Devon’s Most Magical Markets
Grab your fluffiest scarf and biggest bobble hat; there’s more festive fun incoming…
Devon’s already had its first festive dusting of Christmas markets (and you can recap on those still happening here). But with December now on the horizon, if you haven’t yet, it’s time to swerve the stress of the high street and instead embrace those twinkly, mulled wine-filled magical moments.
So, wrap up warm; here’s Part Deux of our festive curation of the county’s coolest Christmas markets….
Native Maker’s Market: Image- Hanna Collins
Thurlestone Hotel Christmas Fair, Thursday 28th November, 5 – 8pm.
A great venue in the South Hams for hosting over thirty artisans in the local area, from Kingsbridge to Salcombe and in-between. There’s a lorra lorra talent in these parts, so prepare to tick off a few of those tricky-to-buy-for people on your list. And, whatever you do, don’t* (*do) get sidetracked and end up buying loads of gifts for yourself.
Thurlestone Hotel, Kingsbridge, Devon, TQ7 3NN
Love Topsham Festive Market, Friday 29th November, 5 – 8.30pm
This little beauty forms part of a full programme of festivities for the lovely town of Topsham, which begins with the big lights switch-on, by an Olympian no less. Expect over twenty artisan stalls at this one. Plus a choir. Plus mulled wine. Plus mince pies. Equals merry times!
St Margaret’s Church, Fore Street, Topsham, EX3 0HL
Native Makers Festive Market, Ocean Studios, Plymouth, Sat 30th November – Sun 1st December & Sat 14th – Sun 15th December.
As a local, this is hands down one of our fave shopping opportunities throughout the year; in December there’s the added bonus of some festive sparkle! Showcasing over fifty makers and businesses, it’s a really lovely, intimate atmosphere and the makers are always carefully curated, so there’s a real mix of talent. Everyone loves to chat and we defy you not to leave with a bag of goodies. One for Auntie Doreen, one for me, one for the niece, one for me…and so it goes on…
Ocean Studios, The Factory Cooperage, Royal William Yard, Plymouth, PL1 3RP
Wintertide, Buckfastleigh, Saturday 30th November 10am – 5pm.
We heard great things about this one which debuted last year. This year, over 50 artists, designers, makers and creators from all over the South West will be gathering at two different venues in town. There’s the Town Hall for the makers, and then there’s the Brew Hub for food and drink. Plus there’s a pop-up sauna in the park and free crafts for kids. But what we also love is that everyone’s invited to Bring a Tin, donating to the local food bank. Feel-good vibes all around.
All details here.
Wonderworks Contemporary Winter Fair, Jubilee Hall, Chagford, Sat 30th November – Sun 1st December, 10am – 5pm.
Beautiful Dartmoor location, tick; awesome line-up of local talent, tick-tick. Great food? Tick! This fair promises a selection of unique, but affordable gift ideas, as well as a cafe provided by the Wild Dartmoor Kitchen. See you there, yeah?
Jubilee Hall, Chagford, Devon, TQ13 8DP
Festive Goood Food & Craft Market. Image: Dom Moore
Festive Good Food & Craft Market, Royal William Yard, Plymouth, Dates from Sunday 1st – Wednesday 18th Dec.
Under cover of the atmospheric Grade I Melville Building in Plymouth’s Royal William Yard, take your pick from seven festive markets, or pop along to them all! Wednesdays (5 – 9pm) give added evening twinkle and Sundays (10am – 3pm) are there for lazy daytime wanderings. This is one to stock up on food for the Christmas spread and bag a few last-minute gifts. You can even pick up a Christmas tree!
All details here.
Totnes Christmas Markets and Late Night Shopping, Tuesdays 3rd, 10th and 17th December, 3 -9pm.
Want a festive market experience that the whole town gets behind? Totnes has you covered. Over 70 stalls pitch up and the lovely indie shops stay open long into the evening. The 17th will also coincide with the carnival lantern parade. And, this year, there will be two special food court areas; one at the Civic Hall car park and one at the Mansion on Fore Street. Your only dilemma is which mulled beverage to nurse for the duration.
Bumble and Bee Cosy Christmas Market, Exmouth, Saturday 7th December, 2 – 6pm
Each year, this lovely cafe gets behind the town’s local businesses, laying on a festive market, a ‘Finding Santa’ trail, plus the obligatory mince pies and mulled wine. And when we saw that the gorgeous creations of local maker Claire of Claire Lowe Jewellery would be showcased, we knew this one would be worth the visit! Save us a MP or two, please!
Bumble and Bee, Manor Gardens, Exmouth, EX8 1BB.
The Great Hall Winter Craft Fair, Dartington, Saturday 7th – Sunday 8th December, 10am – 4pm
As locations go, this one’s a stunner. And the fourth instalment of the Great Hall Craft fair promises a bumper weekend gathering of sixty makers and designers from the south west and beyond. You should find gifts for all budgets, as well as lots of festive fun for all ages, from bubble shows to traditional choir-sung carols. Just not at the same time.
North Devon Christmas Market, Braunton, Saturday 7th December, 12 – 8pm
Now in its 9th year, this one’s the biggest of its kind in North Devon, with over 130 traders in pretty Braunton. As per the Christmas Market Rules, there will be crafts, gifts, street food and entertainment; and while you’re there, it’s the perfect excuse to pop in and visit some of the lovely local stores. If you don’t feel festive by the end of it, we’ll eat our bobble hats!
Tavistock Butcher’s Hall Christmas Markets, Thurs 14th – Sat 23rd December 9am – 4pm.
Funnily enough, the market town of Tavistock loves a good market and there are plenty of ‘em taking place in December. This one, within the Butcher’s Hall offers up a host of local artisans selling textiles, wood crafts, glass and pottery, as well as lots of food and drink producers. Pop in and soak up the festivities ahead of the big day, you won’t regret it!
Butcher’s Hall, Tavistock Pannier Market, Tavistock, PL19 0AL
