What are the best Christmas Markets in Cornwall?
Cornwall in December is a magical place, and if you’ve been thinking about going on a festive break to the county, now is the perfect time to book a stay at a campsite in Cornwall as, unlike the summer months, it is not as busy.
During this time of the year, you can still enjoy all the amazing beaches, delicious pasties, and cream teas, but during the festive season, the county really comes alive. The towns and villages across the county are displaying some spectacular Christmas lights, there are live music events you can enjoy, and there are plenty of Cornish Christmas markets you can visit.
Wandering through stalls and picking up some Christmas gifts whilst trying all the amazing food and drink, listening to the festive music and enjoying all the twinkling lights and decorations is a great way to build up to the big day.
In this guide, we take a look at some of the best Christmas markets in Cornwall that you don’t want to miss and share some of their highlights.
The best Christmas markets in Cornwall
- Truro Christmas Market
- Healeys Christmas Market
- Mount Edgcumbe Christmas Fayre
- Coastal Christmas Market on The Promenade
- Fowey Christmas Market
- Padstow Christmas Festival
Truro Christmas Market
Date of the market: 2 – 24 December
Truro Christmas Market is Cornwall’s biggest with more than 100 traders expected at this year’s market. Truro Farmers Market is again joining forces with Truro BID to host the Christmas market, which will be in the heart of the city.
If you visit the market you can expect to taste the finest food and drink that Cornwall has to offer from artisan makers and street food vendors, as well as enjoy festive music and enjoy some amazing entertainment. You will be able to taste classic Christmas treats such as mulled wine and mince pies as well as try locally made craft cider, beer, artisan spirits and Cornish wine.
You can also pick up gifts like Christmas wreaths, jewellery, vintage clothing and handmade children’s toys as well as listen to local choirs as they serenade you with yuletide carols.
This is a popular Christmas market so make sure you plan your visit in advance.
ALSO READ: Why you should visit Cornwall at Christmas?
Healeys Christmas Market
Date of the market: 12 November – 18 December
The Healeys Christmas Market is back for its 6th year and it will be bringing a whole load of family festivities back to Cornwall.
The market will be taking place at the Healeys Cornish Cyder Farm and the attraction in Callestick, near Perranporth, will be transformed into a winter wonderland. You will be able to try mulled cider and hearty food at the market and can listen to Christmas songs and buy festive crafts.
Healeys is a great place to visit for families and you can pre-book your tickets, but the dates may be subject to change so keep an eye on Healeys Facebook page to keep up-to-date.
ALSO READ: Where to get a Christmas pasty in Cornwall?
Mount Edgcumbe Christmas Fayre
Date of the market: 10 – 11 December
This will be the 18th year of the Mount Edgcumbe Christmas Fayre and with over 70 stalls selling everything from local produce to a wide variety of local gifts and crafts.
A highlight of the fayre is the beautiful floral displays which are created by Duchy College students, and if you visit the fayre, you can also take part in workshops or shop at the Barrow Centre where the event is being held.
There is set to be a programme full of entertainment at the Mount Edgcumbe Christmas Fayre with stilt walkers, live music from local choirs, a family activity zone and there will be a Santa’s grotto where children can meet Father Christmas.
Tickets will be available to buy at the door and no pre-booking is required.
Coastal Christmas Market on The Promenade
Date of the market: 10 – 11 December
The annual Coastal Christmas Market is bustling with Christmas craft stalls, artisan stands, live musical performances, a Santa’s grotto, and festive food and drink.
Every year the Christmas market has over 40 stalls each day and there are marquees which house large shopping markets where you can pick up festive goods.
If you are on holiday with your children, then there at lots of activities the whole family can get involved in at the Christmas market. This ranges from festive pottery painting to building your own toy at the ‘Cuddly Creations Teddy Bear Factory’.
The festive food you can enjoy at the festival includes giant pigs in blankets with cranberry and sprouts, Christmas cake, mince pies, and brie bites with cranberry and sprout. Drinks you can enjoy include Cornish cider and mulled wine.
ALSO READ: Winter activities you can do in Cornwall
Christmas markets to enjoy in 2023
Fowey Christmas Market
Date of the market: Beginning of December
The Fowey Christmas Market attracts thousands of people every year in the run-up to Christmas. The market is spread across locations throughout this picturesque harbour town including Fowey Town Quay, Albert Quay, Webb Street and Town Hall venues.
During the event, you can see a lantern parade which goes through the town, meet Father Christmas, sample local produce, enjoy a festive drink, and browse more than 80 stalls from local traders. There will be street performers and live music to keep you entertained as well.
ALSO READ: Unique Christmas gifts from Cornwall
Padstow Christmas Festival
Date of the market: Beginning of December
Another big Christmas market in Cornwall is the Padstow Christmas Festival. This normally peaceful harbourside town is turned into a bustling hub that celebrates everything Christmas.
You can explore the stalls and food stands that line Padstow’s streets and you can watch cooking demonstrations from some of the best chefs in the country. In previous years the likes of Rick Stein, Nathan Outlaw and Paul Ainsworth have cooked at the festival.
The Padstow Christmas Festival really is a haven for foodies as you can try Cornish gins, Fudgy brownies, pasties and other pastry goods. There is also a range of arts and crafts stalls at the festival selling items from paintings and blankets to skincare items and books.
Cornwall Christmas Fair at the Eden Project
Date of the market: End of November
The yearly Cornwall Christmas Fair is held at the iconic Eden Project and here you can pick up a mix of Christmas gifts, accessories, clothes, and jewellery. There is a delectable range of artisan food and drink products that you can enjoy in the Ginsters Food Hall.
The event is organised by a team of volunteers and is supported by a number of sponsors with the money being raised from the event then being donated to support Cornwall’s struggling communities.
During the event, the world-famous biomes of the Eden Project are usually light up and there are live musical performances from local musicians.
ALSO READ: Best places to celebrate New Year in Cornwall
This guide looks at some of the best Christmas markets that take place in Cornwall and shares some of the best things you can do and attractions you can see at the markets. If you’re looking for cheap caravan holidays in Cornwall, then winter is a great time of the year to book your trip, so contact us to see what offers we have available.
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