Christmas things to do in South Devon
Discover a winter wonderland of festive delights with our guide to the top Christmas things to do in South...
by Maria Makepeace / Christmas
South Devon is home to an array of Christmas markets throughout November and December. Discover unique trinkets, stocking fillers, and locally crafted delights in beautiful locations.
Use the quick links below to read more about a particular Christmas market, or continue reading for our full guide…
Where: Cathedral Green, Exeter
When: Friday 17th November – Sunday 17th December
Times: Monday – Wednesday 10am – 7pm, Thursday – Saturday 10am – 9pm, Sunday 11am – 5pm
‘It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, everywhere you go’, well in Exeter mainly. Inspired by traditional German markets, this year’s Christmas market on Cathedral Green is sure to be one to remember. Be sure to gaze up at the dazzling festive lights, enjoy the sweet scent of mulled wine, hot chocolate and festive treats as it drifts through the air, and browse the numerous market stalls.
Where: The Piazza, City Centre
When: Thursday 30th November – Sunday 17th December
Times: Monday – Saturday 10am – 6pm, Thursday 10am – 9pm, Sunday 10am – 5pm
Organised by Plymouth City Centre Company, the market is a festive wonderland where you can enjoy a warming tipple, listen to gospel choirs, indulge in local food, and purchase some last-minute stocking fillers and unique gifts. The eclectic stalls under twinkling Christmas lights will transport you to a world of all things ‘merry and bright.’
Where: Royal William Yard, Plymouth, PL1 3RP
When: Saturday 25th – Sunday 26th November
Times: All day event, times TBC
Run by Real Ideas, the Native Makers Festive Market will be full of festive wares to inspire. The market includes space for over 40 artists and makers across four areas and is the perfect place to find unique Christmas gifts.
Where: The Great Hall, Dartington, TQ9 6EL
When: Friday 1st December – Sunday 3rd December
Times: Friday 1st December 2pm to 6pm, Saturday 2nd December 10am to 5pm, Sunday 3rd December 10am to 4pm
A free event run by the Dartington Trust, The Great Hall Craft Fair features works by many talented makers. With over 40 stalls to browse, live music to listen to, workshops to get involved in, and food to feast on, it’s sure to be a weekend full of festive cheer.
Where: Newton Abbot Racecourse, TQ12 3AF
When: Saturday 2nd December
Times: 10am – 4pm
Returning for a Christmas extravaganza, be sure to check out the Christmas fayre at the Newton Abbot Racecourse where you will find an eclectic mix of over 100 local businesses selling gifts for all tastes and budgets. Entry costs just £3 per adult and children go free. Alongside the numerous stalls, you’ll find the ever-popular Reinpony Rides (£5 per ride), an inflatable Snow Globe (£2.50 a session), face painting (£5 per person), and a whole lot more.
Where: Fore Street, Bovey Tracey, TQ13 9AD
When: Saturday 2nd December
Times: 2pm – 7pm
Join in the festive fun with the Christmas Lights switch on and Christmas Market in Bovey Tracey. Browse the stalls, feast on street food, enjoy a glass or two of mulled wine, keep the children entertained with rides, and listen to Christmas Carols sung by school choirs. Plus, if that wasn’t enough, the little ones will even get the chance to see Santa himself in his Grotto.
Where: Fore Street Kingsbridge, TQ7 1PP
When: Saturday 2nd December 2023
Times: 10am – 4pm
This Christmas festival is more than just a market. Encompassing several events along Fore Street and the Town Square, you’ll be able to see Santa, watch local artists perform live entertainment, and walk through a dazzling display of Christmas lights. Once you’ve seen what Kingsbridge Celebrates Christmas has to offer, head to the market for gifts, stocking fillers and an array of festive treats.
Where: Totnes Highstreet
When: Tuesday 5th, 12th, and 19th December
Times: 3pm – 9pm
Add some Christmas magic to your week and enjoy late-night shopping and the Christmas Market in the beautiful market town of Totnes. Enjoy good food and warming drinks, fairy lights, artisan shopping, and entertainment as the whole town gets into the festive spirit. It’s a family-friendly event that everyone will love.
Where: Buckfast Abbey TQ11 0EE
When: Thursday 30th November – Saturday 2nd December
Times: 10am – 5pm
The annual Buckfast Abbey Christmas Market will return once again with tasty treats, festive cheer and lots of great family fun. There is a fabulous live entertainment schedule which will fill the air with festive melodies, so be sure to check the itinerary ahead of arriving!
Where: Devonia Sheepskins Yard, Mardle Way Industrial Estate, Buckfastleigh TQ11 0AG
When: Saturday 25th November
Times: 10am – 5pm
More than 30 artists, designers, makers and creators from all around the South West will be attending this market at Devonia Sheepskins Yard. There will also be hands-on creative workshops where you can make your own Christmas gifts, perfect for those that want to get crafty. You can also buy food and drink from a range of traders, including freshly baked sweet treats and wood fired sourdough pizza.
Where: The Scala, Brixham Town Council, TQ5 8TA
When: Friday 24th – Saturday 25th November
Times: Friday 2.30pm – 4.30pm, Saturday 11am – 2pm
Visit Brixham town hall to enjoy a collection of shanty and folk songs, a magic show, balloon modelling, and the famous Sandy Sparkle singing Christmas hits.
Where: Parkfield, Thurlestone, Kingsbridge TQ7 3NN
When: Thursday 23rd November
Times: 5pm – 8pm
Enjoy an evening of Christmas Shopping, canapes and prosecco at the luxurious Thurlestone Hotel. With over 30 local artisans showcasing their craft, you will be sure to find something to suit everyone. If you feel like really treating yourself, why not book into the hotel spa beforehand for a relaxing afternoon.
Where: The Barn at South Milton, Cross Parks, South Milton, Kingsbridge TQ7 3JX, UK
When: Saturday 25th – Sunday 26th November
Times: 12pm – 4pm, 5pm – 9pm
Supporting a collection of handpicked local businesses, this evening charity event is the night to do your Christmas shopping. There will also be a bar and food stall at The Barn, so be ready to fill your tummy with mince pies and mulled wine. It’s the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit!
Where: Salcombe Yacht Club, Cliff House, Cliff Road, Salcombe, TQ8 8JQ
When: 1st December
Times: 10am – 4pm
With nearly 40 stallholders, this year’s Christmas Fayre is set to be bigger and better than ever before, so be sure to not miss Salcombes much loved Christmas event.
Looking for a last minute Christmas getaway? We have holiday cottages located in and near the towns and villages hosting fantastic festivities. Treat you and your loved ones to a beautiful family-friendly property, or an abode where your dog can holiday with you. Discover our collection of self-catering properties in South Devon, and start planning your perfect getaway.
Book your Christmas holiday in South Devon
by Maria Makepeace / Christmas
I love the South West and ensuring visitors to the region have the best experience possible. That's why I love sharing local tips ...
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