Christmas adverts are on our screens, festive food is filling supermarket shelves and seasonal songs are back on the radio, so the countdown to Christmas is well and truly on. Tesco is getting into the spirit by bringing back its popular Christmas markets for another year. Shoppers visiting selected stores can try free samples from well-known brands and even pick up a goodie bag. Here’s when and where the markets are taking place, what you can expect and how to claim your free bag.
Tesco’s Christmas markets are festive stalls set up inside selected supermarkets throughout December. Each market features stands from a range of food and drink brands, giving shoppers the chance to try products before they buy. The markets are free to visit, and there’s no need to book. They’re designed to offer festive ideas and inspiration, whether you’re planning Christmas dinner, buying gifts or simply looking for a seasonal treat.
The markets run throughout the week, opening from 11.30 a.m. to 9 p.m. from Monday to Saturday. On Sundays, they’re open from 11.30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Times can vary from store to store, so check with your local Tesco before heading out. That way, you won’t miss out if your nearest market has slightly different hours.
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Brands taking part
Shoppers can expect samples and festive ideas from a wide range of well-known brands. These include Cadbury Heroes, Quality Street, Toblerone, Bendicks, Toffifee, Gu, Lurpak and McCain, along with soft drinks from Pepsi, Schweppes and J2O.
There are also stands from Tassimo coffee pods and Purina Gourmet pet food, so even your four-legged friends aren’t left out. Tesco will have its own stalls too, featuring its Finest range and information about Clubcard offers.
Where to find a market & how to get a goodie bag
The markets are popping up in a number of Tesco stores across the country. Locations include Waltham Abbey, Hemel Hempstead, Stevenage Broadwater, Redcar, Eston near Middlesbrough, Cambridge Milton, High Wycombe Loudwater, Borehamwood, Ingleby Barwick in Stockton-on-Tees, Watford, Bedford, and York. Each market runs on set dates, so it won’t be at every store for the whole of December. The full list of locations and dates is available on Tesco’s website, so check before you plan your visit.
One of the biggest draws of the markets is the free goodie bag. To claim one, head to the Tesco stall at the market, where staff will explain how it works. Shoppers who have already visited say you need to buy two products featured at the market to claim a bag. This doesn’t have to cost much, as some people have picked up two inexpensive items, such as bags of crisps, and spent just a few pounds.
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What’s inside Tesco’s Christmas market goodie bag
The contents of goodie bags may vary, but one shopper who shared hers online found a good mix of treats inside. Her bag included cinnamon rolls, McVitie’s biscuits, Walkers crisps, a can of Coca-Cola and a selection of chocolates. There was also some cat food and a packet of football stickers, making it a fun mixed bag for the whole family. Many people said the bag was good value, given the small amount they needed to spend to get it.
Some shoppers have suggested donating goodie bags to people in need, such as those who are homeless or struggling with money this Christmas. Many supermarkets, including Tesco, have food bank collection points near the entrance where you can leave unwanted items. Local charities and community groups often welcome donations of food and treats during the festive season. Passing on items you don’t need is a simple way to help others enjoy Christmas too.
Tips for visiting
Free samples and offers can be tempting, so set a budget before you go and stick to items you’ll actually use. Checking Clubcard prices and comparing deals can help you make the most of any savings.
If you have food allergies, ask stall staff about ingredients before trying any samples, as many festive treats contain nuts, milk, or wheat. Visiting earlier in the day or on a weekday may also mean shorter queues and a better chance of grabbing a goodie bag before they run out.
