The best North Devon Christmas markets 2024
The festive season is almost upon us, and North Devon is the perfect place to get into the Christmas spirit! From charming seaside markets to traditional town fairs, there are plenty of opportunities to pick up unique gifts, enjoy local food and drink, and soak in the atmosphere. If you’re staying with us at Byron Woolacombe Holidays this winter, here are top Christmas markets in North Devon you wont want to miss in 2024.
If you are unfamiliar to the area you may also want to look at our ‘Top things to do in North Devon at Christmas 2024’ 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. North Devon Christmas Market, Braunton
📅 Dates: TBC
📍 Location: Near the Countryside Centre, Braunton
🕒 Time: 12.00pm – 8.00pm
One of the biggest and best Christmas markets in the South West, the North Devon Christmas Market in Braunton offers a fantastic day out. Featuring over 120 stalls packed with handmade gifts, jewellery, sweet treats, bespoke clothing, and more, it’s the perfect place to pick up special Christmas presents. With an array of world foods (think Thai, hog roast, and churros), live music, choirs, and fun activities like inflatables for the kids, it’s a must-visit event for the whole family. Don’t forget to explore some of Braunton’s fantastic local shops while you’re thereal, we recommend spending some time looking around this magnificent building.
2. Barnstaple Christmas Fayre
📅 Dates: Friday, 28th November.
📍 Location: Fore Street, Ilfracombe
🕒 Time: 5.00pm – Lights on at 6.00pm.
This year Barnstaple’s historic Pannier Market will once again transform into a festive wonderland, coinciding with the Christmas Light switch on within the market towns square. This popular fayre features local artisans and producers offering a wide range of seasonal goods, from handmade crafts to festive food. The market’s charming, historic setting only adds to the Christmas atmosphere
3. RHS Rosemoor’s Glow Winter Light Trail
📅 Dates: 15th November to 28th December 2024
📍 Location: RHS Rosemoor, Torrington
🕒 Time: 4:30pm–8pm
For something a little different, head to RHS Rosemoor Gardens, where their Glow Winter Light Trail transforms the gardens into a winter wonderland. Wander through a stunning display of festive lights while enjoying live entertainment, from magicians to musicians. Be sure to visit their festive stalls for unique gifts and seasonal treatsocal 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
📅 Dates: Friday, 28th November.
📍 Location: Fore Street, Ilfracombe
🕒 Time: 6.00pm – 9.00pm.
Just a short drive from Woolacombe, Ilfracombe’s Christmas Market is filled with local traders, live music, and festive entertainment. Located on the beautiful Fore Street, with its quaint shops and cosy cafés, this market is a must-visit for those looking to experience a traditional Christmas by the sea. Don’t forget to check out the nearby Ilfracombe Lantern Parade—an enchanting spectacle that lights up the streets in the evening.
You can also enjoy live music from local bands and artists throughout the event and entertainment is provided for children.
5. Woolacombe Christmas Fayre
📅 Dates: TBC
📍 Location: Woolacombe Village Hall
🕒 Time: 6.00pm – 9.00pm.
Right on your doorstep, the Woolacombe Christmas Fayre is a must for guests staying at Byron. The local village hall comes alive with festive stalls selling handmade gifts, home-baked treats, and Christmas crafts. It’s a smaller, community-focused event that offers a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere—perfect for getting into the Christmas spirit without venturing far. Plus, you can support Woolacombe’s local businesses while picking up some unique, thoughtful gifts.annier Market for early festive gifts and take the children to meet Mr and Mrs Claus.
6. The Big Sheep Christmas market
📅 Dates: 7th, 14th, 21st December
📍 Location: Woolacombe Village Hall
🕒 Time: 9.00am – 2.00pm.
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
📅 Dates: 9th and 10th December
📍 Location: Lynton Town Hall
🕒 Time: 10.00am – 6:00pm.
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
📅 Dates: 30th November, 7th and 15th December
📍 Location: Affinity Shopping Village, Bideford
🕒 Time: 5.00pm – 8:00pm
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. Exeter Christmas Market
📅 Dates: November 15th – December 15th
📍 Location: Exeter Cathedral Green
🕒 Time: Monday-Wednesday: 10am-7pm, Thursday-Saturday: 10am-9pm, Sunday: 11am-5pm
A little further afield but well worth the trip, the Exeter Christmas Market is one of the largest and most popular in Devon. Held in the stunning surroundings of Exeter Cathedral Green, this European-style market features stalls from across the region and beyond, offering everything from gourmet food and drink to handmade gifts and decorations. It’s an ideal day trip for those staying in Woolacombe, with Exeter’s fantastic shops, restaurants, and Christmas lights making it a truly festive experience.
10. South Molton Winter Wonderland
📅 Dates: TBC
📍 Location: South Molton Pannier Market
🕒 Time: TBC
South Molton’s historic pannier market transforms into a winter wonderland during the festive season. Expect a wide variety of stalls selling Christmas decorations, gifts, local food and drink, and handmade crafts. South Molton is known for its friendly community feel, and this market is no exception. With regular appearances from Santa and festive workshops for children, it’s the perfect family outing. Don’t miss the South Molton Winter Wonderland Festival, which starts on November 18th with the Christmas Light Switch-On and live performances.
11. Clovelly Christmas Lights and Market
📅 Date: Sunday, December 8th
📍 Location: Clovelly Village
🕒 Time: TBC
Clovelly’s cobbled streets and traditional harbour make it a magical setting for a Christmas market. This year, the market will be held in the Village Hall, featuring a range of local crafts and produce, perfect for picking up unique gifts. The highlight is the Clovelly Christmas Lights switch-on, with carol singing and a visit from Father Christmas. Admission includes a donation to charity, so it’s the perfect way to give back while enjoying a festive day out
Make the Most of Your Winter Stay
With so many festive markets to explore, North Devon is a magical destination during the Christmas season. Whether you’re stocking up on local treats, searching for unique gifts, or just soaking in the festive atmosphere, these markets are a wonderful way to celebrate the season.
Planning a winter escape? Our luxury apartments at Byron Woolacombe Holidays are the perfect base for your Christmas adventure. From last-minute availability to special offers on winter stays, we’ve got everything you need for a cosy coastal break. After a day of festive shopping, unwind in your apartment or take advantage of our heated indoor pool, sauna, and on-site facilities.
🎄 Ready to book your festive stay? Check out our last-minute deals [here] and make your North Devon Christmas one to remember!
Look at our Christmas breaks in Devon page for more inspiration or read more from our seasonal blogs.
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