Festive Magic: Discover Cornwall's Best Christmas Markets
Christmas markets in Cornwall offer a magical and festive experience, with a unique Cornish twist. These markets blend traditional holiday cheer with local craftsmanship, coastal charm, and gourmet food. Here’s an overview of what you can expect from some of the most popular Christmas markets in Cornwall.
- Dates: Typically held in early December.
- Location: The picturesque coastal town of Fowey.
- Highlights: Beautiful harbour views and locally sourced gourmet food, such as Cornish cheese, fudge, and seafood.
Fowey Christmas Market is known for its enchanting atmosphere with stalls lining the streets of this charming fishing town. You’ll find a mix of artisan gifts, local crafts, and regional delicacies. It also features local choirs, brass bands, and a Santa parade.
- Dates: Usually runs in mid-December.
- Location: Truro, the only city in Cornwall, set against the backdrop of Truro Cathedral.
•Highlights: A unique Victorian aesthetic, with traditional Cornish goods like handcrafted jewellery, woollen items, and plenty of Christmas treats like mince pies and mulled wine.
This market has a Victorian theme, with many stallholders dressed in period costumes. The market showcases an array of crafts, decorations, and food items, all within an atmosphere that feels as if you’ve stepped back in time.
- Dates: 27th and 28th November.
- Location: The Eden Project, near St. Austell.
•Highlights: Ice skating rink, immersive Christmas lights, and live performances amidst the stunning Eden Project backdrop.
The market is set within the iconic biomes of the Eden Project, adding a futuristic yet festive atmosphere. It features over 50 stalls of local artisans selling eco-friendly and handcrafted gifts, making it a great place for sustainable shopping.
- Dates: 20th and 21st December
- Location: Truro Cathedral.
- Highlights: Everything sold here is certified as “Made in Cornwall,” so you know you’re getting authentic, local products.
A celebration of local Cornish makers, this market is perfect for finding handmade gifts. It has a strong focus on supporting local artisans and businesses, from ceramics to organic skincare.
- Dates: Late December.
- Location: The coastal village of Mousehole.
- Highlights: The lights themselves, combined with small local stalls selling crafts and baked goods. It’s a perfect blend of festive joy and small-town charm.
While this is more of a village-wide celebration than a formal market, Mousehole’s stunning Christmas lights and the accompanying small stalls make it a special experience. The lights are famous, and the whole village is illuminated with a dazzling display.
What makes Cornwall Christmas markets special?
- Local Artisans and Food: Cornwall has a rich tradition of artisanal crafts, and the markets are a showcase of this, offering locally made gifts, pottery, candles, textiles, and more.
- Gourmet Local Food: Cornwall’s coastal location and local farming culture make it a hotspot for gourmet products like Cornish pasties, cream teas, seafood, and other delicious treats.
- Seaside Atmosphere: Many of the markets are located in quaint fishing villages or harbour towns, adding a distinct coastal charm to the holiday season.
Visiting a Christmas market in Cornwall is not just about shopping, but enjoying the festive lights, local traditions, music, and beautiful seaside surroundings.
One of our loveliest properties, the Crooked Barn near Bude, is decorated for Christmas for the whole of December with a real tree, decorations and twinkling fairy lights.
Come along and enjoy crisp winter walks right from the doorstep, and after your walk there’s a cosy log fire to come back to.
The Crooked Barn is the perfect property to enjoy a family visit, not just for Christmas – but at any time of the year – and is in a great location for Christmas shopping at the many Cornish markets.