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Check out these unmissable Christmas markets in the South West; buy locally made gifts, eat delicious festive food and soak up the magic of Christmas!

Christmas markets are definitely up there with our favourite things about the festive season. You can browse beautiful items, sip mulled wine whilst wrapped up warm, and see a town glow in the sparkle of the Christmas lights.
We’ve put together a list of our favourite South West Christmas markets so you can add a market trip to your South West winter break itinerary.

Read on to find out where the best South West Christmas markets are this year…


Looking for something specific? Use these quick links to jump to a different region:


Christmas Markets in Devon

Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market

Exeter Cathedral Christmas market

The magic of Christmas is descending upon Exeter, set to transform Cathedral Green into an enchanting winter wonderland.

Drawing inspiration from traditional German markets, the Christmas market creates a captivating scene against the cathedral’s historic backdrop. Twinkling lights illuminate the evening sky, while the delicious aromas of mulled wine, rich hot chocolate, and seasonal delicacies fill the air.

Visitors can meander through charming market stalls, each offering unique treasures and seasonal treats that capture the true spirit of the holiday season.

Where: Cathedral Green, Exeter

When: 15th November – 15th December 2024

Times: Monday – Wednesday: 10am – 7pm, Thursday – Saturday: 10am – 9pm, Sunday: 11am – 5pm


Plymouth Christmas Market

Step into a magical Christmas experience in the heart of Plymouth, where the City Centre Company has curated a magical seasonal marketplace. Beneath a canopy of sparkling lights, visitors can enjoy festive beverages while being serenaded by uplifting gospel choir performances.

Local vendors showcase the finest regional delicacies, while an array of artisan stalls offers everything from perfect stocking fillers to one-of-a-kind gifts. As twilight falls, the market comes alive with a festive glow, creating an atmospheric wonderland that captures the very essence of Christmas.

Where: The Piazza, Plymouth City Centre

When: 28th November – 15th December 2024

Times: Monday – Saturday: 10am – 6pm, Thursday: 10am – 9pm, Sunday: 10am – 5pm


Totnes Late Night Shopping and Christmas Market

Experience the enchantment of Christmas in the charming market town of Totnes, where the cobbled streets become a honey pot of activity with extended evening shopping and a magical festive market. As dusk settles, twinkling Christmas lights cast a warm glow over the historic streets, where local artisans showcase their crafts and merchants offer seasonal delights.

Where: Totnes High Street

When: Tuesday 3rd, 10th, and 17th December 2024

Times: 3pm – 9pm


Magic of Christmas Craft and Food Fair, RHS Rosemoor

Lights illuminating the trees at Rosemoor

Get a head start on your holiday shopping at RHS Rosemoor’s exclusive Christmas market, showcasing the finest artisans and producers the South West has to offer. The enchanting Garden Room transforms into a treasure trove of unique gifts and seasonal delights, perfect for discovering something special for friends and family.

From hand-carved creations and cosy winter accessories to artisanal treats, each vendor brings something unique to this magical shopping experience. This market features the best of West Country craftsmanship, with local artists and producers offering their finest work.

Where: RHS Garden Rosemoor, EX38 8PH

When: 22nd – 24th November 2024

Times: Friday – Saturday: 10am–4pm (Visit the website for more times)


Kingsbridge Celebrates Christmas

Kingsbridge’s Christmas festival transforms the entire town into a Christmas spectacle. Weaving through Fore Street and spilling into the Town Square, children can meet Santa himself, while local performers bring festive entertainment to life against the backdrop of magnificent Christmas illuminations. The journey culminates in the bustling marketplace, where stalls brim with unique gifts, charming stocking fillers, and irresistible seasonal treats.

Where: Fore Street Kingsbridge, TQ7 1PP

When: Saturday 7th December 2024

Times: 10am – 4pm


Christmas at Buckfast Abbey

Set within the grounds of Buckfast Abbey, the much loved annual Christmas Market returns to delight visitors of all ages. This cherished seasonal event promises an abundance of gourmet delicacies, heartwarming festivities, and a wealth of family entertainment. The historic abbey walls echo with joyful melodies as a carefully curated program of live performances create the perfect festive atmosphere. Be sure to plan your visit around the dynamic entertainment schedule to make the most of this Christmas experience.

Where: Buckfast Abbey TQ11 0EE

When: 28th – 30th November 2024

Times: 10am – 5pm


Christmas Markets in Cornwall

Truro Christmas Market

Delivering over a month of yuletide magic, Truro’s Lemon Quay transforms into Cornwall’s most popular Christmas destination – an expanded winter edition of the city’s Farmers Market.

Charming wooden chalets line the streets and create a festive atmosphere that buzzes with seasonal energy and warm Cornish hospitality. Local artisans and craftspeople showcase the very best of Cornwall’s creativity, offering a treasure trove of unique gifts from intricately designed jigsaws and locally inspired calendars to preserves and craft ales.

Where: Lemon Quay Truro, TQ1 2LW

When: 22nd November – 24th December 2024

Times: opening times vary, visit the Truro Christmas Market website for specific timings


Fowey Christmas Market Weekend

Nestled in one of Cornwall’s most picturesque coastal towns, Fowey Christmas Market is the crown jewel of Christmas markets. The historic streets come alive with an enchanting display of nearly 100 local artisans and producers, transforming the town into a magical winter haven.

Make a day of your visit by exploring beyond the market stalls, where Fowey’s charming cafés, traditional pubs, and exceptional restaurants offer warm retreats and hearty food. This much loved Christmas market weaves together the best of Cornish hospitality with festive charm.

Where: Held throughout Fowey town

When: 22nd – 24th November 2024

Times: Friday: 5.30pm – 8.30pm, Saturday: 10am – 5.30pm, Sunday: 10am – 4pm


Falmouth’s Festive Weekend

Step into a winter wonderland as Falmouth’s magical Festive Weekend returns, transforming the seaside town into a Christmas spectacle. Wind through snow-dusted streets aboard the charming festive land train, or glide gracefully across the ice rink that brings a little alpine charm to the South West.

The town comes alive with the spirit of the season as twinkling market stalls line the streets. Traditional fairground rides add a touch of nostalgia, while an impressive giant snow globe creates an exciting backdrop. Meticulously crafted by the Falmouth Town Team, this spectacular weekend celebration promises an unforgettable festive experience that visitors of all ages can enjoy.

Where: Throughout Falmouth town. Visit the Falmouth website for full details.

When: 7th – 8th December 2024

Times: 11am – 4pm


Healeys Christmas Market

Step into Christmas at Healeys Cider Farm, where an 80-year-old cobbled courtyard becomes a twinkling festive marketplace. For six magical weekends, this popular Cornish destination transforms into a seasonal wonderland, and as you would expect, the warming aroma of spiced mulled cider fills the air.

Where: Healeys Cornish Cyder Farm

When: 9th November – 15th December 2024

Times: TBC, more information can be found on the Healeys website


Bedruthan Christmas Fayre

Returning for 2024, Bedruthan Christmas Fayre showcases a carefully curated collection of the South West’s most talented artisans and makers. This magical marketplace brims with treasures, from stunning artwork and handcrafted ceramics to bespoke jewellery and textiles.

Turn your visit into a memorable family day out, with festive craft activities on offer and an on-site bakery tempting hungry bellies with freshly baked seasonal treats. While adults explore the artisan stalls, little ones can unleash their energy in the exciting Jungle Tumble play area.

For just £2 per person, your ticket includes convenient parking and a handy shuttle bus service. Young children under 5 enter free of charge (though they must be included in your final ticket count). You can book your ticket here.

Where: Bedruthan Hotel and Spa, Trenance, Mawgan Porth TR8 4BU

When: 23rd – 24th November 2024

Times: 10am – 5pm


Christmas Markets in Somerset

Aerial view of Bath Christmas market

Bath Christmas Market

The streets of Bath are buzzing during this festive period, with over 170 chalets and stalls showcasing some of the best crafters and makers in the South West. Expect mulled beverages, delicious food stalls and sparkling gifts as far as the eye can see! The Bath Christmas market is a much loved South West Christmas market amongst both locals and those that live further afield, making it a must visit this Christmas.

Where: Bath City Centre

When: 28th November – 15th December 2024

Times: Monday to Wednesday: 10am to 7pm, Thursday to Saturday: 10am to 8pm Sundays: 10am to 6pm


Christmas Craft Fair, Taunton

The annual artisan craft market has been trading in Taunton at Christmas for over 15 years and will return again this year, on Fore Street, in the town centre near the Christmas tree. So get your winter warmers on to browse unique hand-crafted gifts, textiles, jewellery, fused glass, preserves, ceramics, wood turning, knitted accessories, animal portraits, clothing and lots more!

Where: Taunton Town Centre

When: 30th November – 15th December 2024

Times: Times TBC, visit the Facebook page for more info


Christmas Markets in Dorset

Handmade for Christmas, Sturminster Newton

This Dorset Christmas market has an emphasis on showcasing only handmade and hand-crafted products and gifts. The Workhouse Chapel is transformed into a wonderful Christmas shopping venue selling handcrafted work from over 60 of the West Country’s finest makers and artists. Enjoy a drink beside the open fire and browse the tempting treats, from handmade baskets, to jewellery, to leather and metal work. You will probably come away with a few presents for yourself too!

Where: Sturminster Newton, Dorset, DT10 1DS

When: 1st November – 24th December 2024

Times: 9:30am – 4:30pm


Poundbury Christmas Market, near Dorchester

Falling every year on Small Business Saturday, the Poundbury Christmas Market is small, perfectly formed and is certainly one not to be missed! This Dorset Christmas market has been a festive season staple since 2015, inviting visitors every year to the town of Poundbury. Be sure to tuck into delicious hot food and start gift shopping for the special people in your life.

Where: Crown Square, Dorchester, DT1 3EN

When: 30th November 2024

Times: 10am – 4pm


Recharge your energy levels before the whirl of the holiday season with a few days to visit these brilliant South West Christmas markets. Bring a shopping basket, browse top-notch goodies, enjoy an evening or two relaxing by an open fire and head home with a smile and a car full of presents.

We have cosy cottages of all styles and sizes available in the run-up to Christmas – take a look at our collection of fantastic holiday cottages and reserve your home-from-home for a fun, festive break with the family. Happy Holidays!


Article adapted from original content written by Christine Phillips for Helpful Holidays.


Image credit: Alison DayCC BY-ND 2.0; Andy MilhamCC BY 2.0; Derek HarperCC BY-SA 2.0; Andrew GustarCC BY-ND 2.0; Patrick MackieCC BY-SA 2.0; Andrew BoneCC BY 2.0; Lets Go Out Bournemouth and PooleCC BY 2.0