The best Christmas markets in Cornwall for winter 2024

Dates, locations and lots to look forward to...

There’s nothing like the sparkling sights, exciting sounds and incredible smells of a Christmas market to get you feeling festive in Cornwall. From artisan food in Fowey to handmade gifts in Mawgan Porth, here are our favourites for 2024...

Eden's Cornwall Christmas Fair

Wednesday 27th and Thursday 28th November 2024 at The Eden Project

Kickstarting Eden’s season of goodwill and raising funds for Cornwall Community Foundation, 70 independent stalls will take to the biomes in late November. Promising home décor, clothing and produce aplenty, take your pick from beautiful brands across Cornwall and beyond. 

While the fair officially opens from 10am on Thursday 28th, a dedicated preview evening the night before is a lovely way to enjoy wine, supper and a spot of Christmas shopping, complete with a cocktail hour from Healey’s at 5pm.

Get inspired for this year’s stocking fillers, take a walk through the biomes or book an ice-skating session as evening falls – there’s plenty on offer throughout winter to spark the festivities. Tickets must be booked in advance. Find more details here.

Inspired by its sparkling sea views and luscious gardens, book a stay at our very own Eden. Watch the coast come alive this winter from the comfort of the outdoor pool, or explore the Rame Peninsula with dog-friendly walking routes nearby.

Bedruthan Christmas Fayre

23rd and 24th November at Bedruthan in Mawgan Porth

Encouraging visitors to put their own handmade spin on this year’s gifts, Bedruthan’s Christmas Fayre promises three days of ceramics, illustration, textiles and much more. Over 50 stalls and exhibitors will be at Bedruthan this year, including raku firing and willow weaving to name a couple. 

After the children post their letters to Santa, head to the sea-view restaurant and café for a Christmas afternoon tea, or join a wreath-making workshop. Included within the ticket price, you’ll be collected from Mawgan Porth Beach car park and driven to the event via shuttle bus – perfect for enjoying a coffee on the sand afterwards.

Looking to stay in Mawgan Porth this winter? Be tempted by one of our homes overlooking the beach with hot tubs and games rooms to satisfy all ages. Ready to welcome guests over Bedruthan’s festive weekend, some of Cornwall’s best restaurants and spas await on the doorstep. 

Find a full list of winter workshops and classes on Bedruthan’s website.

Healey's Christmas Markets

Every weekend from Saturday 9th November until Sunday 15th December at Healey’s Cornish Cyder Farm

Home to our much-loved Rattler, watch the farm at Healey’s come alive across six weekends this November and December. As they head into their seventh year, the team are eager to welcome visitors into "a fairy-tale world of mulled cyder and hearty food, Christmas songs and crafts."

We’re yet to see a detailed itinerary, but if 2023’s event is anything to go by, look forward to traditional Sunday roasts, carol singers in the Old Bottlery, and freshly cut Christmas trees ready to take home. Children will love exploring the cobbled courtyards, taking a tractor ride through the working apple orchards, and paying a visit to the farm’s newest resident, Chutney the baby goat.

You can book tickets for the event here.
 

Fowey Christmas Market

Friday 22nd, Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th at Fowey Town Quay, Albert Quay, Webb Street and Town Hall

One of Cornwall’s most popular Christmas events, Fowey’s Christmas Market attracts thousands of visitors to enjoy locally produced food, drink and handmade gifts. Showcasing an extensive collection of everything from Cornish clotted cream and award-winning cheddar to handmade jewellery and festive flower crowns, Fowey’s streets come alive with almost 200 traders each year. While the specifics aren’t yet confirmed, this year’s event is taking place over the 22nd, 23rd and 24th November. 

Pick up unique handcrafted glassware from Jo Downs and find the perfect delicate decoration to add to this year’s tree, or head to Webb Street Company for a beautiful range of books, accessories and homeware. 

With gifts chosen and carols sung, it’s well worth popping into one of Fowey’s lovely local coffee shops, pubs or restaurants that hug the harbour. We love Appleton’s for its extensive cocktail menu, or for a spot overlooking the water, head to The Galleon Inn. 

If you're looking for somewhere to soak up the merriment, a stay at one of our Fowey properties promise to send you packing with a smile on your face. Home to views of agile fields or baby blue waters, relax as the sound of Cornish coast prepares you for a slumberous night's sleep.

Porthleven Christmas Market

Friday 29th, Saturday 30th November and Sunday 1st December at The Shipyard Market

If you’re visiting Porthleven this winter, perhaps with a stay at our nearby properties Salt Spray or Seathrift, circle the first weekend of December in your diary. Stalls are scattered across the shipyard and the whole town comes alive with late night shopping, live music, gourmet food and lashings of mulled wine.

The full 2024 line-up is yet to be confirmed, but last year’s vendors featured Truly Cornish (think Christmassy cupcakes and decadent hot chocolates), beautiful pet portraits from The Animal Artist, and chic-meets-sustainable decorations from the talented Tangled Wreaths. 

As well as a Santa’s grotto for the children and music performances across the three days, we’re expecting a Christmas light switch-on to illuminate Porthleven Harbour as night falls.

See more on the event’s Facebook page.
 

Carbis Bay's Coastal Christmas Market

Saturday 7th, Sunday 8th, Saturday 14th and Sunday 14th December 2024  at Carbis Bay Estate near St Ives

A free event that’s open to all, Carbis Bay’s beach promenade is set to twinkle in the yuletide glow for two weekends in December. Open from 11am – 5pm, children can look forward to crafty activities and a Santa’s grotto, while grown-ups watch on with mulled wine in hand. It’s not a Christmas market without live music, so there’ll be festive performances throughout. 

See more here.

Newquay Tretherras Christmas Market

Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th November
 

With four festive halls bursting with over 100 artisan crafters, you're bound to find something for everyone on your Christmas list at this popular festive fayre. Open from 10 am, entry is free and there's on-site parking available. This event runs as a fundraising activity for extracurricular opportunities for the children of Newquay Tretherras school so it's a great way of supporting the local community while also securing one-of-a-kind gifts for your loved ones. 

If you're looking to refuel after browsing each stall, take some time to relax at the Winter Crafty Fayre Café with a hot chocolate and slice of cake. 

Penryn's Jubilee Wharf Christmas Fair

Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th December at Jubilee Wharf in Penryn

A free, festive and fun weekend awaits at Penryn’s Jubilee Wharf Christmas Fair, taking place in December. Kickstart the festive feeling through your taste buds, where local rum, toasted walnuts and mulled wine are sure to please.

While in the area, be sure to visit Falmouth for an afternoon of festivities. Watch the story of the Nativity in the town centre, catch falling snowflakes as you stroll through the streets and marvel at the light displays dotted around the town. When hungry bellies call, stop by Gylly Beach Café for jam-first homemade scones and spiced gingerbread.

Read more about the event here.

Truro Christmas Market

Friday 22nd November - Tuesday 24th December at Lemon Quay in Truro

Bringing a festive buzz to Cornwall’s capital, Truro’s Christmas Market is a seasonal favourite that transforms Lemon Quay into a winter wonderland. Spanning over two weeks, this market is brimming with more than 80 stalls showcasing the finest locally made crafts, artwork and gifts. Foodies can indulge in Cornish delicacies like fresh pastries, cheese platters and, of course, steaming mulled wine to keep warm.

With twinkling lights, artisan stalls and the scent of freshly baked mince pies in the air, it’s the perfect place to pick up unique gifts and yuletide décor. Live music adds to the magic, while local performers and choirs offer plenty of entertainment. Pop in on a Wednesday for late-night shopping and soak up the Christmas spirit.

Read more about the event here.

Spend Christmas in Cornwall

Left: Gabriel's View in Mawgan Porth. Right: The Baobab in Padstow.

Stunning beaches, warm country pubs and a luxury holiday home to retire to - Christmas in Cornwall is truly special. Keep up-to-date with our Christmas page and secure your dream home for 2024.

Image credits: All images are our own or from Unsplash.