Feel the Festive Cheer: 7 Must-Visit Christmas Markets in North Devon
Updated: 19 hours ago
North Devon, famous for its breathtaking coastline and surf-worthy waves, but as winter sets in, this charming corner of England takes on a whole new character. Beyond its sandy beaches, it becomes a cosy haven filled with festive charm. Whether you're exploring Christmas markets or enjoying a romantic glamping tipi experience, North Devon offers a winter escape like no other. From luxury glamping tipis to cosy winter glamping retreats, there’s no better way to unwind and embrace the season’s delights. So grab your cosiest scarf, and let’s explore the festive markets that North Devon has to offer this year.
7-8 November, 2026
Kicking off the festive season early, the Affinity Devon Outlet Shopping Christmas Market in Bideford is a two-day extravaganza that’s all about merriment. With live music throughout the day and over 60 stalls offering festive treats, including the obligatory mulled wine and tantalising street food, you’ll be in gastronomic heaven. Learn more
5 December, 2026
Located in the coastal town of Braunton, this market is a must visit for Christmas fans and has grown to one of the biggest one-day events in the area.With over 150 traders showcasing the finest crafts and gifts from the West Country, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Live entertainment? Check. Delicious street food? Double-check. Unique Christmas gifts? Triple-check. Plus, it’s perfectly situated for a winter walk on Saunton Sands or the Braunton Burrows dunes beforehand – could it get any better? Learn more
photo credit: from left to right - Annie Spratt, Sabri Tuzcu and Jason King on Unsplash
27 - 28 November, 2026
Prepare for a weekend of celebrations in Ilfracombe with Combe Christmas, North Devon's biggest Christmas lights switch-on. Last year the organisers brought back a traditional withy lantern parade – lanterns woven from willow in an "under the sea" theme, with a giant gull and glowing seahorses leading the way from the Candar to the war memorial for the big switch-on. Add stalls, street food, late-night shopping and live music that will get your feet tapping, and you have the perfect start to the season. Friday evening from 6pm on the High Street? Sorted! Learn more
28 - 29 November, 2026
Lynton, with its picturesque Exmoor charm, is the perfect setting for a Christmas market. Inside the historic Town Hall you'll find a beautifully curated mix of local food, drink, craft and gift stalls – ideal for unique presents and artisan treats. The market sits at the heart of the Lynton & Lynmouth Christmas Shopping Weekend, with festive goings-on across both villages: last year that included a Friday-night light-up featuring Lynmouth's much-loved Lobster Pot Christmas Tree and a Christmas craft fair at Caffyns Farm. While you're here, wander down to Lynmouth for a stroll around this charming harbour village. Learn more
Glow : 27 November to 30 December, 2026 | Craft & Food Fair: 27 - 28 November, 2026 & 5 December, 2026
Get ready for the enchantment at RHS Rosemoor , where 2026 marks the 10th year of Glow. To celebrate, there's a brand-new route through the garden rooms and champion trees, with eight new light installations to discover. For a festive night out with a difference, there's also a Silent Disco among the illuminations on 11 and 12 December. Pair it with the Magic of Christmas Craft & Food Fair for a double delight - crafts and food galore in a truly magical setting. Learn more
6 December, 2026
Few places do Christmas quite like Clovelly. As dusk falls, a brass band leads a procession down the village's famous cobbled street to the 14th-century harbour, with carols sung along the way. Then the switch is thrown and the whole village – cottages, lamp posts and harbour wall – lights up with around a mile of twinkling lights strung by the volunteer lifeboat crew, before fireworks burst over the harbour. Expect mulled wine, hot food and a visit from Santa, all raising money for Clovelly RNLI. It's one of the most romantic evenings of the North Devon winter. Learn more
13 November – 13 December, 2026
And if you’re up for a day trip from HARTA retreat, make your way to the Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market, Devon’s largest Christmas market. Last year it welcomed more than 600,000 visitors, and it returns for a full month this year with over 100 stalls nestled in festive chalets on Cathedral Green. Opening day coincides with the city's Christmas lights, and for 2026 there's a new festive edition of Exeter's First Thursday late-night event on 3 December. Throughout the market, the Cathedral is open for entry by donation – the perfect excuse to step inside and discover 1,000 years of wonder, including the longest medieval stone vault ceiling in the world, a medieval astronomical clock and a medieval cat flap! Make a full day of it with a spin on the Winter Wonderland ice rink in Northernhay Gardens, open from 20 November. Learn More
Embrace the holiday spirit, indulge in delicious treats, and discover unique gifts in this enchanting region. Combine a visit to North Devon's festive Christmas markets with a Wintering Well Package at HARTA retreat . Here you can cosy up in a romantic glamping tipi for two nights incl continental breakfast hampers, one-hour private access to the sauna, and a beautifully curated Wintering Well Gift Box (worth £80) - perfect for a restorative mini-break. So, escape the everyday and experience the beauty of a slower festive season. From luxury glamping tipis to lazy winter days, it's time to unwrap your winter getaway.
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