Your festive countdown: 12 of Bolton’s best Christmas Markets

We’ve searched high and low to bring you 12 magical markets you won’t want to miss this Christmas.

1. Westhoughton Christmas Market

When: Sunday November 30, from 10.30am to 5.30pm

Where: Market Street, Westhoughton, Bolton BL5 3AA

Westhoughton’s first ever Christmas Market is welcoming Bolton residents.

Market Street will be closed to traffic and transformed into a full festive celebration.

There will be local stall holders, funfair rides, a Santa’s Grotto, live entertainment and plenty more Christmas magic.

2. Smithills Farm Christmas Markets

When: Saturday November 22

Sunday November 23

Saturday November 29

Sunday November 30

Each Christmas Market will be open from 11am to 4pm

Where: Smithills Open Farm, Smithills Dean Rd, Bolton BL1 7NS

The covered markets with free entry will have a special Santa’s Grotto (ticketed).

There are half-price farm tickets all November for those who want to visit the hundreds of animals on the farm while enjoying the festivities.

3. Holiday Inn Bolton Centre Christmas Market

When: Sunday November 30, from 11am to 3pm

Where: Holiday Inn Bolton Centre, 1 Higher Bridge St, Bolton BL1 2EW

Get into the holiday spirit with local vendors selling unique gifts, delicious food, and handmade crafts.

There will be live music, hot cocoa, and even a visit from Santa Claus himself.

There will be a Brunch with Santa for £10.50pp and a Meet and Greet Santa for £5.00pp.

Entry to the Christmas Market is free.

4. Christmas Market – The Hub Westhoughton

When: Saturday November 22, from 11am

Where: The Hub, 23 Central Drive, Westhoughton, BL5 3DS

Family-friendly market with stalls, café treats, choir, Santa’s Grotto, and children’s games.

Entry to the Christmas Market is free.

5. Bolton Hospice Christmas Fair & Santa’s Grotto

When: Saturday November 22, from 11am

Where: Albert Halls, Victoria Square, Bolton

Support local families and enjoy festive fun at this charity Christmas fair.

6. Horwich Christmas Market

When: Saturday November 29, from 12pm to 4pm

Where: Ye Jolly Crofters, Co Operative St, Chorley Old Rd, Rossendale, Horwich, Bolton BL6 6AU.

A community-driven market supporting Bolton Mountain Rescue, with festive stalls, mulled wine and activities.

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7. Hoghton Tower Christmas Gift Market

When: Saturday November 29

Sunday November 30

From 11am to 4pm (last entry 3pm).

Where: Hoghton Tower, Blackburn Old Rd, Hoghton, Preston PR5 0SH

Tickets are £2 per car or per pedestrian group up to six people (cash only).

“Come along to Hoghton Tower and find inspiration at the Christmas Gift Market.

“Local artists and crafters are going to create a wonderful and unique Christmas market where you can do your Christmas shopping for your friends and family and even buy a treat for yourself.

“Traders include some of our firm favourites and some new surprises!”

8. Rivington Christmas Craft Market

When: Saturday November 22

Saturday November 29

From 10am to 4pm

Where: Village Green Tea Room, Sheep House Ln, Rivington, Bolton BL6 7SD

“Our wonderful Christmas markets are back.

“We once again welcome 15 local artisans at the tearooms and inside the chapel.

“A local singer and brass band will be attending the event, to kick off the festivities.”

The café will be open as normal serving food 10am to 4pm.

9. Walmsley Parish Craft & Makers Market

When: Sunday November 30, from 11am until 3pm

Where: Blackburn Rd, Egerton, Bolton BL7 9SA

Expect to see lots of talented businesses selling arts, crafts, furniture, knitted items, scents and much more.

There will be plenty of ideas to treat yourself or friends this Christmas.

10. Astley Bridge Christmas Fair

When: Saturday November 29, from 11am to 2pm

Where: Astley Bridge Baptist, Eden St, Astley Bridge, Bolton BL1 6NL

There will be hot drinks, face painting, a photobooth and more.

11. Heaton Fold Artisan Market

When: Sunday November 23, from 10am to 3pm

Where: Heaton Fold Garden Centre, Overdale Dr, Bolton BL1 5BU

There will be a range of stalls and you can get up close to some incredible birds of prey.

12. The Wellbeing Farm Christmas Fair

When: Saturday November 29, from 10:30am to 2:30pm

Where: The Wellbeing Farm, Wheatsheaf Hill Farm, Plantation Rd, Edgworth, Bolton BL7 0BY

There will be a Santa’s Grotto, festive food and drinks, stalls, and an opportunity to meet the animals including the llamas.

As this is a ‘Making A Difference’ Christmas Fair, there will be a cash entry fee of £2 to go towards the farm’s chosen charity.

As you can see, there’s plenty of markets in and around Bolton this year.

Comment below if we’ve missed a Bolton market near you.