It’s almost time to start buying Christmas gifts, and if you’ve got foodies in your family, there’s only one spot you should be shopping this winter—and it’s taking over the NEC Birmingham for four days of festive food, famous chefs, delicious discoveries and plenty of inspiration for Christmas dinner.
Under a new name, the Festive Good Food Show returns from Thursday, November 26 to Sunday, November 29. You’ll find brand-new products, tips on stress-free hosting, and some of the UK’s best chefs and Good Food Magazine’s most loved faces in action. Nothing will get you into the festive spirit faster.
Who is heading to the Festive Good Food Show?
The Big Kitchen, hosted by Marcus Bean, welcomes the biggest names in food; the 2026 line-up includes James Martin, John Torode and Lisa Faulkner, Jane Dunn of Jane’s Patisserie and Cyrus Todiwala. Plus, NEW to the Big Kitchen, Tilly Ramsay, Ping Coombes and Sabrina Ghayour, Belles Berry and Mariella Frostrupp.
For those who want some Christmas cooking inspiration, the Festive Kitchen, hosted by Chris Bavin, is a drop-in stage packed with practical ideas, clever tips and plenty of inspiration. Guests including Becky Excell, Francesco Mattana, Brin Pirathapan and Barney Desmazery will share their expertise and festive recipes.
New for the Festive Good Food Show 2026 is Kitchen Tales, an up-close, personal and unmissable live Q&A experience that feels like an intimate, private chat with your favourite chef or cookbook author. Featuring Max La Manna, James Martin, John Torode & Lisa Faulkner and more.
Elsewhere, discover the Christmas Challenge Stage for a delicious mix of chef cook-offs, a Christmas quiz hosted by comedy duo Luke and Elliot, and creative ways to make the most of leftovers; and if you’ve got a burning cooking question, Barney Dezmasery’s Kitchen Clinic is the place to get an answer.
What can I eat?
You can’t go to a food expo without trying any food. The Love At First Bite Restaurant by Princess Cruises offers a chance to sit back and enjoy a dining experience inspired by the hospitality found across the Princess Cruises fleet, or you can raise a glass at the Princess Cruises Cocktail Club, hosted by cocktail expert Andy Clarke.
For cheese lovers, The Cheese Hub, curated by Perry Wakeman and friends, takes visitors on a delicious journey through festive favourites, artisan cheeses and perfect pairings. While those looking to discover something completely different can head to Fabulous Food Finds with Katy Truss.
There will also be on-the-go food options, including The Canteen and the Festive Street Food Area. Plus, new for 2026, the Pop-up Patisserie brings the magic of the show’s demonstrations directly to your plate—with ready-to-eat versions of recipes made famous at the Festive Good Food Show.
What else is happening?
With Christmas just around the corner, enjoy exclusive discounts on a wide variety of products from leading brands and small independents. From brand-new product launches and delicious treats to stocking fillers, kitchen gadgets and thoughtful foodie gifts, the Gifting Village is jam-packed with ideas for the foodies in your family.
And if meeting your favourite food stars is on your Christmas list, the Book Signing pop-up next to the Big Kitchen is the perfect place to stop. Browse the latest books from chefs and food experts appearing at the show, then meet them in person, have a chat and get your copy signed.
If you’d like to learn more about the Festive Good Food Show, including VIP experience offers and exclusive prizes, or just book tickets, head here.
