Tesco Christmas markets are back for 2026 with goodie bags plus free food and drink

Tesco’s Christmas Markets are returning soon (Picture: Andy Shaw/Bloomberg via Getty Images) The adverts are out, festive food is hitting supermarket shelves, and seasonal songs have started playing on the radio. So I think it’s fair to say Christmas 2026 is well and truly underway now. And Tesco is joining in the celebrations by bringing back its Christmas Markets for another year, where shoppers can nab some fun freebies. From goodie bags to samples of chocolate, savouries, soft drinks, and booze, there’s bound to be something for everyone on offer. When are the Tesco Christmas Markets happening? Tesco’s Christmas Markets are held at various stores across the country throughout December. The markets are open throughout the week, from 11:30am to 9pm Monday to Saturday, and 11:30am to 4pm on Sunday. Exact hours may vary depending on the store, so you’ll want to check with your local before visiting. Each one is free to enter, and there will be free samples of food and drink available from the various stalls. According to Tesco, you’ll find ‘festive inspiration and samples’ from brands such as Cadbury Heroes, Toblerone, Pepsi, Schweppes, Gu, J2O, Aperol Spritz To-Go, Brewdog, Quality Street, Hardys, Bendicks, Toffifee, Tassimo, Purina Gourmet, Bavaria 0.0 Original, McCain, Jam Shed, and Lurpak. Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. There will also be stalls for Tesco Finest, Tesco Clubcard, and Tesco more generally. Will you be attending a Tesco Christmas market this year? Sign up to Metro's The Slice newsletter for your guide to what's on in London, with trusted reviews, offers and giveaways. Where are they taking place? The Tesco Christmas Markets will be popping up in a number of places, including Waltham Abbey Superstore, Hemel Hempstead Extra, Stevenage Broadwater Superstore, Redcar Superstore, Eston Cleveland Extra in Middlesbrough, Cambridge Milton Superstore, High Wycombe Loudwater Superstore, Borehamwood Extra, Stockton-on-Tees Ingleby Barwick Superstore, Watford Extra, Bedford Extra, and York Extra. For a full list of dates and locations, visit www.tescochristmas.com/ More UK supermarket news... What’s in the goodie bag? As for the goodie bags, social media user @cissyjones shared a look at this on Instagram. She revealed that in order to get one for yourself, you have to visit the Tesco stall inside the supermarket, and staff will explain how to claim the bag. Cissy was told that you have to purchase two items featured in the Christmas market to claim the bag, but this doesn’t have to be too expensive, as she purchased two bags of crisps for this. ‘You do have to spend two or three quid, but I feel like it’s worth it,’ she told viewers, before showing what was in her bag. It featured a packet of cinnamon rolls, McVitie’s biscuits, Walkers crisps, a can of Coca-Cola, cat food, chocolates by Baileys and Biscoff, as well as a packet of football cards. Deals of the Day The Orlando holiday deal Disney fans shouldn't miss We're adding this discounted NEOM gift set straight to basket Want an LED face mask for less? This Black Friday deal could save you hundreds This teeth whitening sale could save you up to 64% before Black Friday The best Black Friday sleep deals to upgrade your bedroom with Simba’s 33% off sale In the comments under her post, people thought the markets were ‘nice’, while some suggested donating the goodie bags to the homeless, which could be a nice idea for those struggling at this time of year. Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@metro.co.uk Arrow MORE: ‘Velvety’ hot chocolate sold in supermarkets crowned better than M&S and Knoops Arrow MORE: Quality Street makes two major changes to chocolate tubs for Christmas 2026 Arrow MORE: I spent a week cooking 70s meals for my family – they did not go down well The Slice Your free newsletter guide to the best London has on offer, from drinks deals to restaurant reviews.