Artisan Christmas Markets to celebrate local makers across Mid and East Antrim

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council is set to usher in the festive season with a series of much-loved Christmas Artisan Markets, celebrating local creativity and offering residents and visitors the chance to enjoy seasonal shopping in the heart of their town centres.

The markets—now a staple of the borough’s Christmas calendar—will feature an array of local producers showcasing artisan foods, festive bakes, handcrafted decorations and unique gifts.

Designed to bring communities together, they form a central part of the council’s wider winter programme, which also includes light switch-ons, family activities and the new Christmas Twinkle Trail at Shaftesbury Park in Carrickfergus.

Dates and Locations

The Ballymena Artisan Market will run from Wednesday 3 to Monday 8 December in Wellington Court, opening daily from 11am to 4pm.

Larne’s market will follow from Wednesday 10 to Monday 15 December at Broadway, also running from 11am to 4pm.

Both markets will close on the Sunday and resume normal trading on the Monday.

Supporting Local Makers and Businesses

Cherryl Graham who runs ‘Made by Cherrybee’ (left) with Deputy Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Councillor Tyler Hoey and Stephanie Cheshire from ‘B'Jewelled Beads’ (right).

Deputy Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Tyler Hoey, said the events play an important role in boosting footfall in town centres and supporting small independent traders at a crucial time of year.

“These markets are always a highlight in the Christmas calendar, and they bring such warmth and character to our towns.

“They give local traders a platform to shine, and they give shoppers a chance to pick up something original while enjoying the festive atmosphere.

“It is important that we continue to support the brilliant homegrown makers and producers who contribute so much to our Borough, and the Christmas markets are the perfect opportunity to do exactly that.”

Local artisan Cherryl Graham, who runs Made by Cherrybee and will be trading at both the Larne and Ballymena markets, said the events foster a strong sense of community.

“A lot of us look forward to these markets each year because you get to meet the people who support local businesses like ours.

“There’s always a lovely atmosphere and you get to see regular customers, meet new ones, share what we make and be part of the Christmas buzz in the town centre.”

Part of a Wider Festive Programme

This year, the Christmas Artisan Markets form part of a wider calendar of winter activities across Mid and East Antrim. Families are encouraged to explore events including light switch-ons, community gatherings and the new Christmas Twinkle Trail in Carrickfergus.

Full listings and updates are available at midandeastantrim.gov.uk/Christmas