Great Christmas markets in Devon
It's easy to find Christmas markets in Devon. Just follow the spicy scent of mulled wine and the sweet sound of Christmas cheer. You'll soon find yourself among market stalls and merrymakers.
OK. It's not quite that simple. But Devon has more than its fair share of festive fairs – and you don't have to look far to find them.
Here are five of the cosiest, twinkliest and ding-dong-merriest in our corner of the county.
Newton Abbot Christmas Fayre
Where: The Racecourse, Newton Abbot, TQ12 3AF
When: Saturday 30 November, 10:00 to 16:00
Cost: £3 per adult – kids go free
If you've got gifts to buy and kids to entertain, make sure you scribble this one in your diary.
Yes, Newton Abbot Christmas Fayre is stocking-stuffed with family fun. With pony rides, face painting and a kid-sized snow globe, boredom doesn't get a look in.
Or how about a game of Spot the Elf? Santa's little helpers have gone AWOL, see, and the big man needs your help to round them up. Wrangle them all and you could win a family breakfast with Father Christmas himself, plus a day out at Dartmoor Zoo.
Head to the stalls and you'll find all sorts of giftable goodies, ranging from clay figurines to hand-packed hampers. Snacks, too – of course. We've got our eyes on some mulled wine and homemade fudge. Yum.
Winter Fest in the Barn
Where: Torre Abbey, Torbay, TQ2 6NY
When: Saturday 30 November and Sunday 1 December 2024, 10:00 to 17:00
Cost: free
As you might expect, Devon Christmas markets tend to take place outdoors.
For some, this is all part of the fun. It's chilly – sure. But it's nothing that a mug of warm cocoa and a woolly scarf can't cure.
But if you'd rather stay warm and cosy, Torbay's Torre Abbey has you covered. Literally.
This historic museum and former monastery is, once again, hosting a festive craft fair within its beautiful Spanish Barn.
For one weekend only, the barn transforms into a cosy Christmas cornucopia. You can expect toys, crafts, Yuletide tunes and a pack of alpacas from a local farm.
And best of all, if it rains, you can expect to stay dry.
Totnes Christmas Markets and Late Night Shopping
Where: Totnes, TQ9
When: Tuesdays 3, 10 and 17 December, 15:00 to 19:00
Cost: free but donations are accepted
Trust Totnes to deliver quirky Christmas vibes, year after year. This little market town is a big name in Britain's alternative scene – and its annual shopping events are legendary among Devon Christmas markets.
'Something for everyone' only scratches the surface. This year, the town plans to host two food courts, a special makers market and more than 70 artisan stalls in total.
Plus, the town's famous independent shops will open late so you can bag some bargains by moonlight. There's so much on offer, you may as well tear up your Christmas list and go with the flow.
Oh, and did we mention there's an entertainment lineup that might make Glastonbury quiver with envy? Carol singing. Morris dancing. Samba. A parade of homemade Christmas lanterns. You name it, Totnes is doing it.
Kingsbridge Celebrates Christmas
Where: Kingsbridge, TQ7
When: Saturday 7 December 2024
Cost: free
We couldn't talk about Christmas markets in Devon without tipping our hats to Kingsbridge. This South Devon estuary town is only around 10 miles from our holiday park – but its annual Christmas market would easily be worth a 100-mile trip.
Foodies and their families will have a field day. This year, the town will host a full-blown farmers market, where you can sample tantalising treats from a host of local producers. Kids, meanwhile, can get a free gift from Santa in his grotto or head to the ice rink for a spot of outdoor skating.
All in all, there'll be more than 70 stalls selling artisan gifts, snacks and treasures. And live music and entertainment. And carol singers. And probably a bunch more activities that haven't been announced yet. Don't miss it.
The Great Hall Craft Fair
Where: Dartington Hall, Dartington, TQ9 6EL
When: Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 December, 10:00 to 16:00
If one Totnes Christmas Market wasn't enough for you, you're in luck. Just down the road, Dartington Hall is throwing a very crafty festive bash of its own.
It's worth turning up just to see Dartington Hall decked out for Christmas. The centrepiece of a medieval estate, it's all grand arches, tall windows and timber beams. Throw in some festive lighting and it goes from magnificent to downright magical.
But let's not get distracted from the main event. The Great Hall Craft Fair is a little slice of paradise for craft lovers, featuring 60 stalls staffed by local (and not-so-local) makers. Expect jewellery, rugs, baskets, paintings and other artsy curiosities.
On top of that, Dartington Trust will run a programme of music and entertainment, starting late in the morning and continuing until the afternoon. There's a jazz band, several choirs and a 'humorous piece of period walkabout' hosted by Lady Nancy. Intriguing…
Need some fuel for your treasure hunt? Head to the White Hart, Dartington's on-site bar and restaurant, to enjoy a sit-down Christmas meal. Or fuel up on foot at one of several food trucks, which promise festive classics like mince pies and mulled wine, as well as street food.
Fancy a Christmas getaway?
Spending Christmas at home is delightful. Spending Christmas in a home away from home might be even better.
Agreed? Great. We'd love to welcome you to Leonards Cove for your festive getaway this year.
Our holiday park is perched high on a cliff overlooking the sublime South Devon Coast. Here, you'll find mobile homes, lodges and cottages to suit groups of all sizes – as well as sea views that are well worth waking up to.
How about it? You could explore some of the beautiful Christmas markets in Devon, soak up some of the local festivities or simply enjoy some pre-Christmas pampering. Lovely stuff.