Devon Christmas Markets 2026: Dates & Visitor Guide

Christmas markets in Devon range from large city-centre events in Exeter and Plymouth to artisan markets, historic market halls and smaller festive fairs in towns and villages across the county.

We’ve brought together Devon’s confirmed Christmas markets for 2026, including dates, locations, and what to expect. We’ll continue to update this guide as organisers announce further details, so it’s worth checking back before your visit.

If you are looking for Christmas light switch-ons, illuminated attractions, festive railways and other seasonal events rather than markets specifically, see our separate guide to Devon Christmas lights and events 2026.

Dates and programmes can change. Always check with the organiser before travelling.

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From large city-centre markets to small community events and indoor craft fairs, these are some of Devon’s best Christmas markets confirmed for 2026.

Affinity Christmas Market, Bideford, Devon

7 to 8 November 2026, 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Affinity Devon, Bideford

One of Devon’s earliest Christmas markets in 2026, Affinity’s two-day event brings more than 70 stalls to the shopping outlet near Bideford.

The market features local makers, small businesses and independent traders selling Christmas gifts, crafts and seasonal products. With the outlet’s permanent shops alongside the market, it is particularly useful for visitors who want to do a substantial amount of Christmas shopping in one trip.

Admission and parking are free, making this one of North Devon’s easier Christmas markets to visit.

Best for: North Devon visitors, Christmas shopping, independent traders and free parking.

Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market

13 November to 13 December 2026
Where: Cathedral Green, Exeter

For visitors looking for the closest thing in Devon to a large traditional European-style Christmas market, Exeter is the obvious starting point.

Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market fills Cathedral Green with festive chalets, artisan gifts, and seasonal food and drink beneath Exeter Cathedral’s towers. The 2026 event runs from Friday 13 November until Sunday 13 December.

Its greatest strength is the setting. Exeter Central station, Princesshay, Gandy Street and the city’s independent shops are all within easy walking distance. Hence, the market works particularly well as part of a full day of Christmas shopping.

We know Exeter well and have visited the Christmas Market ourselves. If atmosphere is the priority, late afternoon works particularly well: you still have time to explore the city before the market and cathedral become more atmospheric after dark.

Best for: first-time visitors, atmosphere, food and drink and a Christmas weekend in Exeter.

For opening times, parking, Park & Ride and our detailed visitor advice, see our complete Exeter Christmas Market 2026 guide.

Christmas Craft & Food Fairs at RHS Garden Rosemoor

20 to 22 November, 27 to 29 November and 5 to 6 December 2026
Where: RHS Garden Rosemoor, Great Torrington

RHS Garden Rosemoor is worth including here because its Christmas programme contains dedicated craft and food fairs rather than merely a light trail.

The fairs feature carefully selected artists and producers selling crafts, clothing, jewellery, homeware and festive food. The later fairs also coincide with RHS Glow, allowing visitors to combine Christmas shopping with a visit to the illuminated gardens.

Non-members pay normal garden admission, but Glow tickets include admission to the fair after 4.30 pm on applicable dates.

Best for: North Devon visitors, artisan crafts and combining shopping with RHS Glow.

Wintertide, Buckfastleigh

21 November 2026
Where: Buckfastleigh town centre and Devonia Sheepskins Yard

Wintertide is a more creative, independent alternative to Devon’s larger Christmas markets.

The event brings makers, artists, and producers together in Buckfastleigh, with a dedicated food and drink market and other activities around town. The organiser has confirmed the 2026 date as Saturday 21 November.

Choose this if the appeal of Christmas markets is discovering local makers rather than browsing rows of generic festive stalls.

Best for: independent makers, creative gifts and local food.

Plymouth Christmas Market

26 November to 20 December 2026
Where: Plymouth city centre

Plymouth’s main Christmas Market is now confirmed for 2026 and is one of Devon’s larger city-centre festive markets.

Up to 50 decorated wooden chalets will sell artisan crafts, gifts, seasonal treats and international street food, with a German-style bar adding to the festive atmosphere. Opening times are still to be announced.

Plymouth works particularly well for visitors who want to combine the market with conventional Christmas shopping, while the Hoe, Barbican and Sutton Harbour are within reach for anyone making a full day of it.

Best for: a large city-centre market, food, gifts and combining the market with Christmas shopping.

Buckfast Abbey Christmas Market

26 to 28 November 2026, 10 am to 5 pm
Where: Buckfast Abbey, Buckfastleigh

Buckfast Abbey’s three-day Christmas Market combines artisan stalls and seasonal food with one of Devon’s most atmospheric settings.

Expect handcrafted gifts, winter products, festive food and entertainment. Market entry and visitor parking are free, though the Abbey warns the event can get extremely busy and parking waits are possible.

The Abbey church and grounds make this feel more like a festive day out than a conventional shopping trip.

Best for: artisan gifts, free entry and a distinctive setting.

Christmas Shopping Fayre at Westpoint Exeter

27 to 29 November 2026
Where: Westpoint, Clyst St Mary

Westpoint’s Christmas Shopping Fayre is less of a traditional outdoor market and more of a large indoor festive shopping event.

The 2026 event is the 30th edition and brings together a wide mix of exhibitors selling gifts, handmade products and Christmas essentials. It runs from 10 am to 5 pm on Friday and Saturday and 10 am to 4 pm on Sunday.

Its major advantage is simple: it is indoors. That makes Westpoint one of the safest options if the late-November weather is poor.

Best for: serious Christmas shopping and a weather-proof day out.

Bovey Tracey Christmas Market & Light Switch On, Devon

28 November 2026, 2 pm to 6 pm
Where: Bovey Tracey

Bovey Tracey’s Christmas Market combines festive shopping with the town’s annual Christmas light switch-on.

The afternoon event brings stalls and seasonal activities into the town, offering a smaller, more local alternative to Devon’s large city-centre Christmas markets.

Its location on the edge of Dartmoor also makes Bovey Tracey a good choice for visitors who want to combine a Christmas market with a winter day out, especially if they prefer independent shops and a traditional Devon town setting.

Best for: local stalls, a small-town Christmas atmosphere and combining the market with a visit to Dartmoor.

Moretonhampstead Christmas Market & Light Switch-On

28 November 2026, 2 pm to 6 pm
Where: The Square, Moretonhampstead

Moretonhampstead offers a smaller, more traditional community event.

The market features local traders, makers, charities, and seasonal gifts, with entertainment throughout the afternoon before the town’s Christmas lights switch on at 5.30 pm. Entry is free.

It works particularly well as part of a winter visit to Dartmoor.

Best for: small-town atmosphere, local stalls and a Christmas light switch-on.

Teignmouth Christmas Market

28 November 2026, 10.30 am to 6 pm
Where: The Triangle, Wellington Street and Bank Street, Teignmouth

Teignmouth’s Christmas Market returns on Saturday 28 November, with stalls spread through the town centre alongside free festive entertainment.

The programme will include live music, Santa’s Grotto and fairground rides. The Town Council has also increased the number of available market pitches for 2026.

The town’s railway station is a short walk away, making this one of the easier smaller Devon Christmas markets to visit without a car.

Best for: families, a seaside setting and travelling by train.

Lupton House Christmas Fayre

28 to 29 November 2026, 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Lupton House, Churston Ferrers

Lupton House offers a smaller Christmas fayre close to Brixham and the English Riviera.

The weekend includes festive stalls, coffee, cakes and mulled wine, with Father Christmas visiting during the event. Entry is £1 cash and parking is free.

Its location makes it easy to combine with other Christmas events around Brixham, Paignton and Torquay.

Best for: smaller-scale shopping, families and visitors staying on the English Riviera.

Royal William Yard Festive Good Food & Craft Markets, Plymouth

2, 6, 9, 13, 16 and 20 December 2026
Where: Royal William Yard, Plymouth

Royal William Yard gives Plymouth a second substantial Christmas-market option.

More than 60 traders are expected to be present across the Festive Good Food & Craft Markets, selling artisan food, ceramics, candles, artwork and handmade gifts. Evening markets run on Wednesdays from 5 pm to 9 pm, while Sunday markets run from 10 am to 3 pm.

The waterfront setting and mix of restaurants, bars and shops make this particularly good for visitors who prefer a market that feels like part of a wider evening or day out.

Best for: artisan food, handmade gifts and a waterfront setting.

South Molton Winter Wonderland, Devon

4 December 2026, 6 pm to 9 pm
Where: South Molton

South Molton Winter Wonderland brings Christmas stalls, food and entertainment to the town centre for an evening of festive celebrations.

Alongside Christmas shopping, the programme includes choirs and seasonal entertainment, with reindeer adding to the atmosphere. Its evening timing also sets it apart from many of Devon’s daytime Christmas markets.

South Molton is a useful addition for North Devon visitors, particularly those looking for a smaller community event rather than one of the larger city markets.

Best for: North Devon visitors, evening Christmas markets, families, and festive entertainment.

Totnes Christmas Markets & Late Night Shopping, Devon

8, 15 and 22 December 2026, 3 pm to 9 pm
Where: Totnes town centre

Totnes holds three Christmas markets and late-night shopping evenings in the run-up to Christmas, making it one of Devon’s later festive shopping options.

The Tuesday evening events bring Christmas stalls and seasonal activity into the town centre, alongside Totnes’s established mix of independent shops, cafés and businesses.

Totnes is already one of Devon’s best destinations for independent shopping, so the Christmas markets work particularly well for visitors looking for unusual gifts rather than the larger, more commercial feel of a city-centre event.

Best for: independent shopping, evening atmosphere, unusual gifts and a pre-Christmas visit to Totnes.

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Tavistock Christmas Markets

Tavistock has enough Christmas shopping activity in 2026 to treat it as a destination rather than one single event, with a succession of markets running from November until just before Christmas.

Love Local Gift Market, Tavistock, Devon

14 November 2026
Butchers’ Hall hosts a Love Local Gift Market bringing together artisan makers, unique gifts and local food and drink from independent traders.

Butchers’ Hall Makers Market, Tavistock, Devon

20 to 21 November 2026
Another opportunity to shop from independent makers at Tavistock’s historic Butchers’ Hall as the town’s Christmas shopping season gets underway.

Artisan Crafters Craft Fair, Tavistock, Devon

27 to 29 November 2026
A three-day craft fair at Butchers’ Hall provides another late-November opportunity to find handmade and locally produced gifts.

Butchers’ Hall Dickensian Market, Tavistock, Devon

4 December 2026
Butchers’ Hall stays open from 9 am to 9 pm alongside Tavistock’s Dickensian Evening, making this one of the best dates to visit the town for Christmas atmosphere and shopping. Entry is free.

Tavistock Arts Market, Devon

5 December 2026
A market of local artists, designers and makers in Butchers’ Hall, open from 9 am to 4.30 pm. Entry is free.

Butchers’ Hall Christmas Markets, Tavistock, Devon

11 to 23 December 2026
These indoor markets run through the final fortnight before Christmas, open 9 am to 4 pm on weekdays, 9 am to 4.30 pm on Saturdays, and 10 am to 3 pm on Sundays. Entry is free.

Together with the permanent Pannier Market and Tavistock’s independent shops, these make the town one of Devon’s better choices for Christmas shopping, particularly when the weather is poor.

Best for: independent shopping, indoor markets and a Dartmoor Christmas break.

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Christmas Markets in North Devon

North Devon has fewer large city-centre Christmas markets than Exeter or Plymouth, but several worthwhile events are already confirmed for 2026.

Arlington Court Christmas Pop-Up Market, Devon

21 to 23 November 2026, 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Arlington Court, near Barnstaple

The North Devon Handmade Collective will bring its pop-up shop and mini market to Arlington Court for the property’s Christmas launch weekend, with local arts, crafts, gifts and a selection of carefully chosen stalls.

The market coincides with the start of Arlington Court’s Storybook Christmas, when the house and grounds are decorated for the festive season. This makes it particularly appealing for visitors who want to combine Christmas shopping with a wider day out.

The market itself is free, although normal admission charges apply to the property.

Best for: local crafts, handmade gifts and combining Christmas shopping with a festive visit to Arlington Court.

North Devon Christmas Market, Braunton, Devon

5 December 2026, 12 pm to 8 pm
Where: Braunton

The North Devon Christmas Market returns to Braunton with more than 150 craftspeople and small businesses, alongside street food, festive drinks and entertainment. Entry is free.

Visitors can expect handmade gifts, jewellery, clothing and sweet treats, with food ranging from Thai dishes and curries to hog roast and churros. Entertainment throughout the day will include choirs, dance groups and acoustic music, with inflatables and rides for children.

Now in its ninth year, this is one of North Devon’s largest dedicated Christmas markets and should be one of the area’s main festive shopping events in 2026.

Best for: independent traders, local crafts, street food and a large one-day North Devon Christmas market.

RHS Garden Rosemoor near Great Torrington also hosts its Magic of Christmas Craft & Food Fairs on 20 to 22 November, 27 to 29 November and 5 to 6 December 2026, giving North Devon visitors several more opportunities for festive shopping.

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For the best traditional Christmas market experience, we would choose Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market. Set on Cathedral Green, with a month of trading and the city centre around it, we think it is a particularly good all-round choice.

For another large city-centre market, Plymouth Christmas Market is a good alternative, particularly if you want to combine market stalls with wider Christmas shopping.

For local crafts and atmosphere, Buckfast Abbey stands out, while RHS Garden Rosemoor is particularly appealing in North Devon, especially when the Christmas fairs coincide with RHS Glow.

For independent makers, Wintertide in Buckfastleigh and Tavistock are particularly attractive. Tavistock has the advantage of several different markets running through November and December rather than a single event.

For shopping in any weather, Westpoint or Tavistock’s indoor markets are the safer bets.

For a large one-day event in North Devon, consider the North Devon Christmas Market in Braunton, with more than 150 craftspeople and small businesses expected.

For independent shopping and a more characterful town-centre setting, Totnes is another strong choice, with three evening Christmas markets in December.

For a smaller community Christmas market, Moretonhampstead, Bovey Tracey or Teignmouth may be more enjoyable than the larger city events.

Christmas Markets Still Awaiting 2026 Dates

Most of Devon’s major Christmas markets have now published their 2026 dates, but a few festive events are still awaiting confirmation.

Rather than carry over dates from previous years, we list events only once organisers have published their 2026 programmes.

Torre Abbey Christmas Market and Winter Fest formed part of the Bay of Lights celebrations in 2025, but we are still awaiting confirmed details for the 2026 market.

Dawlish Christmas Market has also previously formed part of the town’s festive programme, but we are waiting for clear confirmation of the 2026 event before adding it to our main list.

We will continue checking announcements from towns and venues across Devon and update this guide as further Christmas markets are confirmed.

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Visiting Devon Christmas Markets Without a Car

Several of the best Devon Christmas markets are relatively easy to reach by public transport.

Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market is a short walk from Exeter Central station, while Plymouth’s city-centre market is also convenient for rail and bus passengers.

Teignmouth station is only a few minutes from the Christmas Market, while Totnes is another particularly easy car-free option, with its three town-centre Christmas markets taking place on 8, 15 and 22 December.

Tavistock has regular bus links with Plymouth, while more rural locations such as Buckfast Abbey, Moretonhampstead and Lupton House require a little more planning.

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Make a Christmas Weekend of It

A Devon Christmas market does not have to be a quick shopping trip.

Exeter is the easiest base for combining the Cathedral Christmas Market with Westpoint, city-centre shopping and other Christmas events.

Plymouth now has enough market activity to justify a weekend in its own right, with the city-centre Christmas Market running for more than three weeks and six Royal William Yard festive markets scheduled during December.

South Devon offers a different kind of break. Combine Buckfast Abbey, Wintertide, Lupton House, and Totnes’s three December Christmas markets with the English Riviera, Dartmouth, or Dartmoor.

North Devon offers a different kind of Christmas break, with the large one-day Christmas Market in Braunton alongside festive shopping dates at RHS Garden Rosemoor and Arlington Court.

Looking for more things to do while you’re here? Browse our What’s On in South West England guide for festivals, markets, family events and other things happening across the region.

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🎄 Devon Christmas Markets 2026 FAQs

Quick answers to some of the most useful questions about Christmas markets in Devon in 2026, including dates, locations, free events, indoor markets and public transport.

What are the biggest Christmas markets in Devon in 2026?

Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market and Plymouth Christmas Market are two of Devon’s largest city-centre Christmas markets. Exeter runs from 13 November to 13 December 2026, while Plymouth runs from 26 November to 20 December. Westpoint Exeter also hosts a large indoor Christmas Shopping Fayre from 27 to 29 November, while the North Devon Christmas Market in Braunton brings together more than 150 craftspeople and small businesses on 5 December.

When do Devon Christmas markets start in 2026?

The first Christmas market in this guide is Affinity Christmas Market in Bideford, which takes place on 7 and 8 November 2026. Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market opens on 13 November, followed by Tavistock’s Love Local Gift Market on 14 November, with markets and fairs continuing across Devon throughout November and December.

Are Devon Christmas markets free to visit?

Many are free to enter. Confirmed free-entry events include Affinity Christmas Market in Bideford, Buckfast Abbey Christmas Market, Moretonhampstead Christmas Market, the North Devon Christmas Market in Braunton and Tavistock’s Butchers’ Hall markets. Normal garden admission applies at RHS Garden Rosemoor. The Arlington Court Christmas Pop-Up Market itself is free, although normal admission charges apply if you also want to visit the property.

Which Devon Christmas markets are indoors?

Westpoint’s Christmas Shopping Fayre near Exeter is a large indoor event and is a useful choice in poor weather. Tavistock’s Butchers’ Hall also hosts several indoor Christmas markets during November and December. Other markets may combine indoor and outdoor stalls, so check the organiser’s latest information before travelling.

What are the best Christmas markets in North Devon?

North Devon Christmas Market in Braunton is one of the area’s largest dedicated festive markets, with more than 150 craftspeople and small businesses expected on 5 December. Other confirmed North Devon events include the Arlington Court Christmas Pop-Up Market from 21 to 23 November and the Magic of Christmas Craft & Food Fairs at RHS Garden Rosemoor on 20 to 22 November, 27 to 29 November and 5 to 6 December.

Can I visit Devon Christmas markets without a car?

Yes. Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market is a short walk from Exeter Central station, while Plymouth’s city-centre market is accessible by train and bus. Teignmouth Christmas Market is only a short walk from the railway station, and Totnes is another particularly easy car-free option, with its three town-centre Christmas markets taking place on 8, 15 and 22 December. Tavistock has regular bus connections with Plymouth. Rural markets such as Buckfast Abbey and Moretonhampstead require more planning, particularly for evening and Sunday services.

Have all Devon Christmas market dates for 2026 been announced?

No. Most of Devon’s major Christmas markets have now confirmed their 2026 dates, but a few established festive events are still awaiting full programmes. These include Torre Abbey’s Christmas Market and Winter Fest in Torquay and some smaller town-centre events. This guide is updated as organisers announce further dates.

Where can I find Christmas lights and other festive events in Devon?

This page focuses specifically on Christmas markets and festive shopping. For Christmas light switch-ons, illuminated attractions, festive railways and other seasonal events, see our Devon Christmas Lights, Markets & Events 2026 guide . You can also browse our What’s On in South West England guide for other events taking place during your visit.

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Dates and details are, to the best of our knowledge, correct at the time of writing. Always check with organisers before travelling.

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