Christmas Markets in Sunderland 2026

Sunderland does not have one long-running Christmas market in the way Newcastle and Durham do. What it has instead is a run of one-day markets and fairs spread across the city in November and December. They range from a riverside market in the new City Hall to a night market on Seaburn seafront. This guide lists the 2026 dates confirmed by organisers so far, in date order, with what to expect at each. Details can change, so check the organiser before you travel.

Riverside Sunderland Christmas Market

The Riverside Sunderland Christmas Market is on Thursday 12 November 2026, from 1pm to 7pm. Local vendors are spread across three buildings on the Riverside Sunderland site: City Hall, The Beam and the Maker Building. All three are a short walk from Keel Square and the city centre, so you can easily combine the market with shopping or an early dinner. Because it runs into the evening, it also works for people coming straight from work.

Best for: Suits anyone wanting to buy from Sunderland makers and traders on a weekday afternoon or after work.

Sheepfolds Stables artisan market

Sheepfolds Stables, the food and drink yard near the Stadium of Light that is home to traders such as Propa, holds a Sunday artisan food and drink market each month. Sunderland BID lists the next one for Sunday 15 November 2026. The market is subject to match-day fixtures, so check Sheepfolds Stables before you go, especially on a weekend when Sunderland AFC are at home. It is a good place to pick up local food, drink and small gifts while also getting lunch.

Best for: Best for food lovers looking for local produce and a relaxed Sunday lunch north of the river.

North East BIC Christmas Fair

The North East BIC holds its Christmas Fair on Wednesday 25 November 2026, from 11.30am to 2pm. It takes place in the Atrium of the BIC building on Sunderland Enterprise Park. There is no entry fee. The organisers say stallholders include Carmichaels Food Specialists and Ringtons, alongside other local businesses, with a live brass band and a festive photo station. The BIC has visitor parking, and the fair suits people who work on or near the enterprise park and can visit over lunch.

Best for: Suits office workers on Sunderland Enterprise Park and anyone nearby with a spare lunch hour midweek.

The Night Market at STACK Seaburn

STACK Seaburn is holding The Night Market on Wednesday 2 December 2026, from 5.30pm to 10.30pm. Makers, vintage sellers and independent traders take over the Lower Plaza of the seafront container village. The bars and street food traders are open alongside them. Entry is ticketed, and STACK says tickets are due to be released soon, so watch STACK's website and social channels for the release.

STACK is on Whitburn Road at Seaburn, a walk of around 20 minutes from Seaburn Metro station. Our Roker and Seaburn seafront guide covers getting there and parking along the front.

Best for: Best for adults who want an evening out with food and drink alongside vintage and independent stalls.

Makers and Bakers Market at The Bridges

The Bridges shopping centre hosts a Makers and Bakers Market on Saturday 5 December 2026, from 8.30am to 5.30pm, with free entry. Stalls sell handmade gifts and home bakes. As it is inside the city's main shopping centre, it is easy to combine with the rest of your Christmas shopping. The Bridges' seasonal World of Christmas shop is also open, selling decorations.

Santa's Grotto at The Bridges runs from 22 November to 24 December 2026, so families can visit both on the same trip. Check The Bridges for grotto times and prices.

Best for: Suits families and Saturday shoppers who want handmade gifts without a separate trip.

Markets further afield

Several larger Christmas events are within reach of Sunderland by public transport. Beamish, The Living Museum of the North, holds its Christmas season from 21 November to 24 December 2026, with Christmas Evenings on selected dates in December. Go North East's service 8 runs between Sunderland and Stanley, which is close to the museum. Check Beamish for tickets, as some evening events have already sold out.

Newcastle and Durham both hold multi-week Christmas markets, and both cities are reachable from Sunderland by Metro or train.

Tips for market visits

• Bring cash as well as a card. Most traders take cards, but a smaller maker may not.
• Check the weather for the STACK night market, as much of it is outdoors on the seafront.
• Many of these markets are one-day events, so if you miss one, the next will be at a different venue.

For the wider festive calendar, including the lights switch-on, panto and New Year's Eve, see our Christmas in Sunderland guide. For year-round shopping, see our independent shops guide.

Know of a Christmas market we have missed? Get in touch.