Locally made products and handmade crafts make gorgeous and unusual gifts for your loved ones, plus you get to support small businesses while you shop! Come in from the cold, browse beautiful wares, try new foods and sample cyder at these fabulous festive markets. Here are some of our favourites from around the county.
Healeys Christmas Markets
Date: Every weekend from 16th November to 22nd December
Location: Healeys Cornish Cyder Farm, Penhallow near Perranporth
Expect a winter wonderland at Healeys Cornish Cyder Farm this season as it puts on its famous Healeys Christmas Markets. These are fantastic family events with Christmas themed activities and entertainment scattered around the festive farm. Here you can stroll through cobbled courtyards adorned with Christmas trees and festive lights, listen to choir singers, pet farm animals, take tractor rides and sip mulled cider. You can also buy arts, crafts, food and drink from the market stalls.
Porthleven Christmas Market
Date: 16th to 17th November
Location: Porthleven Harbour
Shop for local arts and crafts, sample Cornish food and drink, and listen to live music from local bands and singers in this picturesque harbour on the south coast of Cornwall. Head for the marquee where you’ll find a variety of stalls where you can snap up some unique gifts for Christmas.
Bedruthan Christmas Fayre
Date: 23rd to 24th November
Location: Bedruthan Steps Hotel, Mawgan Porth
This hotel overlooking the sea in Mawgan Porth is an awesome setting for this special event, where shoppers can browse local arts and crafts created by Cornwall’s talented artisan makers. With over 50 stalls of contemporary craft, art, ceramics, illustration, homewares, textiles, decor, gifts, fashion, jewellery, accessories and food and drink, the show provides an opportunity to purchase something truly special for Christmas.
Made in Cornwall Christmas Fair
Date: 27th November to 1st December 2019
Location: Lemon Quay, Truro
This is one of county’s largest Christmas markets and it’s pretty special as it only features traders who have been awarded the Made in Cornwall status. It’s a wonderful opportunity to pick up handmade gifts and unique pieces of art which cannot be found anywhere else. It all takes place in a big marquee right in the centre of Cornwall’s only city.
Newquay Christmas Market
Date: 29th November to 1st December
Location: Fore Street Car Park, Newquay
This annual event attracts a lot of people for Christmas fun in a town centre location overlooking the sea at Newquay Bay. This year there will be a licensed bar, food stalls, live music, entertainment and stalls showcasing Cornish arts and crafts. Kids can also visit Santa and his elves in his grotto throughout the weekend.
Trelissick Christmas Craft Fair
Date: 1st December
Location: Trelissick, Feock near Truro
Discover traditional Christmas gifts and crafts made by staff and volunteers at this beautiful National Trust property near Truro. Combine a visit to the fair with a walk around the majestic grounds of this estate overlooking the Fal estuary.
Padstow Christmas Festival
Date: 5th to 8th December
Location: Padstow Harbour Car Park
Padstow Christmas Festival has grown from a low-key event into a massive festival attracting some of the region’s top celebrity chefs. As you’d expect in this popular foodie destination, there are cookery demonstrations from local restaurateurs and many stalls where you can sample local food and drink. It’s yet also another chance to buy locally produced gifts. Visitors to Padstow will also be welcomed by dazzling Christmas lights around the harbour, choir singers and a spectacular fireworks display on the Friday night of the festival.
Fowey Christmas Market
Date: 6th to 8th December
Location: Town Quay and other venues, Fowey
This is another popular seasonal event, which attracts hundreds of traders and thousands of visitors for a pre-Christmas celebration. The market opens on the Friday evening with a Father Christmas and Lantern Parade through the town, ending at the Town Quay where most of the festivities are centred. It’s a great place to find that extra that special gift, try some local produce and enjoy Christmas themed entertainment.
The Alternative Christmas Market
Date: 7th to 8th December
Location: Heartlands, Pool
The Heartlands mining heritage visitor centre will showcase arty creations by some of Cornwall’s most talented makers during this two-day market. There’ll be outdoor performers, food stalls and live entertainment throughout the weekend. It’s also a good opportunity to explore the centre and learn about the local mining history, while children play on the huge adventure playground. If you’re there on the Saturday, stick around for a special Christmas party in the evening.
Winter Gift Fayre
Date: 11th to 19th December
Location: Lemon Quay, Truro
Organisers will create a traditional Christmas atmosphere that encapsulates the spirit of winter magic for the Winter Gift Fayre in Truro. In a marquee adorned with Christmas decorations and warm twinkling lights, visitors can enjoy the festive spirit while they browse the wonderful selection of craftwork, jewellery, art, food, drink and much more.
Lighthouse Cinema Christmas Craft Fair
Date: 14th December
Location: Lighthouse Cinema, Newquay
Get some last-minute presents at this annual Christmas Craft Fair in Newquay. The event will feature quality artisan stalls selling Christmas gifts, last-minute presents and tasty treats. Visitors can also take advantage of a discounted Christmas movie and enjoy live festive music from local choirs and bands in the foyer.
Photo: Visit Cornwall
