Devon Christmas Market Guide
One of the best ways to do some Christmas shopping is through one of the many Devon Christmas markets spread across the county. These offer a winning combination of local produce and unusual items that aren’t stocked in normal shops as well as fun and plenty of Christmas decorations. Here’s a guide to the various markets taking place across the county between now and Christmas Marketing guide.
The Big Sheep Market
When: 3rd, 10th, 17th & 21st December
The Big Sheep is a farm attraction near the village of Abbotsham that offers something all year round and have an impressive Christmas market running across four dates in December. The market is split into craft and gift stallholders and food stallholders so there is something for every taste and is one of the biggest Christmas markets Devon has to offer
In the food stalls, there are a number of local vendors as well as the chance to taste and buy foods from much further away. The Big Pot Kitchen offers potatoes cooked in scrumpy cider and locally made sausages to warm you up as you tour the stalls while Café Brazil has everything from bean soup to Brazilian soft drinks. Also present will be John’s Deli and Grocers, the South West Regional Farm Shop Champion 2015 alongside stalls selling baked products, Devon fudge and meats.
The crafts and gifts stalls offer the chance to get a unique present for that hard to buy for person. There are jewelry stalls, home décor, woodcrafts, hair accessories and even handmade Christmas decorations. A number of stalls also offer personalised gifts that are always popular with kids.
North Devon Christmas Market
When: 3pm-9pm 3rd December
The North Devon Christmas Market will take place on Braunton and includes some 100 stalls as well as an improved layout on previous years and plenty of Christmas lights and decorations. The stalls include local arts and crafts as well as fresh and hot food stalls. There are also stalls supporting a number of local charities. As well as the stalls, there will be live music and dance while the bar serving real ales will be a welcome treat for the men during the shopping trip and probably for the ladies too!
Grosvenor Torquay Craft Fair
When: 11-4pm 13th November
The Grosvenor Hotel is hosting a craft fair in its ballroom this year that includes a range of stalls selling items that are perfect for a unique gift for Christmas. From wool crafts to crystal decorations and even handmade pebble canvases, there are plenty of presents on offer and there are also festive snacks, tea and coffee while a magician can entertain the kids while parents do a spot of shopping.
Exeter
Exeter has several Christmas markets and shopping events taking place this year.
Christmas Market on Cathedral Green
When: 19th November – 18th December
The heart of Christmas markets in Exeter is the Cathedral Green market that runs for a month. The seasonal market includes food stalls, unusual and handmade gifts and even decorations for the tree. The best of local produce and crafts are on display at the market which has received the prize for Best Speciality Market in previous years. It also boasts one of the best backdrops to any Christmas even with the cathedral sitting behind the stalls in all its glory.
Fore Street & Castle Street Christmas Markets
When: 26th November, 3rd, 9-11th, 16-18th, 20-21st December (Fore Street); 26th November, 1-3rd, 8-11th, 15-21st December (Market Street)
The smaller Christmas markets can be seen on Fore and Castle Street in the city and take place between 9am-5pm extending to 9pm on Thursdays and from 10am-4pm on Sundays. They offer a wide range of stalls while being a little removed from the busy Cathedral Green area.
Westpoint Exeter
When: 25th-27th November
While not a traditional Devon Christmas market, the Westpoint Exeter is having an indoor Christmas event that sees it transformed into a winter wonderland that the kids will love. It is a great chance to do some Christmas shopping amid a very special backdrop and look out for some special offers from the shops taking part.
Hannah’s Christmas Food and Gift Fayre
When: 18th-19th November
Hannah’s of Newton Abbot are holding a food and gift fayre with some 90 stalls selling a wide range of items ideal for those Christmas presents. There are handmade jewelry and cards, home items, toys and art as well as unique hand painted ceramics and even handmade soaps. The food marquee will offer plenty to recharge the energy levels while there are a skating rink and a bouncy snowman for the kids.
Devon Christmas Markets
Devon Christmas markets are a great chance to support local businesses and to pick up an unusual gift. Some may be dependent on the weather so always check the website before heading out if the weather isn’t too great.
