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Have Yourself a Cornish Christmas: 15 Festive Markets to Discover
The holiday season is upon us, and there's no better place to immerse yourself in yuletide cheer than Cornwall's magical Christmas markets. From charming villages to bustling harbors, these festive bazaars offer seasonal shopping, delicious food and drink, live entertainment, and good old-fashioned holiday spirit.
We’ve handpicked 15 of the top Cornish Christmas markets taking place in 2023. At these community-centred events, you can support local artisans, sip mulled wine or cider, enjoy carols and shows, and find unique gifts for everyone on your list. Get ready to embrace the sights, sounds, scents, and tastes of the season.
So bundle up, grab your bags, and get ready to explore Cornwall’s best Christmas markets. From Callington to Bude, Penryn to St Ives, there’s festive fun for all.
1. Truro Cathedral Christmas Market
Fri 3rd & Sat 4th November, 2023
Truro Cathedral, Truro
Treat yourself to a taste of Cornwall this holiday season at the Truro Christmas Artisan Market. With over 60 talented local artisans, this market is a can’t-miss event to find delightful handmade gifts and tasty treats.
From jewellery to jams, ceramics to chocolates – you’ll find creations from the area’s top makers. New this year is an expanded food and drink section, perfect for sampling some of Cornwall’s finest or finding foodie gifts.
2. UNA CHRISTMAS MARKET
Thu 23rd November, 2023
Una St Ives, St Ives
After last year’s successful event, the highly anticipated Una Christmas Fayre returns for 2023! Attendees can enjoy the beautiful Lido venue and partake in delicious food, mulled wine, charity raffles, and festive music.
A highlight of the event will be a live performance by the vocal trio ‘The Velvets’ from 6-7pm. Their uplifting Christmas carols and tunes in perfect harmony are sure to get everyone into the holiday spirit.
The fayre will also feature an eclectic mix of talented local vendors, artists, and craftspeople selling their creations in a small marketplace located in the spa building. Visitors can find gift inspiration and treats for themselves while browsing the quirky and interesting stalls.
3. Nadelik Christmas Market
Nadelik Christmas Market
Heartlands, Pool
Shop local and find unique gifts at the market at Hearlands. With over 80 talented artisans and traders, it’s a treasure trove of delightful handmade and one-of-a-kind items—ideal for stocking stuffers or that special someone.
As visitors explore the market, they can enjoy live music and carolers filling the air with enchanting melodies. The sounds of the season make the perfect backdrop while hunting for those perfect gifts.
From handcrafted decor to artisanal foods and beyond, it’s the place to find thoughtful, locally-made gifts and experience the magic of the holidays.
4. The BIG Christmas Market
Wed 29th Nov — Sun 24th Dec, 2023
Lemon Quay, Truro
The BIG Christmas Market takes over Lemon Quay in the month before Christmas, bringing a heart-warming yuletide buzz to the centre of Truro. A visit to the rows of cosy wooden cabins, bedecked with festive sparkle, is an immersive experience – a real highlight in the season of goodwill.
In addition to the activity on Lemon Quay, an extension of the market featuring mainly fresh produce and street food will pop up on Boscawen Street every Wednesday and Saturday, adding to the enticing prospect of Christmas shopping in Truro.
Tuck into mulled wine and mince pies, as local choirs serenade you with yuletide carols and Christmas lights sparkle overhead. With all the sights, smells and flavours of a Cornish Christmas, consider this your invitation to buy from local farmers, small food producers and talented craftspeople!
5. Christmas Market at Harrowbarrow & Metherell Village Hall
Sun 19th November, 2023
Harrowbarrow & Metherell Village Hall, Callington
The annual Tamar Valley Christmas Market is the place to find gorgeous gifts, decorations, and tasty treats while supporting local makers and producers. Visitors can browse creations from talented artisans across the Tamar Valley region and find delightful handmade items for holiday gifting and celebrating.
The market raises funds for the Harrowbarrow & Metherell Community Vineyard, making it a great opportunity to give back. Attendees can treat themselves to refreshments while exploring the stalls of local vendors selling everything from artisanal foods to handcrafted homewares.
6. Christmas Market at The Ladder
Sat 25th November, 2023
The Ladder, Redruth
Mark your calendars for a festive day of shopping and entertainment at The Ladder’s Christmas Market in Redruth this holiday season. This lively market will feature an exciting array of vendors and activities for a memorable Christmas experience.
Visitors can browse stalls of vintage clothing, gifts from local makers, and handmade crafts while enjoying live music and mulled wine. For families, there will be plenty of kid-friendly craft activities to spark creativity and holiday cheer. With its unique blend of shopping, music, food and drink, and hands-on fun, The Ladder’s Christmas Market promises a festive outing for all ages.
7. Drifty Xmas Market
Sat 16th December, 2023 — Sun 17th December, 2023
The Driftwood Spars, St Agnes
Wander through delightful stalls at Driftwood Spars, showcasing unique creations from talented local artisans and makers. From handcrafted decor to gourmet goodies, you’ll find inspiring gifts for everyone on your list.
Sip on a steaming cup of Drifty mulled cider or wine to warm you inside and out as you hunt for those perfect presents. Take a break from gift shopping to enjoy festive treats and food from local vendors. With free entry, it’s an affordable outing for the whole family!
8. Christmas Craft fair at Wheal Martyn
Sat 18th & Sun 19th November, 2023
Wheal Martyn, St Austell
Visit Wheal Martyn’s Christmas Craft Fair and explore stalls brimming with imaginative ceramics, upcycled furniture, handcrafted jewellery, stylish bags, cosy cushions, and so much more. Marvel at the creativity of pictures masterfully made from clock parts or pick up beautiful wood-turned items.
Fuel up with a tasty treat from the Cafe while you browse for those special gifts. With free entry and parking, it’s an affordable outing for finding one-of-a-kind presents they’ll truly cherish.
9. Christmas Fayre at Bedruthan
Sat 18th & Sun 19th November, 2023
Bedruthan Hotel & Spa, Mawgan Porth
Join us for Bedruthan’s annual Christmas Fayre, where you will find stalls from a mix of talented craftspeople and artisan makers from around the southwest, with plenty of unique Christmas gifts to choose from. They’ll have makers and creators selling art, crafts, ceramics, textiles, illustration, homewares, gifts, fashion, jewellery and food and drink.
There will also be Christmas workshops such as wreath making and more to be announced. Christmas cheer will be in full supply for adults and children alike with carol singers, Christmas afternoon teas and a post box outside of Santa’s grotto to post wishes to Santa.
10. Mylor Christmas Gift Fair
Sat 25th November, 2023
The Tremayne Hall, Falmouth
Shop small and support over 20 talented local artisans at the sparkling Mylor Christmas Gift Fair. Visitors can browse a range of quality goods from independent businesses for an inspirational and festive experience.
The fair features a vibrant showcase of crafters and makers exhibiting their wares. Find beautiful pottery, silver jewellery, artisanal preserves, woodwork, needlework, prints, paintings, plants, and much more unique handmade items. It’s the perfect opportunity to find meaningful gifts and decor while getting into the holiday spirit.
11. Xmas VIP Shopping
Sat 25th November
Showroom, Bude
The annual VIP Christmas shopping experience returns to Bude this November 25th. Held in the host’s showroom, this special event allows attendees to enjoy an exclusive day of festive shopping and celebration.
As VIP shoppers, guests can take advantage of special deals, expert tips, and plentiful holiday cheer. They can leisurely browse for perfect gifts for everyone on their list from the showroom’s unique collection. Live cooking and life demonstrations provide inspiration throughout the day. Of course, delicious food and drink samples will be available to indulge in while shopping.
This highly anticipated event brings the community together to support local businesses, connect with others, and embrace the holiday season with relaxing VIP-style treatment.
12. Artisan Xmas Fayre
Sat 2nd December, 2023
Trevassack Lake, Helston
Treat yourself and your loved ones to an inspiring shopping experience this holiday season at the Lizard Artisan Christmas Fayre. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Trevassack Lake, this fayre shines a spotlight on some of Cornwall’s most talented artisans and their superb creations.
Hand-picked by a group of dedicated local volunteers, the makers at this fayre create unique and exquisite works of art, decor, clothing, foods and more. All proceeds from the fayre benefit the Children’s Sailing Trust charity. Enjoy the stunning lakeside location and cafe while checking everyone off your gift list.
13. Krowji Christmas Open Studios 2023
Fri 1st — Sun 3rd December, 2023
Krowji, Redruth
This December 1st-3rd, get into the holiday spirit while supporting over 60 local artists, designers and makers at the Krowji Christmas Open Studios. This highly anticipated event allows you to explore a diverse range of handcrafted goods right inside the creators’ studios.
From December 1st 5-9PM and December 2nd-3rd 10AM-4PM, studios will be open to showcase an incredible array of locally made artisan wares. Find beautiful pottery, macrame, fine art, jewelry, prints, textiles, and more unique gifts. Fuel up on coffee, cakes and festive treats at Stones Krowji cafe inside.
Once again, Krowji will have a wonderfully festive open evening, running from 5pm until 9pm Friday 1st December. Adding to the festive atmosphere, there will be a performance by Vocal Presence choir (a group formed by our Business Ally Partner, Transparent Presence) from 7pm on the 1st and the Ingleheart Singers will sing carols on the 2nd.
14. Christmas Cornish Makers
Sat 2nd December, 2023
Tre Pol & Pen, Launceston
Tis the season for holiday cheer and supporting local artists at the Cornish Makers Christmas Market! Taking place on December 16th, this festive edition is the final market of 2023 and a chance to stock up on handmade gifts from talented Cornwall artisans.
Discover an eclectic mix of makers showcasing their wonderful works. Find special gifts with locally made charm that capture the spirit of Cornwall. The Shepherd’s Hut will serve festive refreshments all day to fuel your shopping adventures.
15. Christmas Fair at Jubilee Wharf
Sat 16th & Sun 17th December, 2023
Jubilee Wharf, Penryn
On December 10th, the Jubilee Wharf Christmas Market will celebrate 17 years of providing eco-friendly holiday shopping. This annual event uplifts local and regional makers and artisans, aligning with the venue’s mission of sustainability.
Inside the warm ZedShed, over 25 stalls will feature quality, handmade goods from talented creatives across Cornwall. As Jubilee Wharf has been carbon-neutral since 2007, the market carefully curates plastic-free and locally sourced products.
Attendees can fuel up on food and drinks at the onsite Muddy Beach Cafe while enjoying lively entertainment and activities in the festive courtyard. Visitors can discover unique artisan gifts while embracing the true spirit of the season.
