The South West is not just celebrated for its sought-after holiday spots in the summer; it truly comes alive during the winter and festive season. This enchanting region boasts a delightful array of Christmas markets that beautifully intertwine festive joy with local charm. Whether you’re on the hunt for one-of-a-kind gifts, exquisite artisan crafts, or delectable seasonal treats, these markets promise to immerse you in the magic of Christmas.
Westcountry Resorts has compiled a list of the best Christmas markets in the South West.
First on our list of the best Christmas Markets in the South West is Bath. Bath’s award-winning Christmas market is a wonder to behold in one of England’s most picturesque cities.
Bath’s Christmas market is truly special, thanks to its stunning Georgian backdrop that creates an immersive winter wonderland experience. With over 229 stalls, the market features a variety of stalls, including homewares, handcrafted jewellery, food, drinks, and personalised gifts, many of which are provided by local designers and artisans. This year, the Bath Christmas market will celebrate its 25th anniversary, featuring a series of additional activities for the whole family to enjoy.
No trip to Bath would be complete without a visit to the Roman Baths. Consider concluding your visit by taking in the Christmas decorations from the rooftop pool at Thermae Bath Spa. Alternatively, you can experience Bath on Ice, which returns for its 13th year from November 14th to January 4th, 2026. Here, you can try your hand at skating while listening to festive music and sipping seasonal drinks. Don’t miss the Glow Golf next door, an adventure golf course illuminated with fairy lights for a magical experience—complete with glow-in-the-dark balls!
The Christmas market opening times are as follows:
Monday to Wednesday: 10 am – 7 pm – Thursday to Saturday: 10 am – 8 pm – Sunday: 10 am – 6 pm
Bristol is undoubtedly one of the most stylish cities in the UK, and its Christmas Market stands out as one of the most vibrant in the South West. With over 40 enchanting stalls brimming with crafts, unique gift ideas, and mouthwatering food, the atmosphere is truly festive. After a day filled with shopping, you can unwind in the cosy Jäger Barn Bar, where live music and heated seating create the perfect backdrop for relaxation. To add to the magic, Santa and his cheerful elves will be making special appearances to delight the little ones.
But Bristol’s festive spirit doesn’t stop with just one Christmas Market. Scattered throughout the city, you’ll discover multiple hubs of holiday cheer. The Harbourside Christmas Market offers a stunning waterfront setting that captures the essence of the season. Among the highlights is the famous St Nicholas Market, considered one of the best in the UK. Don’t miss the Local Christmas Market, where talented Bristolian artists, craftspeople, and merchants showcase their distinctive creations—truly one-of-a-kind treasures you won’t find anywhere else.
Opening times for Bristol Christmas market: Festive stalls 10am-7pm and Food stalls and bar 10am-10pm
Exeter Cathedral’s Christmas market is the largest in Devon, an enchanting annual event that attracts over 600,000 visitors. Nestled against the breathtaking backdrop of Exeter Cathedral, the Cathedral Green comes alive with more than 100 charming wooden chalets, brimming with exquisite crafts, delightful gifts, and mouthwatering fresh food. A Bavarian-style bar adds to the festive cheer, serving up refreshing drinks to warm your spirits.
Just a stone’s throw from Exeter High Street, this market is the perfect spot to cross off your Christmas shopping list while soaking in the holiday ambience. Throughout the festive season, the Cathedral opens its doors to a variety of heartwarming events, including carol services, captivating exhibitions, lively concerts, and engaging children’s craft fairs. Entry to the market is by donation, making it accessible for everyone.
A trip to Exeter, home to one of the finest Christmas markets in the South West, is sure to fill your heart with joy and get you into the true holiday spirit.
Opening times: Monday to Wednesday 10 am – 7 pm, Thursday to Saturday 10 am-9 pm and Sundays 11 am – 5 pm
Icescape at Westpoint Exeter is an extraordinary adventure opening over the festive period from 11th December to 4th January 2026, excluding Christmas Day. There are different sessions to book, from parent and toddler sessions to disco nights and quiet sessions.
The Plymouth Christmas Market transforms the city centre into a winter wonderland, with wooden log cabins adorned in twinkling lights. Visitors can explore these charming stalls, filled with unique gifts and clothing perfect for the holiday season.
The Plymouth Christmas Market offers a delightful array of handmade crafts, cosy winter clothing, decorative ornaments, and collectable decorations, ensuring there’s something for everyone. One of the highlights is the festive food stalls, where the mouthwatering aroma of spiced mulled wine, freshly made fudge, and traditional holiday treats fills the air.
With live music, carol singers, and an enchanting holiday spirit, the market is the perfect place to create lasting memories. It’s a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the essence of a traditional, magical Christmas.
Opening times: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 10 am – 7 pm, Thursday 10 am – 8 pm (late night shopping) and Sunday 11 am – 5 pm.
Totnes’ Night Market is on every Tuesday in December in the run-up to Christmas, from 3pm to 9pm. Traders run the market for the local community. Rather than a month-long installation like other Christmas markets, the Totnes Night Market is a blink-and-you ‘ll-miss-it event that offers an experience that is uniquely Devon.
The Night Market features performances from local schools, community choirs, and regional bands. A festive lantern parade is scheduled for December 16th at 4:30 pm. Totnes Market hosts over 90 local traders in a more intimate and cosy atmosphere. With fantastic entertainment, local food, cider, and mulled wine, this is an event not to be missed if you’re in the South West during this time.
Truro’s award-winning Christmas Market is a highlight of the holiday season in Cornwall! The market on Lemon Quay is Cornwall’s largest, attracting locals and visitors with its festive atmosphere. It features a variety of stalls offering unique, handcrafted gifts and decorations for everyone on your list.
Alongside the gift stalls, visitors will find an impressive selection of local produce. From Cornish cheeses and artisan preserves to delicious baked goods, perfect for holiday feasts. Artisans from across the region showcase their creations, offering original artwork, pottery, and jewellery celebrating Cornwall’s rich creative spirit.
The festive atmosphere comes alive with local musicians, carolers, and brass bands, creating a joyful holiday soundtrack at the bustling market. It’s the perfect setting to enjoy traditional treats and explore Cornwall’s festive offerings.
The market is open daily, but hours of operation vary, so it’s best to check before your visit.
The Eden Project Christmas Fair is a vibrant annual event held in the beautiful biomes in Cornwall. With up to 70 independent stalls, it offers unique, high-quality gifts from Cornwall and beyond.
The fair is particularly magical at this time of year, with sparkling lights illuminating the biomes and festive decorations adding to the beauty of the Eden Project’s lush landscapes. Guests can also enjoy seasonal treats and mulled drinks, making for a warm and festive experience. With live entertainment and holiday-themed activities, the Eden Project Christmas Fair is a must-visit for everyone.
This is a ticketed event which needs to be booked in advance, raising funds for the Cornwall Community Foundation. There are special rates for local residents based in Devon and Cornwall.
We hope you enjoy our recommendations and visit the South West during the festive period! If you would like to spend more time holidaying in the South West, why not browse our staticcaravans for sale in Devon,Cornwall andSomerset?
