The temperatures are dropping, the evenings are getting darker, and the shelves are full of all our favourite festive treats, which can only mean one thing… it’s time to start counting down to a Cornish Christmas!
Christmas markets can be found in all corners of Cornwall during the festive season, presenting a shopper-happy mix of arts and crafts, clothing, jewellery, homeware, and festive feasts, as well as various Christmas treats from entertainment to top-tasting refreshments.
And with many exploiting the spoils of the area in more ways than one – offering locally made items at wonderful locations, it all means one thing: your senses and shopping list will both be brilliantly sated by the experience.
Got your mulled wine ready? Let’s delve into the top Cornish Christmas markets for 2023…
Healeys Cyder Farm Christmas Markets
Weekends from Saturday the 11th of November to Sunday the 17th of December
healeyscyder.co.uk
Sup on something delightfully fizzy and stock up on your favourite appley tipple as you roam the only working farm market in Cornwall. Embark upon a cyder-making tour and tractor ride to meet the farm’s array of animals before doing the circuit of stalls and – if you time it on a Sunday – tucking into a scrumptious roast with a festive side of Cornish carols. Oh, and don’t forget to partake in a mug of steaming mulled cyder, it’s the true taste of this magical season.
Bedruthan Christmas Fayre
Saturday the 18th to Sunday the 19th of November
bedruthan.com
Back again with over 50 hand-picked creative exhibitors, this weekend-long fayre is certain to get you in the festive spirit! Wander through the hotel and discover talented artists selling unique gifts, post your Christmas wish list to Santa at his grotto, or try your hand at one of the many craft workshops as you prepare to turn your home into its own winter wonderland. Set within one of Cornwall’s Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, we highly recommend exploring the coastline here during your visit for a dramatic backdrop to your Christmas festivities.
Wheal Martyn Christmas Craft Fair
Sunday the 19th of November
wheal-martyn.com
With a selection of fantastic craft stalls available, discover gifts for all the family at Wheal Martyn’s Christmas fair. From handmade jewellery to candles, gin, bird boxes and more, you’ll find an array of beautiful Cornish gifts. Be sure to stop off at the café where they’ll be serving a selection of festive treats. The museum and grounds will be open as usual so you can delve into Cornwall’s fascinating heritage during your visit.
Cornwall Christmas Fair at the Eden Project
Wednesday the 22nd to Thursday the 23rd of November
cornwallchristmasfair.com
Alongside the annual ice skating rink and spectacular immersive lights show, the Eden Project near St Austell is playing host to the annual Cornwall Christmas Fair, which claims the title of the biggest and most vibrant in the county. Not only is admission into Eden free for the two days but included in your admission ticket to the fair, which must be purchased and booked in advance, is a light lunch with a glass of wine – the perfect fuel for a day of shopping and exploring the biomes! The Eden Kitchen will be full to the hexagons of fun-filled stalls featuring everything from decorations to clothing and skincare to artwork. You’ll also be able to browse the mouth-watering food and drink stalls, which will be laden with artisan treats that make the perfect Cornish gift – if you can resist keeping them for yourself!
Made in Cornwall Christmas Fair
Friday the 1st to Saturday the Saturday the 2nd of December
madeincornwall.org.uk
Held at the spectacular Truro Cathedral for the third year running, discover the best of handmade Cornish gifts and produce at the annual Made in Cornwall Christmas Fair. This will be a truly magical event to get you in the festive spirit. Sample tasty delights and buy presents for loved ones as you marvel at the impressive setting. The fair coincides with the start of Truro’s late-night shopping, so you can combine your handmade retail therapy with some of Truro’s top shops. Throw in a visit to one of Cornwall’s AA Rosette holders, Hooked! and you have a truly magical night!
Mousehole Christmas Fair
Tuesday the 28th of November
Located at the Solomon Browne Hall, the annual Mousehole Christmas Fair is the perfect place to begin your Christmas festivities. Featuring an abundance of quality handmade gifts, you’ll find everything from home accessories and candles to skincare and jewellery. Treat yourself to some mulled cider or brandy for the festive season from local distillers Pocket Full of Stones. Combine your visit with one of the beautiful walks that wait nearby, or stop by one of the welcoming cafés or restaurants that line the pretty harbour – it’s the perfect place to spend a wintery day.
Padstow Christmas Festival
Thursday the 7th to Sunday the 10th of December
padstowchristmasfestival.co.uk
Combining epic foodie demonstrations with a Christmas market that’s ready and waiting to stock the larder and stockings, the Padstow Christmas Festival is an utterly unique feast of festivities. Across the four days, live demos, music, and a fireworks display provide endless opportunities to be entertained, while a variety of food, drink, and arts and crafts producers provide plenty of wares to tug at the heart (and purse) strings, from Cornish gin to Cornish blankets.
Truro Christmas Market
Wednesdays to Sundays between the 29th of November to the 24th of December
If you’re looking for a Christmas festival that takes you right up to Christmas eve, then the big and bountiful Truro Christmas Market is the shopping extravaganza for you! Taking over Lemon Quay in Truro, this epic yuletide event is run by both Truro Farmers Market and Truro BID, which means local farmers, creatives and small businesses can combine to forge the merriest of times. Over 100 traders fill the air with festive cheer and aromas, from fresh mulled wine to a bottle of something marvellous you can take home for Christmas day. Whether you want a total Christmas shopping overhaul or you just fancy a festive browse with the cheery lights overhead, this Christmas blowout is one of the biggest and best in Cornwall.
Fowey Christmas Market
Friday the 8th to Sunday the 10th of December
foweychristmasmarket.co.uk
Thousands of visitors flock to the picturesque town of Fowey for its annual market, where you’ll find handmade gifts galore alongside the finest food and drink from the region. Markets and merriment can be found throughout the town, from the waterside wiles of Fowey Town Quay to the welcoming warmth of the Town Hall. Beyond the market, cafés, restaurants and bars will be welcoming market goers into their stomach-warming establishments with top-notch refreshments and entertainment for all.
Porthleven Christmas Markets
TBC
The bustling harbour village of Porthleven is home to a vibrant indoor and outdoor market throughout the year, but for three days in December, it goes all out to provide visitors with the ultimate festive shopping spree. With a hot chocolate and mince pie in hand, walk around the many stalls that showcase everything from fresh Cornish bakes to a giddy array of Christmas gifts just waiting to be wrapped and unwrapped. Head into The Shipyard Market for even more stalls as well as a sighting of Santa before his big night. Stop by one of Porthleven’s many amazing eateries for a bite to eat during your visit, or venture out onto the surrounding coast path for a beautiful, cobweb-clearing walk.
St Ives Christmas Market
TBC
From a mammoth arrival by boat to an uber-magical grotto that’s sure to put a sparkle in the little ones’ eyes, Santa certainly makes the most of Christmas in St Ives. For a spot of Christmas shopping yourself, head to St Ives Guildhall to enjoy a whole host of festive fun with the annual Etsy Made Local Christmas Fair. Find unique gifts for your loved ones from local creators before enjoying the delicious array of food that St Ives has to offer.
Jubilee Wharf Christmas Fair
Saturday the 16th to Sunday the 17th of December
jubileewharf.co.uk
Jubilee Wharf comes alive with Christmas spirit for this festive weekend. With stalls located both inside and outside, you can expect to find a range of locally made and wonderfully unique Christmas gifts. When your shopping bags are nice and full, why not pop into nearby Falmouth where even more shopping awaits - not to mention a host of cosy pubs and bars for a warming drink.
Mount Edgcumbe Christmas Fayre
Saturday the 10th to Sunday the 11th of December
mountedgcumbe.gov.uk
Southeast Cornwall’s stunning country park is the sublime setting for this fabulous fair, which presents an enticing fusion of cookery demonstrations, local produce, and gifts. What’s more, various entertainment, including fire juggling, galleries, twinkle tunnel photo opportunity, Santa in his grotto and craft workshops, ensures a shopping trip with a bonafide difference.
Looking for a Christmas break by the sea? Take a look at our holiday cottages in Cornwall and start planning your festive getaway full of magical Cornish Christmas markets.
Tags: Christmas | Shopping | Winter | Food and Drink |