From quaint country villages to cities by the sea, Devon hosts some of the UK’s best Christmas markets ready to enthral all generations of merrymakers.
Whether it’s the promise of carol singing and Christmas mingling, or the temptation of mulled wine and mouth-watering food that lures you out into the winter air, there’s just something about Christmas markets that’s truly irresistible. Happily providing plenty of Christmas inspiration is a spellbinding line-up of Christmas markets in Devon for 2026, ready for you to enjoy all your favourite festive past-times.
Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market
13th November - 13th December 2026
The award-winning Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market is one that attracts visitors from near and far. Spread across the historic city, the month-long market takes place from mid-November to mid-December each year and promises a huge range of local, regional and international market stalls selling artisanal products and gifts. Follow the labyrinth of fairy light-strung wooden chalets and relish the cheery atmosphere of this Christmas market situated in front of one of the South West’s most famous architectural icons.
Dawlish Christmas Street Market
21st - 22nd November 2026
This December, Dawlish’s streets will thrum with atmosphere as the town’s much-anticipated Christmas market gets underway. Beginning with the town’s Christmas lights switch-on, the weekend will be taken up with free face painting, joy rides and family-friendly activities during the day, as well as live music and entertainment during the evening.
Buckfast Abbey Christmas Fair, Buckfastleigh
26th - 28th November 2026
Buckfast Abbey's Christmas market usually spans three days each winter for timeless Christmas moments. Free to all, the event welcomes all generations into the abbey’s grounds, whereupon a vibrant Christmas market awaits with independent stalls and stands. Explore the abbey’s gardens and church and peruse each stall, discovering an array of unique gifts and delicious food produced by local businesses.
Plymouth Christmas Market
26th November - 20th December 2026
Taking place in the heart of Plymouth city centre just a stone’s throw from the cobbled streets of the Barbican, Plymouth’s Christmas markets are planned from late November in 2026. One of the biggest Christmas markets in the South West, this festival offers winter wonderlanders all kinds of seasonal activities and festive fun, with an open-air bar serving hot mulled wine, carollers carol singing, vendors selling warming food and artisan gifts, and more. Head over to Britain’s ocean city and get ready to celebrate Christmas in style.
Combe Christmas Market, Ilfracombe
27th November 2026
With its picturesque harbour peppered with sailing boats and overlooked by multi-coloured houses, the coastal town of Ilfracombe in North Devon has year-round appeal. With Christmas lights and lanterns illuminating windows and wreaths hanging in doorways, Christmas is particularly enchanting here - especially with the addition of its annual Christmas market. Pay a visit this festive season and get involved in festivities for the ultimate Christmas holiday in Devon.
Newton Abbot Christmas Fayre
28th November 2026
What could be more exciting than pony rides, an inflatable snow globe, Christmas-themed face painting and wreath-making classes? If you adore festive soundtracks, workshops and attractions, then head over to Newton Abbey racecourse for their day-long Christmas fayre on Saturday 28th November this year. All the family is welcome to come along and enjoy magical moments in the lead up to Christmas.
Brixham Christmas Market
28th November 2026
Pursue a coastal Christmas in South Devon and make way to Brixham. One of the most anticipated events in the town’s calendar, Brixham’s Lanterns, Lights and Luminations events is set to take place on 20th and 21st November this year, followed by the Town Hall’s Christmas market on Saturday 28th November. Head over between 10am and 2pm to enjoy the happenings and relish the festive cheer.
South Molton Festival of Festive Food and Drink
29th November 2026
South Molton’s Pannier Market will be taken over by over an array of Christmas stalls this year as part of the town’s much-anticipated Christmas festival. Get in the spirit at South Molton’s Festival of Festive Food and Drink and sample your way around, indulging in delicious treats and Christmas classics from local artisan producers.
Kingsbridge Celebrates Christmas
5th December 2026
The riverside town of Kingsbridge is beloved for its timeless charm and plethora of things to see and do. Adding to the allure of this picture-postcard idyll, the festive season brings about a number of festive events, including the annual Kingsbridge Celebrates Christmas. Expect unique market stalls, Christmas carols, ice skating and more.
North Devon Christmas Market, Braunton
5th December 2026
Located in the picture-postcard village of Braunton, the North Devon Christmas Market is a must-visit for every lover of Christmas. Hosting over 130 traders, this outdoor Christmas market showcases the finest crafts and products from the West Country and is one of the biggest events of its kind in the county. Pencil in the date and gear yourself up for live entertainment, delicious street food and lots of superb shopping opportunities.
Totnes Christmas Festival
8th, 15th, 23rd December 2026
Head to the riverside town of Totnes in South Devon in December for their annual Christmas lights switch on, followed by their Christmas market and late night shopping dates. With the intoxicating aromas of mulled wine and roasting chestnuts, live music and entertainment, fairy lights and glistening decorations, the scene will be perfectly set for unforgettable Christmas celebrations. The market will be open each Tuesday in the lead up to Christmas and also features a lantern parade.
Dartington Hall Christmas Fayre
8th December 2026
Dartington Hall is a historic, Grade II* listed house ensconced in 800 acres of landscaped gardens and countryside. Setting a beautiful backdrop to Yuletide activities, it promises a dreamy destination this winter. For a Christmas market in Devon with a grand twist, visit the estate this year and uncover the Makers Fayre for Christmas shopping, carol singers, delectable food and drink, and more.
Tavistock Butchers Hall Christmas Markets
11th - 23rd December 2026
Taking place in the heart of Tavistock is Butchers Hall Christmas Markets. Lovingly set up around the town’s famous market hall, this annual event runs for over a week and affords ample opportunity for Christmas shopping. Peruse the festive displays and market stalls brimming with seasonal treats. With artisan jewellery, candles, chocolate, soaps and more, you are sure to find something special. Enchanting all generations, you can also find a gnome trail, Christmas choirs, elves, bouncy castles and festive food and drink.
Torre Abbey, Winterfest
TBC
Torre Abbey’s Winter Fest gift and craft fair entices revellers with a large number of stalls selling unique items handcrafted by local artisans. Pick up some stocking fillers for loved ones, explore the wintery abbey grounds, say hello to the local alpacas and grab a warming mug of mulled wine to keep warm. You can also book tickets to take the children to meet Mother and Father Christmas, where they’ll receive their own Christmas gift to put under the tree.
Feeling inspired? Take a look at our holiday cottages in Devon for a Christmas escape.
