Christmas shopping Cambridge

Cambridge is the perfect city for Christmas shopping. The pretty, cobbled streets lend themselves to the twinkly lights and decorations and make you feel so festive. Here are our favourite places for Christmas shopping in Cambridge, combining the high street with fabulous independents.

The Independent and high street shops:

The City Centre and the shopping centre The Grand Arcade is where you will find all of the high street shops, as well as many fabulous independent businesses. Wander the cobbled streets and pass the beautiful university buildings to find them. Perfect for those personal and unique gifts.

Cambridge Christmas

The Grafton Centre offers larger stores, for example Primark and Next and has a new food court upstairs.

The Big Switch and late night Christmas shopping in Cambridge:Christmas shopping Cambridge

The Big Switch on of the Christmas lights is held during November. After this, late night shopping is each Wednesday until 8pm in both the Grand Arcade and The Grafton Centre. Close to Christmas, many of the independent shops open until 7pm each night.  I don’t know about you but I love late night shopping- it’s the twinkly lights! The opportunity to combine shopping with a great meal at one of the brilliant Cambridge restaurants after is also a bonus.

Markets: Cambridge market

You will find the main market centrally in the market square. Here you are able to browse the many festive arts and crafts stalls on the market and enjoy goods from over 60 independent traders. Find fabulous items including; vintage clothing, artisan foods and drink, jewellery, art, crafts and lots more. A great place to find those really unique gifts.  The market is within easy access to the other main shopping areas.

Nearby All Saints Garden Arts and Crafts Market also offers original Christmas gift ideas and is held every Saturday. Here you will find artisan arts and crafts including; sculptures, jewellery, household crafts and paintings. Be sure to enjoy the selection of wonderful independent shops nearby to pick up those stocking fillers.

More about Christmas markets in Cambridge here.

Mill Road:Mill Road

A little further from the centre but well worth the walk is Mill Road. Here you can enjoy independent businesses and brilliant restaurants offering diverse and exciting food and drink.  Stroll around delis and international supermarkets, or take a break at one of the fabulous restaurants or coffee shops.

The annual Mill Road Winter Fair is held on the first Saturday of December each year and brings together local businesses and organisations. Enjoy finding your Christmas shopping items from the local shops and stallholders whilst taking in culture from the musicians, artists and dancers.

Eating and drinking in Cambridge: Cambridge day trip

There are many excellent places to eat in Cambridge and there really is something for everyone when you take a break from your shopping. Check out of ultimate Cambridge restaurant guide and see for yourself.

Staying in Cambridge: Cambridge hotels

Whether you enjoy a plush luxury hotel or prefer the camping style of accommodation, Cambridge has plenty of accommodation to please you. Find great places to stay in Cambridge here.

Christmas shopping in Cambridge:Cambridge

We think that you will agree, Cambridge has everything you need for the perfect Christmas in Cambridge trip. Let us know your favourite shops in Cambridge in the comments below.