FESTIVE markets will be coming to Time Square this Christmas.

‘Christmas Time at the Square’ will bring the sights, sounds and smells of Christmas right to the centre of Time Square, with their very own wooden chalet Christmas village.

From Saturday November 27 to Friday, December 3, the ‘Classic Christmas Market’ will showcase a selection of stalls with everything from food and drink to quality festive goodies, including handmade gifts, art, quirky products, stocking fillers and more.

Bringing a modern take on a traditional Christmas, there will be live music, walkabout entertainment and performances, a helter-skelter, and vintage fair rides.

After the success of the first vegan market earlier this year, for the closing weekend a ‘Greener Christmas Market’ comes to the square on Saturday and Sunday December 4 and 5.

The eco-friendly market will offer a sustainable alternative to your typical Christmas market.

Across the weekend traders will be showcased who make, create, or sell vegan, free-from, gluten free, ethical, sustainable, and environmentally friendly food, drink and gifts.

There will also be live music and vintage fair rides – all from the chalet Christmas village.

Cllr Tom Jennings, cabinet member for economic development and innovation, said: “Following last year’s scaled back celebrations, we’re making up for it with festive fun for everyone to enjoy — we're transforming Time Square into a winter wonderland for the very first time.

“Of course, all of our festivities have public health and safety as a priority. We will continue with measures to ensure people feel confident to come into the town centre, remembering that COVID hasn’t gone away, and that everyone must play their part.

“We must be mindful and take steps to protect ourselves and others – take symptom-free tests regularly, wash and sanitise your hands, maintain social distancing or wear a face covering if you’re unable to do so, and get vaccinated — then we can look forward to a thriving town centre and a great festive atmosphere.

“There’s not long to wait now and I encourage everyone to take advantage of everything going on at the market and Time Square, and wider town centre this Christmas.”

The ‘Classic Christmas Market’ will be open Monday to Friday, 10am to 6pm, Saturday, 10am to 7pm and Sunday, 10am to 5pm

  • The helter-skelter will only be available for the first weekend of the market – Saturday and Saturday November 27 and 28.

The ‘Greener Christmas Market’ can be visited on the Saturday, 10am to 7pm and Sunday, 10am to 5pm.