The best North Devon Christmas markets 2023

Christmas markets in North Devon are abundant in their choice of local craft, food and drink, art and unique produce with a wealth of small businesses keen to show off their bountiful offerings for you to share with your loved ones on Christmas day.

North Devon Christmas markets are the perfect opportunity to pick up unique gifts and enjoy wintery treats while immersing yourself in the seasonal splendour within unique and beautiful surroundings.

If you are unfamiliar to the area you may also want to look at our ‘Top things to do in North Devon at Christmas 2023’ for further festive inspiration!

Take a look at some of the best Christmas Markets for you to enjoy this festive season with ideas for the whole family to enjoy!

1. Exeter Cathedral Christmas market

• 17^th November – 17^th December
• Exeter Cathedral Green

Located in the heart of the city set within Exeter Cathedral’s famous Green Exeter’s Christmas Market is the ultimate Christmas destination for shoppers and tourists. With over 100 festive chalets providing local produce, gifts, global street food and seasonal entertainment we are sure no one will leave this market empty-handed!

Entry is free and you also receive free entry into Exeter Cathedral, we recommend spending some time looking around this magnificent building.

2. wooley Winter wonderland animal barn and market

• There will be Christmas market stallholders on all weekends and selected dates in December 2023
  Sat 2nd & Sun 3rd / Sat 9th & Sun 10th / Sat 16th & Sun 17th / Mon 18th / Tues 19th & Wed 20th Dec

Woolley Farm is celebrating Christmas in style again this year with a chance to visit Santa in his Grotto in a decorated festive barn, festive animals, Winter wonderland snow themes, photo opportunities, animal handling & feeding, a festive market with stallholders selling crafts, refreshments and festive food.  Everything festive under one roof!  

Hot food, speciality drinks, yummy cakes and festive treats for sale in our cafe 

all for just £4.00 per person farm entry fee* 

*additional charge online  booking for visiting Santa

3. RHS Rosemoor Christmas Crafty and food fair

• 26^th – 28^th November and 3-5th December
• RHS Rosemoore Great Torrington

Bring out your artistic side this Christmas and indulge in a programme of craft fairs, workshops and exhibitions.

Enjoy produce from local artists, crafters and traders and ensure your Christmas gifts are truly unique this 2023. Be inspired by the seasonal scenery around you and experience RHS Garden Rosemoor in its wintery slender. Normal garden admissions charges apply.

4. Combe Christmas Market

• 24^th to 26^th November
• Ilfracombe

This three-day festival extravaganza promises to have something for everyone to enjoy on the lead up to Christmas – held at the end of November it is regarded as North Devon’s biggest Christmas lights switch-on!

Watch this Victorian harbour town buzz with festive entertainment, with Christmas carols, community entertainment, an artisan market, craft stools and a variety of delicious food and drinks available it is perfect for stocking up on all your Christmas essentials.

You can also enjoy live music from local bands and artists throughout the event and entertainment is provided for children.

5. Barnstaple Christmas lights

• 30^th November
• Barnstaple, The Square

Experience then magic of the holiday season at Barnstaple Town Centre. Enjoy crafts, festive food and drink to the sound of the male and Ladies’ voice choirs! Browse the beautiful weatherproof Pannier Market for early festive gifts and take the children to meet Mr and Mrs Claus.

6. The Big Sheep Christmas market

• 2nd,9^th, 16^th, and 23^nd December
• The Big Sheep, Abbotsham

Said to be the South-Wests biggest indoor market. Find free-range poultry, organic meats, vegetables, local cheeses, cakes, fresh fish, and Christmas Trees.

Free entry on all four dates, admission fee for Ewetopia indoor play zone ride from £3pp.

7. Lynton town hall Christmas market

• 9th and 10th December
• Lynton Town Hall

Every December these twinned villages nestled within the dramatic Lyn valley put on a festive display like no other. These unique villages often described as ‘mini-Switzerland’ due to their alpine appearance really are the perfect place to come and enjoy the festive ambience!

Lynton provides a Christmas late-night shopping event each year supporting local shops within the area and providing family entertainment, food and music.

Lynmouth follows with a separate Christmas market, light switch on – complete with sparkling harbour lights, Santa’s grotto, children’s activities, and of course more food!

8. Affinity Late night shopping and Christmas Market

• 30^th November, 7^th and 14th of December – Late night shopping and Christmas Market 5pm-8pm
• 11th and 12th December – Full Christmas Market, 10am – 4pm
• Affinity shopping Village Bideford

Join Bideford’s Affinity Devon Outlet Shopping Centre for a traditional Christmas Market along-side big brand name stores throughout November and December.
As we approach the festive period this year, what better than to visit your local Christmas Market whilst nipping around your favourite stores. For your delight, there’ll be over 60 local Christmas-themed stalls on full market days, live music, shows, local choirs, workshops and walkabout acts plus delicious street food.

9. North Devon Christmas Market

• 2^rd December
• Braunton

Officially the biggest market of its kind in North Devon with over 150 stalls, this unique market event grows each year. Expect to see local crafters excel by providing the very best shopping experience you will see in the whole southwest. Stalls with handmade jewellery, sweet treats, bespoke clothing, and amazing handmade gifts are the standard here!

There will also be street food offering foods from every corner of the world, also pockets of entertainment throughout the day, including choirs, dance groups and acoustic music, not to mention inflatables and rides for the kids – and of course Father Christmas and his sleigh.

So, whether you are searching for the perfect stocking fillers or looking to find some meaningful gifts this is the perfect place to explore and ensure your little ones are entertained whilst you can shop! Free admission to event.

10. South Molton Winter Wonderland

• 2nd December
• South Molton

This year’s Winter Wonderland will be going back to its traditional evening format. Like the Christmas events we put on pre pandemic, there will be lots to do and opportunities to purchase those special gifts, eat food, drink and be entertained – we even believe Father Christmas is going to turn up…

Free admission.

Looking for the perfect retreat to your Christmas shopping extravaganza, check out our range of luxury accommodation from wintery boltholes for two to luxury penthouses sleeping up to eight, we can house the whole family this year!

What’s more with an exclusive shared heated pool, sauna, gym, and games room why not book separate apartments so the extended family can be ‘under one roof’ but with the comfort of your own facilities and space to retreat to (if needed!)

Feeling Inspired?

Looking for the perfect retreat for your Christmas shopping extravaganza, check out our range of luxury accommodations, from wintery boltholes for two to pet-friendly penthouses for eight, we have room for the whole family this year!

What’s more with exclusive access to our indoor heated pool, sauna, gym and games room, why not book separate apartments larger families can be ‘under one roof’ but still enjoy the comfort of their own space to retreat to (if needed!)

Look at our Christmas breaks in Devon page for more inspiration or read more from our seasonal blogs.

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