Looking for the best Christmas markets in the South West? From Bristol's lively city-centre market to charming countryside events, independent makers and festive markets tucked away in historic settings, there are some lovely places to discover this Christmas. Whether you're looking for unusual Christmas gifts, a festive day out with friends or somewhere new to explore, here are the South West Christmas markets worth adding to your 2026 plans.
There's something about a Christmas market that makes the festive season feel a little more special. The smell of something delicious cooking, twinkling lights, stalls filled with handmade gifts and the chance to find something you wouldn't normally see on the high street all add to the atmosphere.
The South West has plenty of Christmas markets to choose from, and while the bigger events are popular for good reason, there are also some lovely smaller markets that deserve a place on your festive bucket list.
I love the idea of discovering somewhere a little different each year. Perhaps it's a historic town filled with independent traders, a countryside estate hosting local makers or a farm market where you can browse for Christmas presents and enjoy something delicious along the way.
I've rounded up a selection of Christmas markets taking place across Bristol, Somerset, Dorset, Devon, Wiltshire and Cornwall in 2026. Some are big, established festive attractions, while others are smaller events that you might not have come across before.
The aim is to help you find somewhere genuinely worth visiting, with practical information about dates, locations, what to expect and where to find the latest details before you travel.
Please note: The events below have published 2026 dates on their official websites or organiser listings. Some prices, activities, and visitor arrangements may change, so check the linked event pages before you go.
1. Bristol Christmas Market, Bristol
Dates: 6 November–23 December 2026
Location: Bristol city centre
Best for: Festive shopping, food, drinks and a lively Christmas atmosphere
If you're looking for a Christmas market with plenty going on, Bristol Christmas Market is one of the South West's main festive events.
Running from early November until just before Christmas, the market brings seasonal shopping, food, bars and entertainment into the heart of the city. With more than 40 stalls advertised for 2026, there's plenty to browse if you're looking for Christmas gifts or simply want to soak up the festive atmosphere.
What can you expect?
The market combines traditional Christmas shopping with food, drinks and attractions, including:
More than 40 stalls selling artisan gifts and seasonal products.
Sweet and savoury festive food.
Bars and live entertainment, including the Jäger Barn Bar.
Attractions including a Ferris wheel and Christmas bauble rides.
Festive decorations and a lively city-centre setting.
The advertised opening hours are 10am–7pm for stalls and 10am–10pm for food and bars. Check the official website for the latest information on individual attractions.
Is Bristol Christmas Market worth visiting?
I'd recommend it if you want to combine Christmas shopping with a full festive day out. You can browse the stalls, stop for something to eat, enjoy the entertainment and explore the city's other shops and attractions.
It's also a good option for an evening out with friends, particularly if you enjoy the food and bar areas. The market can get busy, especially at weekends and closer to Christmas. If you prefer a more relaxed visit, consider going earlier in the day or during the week.
Find out more: Official Bristol Christmas Market website
2. St Nick's Christmas Market, Bristol
Dates: 20 November–24 December 2026
Location: Corn Street and Wine Street, Bristol city centre
Best for: Independent traders and unusual gifts
If you're visiting Bristol for its main Christmas Market, it's worth knowing about St Nick's as well. This is a separate market with its own traders and a slightly different feel.
St Nick's Christmas Market takes place around Corn Street and Wine Street, with traditional wooden chalets and additional outdoor pitches. It's a good option for anyone who enjoys browsing independent businesses and finding gifts that feel a little more individual.
Why visit St Nick's?
The market focuses on independent traders, making it worth a wander if you're shopping for someone who seems to have everything or would appreciate something different from the usual high-street gifts. You could combine it with lunch, a walk around Bristol's historic streets or a wider Christmas shopping trip.
One of the advantages is that the market runs until Christmas Eve, making it a useful stop if you're still looking for last-minute presents.
Bristol Christmas Market or St Nick's?
You don't necessarily need to choose between them if you're spending a day in the city. Bristol Christmas Market is the larger festive attraction, with food, bars, entertainment and rides. St Nick's offers another opportunity to browse independent traders in a different part of the city.
Check the organisers' information for opening times and trading arrangements before visiting.
Find out more: Bristol City Council – St Nick's Christmas Market
3. Bath Christmas Market, Somerset
Dates: 26 November–13 December 2026
Location: Bath city centre
Best for: Independent gifts, historic streets and a traditional Christmas atmosphere
Bath Christmas Market is one of the South West's best-known festive events, and it's easy to see why it attracts so many visitors.
The market takes place among Bath's historic streets, with traditional chalets selling handmade gifts, crafts, decorations and seasonal food. The city's Georgian architecture provides a beautiful backdrop, making it a lovely place to combine Christmas shopping with a wander around somewhere new.
For 2026, the market is returning with around 245 traders, and the organisers report that 80% of this year's traders are from the South West.
What makes Bath special?
One of the nicest things about Bath is that the market is part of a much wider city-centre experience. You can browse the stalls, explore independent shops, stop for a coffee or lunch and enjoy the city's historic surroundings.
It's particularly appealing if you're looking for handmade gifts or want to support independent businesses while doing your Christmas shopping.
What should you know before visiting?
The market runs from 26 November to 13 December, with opening hours varying by day. The published schedule is 10am–7pm Monday to Wednesday, 10am–8pm Thursday to Saturday and 10am–6pm on Sundays.
Entry to the market is free, although you'll need to budget for shopping, food, travel and any other attractions you choose to visit. Bath can be extremely busy during the Christmas market season, so consider travelling by train or bus where practical. If you're driving, check parking and road closure information before setting off.
Find out more: Official Bath Christmas Market website
4. Buckfast Abbey Christmas Market, Devon
Dates: 26–28 November 2026
Opening times: 10am–5pm
Location: Buckfast Abbey, near Buckfastleigh, Devon
Entry: £1 per person; free parking
Best for: Handmade gifts and a distinctive historic setting
Buckfast Abbey is a lovely option if you're looking for a festive market with a different setting from the usual town-centre event. The Abbey's 2026 Christmas Market is taking place over three days in late November, with the organisers promising more stalls than ever before.
Visitors can browse handmade gifts, artisan products and seasonal treats, with live entertainment adding to the festive atmosphere.
What can you expect?
The market is advertising a selection of:
Handmade gifts and artisan products.
Festive homeware and seasonal decorations.
Mince pies and other Christmas treats.
Hot food and drinks.
Live performances from local artists.
There's also a free Christmas shuttle bus service advertised in partnership with the railway. Check the organiser's website for the timetable and collection points.
Find out more: Buckfast Abbey Christmas Market 2026
5. Hartley Farm Christmas Makers Market, near Bath
Dates: Friday 27 November, midday–8pm; Saturday 28 November, 10am–3pm
Location: Hartley Farm, Winsley, near Bradford-on-Avon
Entry: Free
Best for: Handmade gifts, local food and a relaxed countryside setting
This is one of the markets I'd particularly recommend looking into if you enjoy discovering independent businesses and would like something a little different from the bigger Christmas events. Hartley Farm's Christmas Makers Market is returning for 2026, with an additional Friday evening event alongside the Saturday market.
Set at a working farm with a farm shop and café, it offers a more relaxed alternative to a large city-centre market. You can browse local makers, enjoy seasonal food and drink and explore the farm's Christmas offerings.
What can you find?
The organisers have confirmed more than 30 local makers and producers, with products including:
Handmade jewellery and ceramics.
Artwork and prints.
Crochet, textiles and wooden homeware.
Pet accessories and gifts.
Local food and drink.
Christmas treats and seasonal produce.
There will also be carol singing, food options and a Christmas tree forest.
Find out more: Hartley Farm Christmas Makers Market
6. Hestercombe Christmas Market, Somerset
Dates: Friday 4 and Saturday 5 December 2026
Location: Hestercombe House and Gardens, near Taunton
Admission: From £7, depending on ticket type and entry time
Best for: Independent makers, handmade gifts and historic surroundings
Hestercombe is another market worth knowing about if you'd prefer to spend a few hours browsing independent businesses in a historic setting.
The Christmas Market returns to Hestercombe House and Gardens for two days in December, bringing together around 60 independent businesses, artists and makers from Somerset and the wider South West. The event is organised in partnership with The Somerset Collective, which focuses on independent creative businesses and carefully selected traders.
What can you expect?
The published event information highlights:
Handmade gifts and artisan products.
Homeware and decorative pieces.
Artwork and creative products.
Local food and festive treats.
Independent businesses from the region.
The historic house and gardens provide a different backdrop from an ordinary shopping street, making this an appealing option for anyone who enjoys heritage locations as well as Christmas shopping.
Find out more: Hestercombe Christmas Market
7. Cornwall Gold Christmas Market, Cornwall
Dates: Thursday 3–Sunday 6 December 2026
Opening times: 10am–4pm, with late-night shopping until 7.30pm on Friday 4 December
Location: Cornwall Gold, near Redruth
Entry and parking: Free
Best for: Cornish gifts, local makers and affordable festive shopping
If you're in Cornwall or planning a festive trip there, Cornwall Gold's Christmas Market is a good one to know about. The 2026 event runs over four days, with more than 50 local stalls planned alongside the site's food offering.
Visitors can browse local businesses, explore the historic Tolgus Mill and visit the Cornish jewellery showroom.
What can you buy?
The organisers have advertised a varied selection of local products, including:
Handmade ceramics and homeware.
Candles and soaps.
Jewellery and Cornish keepsakes.
Art, prints and crystals.
Christmas decorations and gift hampers.
Cakes, festive treats and locally produced goods.
It's a useful option if you want to find something with a Cornish connection, whether you're buying for someone who loves the county or looking for something a little different. A good option if you're watching your spending
Entry and parking are free, which makes this a good choice if you want to enjoy some Christmas shopping without paying for admission. The market is advertised as opening until 7.30pm on Friday 4 December, offering a chance to browse later in the day. As always, you'll need to budget for anything you buy, but the free entry makes it easy to pop along and see what's on offer.
Find out more: Cornwall Gold Christmas Market
8. Symondsbury Estate Christmas Market, Dorset
Dates: Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 December 2026
Location: Symondsbury Estate, near Bridport
Best for: Independent makers, artisan shopping and a countryside festive day out
If you like the idea of escaping the busy city streets for a festive market in a countryside setting, Symondsbury Estate is one to consider.
The estate's Christmas Market is returning in December 2026, with the event taking place in its historic Tithe Barn and Manor Yard. The organisers are bringing together independent makers, growers, artists and artisan producers for a weekend of festive shopping, seasonal food and drink, live music and family activities.
What makes this market different?
The setting is a big part of the appeal. Instead of browsing stalls in the middle of a city, you'll be exploring a historic estate with a mix of indoor and outdoor areas.
It's also a good option for anyone who prefers shopping with independent businesses and wants to find presents that feel a little more personal. You may discover handmade products, artwork, local produce and gifts that you wouldn't normally come across on the high street.
Who would enjoy it?
I'd particularly recommend considering this one if you enjoy countryside days out, independent makers and smaller festive events. It could be a lovely excuse for a winter trip to Dorset, especially if you combine it with exploring the surrounding area.
The organisers have confirmed the dates, but check their website for the latest information on entry, opening times, parking and visitor arrangements before travelling.
Find out more: Symondsbury Estate Christmas Market
9. Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market, Devon
Dates: Friday 13 November–Sunday 13 December 2026
Location: Cathedral Green, Exeter
Entry: Free admission
Best for: A larger festive market, food stalls and a historic backdrop
Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market is one of the larger events in the region and is well worth considering if you're looking for plenty of stalls and a full festive day out.
The market takes place on Cathedral Green, with the historic cathedral providing a beautiful backdrop to the chalets, decorations and seasonal activities. For 2026, the organisers are advertising more than 100 festive chalets, with artisan gifts, food, drinks and traders from Devon and beyond.
What can you expect?
Handmade gifts and crafts.
Seasonal decorations and accessories.
Local West Country products.
International street food.
Festive drinks and themed bars.
A historic setting in the heart of Exeter.
The published opening hours are Monday to Wednesday, 10am–7pm; Thursday to Saturday, 10am–9pm; and Sunday, 11am–5pm.
Is Exeter worth visiting?
If you enjoy a bigger market with plenty of food choices, Exeter is a good option. You can browse the stalls, stop for something to eat and explore the rest of the city.
It's also easy to turn your visit into a full day out, combining the market with shopping and other attractions around Exeter.
Admission to the market is free, although you'll need to budget for anything you buy. The cathedral also advertises entry by donation for visitors wishing to explore its interior, so check the latest arrangements if that interests you.
Find out more: Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market
10. Wells Christmas Market, Somerset
Dates: Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 December 2026
Opening times: 9am–3pm
Location: Wells city centre
Best for: Independent traders, a historic town and festive shopping
Wells is a lovely option if you enjoy Christmas markets that spread through a town centre rather than being confined to one venue.
The 2026 event is confirmed for a weekend in December, with more than 200 artisan stalls planned along Sadler Street, the Market Place, High Street, Queen Street and Broad Street. That gives you plenty of opportunity to wander around, discover different traders, and explore the town at the same time.
What can you expect?
The published event information includes:
More than 200 artisan stalls.
Independent gift sellers and makers.
Live music and entertainment.
A festive trail around participating independent shops.
A new warm-white Christmas lighting scheme in parts of the town centre.
The market is advertised for 9am–3pm on both days.
The event is likely to be busy, so check parking and travel arrangements before setting off.
Find out more: Wells Christmas Market information
Tips for visiting Christmas markets in the South West
Check the dates and times before booking/arriving
Some markets run for several weeks, while others take place over just one or two days. If you're travelling a long distance or planning an overnight stay, make sure the market is open on your chosen dates.
Think about travel and parking
The South West covers a large area, and some of the smaller markets are in rural locations. Check public transport options, parking arrangements and journey times before setting off.
Set a budget
It's easy to get carried away when you're surrounded by handmade gifts, festive decorations and tempting food stalls. Decide how much you'd like to spend before arriving, particularly if you're visiting more than one market.
Wear comfortable shoes
Christmas markets often involve plenty of walking, and outdoor venues can have uneven or muddy surfaces. Check accessibility information if you have mobility requirements or need step-free access.
Check what's included in the entry fee
Some markets are free to enter, while others charge for admission or use timed tickets. Activities, rides, food and drinks may cost extra, so check the details before travelling.
Don't forget the smaller events
The bigger markets can be wonderful, but some of the smaller events offer a more relaxed shopping experience and the chance to discover independent businesses you might not otherwise come across.
If you have time, consider visiting one of the smaller markets alongside a larger event. You might find that the quieter venues are just as enjoyable.
Final thoughts: Discover somewhere new this Christmas
One of the nicest things about Christmas markets is that no two visits need to feel the same.
You might choose Bristol for a lively festive atmosphere, Bath for its historic streets or Exeter for its larger market and food stalls. Alternatively, you could head somewhere a little different, such as Symondsbury Estate, Hestercombe or Hartley Farm, where independent makers and local businesses take centre stage.
There are plenty of options across the South West in 2026, whether you're looking for a full day out, a quick festive shopping trip or somewhere new to explore with friends and family.
Hopefully, this guide has helped you discover a few markets you might not have considered before.
Have you visited any of these Christmas markets, or do you know of a smaller festive market in the South West that deserves more attention? Let me know in the comments, I'm always looking for new places to discover!
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