Christmas markets in Devon

Local crafts, mulled wine and festive delights

From charming countryside villages to bustling coastal cities, Devon boasts some of the UK’s finest Christmas markets, perfect for visitors of all ages. Whether you're drawn in by the sound of carol singing, the warmth of festive gatherings, or the allure of mulled wine and delicious food, here are some of the county's best that are perfect for getting into the festive spirit.

Plymouth Winter Wonderland

Where: Plymouth City Centre

When: Thursday 28th November - Sunday 15th December

Accessibility notes: Access Plymouth is a local charity which exists to help Plymouth residents and visitors with their mobility needs. Housed in purpose-built premises in Mayflower East Car Park, they provide scooters, wheelchairs and powerchairs for hire and sale. An optional Accessibility Permit is available which allows a Blue Badge holder to park for free in all Council car parks except Mayflower East, Regent Street, Theatre Royal and Western Approach.

Open from Thursday 28^th November to Sunday 15^th December, head to Plymouth’s city centre for a Christmas extravaganza. Lined with festooned lighting, enjoy a hot mulled wine at the open-air bar before exploring log cabins filled with hand-crafted gifts, crafts and festive treats. If you're visiting during the day, visit the Piazza to watch local schools and community choirs cover your favourite festive tunes. 

If you're looking to extend your festive break to Cornwall, take a look at some of the best Christmas light switch-ons happening in the county. 

© Ross Sneddon and © Alisa Anton Via Unsplash

Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market 

Where: Cathedral Yard

When: Friday 15th November - Sunday 15th December

Accessibility notes: If you require the use of a wheelchair or motorised scooter to get around the city, ExeAccess is conveniently located in Princesshay, offering a range of equipment available for hire.

Set in front of the city's most iconic architectural structure, this award-winning market draws visitors from all over the South West during the festive season. From Friday, November 15th to Sunday, December 15th, visitors can explore over 100 sparkling chalets with loved ones in search of the perfect stocking filler. In addition to selling artisanal products and unique gifts, vendors will also sell a range of global street food, including some festive favourites, including turkey rolls and giant Yorkshire puddings. 

Kingsbridge Celebrates Christmas

Where: Town Square

When: Saturday 7th December

Accessibility notes: Kingsbridge Information Centre is accessible to wheelchairs and mobility scooters. Staff are happy to help visitors with all forms of mobility needs. Blue Badge parking bays can be found in all South Hams District Council car parks, and a parking badge allows you an hour's free parking on top of what you pay for.

Celebrate the arrival of the festive period with a visit to Kingsbridge on Saturday 7^th December. Start the day at the Farmers Market to snack on all your favourite tasty treats including mince pies and chocolates before browsing the surrounding shops and stalls as carol singers perform nearby.

If you’re visiting with little ones, keep an eye out for Father Christmas where you can visit him in his grotto for a gift or wrap up warm and take to the ice for a skating session with friends and family.

© Dahlia E. Akhaine, © Luca Lago and Valentin Petkov via Unsplash

Dawlish Christmas Street Market 

Where: The Strand

When: Friday 22nd  - Saturday 23rd November

Accessibility notes: The Strand car park is the closest to the centre of the village. There are accessible parking bays available.

In late November, this two-day event promises to deliver all the festive magic as the streets of Dawlish are transformed ahead of its Christmas light switch-on. Expect a weekend filled with face painting, live music and various activities guaranteed to satisfy the whole family. Children can meet Father Christmas while adults warm themselves up with a mug of spiced cider and many of the markets feature live entertainment including traditional nativity scenes - it's the perfect place to soak up the atmosphere. 

North Devon Christmas Market 

Where: Braunton village centre

When: Saturday 7th December

Nestled in the charming village of Braunton, the North Devon Christmas Market is an essential destination for yuletide celebrations. Featuring more than 130 vendors, this outdoor market highlights the finest crafts and products from the West Country, making it one of the county's largest events of its kind. Mark your calendar and prepare for live entertainment, mouthwatering street food, and many fantastic shopping options.

If you're visiting with your four-legged friend, here are some of the best dog-friendly pubs across Devon for you to try. 

© Richard Bell, © Colin LLoyd and © Paulina H via Unsplash

Newton Abbot Christmas Fayre

Where: Newton Abbot Race Course

When: Saturday 30th November

Accessibility notes: Wheelchair-accessible entrances are located in all betting halls with lifts in the Paddock Betting Hall and the Teign Suite. Accessible toilets are located in the entrance to the Paddock Enclosure areas, in the Terrace Rooms and on the top floor of the Teign Suite.

This November, visit the Newton Abbot Christmas Fayre, where you can find a treasure trove of gifts for everyone on your Christmas list. With 40 stables transformed into a charming mini Christmas village, each stable features a unique vendor. Children can enjoy the festivities for free, which include pony rides around the course and face painting. 

If you’re feeling crafty, you can book a slot to create your own Christmas wreath, which you can take home and hang on your front door.

Escape to Bigbury-on-Sea this Christmas 

A striking amalgamation of glass and wood, Beachfront is a Scandi-inspired beach house overlooking the water. Set over one floor and boasting four spacious bedrooms, this retreat is the perfect place to gather friends and family over the holidays. With a bright open-plan living space that opens onto an expansive front deck, unwrap presents under the tree and pair views over Bigbury Beach with your morning coffee.

Image credits: © Ross Sneddon | © Alisa Anton | © Dahlia E. Akhaine | © Luca Lago | © Valentin Petkov | © Richard Bell |  © Colin LLoyd and © Paulina H via Unsplash | All other images are our own.