There's nothing quite like the start of Christmas market season. The chalets are going up, the festive lights are beginning to glow and, somewhere behind the scenes, we're surrounded by boxes of paper stars getting ready for another busy winter.
Christmas markets have been part of Paper Starlights' story for many years. Over time, we've travelled to wonderful places, met thousands of lovely customers and watched choosing a new star become an annual tradition for many families.
And 2026 feels particularly special, as we're celebrating 30 years of Paper Starlights. Here are some of the festive locations where you'll find us and our stars this season. For confirmed dates, venues and trading arrangements, please check our Christmas Markets page before travelling.
Bath Christmas Market
There's something particularly lovely about Bath at Christmas. The Georgian streets, historic architecture and festive chalets make it a wonderful place to spend a winter's day. We love seeing the city come alive with festive shoppers.
Chatsworth Christmas Market, Derbyshire
Chatsworth is close to our Derbyshire roots, and the setting against the magnificent Chatsworth House is always a treat. If you're making a day of it, remember to check visiting and parking arrangements ahead of time.
York Christmas Market
York's historic streets, independent shops and festive atmosphere make it a lovely place to explore. It can be especially busy at weekends, so a weekday visit is worth considering if you prefer a quieter wander.
Mercatum at Haddon Hall
Haddon Hall is a particularly memorable setting for an artisan market. Mercatum brings together makers, independent businesses and beautifully considered gifts in historic surroundings. Celebrating skilled makers is something very close to our hearts.
Belfast Christmas Market
We're delighted to be bringing our colourful stars to Belfast. The market festivities around City Hall offer a lively backdrop for a seasonal shopping trip and a chance to explore the city too.
Chester Christmas Market
Chester's historic streets and distinctive architecture make a charming backdrop for Christmas shopping. We always enjoy meeting customers who are looking for something handmade and a little different.
Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market
There's something magical about lights around a historic cathedral. We're looking forward to sharing our stars in this remarkable setting.
Leeds Christmas Market
We're bringing Paper Starlights to Leeds this festive season, giving more customers in Yorkshire the chance to see our handcrafted lanterns in person. There is nothing quite like seeing their patterns glow once the light is switched on.
More places to find our stars
Our seasonal plans also include other locations and partnerships. Because individual event arrangements can change, our Christmas Markets 2026 page is the place to find the latest confirmed details.
What makes a Christmas market visit special?
For us, it isn't about which market is biggest or most impressive. It's the conversations with stallholders, the independent businesses you discover, the thoughtful handmade gifts and the moment the lights come on as the afternoon becomes evening.
Some customers are choosing their very first Paper Starlight. Others are adding a new design to a growing collection or choosing a gift for someone special. Those conversations are one of the highlights of our Christmas season.
Thirty years of handmade stars
Our paper star lanterns are handmade by skilled artisans in India, with care given to every fold and pattern. We're proud to celebrate their craftsmanship and the relationships that have helped us share these stars for 30 years.
If you spot one of our colourful, glowing displays this winter, please come and say hello. We'd love to see you.
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