Christmas in Cambridge 2026, the city's Christmas market and ice rink, runs from Friday 13 November 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027 on Parker's Piece, according to the organiser. It is free to enter, open 7 days a week and stays open until 10pm or 11pm.
Own a home in Cambridge? See what it could earn as a short let.
Key takeaways
- Open from Friday 13 November 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027, 7 days a week.
- Free to enter on Parker's Piece. Some attractions need booking.
- Open until 10pm Sunday to Thursday and 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
- Cambridge City Council says the 2025 event had about 400,000 visits.
- Queen Anne Terrace, next to Parker's Piece, is free to park in from 6pm.
When is Christmas in Cambridge 2026?
| What the organiser has published | Source | |
|---|---|---|
| Dates | Friday 13 November 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027 | Christmas in Cambridge |
| Open | 7 days a week. No closed days are listed | Christmas in Cambridge |
| Hours, 13 November to 18 December | Monday to Thursday 11.30am to 10pm, Friday 11.30am to 11pm, Saturday 10am to 11pm, Sunday 10am to 10pm | Christmas in Cambridge |
| Hours, 19 December to 3 January | Sunday to Thursday 10am to 10pm, Friday and Saturday 10am to 11pm | Christmas in Cambridge |
| Location | Parker's Piece, Cambridge, CB1 1NA | Christmas in Cambridge |
| Entry | Free. Some attractions need booking and can sell out | Christmas in Cambridge |
The organiser does not say whether Christmas Day has different hours, so check the organiser's site before visiting over Christmas.
What is at Christmas in Cambridge?
The organiser lists an ice rink, a Christmas market, the Alpine Lodge, curling lanes, a Christmas tipi, a funfair, a big wheel and visits to Santa (Christmas in Cambridge). Cambridge City Council says the event is run by Seventa Ltd under a contract with the council, and that the 2025 event had about 400,000 visits, around 25% more than the year before, with about 55,000 people on the ice rink (Cambridge City Council).
Where can you park for Christmas in Cambridge?
Prices from Cambridge City Council's 2026/27 parking order and the Park and Ride operator, as set out in our Cambridge parking guide:
| Option | What it costs | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Queen Anne Terrace, next to Parker's Piece | £2.60 for up to an hour on weekdays, £3.30 at weekends. Free from 6pm | Cambridge City Council, 2026/27 order |
| Grand Arcade | £3.70 for an hour on weekdays, £4.70 at weekends, £1.80 an hour after 6pm | Cambridge City Council, 2026/27 order |
| Park and Ride (five sites) | Free to park for up to 18 hours. Adult bus return £4.50 | Cambridge Park and Ride |
The market stays open until 10pm or 11pm, and Queen Anne Terrace, the car park next to Parker's Piece, is free from 6pm under the council's order. Park Street car park is open 24 hours, according to Cambridge City Council. Our Cambridge parking guide has the full prices and a map.
Own a home in Cambridge? Christmas weekends, graduations and visiting researchers fill the city. See what your home could earn as a short let, managed from 12% + VAT.
Frequently asked questions
When does Christmas in Cambridge 2026 open and close?
Friday 13 November 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027, according to the organiser.
Is Christmas in Cambridge free to get in?
Yes. The organiser says it is free to enter, though some attractions need booking.
What time does Christmas in Cambridge close?
At 10pm Sunday to Thursday and 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays, according to the organiser.
Where is the Cambridge Christmas market?
On Parker's Piece, Cambridge, CB1 1NA.
Where can I park near Parker's Piece?
Queen Anne Terrace is next to Parker's Piece. Cambridge City Council's 2026/27 order sets it at £2.60 for up to an hour on weekdays, £3.30 at weekends, and free from 6pm.
Can I use Park and Ride?
Yes. Cambridge Park and Ride lists parking as free for up to 18 hours at five sites, with an adult bus return at £4.50.
Related guides
Sources
- Christmas in Cambridge (organiser)
- Cambridge City Council: restoration work on Parker's Piece, 28 January 2026
- Cambridge City Council: Queen Anne Terrace car park
- Cambridge City Council: Grand Arcade car park
- Cambridge City Council: off-street parking places order, amendment 5
- Cambridge Park and Ride: pricing
- Cambridge City Council: Park Street car park
Dates, locations and prices come from the linked organiser, council and operator pages and can change. The organiser's page has the latest details.