix to ensure variety, quality and strong sales.  
• Competitive pitch fees with demonstrated return on investment.  
• Experienced Event Managers  

Trading Areas  

Cathedral interior - Ticketed Christmas Fair  
Premium | Ticket Holders Only  
A beautifully atmospheric indoor Christmas Fair. This ticketed space encourages longer dwell times, relaxed browsing, and higher-value purchases. Includes a seating area and a bar, creating a sociable and festive environment.  
Ideal for: Giftware, artisan makers, jewellery, homewares, festive décor, artwork, textiles, beauty and design-led brands.  
  
Outdoor Marquee - Free Public Access  
High Footfall | Enhanced Marquee Setting  
A large, covered marquee located just outside the Cathedral, open to the public, capturing visitors both before and after their Cathedral visit. This lively area benefits from constant visitor flow and close proximity to street food vendors, creating a festive atmosphere with excellent visibility and ideal conditions for high-volume sales and repeat footfall throughout the fair days. 
Ideal for: Festive gifts, food & drink producers, lifestyle brands, crafts, stocking fillers, and Christmas treats.  
  
Street Food & Refreshments Area - Free Public Access  
As a street food or drink trader, you’ll benefit from a lively festive atmosphere, including limited covered seating that encourages visitors to linger, creating higher footfall, repeat visits, and excellent opportunities for increased sales throughout the event.