A few light flakes of snow and frost on the trees gave Farnham’s Christmas Market an extra festive feel on Sunday. Thousands of shoppers braved the cold and made the most of the opportunity to prepare for Christmas by buying Christmas presents, decorations, food and drink.  

“Christmas certainly came to Farnham on Sunday! It was an excellent day for local traders while shoppers and families enjoyed the festive atmosphere and the selection of over 200 stalls,” says Councillor Kika Mirylees, Lead Member for Tourism and Events.

“We run the market every year because our residents enjoy the chance to shop for something different among the stalls and our traders love meeting their customers. It’s become an important part of Christmas in Farnham, with a much-loved Santa’s grotto and live nativity scene that reminds us of the Christmas story.”

Stallholders included local artists and crafters selling homewares, accessories and clothing. Food and drink gifts were also popular while shoppers also enjoyed sampling mulled wine and hot chocolate while they browsed.

“I’d like to thank Farnham Veterinary Hospital for being our Principal sponsor and gold sponsors Swish Fibre, Abbeyfield and Kidd Rapinet. Their support enabled us to make the market a day to remember,” says Councillor Mirylees.   

Street entertainment included brass bands playing festive music which residents and visitors could enjoy while they shopped. In the courtyard at the Bush Hotel there was free face painting and at the Ivy Club, Santa settled into his grotto for the day to hear the Christmas wishes of hundreds of local children. There were also children’s rides and the ever-popular live nativity featuring farm animals and a manger in a stable scene reminiscent of the first Christmas.

Castle Street and The Borough were both closed to traffic for the day to accommodate shoppers and traders. The farmers’ market in Central car park also did excellent business as consumers bought their Christmas meats and stocked up on seasonal food and drink.

People can continue to enjoy the festivities in Farnham by taking part in the snow window trail. There are over 20 windows to find and the chance to win a hamper made up of items donated by local retailers and businesses. The closing date for entering the hamper competition is 12noon on Thursday 22 December.

The trail and details about other events happening in the lead up to Christmas can be downloaded at www.farnham.gov.uk or a hard copy can be picked up from the Town Hall in South Street.