12 Best Christmas Markets in the South West
Escape the Christmas shopping madness on the high streets and in the big department stores – Christmas markets offer an altogether more civilised way to get your gift shopping done.
Here you’ll find original, handmade, thoughtful gifts your friends and family will love, whilst supporting local artisans with your purchases rather than faceless corporations. What’s more, if you remember your reusable bags, it’s the eco-friendly way to do your Christmas shopping, avoiding all that excessive packaging that invariably comes with your online orders.
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Meanwhile the tempting aromas of mulled wine and mince pies, along with twinkling lights and traditional carols are sure to bring you Christmas cheer as you get your chores done. Bring a friend for a festive outing together, just make sure they look the other way when you’re getting their gift!
If you’re in Devon, Dorset or Cornwall in the run up to Christmas, check out our pick of some of the best Christmas markets in the South West…
Devon
Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market
15th Nov to 16th Dec 2018
Set in the heart of Exeter, in the beautiful surroundings of Cathedral Green, Exeter Christmas Market is one of the highlights on the South West festive calendar. Renowned for its warm and welcoming atmosphere, and its collection of wooden cabins set under the magnificent Cathedral offering tempting displays of delicious food and drink, artisan crafts, handmade clothing, and much more. The perfect place to find just the right gifts.
Candlelit Dartmouth
Friday 30th and Saturday 1st December 2018
A much-loved annual 2-day event featuring Christmas markets, entertainers, musicians, carol singing, seasonal craft workshops for kids, a lantern procession and the official switch-on of the town’s Christmas lights whilst Santa arrives by boat. See website for full timings of activities.
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Kingsbridge Celebrates Christmas
Saturday 1st December 2018
A wonderfully festive day out in Kingsbridge, with the farmers market in the town square and street stalls lining Fore Street offering all kinds of goodies to kick start your Christmas shopping spree, plus lots of lovely food and drink to keep you fuelled throughout the day.
From Salcombe Gin to garden ornaments, soaps, crepes, hog roasts and homemade Christmas puddings – there’s something for everyone, including a visit from Father Christmas on his sleigh, street entertainment, carol singers and much more!
Totnes Christmas Market
Tuesdays 4th, 11th and 18th Dec 2018
Tuesday nights throughout December are transformed into magical evenings with the unique atmosphere you only find in Totnes. The High Street is bustling with stores open late, and an appealing mix of pop up stalls line the streets and Market Square, offering an eclectic selection of handmade gifts and locally produced food and drink, including mulled cider and roasted chestnuts to keep you warm as you shop.
Here you’ll find anything from handcrafted olive wood chopping boards to sheepskin throws. From raw, organic, unpackaged food to homemade chilli jam. The evenings are enhanced by the diverse entertainment provided courtesy of local schools, community choirs and talented performing artists. Park and ride is put on especially for the event.
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Plymouth Christmas Market
29th Nov to 16th Dec 2018
For three weeks, the city centre Piazza will be completely transformed into a magical Christmas Market with 50 beautiful log cabin style stalls, festooned with fairy lights, offering unique, handcrafted gifts from the South West and beyond. After an afternoon of productive shopping, unwind with a glass of mulled wine and a festive foodie treat in the heated seating area of the Bavarian style bar.
Cornwall
Padstow Christmas Festival
6th to 9th Dec 2018
This is a must-visit for any foodies staying in Cornwall in early December. With live cooking demonstrations from award-winning chefs on the quayside, market stalls selling local food and produce, live music, fireworks and Christmas lights reflecting on the harbour waters, Santa’s grotto, carols, and much more – even Scrooge would find himself filled with Christmas cheer!
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St Ives in December
1st to 31st Dec 2017
Celebrating the festive season with twinkling lights, Santa’s visits, carols, pantos, Christmas markets, food trail, live music, community events and much more! Culminating in a spectacular New Year’s Eve celebration where thousands of people descend on the streets of St Ives for one big fancy dress carnival and midnight is marked with one of the best firework displays in Cornwall.
Truro Made in Cornwall Christmas Fair
28th Nov to 2nd Dec 2018
Exclusively celebrating products that are ‘Made in Cornwall’ there will be over a hundred artisan makers selling their wares, from gourmet hampers to exquisite works of art and craft that make ideal gifts for the special people in your life.
Fowey Christmas Market
30th November to 2nd December 2018
One of Cornwall’s most well-known Christmas events, you’ll find fabulous handmade, locally produced Christmas gifts and arts and crafts, as well as local choirs and bands singing your favourite Christmas carols, a lantern parade, and Father Christmas himself.
Dorset
Bournemouth Christmas Market
16th November 2018 to 2nd January 2019
Get into the festive spirit at Bournemouth’s Alpine-style Christmas market. Selling everything from stocking fillers and edible gifts, to toys, jewellery and handcrafted goodies, you’ll find something for everyone. Kids will love a visit to Santa’s Grotto or a spin on the ice rink, whilst you can warm up with something mulled and delicious at the two-storey Alpine lodge bar.
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Pop-Up Vintage at the Town Mill
1st to 27th December 2018
Looking for something completely unique and sustainable for your loved ones this Christmas? Throughout December, the Town Mill in Lyme Regis will host this quirky vintage market, selling up-cycled toys, books, clothes, accessories and home wares.
Bridport Christmas Cheer
5th December 2018
More than just a Christmas market, this festive family event also includes a lantern procession, lots of Christmas carols, late night shopping, the Christmas light switch on and, of course, Father Christmas himself.
It’s not too late to join in the wonderful West Country festivities! Book your Christmas break today.