You surely can’t feel more Christmassy than when you find yourself totally engrossed in the many temptations of a festive artisan market.
If that sounds like you, then you’ll want to know all about this year’s Mercatum Christmas Artisan Markets at Haddon Hall which will take place across five weeks in November and December.
The 900-year-old fortified manor house, in the Derbyshire Peak District, will welcome some of the country’s finest artisans and makers for a beautifully curated event which has grown to become one of the most significant on the East Midlands calendar.
Organisers promise this year’s Mercatum will be bigger, better and more captivating than ever – with Haddon’s sumptuously decorated Tudor and Elizabethan rooms, courtyard and garden all playing host to a cast of almost 250 talented artisans and makers.
“Our Mercatum Christmas Artisan Market has grown in stature over the past few years, due to the quality of our wonderfully talented and carefully curated artisans and makers, and because this event gives visitors the chance to both shop and see the hall in all its festive glory,” commented Lady Edward Manners, who is lucky enough to call Haddon Hall her home.
“There’s so much to experience and enjoy this year, and with more dates available, we’re looking forward to welcoming visitors from far and wide,” she added.
Haddon will play host to ceramicists, artists, chocolatiers, jewellers, candle makers, stationers, rope makers, weavers, perfumers – and more.
The hall’s fairytale surroundings feel especially magical at this time of year, with twinkling lights and luxurious decorations as well as beautiful Christmas trees grown on the estate.
For the first time, Haddon’s stable studio will be opened up for daily craft demonstrations this year.
These will include basket weaving, wreath making, card printing and table decoration making. The sessions are free of charge to attend, and visitors are invited to drop in throughout the day.
Haddon’s lower courtyard will be transformed into an Alpine village, with chalets filled with gifts and goodies, and live music will add to the sense of occasion.
This year, there will also be a food and drink hall as part of the carefully-curated market.
There will be producers selling wine, chocolate, gin, fudge, cheese, chutney – and more.
It’s here where visitors will also be able to take a seat and rest as they enjoy tasting some of their purchases.
Visitors can either buy a morning or afternoon ticket (details below) or alternatively an all-day ticket is available for those travelling by public transport.
Historic House members can visit the market free of charge, paying only for parking (£3.80).
Mercatum Christmas Artisan Market
Wednesday 13th – Sunday 17th November
Wednesday 20th – Sunday 24th November
Wednesday 27th – Sunday 1st December
Wednesday 4th – Sunday 8th December
Wednesday 11th – Sunday 15th December
Morning tickets: 9.15am – 1pm
(includes parking and admission to the hall)
Afternoon tickets: 1.15pm – 5pm
(includes parking and admission to the hall)
Adult – (16 + years) – £11.00
Child – (5-15 years) – £3.50
Infant – (0-4 years) – FREE
Green – (All day entry) – £9.00
Admission for Historic House members (with membership card) – FREE
Car parking charge for Historic House members – £3.80
