Top Christmas market towns to call home

Get into the festive spirit with Share to Buy

Quaint and scenic, yet especially so during the festive period when a cosy, magical atmosphere permeates them, the best Christmas towns in the UK boast unique charms that make them great places to live. Many market towns transform into winter wonderlands at Christmastime and feature vibrant town centres, access to green space and community initiatives, boosting their appeal as somewhere to buy a home. Keep reading to discover the best market towns in England with new-build Shared Ownership homes available.

Knaresborough, North Yorkshire

A market and spa town on the River Nidd, Knaresborough in North Yorkshire is renowned for its natural beauty and historic attractions. There are things to do all year round, from visiting Mother Shipton’s Cave to exploring the Nidd Gorge woodland. At Christmastime, the town’s Market Place hosts a seasonal weekend market showcasing local traders and artisans alongside entertainment and events.

For Shared Ownership homes in Knaresborough, explore The Manse Collection from Persona Homes. This community features two neighbouring developments with two and three bedroom houses, nestled on the edge of town with excellent road links to Harrogate, Leeds and York.

Richmond, North Yorkshire

Located on the fringes of the Yorkshire Dales, Richmond is another historic settlement in North Yorkshire, regarded as one of the UK’s most beautiful market towns. With its ancient castle, cobbled streets and Georgian architecture, this picturesque town’s rich heritage ensures plenty to explore. In December, the Richmond Christmas Fair takes place. A highlight of the local calendar, this annual event features seasonal stalls, performances and craft sessions, providing festive fun for all ages.

If you’re considering moving to the area, check out Copperfield Park by Home Reach in Middleton Tyas, a village approximately five miles from Richmond. This new-build development is set on 11 acres of private parkland, providing residents with an idyllic place to call home.

Chippenham, Wiltshire

Close to the Cotswolds, Chippenham is a vibrant market town in Wiltshire with excellent transport links to London, Bath and Bristol. The town features a thriving commercial scene, lively nightlife and beautiful green spaces, offering convenience and charm in equal measure. Christmas celebrations in Chippenham begin with the town’s festive lights switch-on, where the banks of the River Avon become illuminated with seasonal installations, setting off a programme of family-friendly events and activities.

You can experience everything Chippenham has to offer when living at Rowden Gate, a collection of new-build homes on the edge of town from Selwood Housing.

Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire

Famed for being Shakespeare’s hometown, Stratford-upon-Avon is a medieval market town in the West Midlands. Its literary connections equate several immersive attractions, from performances at the Royal Shakespeare Company and interactive exhibits at the Tudor World Museum to ghost tours of the town. During Christmastime in Stratford-upon-Avon, you can shop at the Victorian Christmas Market and experience festivities at Magic Alley, amongst other seasonal events.

Located in the hamlet of Bishopton in Stratford-upon-Avon, Lockside Wharf by Sown Shared Ownership is a brand-new housing development set amongst a wildlife-friendly landscaped setting. Living here, you can easily immerse yourself in Stratford-upon-Avon’s historical and cultural scene.

Market Drayton, Shropshire

A market town with roots dating to the Saxon era, Market Drayton is brimming with character. Age-old buildings line the streets, and the town is home to a weekly market and thriving arts and cultural scene. Famous for its gingerbread, a festive favourite, Market Drayton pulls out all the stops at Christmastime. The celebrations begin in mid-November with its annual Festival of Lights, which showcases Christmas market stalls, fairground rides and live music and entertainment.

If you’re searching for a Shared Ownership home in Market Drayton, Montgomery Place, Greenfields by LSL Land & New Homes could be the perfect development for you. It’s located on the edge of town and consists of four bedroom houses, perfect for families.

Hailsham, East Sussex

Hailsham is a centuries-old market town mentioned in the Domesday Book. Located in the Wealden district of East Sussex, it has a thriving centre with local and national businesses, various places to eat and drink, and a weekly street market. During the festive season, Hailsham puts on a Christmas Extravaganza with stalls, entertainment and parades.

Find a place to call home in Hailsham with new-build developments from Latimer.

Farnham, Surrey

Located less than 40 miles southwest of London, Farnham is an ancient market town in the heart of Surrey. Ideally placed for commuting to the capital whilst enjoying a quieter lifestyle, the town offers easy access to the city and countryside. Each year, Farnham hosts a Christmas Market showcasing crafts, gifts, artisan food and more, with over 150 stalls due to set up shop at the 2024 edition.

Discover Shared Ownership homes in this charming market town at SO Resi Farnham, a collection of centrally located new-build apartments from SO Resi by Thames Valley Housing.

Cullompton, Devon

Set within the scenic Culm Valley in the Devonshire countryside, Cullompton is a market town with a heritage steeped in rural life. The town is renowned for its award-winning farmers market, a regular pannier market and street stalls. Elsewhere on the cultural calendar, you can expect the annual Christmas Lights Event, which includes a festive-themed market, craft workshops and more.

Situated on the outskirts of Cullompton, Mill Gardens by LiveWest is a new housing development perfectly placed for exploring the outdoor delights of Mid Devon.

Cambourne, Cambridgeshire

Cambourne is a modern town in Cambridgeshire located less than 10 miles east of Cambridge. Originating in the 1990s, Cambourne offers something different to historic market towns and has lots available for locals, including various amenities to serve the community and heritage attractions within easy reach. When winter comes, the town puts on a Christmas Market with gift stalls, arts and crafts workshops, and seasonal treats to spread the festive cheer.

Create a home in Cambourne at Cambourne West Caxton Grange by Domovo. This collection of one, two and three bedroom new-build homes is a short walk from the town centre and all its cafés, shops and facilities.

At Share to Buy, we make your choice easier with a selection of new-build homes across England, available through alternative homeownership schemes such as Shared Ownership. Get your home-buying journey underway using our property portal.