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Top 3 Cornish Christmas Markets

Make Christmas shopping a joy rather than a trial! Book a weekend away and soak up the festive atmosphere at one of Cornwall’s many Christmas markets. Enjoy festive entertainment, good food and drink along with plenty of opportunities to pick up some local crafts which make great Christmas gifts. Here’s our pick of the best in the region.

Fowey: 30 Nov – 1 Dec

On the Friday there’s a BBQ along the seafront accompanied by cheerful festive music. Father Christmas arrives by boat (how else when in Cornwall?) to meet the children and leads a procession through the town culminating with the Christmas lights being switched on at around 7pm.
Saturday morning sees the opening of the market where you’ll find an abundance of traditional and Cornish traders complementing Fowey’s trendy boutiques and art galleries. There are choirs, bands and other entertainers in the streets and pubs. Christmas Praise begins outside the parish church at 4:30pm, accompanied by a brass band.

In the main marquee on the Town Quay, there’s a colourful array of locally made food, drink and crafts while in the Town Hall you can check out handmade crafts such as cushions, slate clocks, driftwood Christmas trees and local watercolour prints. Wander the town’s narrow street and browse the varied mix of clothes boutiques, delis and gift shops. In the evening the festive entertainment continues with many pubs hosting live music.

Worth Knowing – On Saturday and Sunday the Town Buses will offer free transport between the car parks and market all day, sponsored by the Fowey Chamber of Commerce.

Padstow: 5 – 8 Dec

A fun-packed weekend as this delightful Cornish fishing village comes alive with celebrity chefs, culinary delights and festive fun. This event attracts thousands annually.

There’s a traditional Christmas market held in a large marquee on the quayside where stalls are laden with Cornish goodies and gifts. Alongside authentic Cornish produce, such as ales, meats, jams and cheeses, restaurants including Rick Stein’s Seafood Restaurant will be tempting festival goers with tasty treats and Christmas puds. You can also expect live cookery demonstrations from an array of culinary talent including some big-name chefs.

Enjoy a delightful mix of family-friendly Christmas entertainment including Santa’s grotto, cake decorating, face painting, fireworks, live music and festive food. Padstow’s Christmas Festival certainly offers a great way to make the most of a winter’s day.

Worth Knowing – The lantern parade and firework display on Friday evening, are a festival highlight not to be missed.

Truro: 10 – 15 Dec

The Victorian Christmas Market is a six-day event, now in its eighth year. Housed in a huge heated marquee set in Lemon Street, a pedestrianized area in the centre of Truro, it’s a great location. Not only can you take advantage of the many stalls at the Christmas Market but it’s a perfect spot to then venture out and explore the diverse shops of this majestic cathedral city.

The Christmas Market is split into two areas, there is a Food Hall and an Arts, Crafts and Gifts Hall. There are a variety of different traders making it ideal when looking for that extra special Christmas present, something that’s different. The traders always join in with the Victorian feel and make their stalls customer friendly and attractive. One of the attractions of this market is that there are always plenty of “tasters” from the food and drink stalls! This market really is a mainstay of Christmas activities in Truro and often marks the “real” start of the Christmas experience.

Worth knowing – Late night shopping is on Wednesday 11 December when the shops are open until 9pm and the streets are filled with festive market stalls, entertainers, brass bands and carol singers. Also, Ice Skate Truro is situated in front of the majestic cathedral and is open every day. Tickets can be bought in advance.

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