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Looking for things to do?
Explore our calendar of events.
There’s always something happening in Salisbury!
Find out more about what’s on in the city on the Experience Salisbury website.
OCTOBER – DECEMBER
Salisbury Charter Fair
Date: Sunday 18th – Wednesday 21st October 2026
Time: Sunday 2 – 9pm; Monday – Wednesday 11am – 10pm
Location: Market Place & Guildhall Square, Salisbury
Entry: Free; Ride prices vary
Every October Salisbury Charter Fair takes over the Market Place to light up the centre of Salisbury and bring fun for all the family!
From family favourites like the carousel, dodgems and waltzer, to adrenaline-fuelled attractions including ‘Superstar’, ‘Star Flyer’, and other high-energy rides, the Salisbury Charter Fair has something for everyone.
There will be plenty more to discover, with fairground games from hook-a-duck to hoopla, a mini arcade, and a tempting selection of sweet treats and street food on offer too.
With roots dating back to 1227, when King Henry III granted a charter to the Bishop of Salisbury to hold a fair on the third Monday in October, the event remains a treasured annual tradition.
| Ride type | Before 6pm | After 6pm |
| Children’s rides | £3 max. | £3.50 max. |
| Adult rides | £4 max. | £4.50 max. |
Please note: Standard rides prices do not apply to ‘Super Star’ or ‘Star Flyer’, the main thrill-seeker rides.
Due to the fair, Salisbury Charter Market will not take place on Tuesday 20 October.
Brought to you by the Royal British Legion, supported by Salisbury City Council.
Date: Saturday 24th October
Time: 10.30am
Location: Guildhall Square, Salisbury
Entry: Free
The Salisbury Branch of the Royal British Legion (RBL) will officially launch its 2026 Poppy Appeal on Saturday 24 October. Everyone is warmly invited to attend and show their support for the Armed Forces community.
The event will include the presentation of poppies to selected members of Salisbury’s Armed Forces community, with local dignitaries, veterans and serving personnel expected to attend.
Each year in October and November, the RBL distribute Poppies, raising funds to help the Armed Forces Community. As the UK’s leading Armed Forces charity, the Royal British Legion provides lifelong support to serving and former members of the Armed Forces, veterans and their families. Donations to the Poppy Appeal help fund vital services, including support for those living with physical and mental health challenges, financial hardship and loneliness.
Since its formation in 1921 the Royal British Legion has led the nation each year in commemorating and honouring those who served and made the ultimate sacrifice.
The Poppy Appeal runs from 24th October – 7th November 2026.
Brought to you by Salisbury City Council and the Royal British Legion.
Date: Sunday 8th November 2026
Time: 10.30am
Location: Guildhall Square & St Thomas’s Church, Salisbury
Entry: Free
Salisbury will pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country at the annual Remembrance Sunday Service.
Participants will gather at the War Memorial in the Guildhall Square for a small ceremony, which all are welcome to attend, and observe a 2-minute silence at 11.00am, followed by prayers.
The parade will then process to St. Thomas’s Church for the Sunday Service, before returning to the Guildhall.
Armistice Day
Brought to you by Salisbury City Council and the Royal British Legion.
Date: Wednesday 11th November 2026
Time: 11am
Location: War Memorial, Guildhall Square, Salisbury
Entry: Free
A small service to mark Armistice Day, which all are welcome to attend.
The Mayor of Salisbury, City Councillors, veterans, standard-bearers and the Royal British Legion band will be in attendance.
Christmas Begins
Date: Friday 20th November 2026
Time: 1pm – 8.30pm
Location: Salisbury Market Place
Entry: Free
Kick off the festive season at Christmas Begins!
Enjoy live music and entertainment, browse the festive stalls, and indulge in delicious food and drink.
Plus, get ready for the opening of Christmas on the Square, featuring Santa’s Grotto!
Bring your loved ones and celebrate the start of Christmas in Salisbury!
Date: Friday 20th November – Thursday 31st December
Time: 11am – 10pm
Location: Guildhall Square, Salisbury
Entry: Free; Santa’s Grotto £6 (+ online booking fee)
Join us during Christmas on the Square – a festive pop-up right in the heart of Salisbury!
Meet Santa in his grotto, treat yourself to delicious food, relax in the bar with live music and entertainment on select days, and explore a charming selection of festive retail huts.
Opening hours:
Retail Huts: 11am – 6pm
Snow Globe Bar: 11am – 10pm
Street Food: Mon – Wed 11am – 7pm; Thu – Sat 11am – 8pm; Sun 11am – 6pm
Santa’s Grotto: Click here for grotto opening hours.
NB: Christmas on the Square will be closed on 25th & 26th December. The Retail Huts and Santa’s Grotto run from until 24th December only.
Date: Friday 20th November – Thursday 24th December
Location: Guildhall Square, Salisbury
Entry: £6 (+ online booking fee)
Traditional meet & greet with Santa!
Santa has made time in his busy schedule to return to Salisbury this Christmas – pop in and meet him in his grotto this festive season!
Come and capture the joy of Christmastime by taking a family photo – don’t forget your camera – and feel the excitement as your little one awaits a special moment with Santa himself.
Each child will receive a wrapped gift to take home, straight from Santa’s workshop!
Pre-book for guaranteed entry at your preferred time!
Opening hours:
TBC
Salisbury Christmas Trail
Date: Friday 20th November 2026 – 4th January 2027
Location: Salisbury City Centre
Entry: Free
Pick up a trail leaflet from Salisbury Information Centre or click the link below to download the digital version.
This trail and its installations have been brought to you by Salisbury City Council…
Tag us in your photos on social media @salisburycc
#salisburychristmastrail
Sunday Festive Markets
Date: Sundays 29th November, 6th, 13th & 20th December 2026
Time: 10am – 4pm
Location: Market Place, Salisbury
Entry: Free
Get into the Christmas spirit with the Sunday Festive Markets!
Whether you are hunting for handcrafted gifts, seasonal treats, or simply want to soak up the lively atmosphere in the heart of the city, the Sunday Festive Markets have got you covered.
Browse a wide range of stalls, showcasing a variety of unique goods and local traders!
With markets running on the four Sundays before Christmas, there are plenty of chances to explore the stalls, indulge in delicious food and drink, and find those special gifts for your loved ones.
Please note: Event timings may be subject to change. Salisbury City Council reserves the right to alter, postpone or cancel events due to unforeseen circumstances.