Christmas Markets, Santa’s Grotto and live music bring festive goodwill to families.

The second of a series of two weekends of feature-packed Christmas Craft Markets was staged at Stonham Barns Park on 29 and 30 November which attracted crowds from Suffolk, Norfolk and Essex.  The two days of festivities included the opportunity for Christmas shopping and to visit Santas Grotto where children receive a special Christmas gift!

The weekend at Stonham Barns Park brought a huge number of traders to the markets and visitors to Santa’s Grotto – with around 4,000 visitors over the two days.

Speaking about the weekend, Josh Forward from Stonham Barns Park Events Team, said: ‘The second weekend of the Christmas Craft Markets was even more successful than the first.  We attracted another full set of trade stalls of every type with traders offering everything from baked goods to hand made gifts, knitted goods, toys and collectables.’

‘Santa’s Grotto was also fully booked throughout the weekend with Santa and his team of elves and helpers keeping everyone entertained.  It was a very festive weekend with everyone getting into the spirit of Christmas again, making happy holiday memories.’

‘Santa’s Grotto is still open, and we have Christmas Afternoon Teas at Carters of Suffolk and Breakfast with Santa at Café 24 still to come during the month of December so there’s no rest for Santa until later in the month!’

With mince pies, mulled wine, live music and Christmas lights Stonham Barns Park – one of Suffolk’s premier leisure and entertainment venues – pulled out all the stops to put on two weekends of shopping and activities for both adults and children.  The Snow Queen, Elsa and some magical elves including Snowball, Sparkle, Holly and Tinsel attended as part of the weekends for photo opportunities.

Talented Suffolk exhibitors will bring their handmade crafts, artisan foods and unique wares.  From intricately designed decorations and pottery to scented candles, textiles, children’s toys and gourmet treats, the stalls are a celebration of Suffolk’s creative spirit with some exhibitors offering demonstrations of their skills.

The markets will feature uniquely handmade, handcrafted gifts and products. In addition, visitors will be able to shop at the retail village which is packed with 1000s of Christmas gift ideas.  There are arts and craft shops, the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary, Carters of Suffolk pottery and newly enhanced tearooms and Legends Bar.

Other retailers at Stonham Barns Park’s Retail Village include Aspal Antiques, Aspal Emporium, Aspal Reclamation Yard, Stonham Garden Centre, Carters of Suffolk, Hemingstone Frames, Hot Tub Village, Tiger Sheds, Stonham Village Stores, Suffolk Bridal Outlet, The Beauty Barn, The Vintage Cellar, The Book Cellar and The Little Dance Barn.  Among the most recent retail additions to the village La 3D Print Artistry, Sakura Studio Gallery, Glen’s Collectables, Ben’s Corals, Emmett’s Emporium and Bella’s Pet Shop.