From quaint country villages to cities by the sea, Devon hosts some of the UK’s best Christmas markets ready to thrill 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 fun-filled line-up of Christmas markets in Devon for 2023, ready for you to enjoy all your favourite festive past-times. Let’s get started.
Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market
17th November - 17th December 2023
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 will take place from 17th November to 17th December this 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.
Combe Christmas Market, Ilfracombe
24th November 2023
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.
Torre Abbey, Winterfest
25th November - 3rd December 2023
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 steaming mug of mulled wine to keep warm. You can also book tickets to take the kids to meet Mother and Father Christmas, where they’ll receive their own Christmas gift to put under the tree.
South Molton Festival of Festive Food and Drink
26th November 2023
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.
Buckfast Abbey Christmas Fair, Buckfastleigh
30th November - 2nd December 2023
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 will await 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
30th November - 17th December 2023
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 2023. One of the biggest Christmas markets in the South West, this festival offers winter wonderlanders all kinds of seasonal activities and festive fun, including an open-air bar serving hot mulled wine, carollers carol singing, vendors selling warming food and artisan gifts, and lots, lots more. Head over to Britain’s ocean city and get ready to celebrate Christmas in style.
Dawlish Christmas Street Market
1st - 3rd December 2023
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 on Friday 1st December, 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.
North Devon Christmas Market, Braunton
2nd December 2023
Located in the picture-postcard village of Braunton, the North Devon Christmas Market is a must-visit for every Christmas fan. 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.
Newton Abbot Christmas Fayre
2nd December 2023
What could be more exciting than pony rides, an inflatable snow globe, Christmas-themed face painting and wreath-making classes? If you can’t get enough of festive tunes, workshops and attractions, then head over to Newton Abbey racecourse for their day-long Christmas fayre on Saturday 2nd December this year. All the family is welcome to come along and enjoy magical moments in the lead up to Christmas.
Totnes Christmas Festival
5th, 12th, 19th December 2023
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.
Christmas at Connaught, Sidmouth
9th - 18th December 2023
Taking pride of place in the seaside town of Sidmouth, Connaught Gardens are one of the must-visit Christmas markets in Devon this year for foodie fans. With a Christmas food and craft village open to everyone, this Christmas market features a street food village serving all the very best local food to fuel your adventures. Sample local delights, savour soothing drinks and browse the assortment of Christmas gifts. You can also purchase tickets to wander the illuminated gardens for a memorable twist too.
Tavistock Butchers Hall Christmas Markets
14th - 23rd December 2023
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.
Feeling inspired? Take a look at our holiday cottages in Devon for a Christmas escape.
