The Best Christmas Markets in the South West 2023

The South West isn’t just popular in the summer. There’s plenty to do over the winter months if you’re in the area for a holiday, and even more so now that we’re in the run-up to Christmas. If you’re looking to get into the festive spirit, here are our recommendations for the best Christmas markets in the South West.

 

Bath

23rd November – 10th December

First on our list of the best Christmas Markets in the South West is Bath. Bath’s award-winning Christmas market is a wonder to behold in one of England’s most picturesque cities. 

What makes Bath’s Christmas market so special is the backdrop of the Georgian streets, creating a truly immersive winter wonderland experience. Bath’s Christmas market has over 268 stalls selling a range of homewares, handcrafted jewellery, food and drink, personalised presents and more, with many of the chalets run by local designers and craftspeople.

Of course, no trip to Bath is complete without a visit to the Roman baths, so why not finish your trip by experiencing the Christmas decorations from Thermae Bath Spa’s rooftop pool. Alternatively, visit Bath on Ice which has returned for its 11th year and is on from 17th November- 3rd January.  Here you can try your hand at skating whilst enjoying festive music and seasonal drinks or visit the Glow Golf next door.  This adventure golf course has been illuminated with fairy lights to make it a magical adventure.  You can even play with glow in the dark balls! 

Christmas market opening times: Monday-Wednesday 10am-7pm, Thursday to Saturday 10am-8pm and Sundays 10am-6pm.

Exeter

17th November – 17th December

Exeter’s Christmas market is a long-established event that locals and visitors alike look forward to all year round – so much so that the market attracts over 600,000 visitors each year. With Exeter Cathedral providing a beautiful backdrop, the Cathedral Green is filled with over 100 wooden chalets boasting a selection of crafts, gifts and fresh food. There’s also the Bavarian-style bar where you can get drinks to take with you as you shop, or stop and enjoy the merry atmosphere.

With Exeter high street only a stone’s throw from the market, you can get all of your Christmas shopping done. The Cathedral also hosts carol services, exhibitions, concerts, children’s craft fairs and more over the Christmas period. A trip to Exeter, and one of the best Christmas markets in the South West, will certainly get you in the holiday spirit.

Opening times: 5pm on Friday 17th November, Monday to Wednesday 10am – 7pm, Thursday to saturday 10am-9pm and Sundays 11am – 5pm

Bristol

3rd November – 23rd December

Bristol is one of the UK’s trendiest cities, and their Christmas Market is one of the liveliest in the South West. As well as having over 35 stalls selling crafts, unique gift ideas and food, there is also live music and heated seating in the Jäger Barn Bar, where you can really unwind after a day of shopping. Over the course of the market, Santa and his elves will also be visiting to entertain the little ones.

However, Bristol isn’t home to just one Christmas Market. Spread throughout the city, you can find other hubs of festive cheer, such as the Harborside Christmas Market with its idyllic waterfront setting. One of the best markets in the UK is St Nicholas Market, and there’s also the Local Christmas Market, where you will find stalls by Bristolian artists, craftspeople and merchants – all offering wares you won’t find anywhere else.  

Opening times: Festive stalls 10am-7pm and Food stalls and bar 10am-10pm 

 

Totnes

5th, 12th & 19th December

Totnes’ Night Market is on every Tuesday in December in the run-up to Christmas, from 3:00pm to 9pm. The market is run by traders for the local community. Rather than a month-long installation like other Christmas markets, the Totnes Night Market is a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it event that offers an experience that is uniquely Devon.

The Night Market hosts performances from local schools, community choirs and local bands. There is even a festive lantern parade which takes place on 19th at 4pm. Even though it houses over 90 local traders, what Totnes offers is a more intimate and cosy market atmosphere, suiting of its town setting. With great entertainment and local food, cider and mulled wine, this is one not to be missed if you’re in the South West during these dates.

 

Frome

24th November

Finally, if you’re looking for the best Christmas Market in the South West to kick off the holiday period, look no further than Frome. This year the Lantern Parade will coincide with the light switch on presented by the Mayor of Frome.  The theme this year for the parade is “Ice” and promises a spectacle with live entertainment and music.  Frome’s Christmas Extravaganza Market is just as special as it sounds, even more so because it’s only around for one night! Frome is one of Somerset’s real gems, voted one of the best places to live in Britain. It’s filled with historic buildings and independent businesses and is worth a visit any time of the year, but the Christmas Lantern Parade is not to be missed.  There will be a late night market 4pm-9pm which will be offering seasonal food and drink along with Christmas gifts.

 

Hopefully our recommendations  have given you some ideas about where to spend the festive period! If you want to spend more time holidaying in the South West, why not browse our static caravans for sale in Devon and Somerset?