The best Christmas markets in Cornwall for winter 2023

Dates, locations and lots to look forward to...

There’s nothing like the sparkling sights, exciting sounds and incredible smells of a Christmas market to get you feeling festive in Cornwall. From artisan food in Padstow to handmade gifts in Mawgan Porth, plus a special event for four-legged friends, here are our 2023 favourites…

1. Padstow Christmas Festival

Thursday 7th – Sunday 10th December 2023 at Padstow Harbour

Take to the glittering Padstow Harbour on the first December weekend to become completely wrapped up in the spirit of Christmas. Three of the county’s favourite chefs will lead the 2023 charge, with Rick Stein, Paul Ainsworth and Nathan Outlaw all on hand to provide cookery demonstrations between the Chef’s Theatre and the main festival stage.  

As is tradition with the Padstow Christmas Festival, visitors can sample a selection of award-winning Cornish produce from artisan producers, including Da Bara Bakery, Freda’s Peanut Butter, Kernow Chocolate and The Seafood Restaurant.

When it’s time for a tipple, feel spoilt for choice with gorgeous botanical gins, locally pressed ciders and chilled beer thanks to Rock-based Sharp’s Brewery. What’s more, our property Sea Haze sits a 10 minute walk from the harbour, so you can enjoy guilt-free G and Ts before taking in the view from the terrace after the festival.

With event organisers excited to return after a two-year break, tickets for 2023 are on sale now.

2. Eden's Cornwall Christmas Fair

Wednesday 22nd and Thursday 23rd November 2023 at The Eden Project

Kickstarting Eden’s season of goodwill and raising funds for Cornwall Community Foundation, 70 independent stalls will take to the biomes in late November. Promising home décor, clothing and produce aplenty, take your pick from beautiful brands across Cornwall and beyond. 

While the fair officially opens from 10am on Thursday 23rd, a dedicated preview evening the night before is a lovely way to enjoy wine, supper and a spot of Christmas shopping, complete with a cocktail hour from Healey’s at 5pm.

Get inspired for this year’s stocking fillers, take a walk through the biomes or book an ice-skating session as evening falls – there’s plenty on offer throughout winter to spark the festivities. Tickets must be booked in advance. Find more details here.

Inspired by its sparkling sea views and luscious gardens, book a stay at our very own Eden. Watch the coast come alive this winter from the comfort of the outdoor pool, or explore the Rame Peninsula with dog-friendly walking routes nearby.

3. Bedruthan Christmas Fayre

Saturday 18th – Sunday 19th November 2023 at Bedruthan in Mawgan Porth

Encouraging visitors to put their own handmade spin on this year’s gifts, Bedruthan’s Christmas Fayre promises three days of ceramics, illustration, textiles and much more. Over 50 stalls and exhibitors will be at Bedruthan this year, including raku firing and willow weaving to name a couple. 

After the children post their letters to Santa, head to the sea-view restaurant and café for a Christmas afternoon tea, or join a wreath making workshop. Included within the ticket price, you’ll be collected from Mawgan Porth Beach car park and driven to the event via shuttle bus – perfect for enjoying a coffee on the sand afterwards.

Looking to stay in Mawgan Porth this winter? Be tempted by a cedar-clad hot tub, underground games room, sparkling sea views and a short walk to the beach at The Hideout. Ready to welcome guests over Bedruthan’s festive weekend, some of Cornwall’s best restaurants and spas await on the doorstep. 

Find a full list of winter workshops and classes on Bedruthan’s website.

4. Healey's Christmas Markets

Every weekend from Saturday 11th November until Sunday 17th December 2023 at Healey’s Cornish Cyder Farm

Home to our much-loved Rattler, watch the farm at Healey’s come alive across six weekends this November and December. As they head into their seventh year, the team are eager to welcome visitors into ‘a fairy-tale world of mulled cyder and hearty food, Christmas songs and crafts.’

We’re yet to see a detailed itinerary, but if 2022’s event is anything to go by, look forward to traditional Sunday roasts, carol singers in the Old Bottlery, and freshly cut Christmas trees ready to take home. Children will love exploring the cobbled courtyards, taking a tractor ride through the working apple orchards, and paying a visit to the farm’s newest resident, Chutney the baby goat.

You can book tickets for the event here.
 

5. Fowey Christmas Market

Friday 8th – Sunday 10th December 2023 at Fowey Town Quay, Albert Quay, Webb Street and Town Hall

One of Cornwall’s most popular Christmas events, Fowey’s Christmas Market attracts thousands of visitors to enjoy locally produced food, drink and handmade gifts. Showcasing an extensive collection of everything from Cornish clotted cream and award-winning cheddar to handmade jewellery and festive flower crowns, Fowey’s streets come alive with almost 200 traders each year. While the specifics aren’t yet confirmed, this year’s event is taking place over the 8th, 9th and 10th December. 

Pick up unique handcrafted glassware from Jo Downs and find the perfect delicate decoration to add to this year’s tree, or head to the Pink Lemons boutique for a beautiful range of clothing, accessories and homeware. 

With gifts chosen and carols sung, it’s well worth popping into one of Fowey’s lovely local coffee shops, pubs or restaurants that hug the harbour. We love Appleton’s for its extensive cocktail menu, or for a spot overlooking the water, head to The Galleon Inn. 

If you're looking for somewhere to soak up the merriment, a stay at Little Polkerris in Fowey promises to send you packing with a smile on your face. Home to views of agile fields and baby blue waters, relax in the hot tub as the sound of Cornish countryside prepares you for a slumberous nights sleep.

6. Porthleven Christmas Market

Friday 1st – Sunday 3rd December 2023 at The Shipyard Market

If you’re visiting Porthleven this winter, perhaps with a stay at our nearby properties The Old School House or Seathrift, circle the first weekend of December in your diary. Stalls are scattered across the shipyard and the whole town comes alive with late night shopping, live music, gourmet food and lashings of mulled wine.

The full 2023 line-up is yet to be confirmed, but last year’s vendors featured Truly Cornish (think Christmassy cupcakes and decadent hot chocolates), beautiful pet portraits from The Animal Artist, and chic-meets-sustainable decorations from the talented Tangled Wreaths. 

As well as a Santa’s grotto for the children and music performances across the three days, we’re expecting a Christmas light switch-on to illuminate Porthleven Harbour as night falls.

See more on the event’s Facebook page.
 

7. Carbis Bay's Coastal Christmas Market

Saturday 2nd, Sunday 3rd, Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th December 2023 at Carbis Bay Estate near St Ives

A free event that’s open to all, Carbis Bay’s beach promenade is set to twinkle in the yuletide glow for two weekends in December. Open from 11am – 5pm, children can look forward to crafty activities and a Santa’s grotto, while grown-ups watch on with mulled wine in hand. It’s not a Christmas market without live music, so there’ll be festive performances throughout. 

See more here.
 

8. Penryn's Jubilee Wharf Christmas Fair

Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th December 2023 at Jubilee Wharf in Penryn

A free, festive and fun weekend awaits at Penryn’s Jubilee Wharf Christmas Fair, taking place between the 16^th and 17th December. Kickstart the festive feeling through your taste buds, where local rum, toasted walnuts and mulled wine are sure to please.

While in the area, be sure to visit Falmouth for an afternoon of festivities. Watch the story of the Nativity in the town centre, catch falling snowflakes as you stroll through the streets and marvel at the light displays dotted around the town. When hungry bellies call, stop by Dolly’s Tea Room for jam-first homemade scones and spiced gingerbread.

Read more about the event here.

Spend Christmas in Cornwall

Left: Pentyak in Harlyn. Right: Trewhella in Crantock.

Stunning beaches, warm country pubs and a luxury holiday home to retire to - Christmas in Cornwall is truly special. Keep up-to-date with our Christmas page and secure your dream home for 2023.

Image credits: All images are our own, or from Unsplash.