Christmas Markets in Cornwall
If you love to shop local for your festive gifts, a Christmas market is the perfect place. You’ll find all sorts of uniquely Cornish Christmas presents among the county’s festive fairs, as well as enjoying the lively atmosphere (and tempting street food).
We’ve chosen a few of our favourites to showcase; however, there are plenty more smaller events in towns like Penzance and St Ives. Padstow’s popular Christmas market isn’t running in 2024, so we’ve suggested Looe as a seaside alternative. If you’re on holiday in Cornwall in December, you’re bound to be close to one of the many artisan markets.
Wrap up warm, grab your shopping bag, and head for one of these lively and atmospheric Cornish Christmas markets
Truro Christmas Market
Dates: Daily from 22 November – 24 December 2024
The biggest Christmas market in Cornwall, Truro’s festivities run for over a month, right up to Christmas Eve (great news for us last-minute shoppers). The large open space on Lemon Quay, which usually hosts Truro’s lovely farmers’ markets, is transformed into a festive village, complete with log cabins and twinkly lights.
Come here for a huge choice of Cornish-made crafts and delicious local produce, as well as a wonderfully welcoming atmosphere. While the heart of the market is in Lemon Quay, the festivities are spread out across the city. There’s also late night shopping in Truro every Wednesday until 18 December.
Find out more: Truro Christmas Market
Healeys Christmas Market
Dates: Weekends from 9 November – 22 December 2024
Just outside Truro, Healeys Cyder Farm is hosting its popular Christmas markets for the eighth year. As well as shopping for local crafts and produce, visitors can warm their cockles with a mulled cider and a choice of hearty food.
There’s music and activities alongside the food and drink, and with six weekends booked in, there’s plenty of chance to visit. If you’re on holiday in Cornwall with the family, we recommend a day out at Healeys Cornish Cyder Farm at any time of year.
Find out more: Healeys Christmas Markets
The Christmas Fair at the Eden Project
Dates: Wednesday 27 and Thursday 28 November 2024
We absolutely love the Eden Project over the festive season, and this lively Fair is the icing on the (Christmas) cake. Wander among dozens of stalls in this most incredible location, picking up locally made gifts and tucking into some fabulous street food (don’t miss the baked goods…).
The Christmas Fair is held to raise funds for Cornish not-for-profit organisations and raised over £79,000 in 2023. It’s a popular event, so make sure you book your tickets well in advance. Combine your trip to the Fair with a session on Eden’s famous ice rink or an evening walk around the Biomes.
Find out more: Cornwall Christmas Fair 2024
Looe Christmas Market
Dates: Saturday 30 November and Saturday 14 December 2024
Bring a seaside feel to your Christmas shopping with a day at Looe Christmas Market. Looe’s bustling festive event is held on two Saturdays: 30 November for the organised shopper and 14 December for those of us who prefer a closer-to-Christmas approach.
It takes place in the Quayside Centre in West Looe, which has the great advantage of being undercover. Enjoy spending a day in this lovely old harbour town, which has a wide selection of independent shops and galleries for Christmas shopping as well as the festive market.
Find out more: Christmas in Looe
Falmouth Festive Weekend
Dates: Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 December 2024
Falmouth knows how to throw a party, and its Festive Weekend is a splendid celebration of all things Christmassy. Family activities range from a giant snow globe to games of curling, and of course, the big man himself will be paying a visit… Head for the Christmas Market Marquee for the majority of stalls.
While many of the activities, such as the live music and shows, take place at The Moor and Events Square, there’ll be stalls and events all across town, linked by a land train. Known as a foodie destination, the street food and drink on offer at Falmouth Festive Weekend is always exceptional.
Find out more: Falmouth Festive Weekend
Penryn Jubilee Wharf Christmas Fair
Dates: Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 December 2024
The following weekend, the action moves up the coast to Falmouth’s neighbour Penryn. The Christmas Fair at Jubilee Wharf is very much a community-led event, making it a friendly and welcoming place to pick up unique Cornish Christmas gifts.
As well as stalls selling local crafts, there’ll be plenty to eat and drink, with live music in the background. Jubilee Wharf is a modern, eco-friendly business hub right at the edge of the water in Penryn, creating an evocative maritime backdrop for your Christmas shopping.
Find out more: Jubilee Wharf Christmas Fair
Christmas Holiday Cottages in Cornwall
If December (or even Christmas) in Cornwall sounds appealing, we still have availability in our cosy and luxurious Cornish holiday cottages. Get in touch with us today, and start planning your Cornish Christmas shopping trip…
Shanty Baba
Shanty Baba’s Lantern Ghost Storywalk, St Ives Cornwall, Westcotts Quay, Saint Ives, UK