Cornwall is renowned for its artisans and makers, so it’s no surprise that the county has mastered the art of winter fayres and Christmas markets. The festive season is here, and what better way to enjoy all it has to offer than by exploring handmade gifts to suit all tastes, with a warm mulled wine in hand, of course. From Falmouth to Truro, Cornwall’s markets are brimming with stocking fillers and delicious handmade treats. Here’s a guide to some of our favourite Cornish Christmas markets, each capturing the magic of the season in its own way.
From November through to March, we offer shorter breaks to Cornwall, allowing you to explore the festive charm of Falmouth and its surrounding areas in November and December. Falmouth is an ideal spot to explore Cornwall’s winter charm, with its thriving community of shops, galleries, and cafés open all year round. Outside of the summer season, the beaches are all dog-friendly, and transport links remain well-supported. Quiet beaches bathed in low, golden light, cosy pubs, local food, cold water swimming, and beachside saunas are just some of the many reasons to visit out of season.
The Flicka Foundation Winter Fayre
Saturday 23rd November 2024
Location: The Flicka Foundation, Mabe
The Flicka Foundation’s annual winter fayre is a wholesome affair, with festive activities such as Christmas stalls, a cake sale, crafts, a raffle, and the opportunity to meet all the beautiful donkeys. It’s a fantastic way to support the local donkey sanctuary and enjoy some family fun ahead of the holiday season. Donkeys are lovable animals that have made many memorable appearances in popular culture. From Eeyore in Winnie-the-Pooh and Donkey in Shrek to the story of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem, these gentle creatures hold a special place in stories beloved by many. Entry to The Flicka Donkey Sanctuary is free, and the onsite café serves hot drinks and cakes.
Porthleven Christmas Market
Friday 29th November to Sunday 1st December 2024
Location: Shipyard Market, Porthleven
A short drive from Falmouth, Porthleven’s Christmas Market offers a festive experience by the sea. Over three days, you’ll find over 50 small businesses and traders selling everything from handcrafted jewellery to delicious foods and drinks. The market opens on a Friday evening along with the annual harbourside Christmas light switch-on, Porthleven Town Band playing Christmas songs, artisan mulled wine, and festive foods. Find out more here.
Potager Garden Christmas Fair
Sunday 1st December 2024
Location: Potager Garden, near Falmouth
Held in the beautiful grounds of Potager Garden, this fair is smaller than others, featuring just over 20 local makers selling a variety of handmade gifts, including hand-dyed socks, candles, ceramics, and more. If you haven’t heard of this lovely venue before, Potager emerged from the bramble-choked wilderness of an abandoned plant nursery and is now a relaxing garden space with a café and artist’s studios. During the fair, stalls are spread across the Greenhouse and Log Wall Studio, providing a wonderful stroll through the garden while you shop. The café will be open with mulled drinks, teas, coffees, and vegan/vegetarian food. Find out more here.
Falmouth Festive Weekend
Saturday 7th to Sunday 8th December 2024
Location: Various town centre locations, Falmouth
Falmouth’s town centre transforms into a festive wonderland, with multiple locations hosting local traders selling their handmade wares. In Events Square, there will be fun activities for the whole family, including curling and a visit to Father Christmas in his grotto. A short walk from the town centre is The Moor, hosting live music, vintage children’s rides, market stalls, and crafts at Falmouth Art Gallery. Find out more here.
The Poly Christmas Market, Falmouth
Friday 6th to Sunday 8th December 2024
Location: The Poly, Falmouth
A local favourite, The Poly Christmas Market is held in the historic Poly building, offering a curated selection of handmade gifts, decorations, and produce by local makers. Enjoy browsing cards, prints, ceramics, and candles while soaking up the festive atmosphere. Take a break and enjoy some warming refreshments at the new Uppe Café inside The Poly. This event is part of the Falmouth Festive Weekend festivities. Find out more here.
Photo Credit: Lucy Joines Robin Jug at The Poly
Jubilee Wharf Christmas Fair, Penryn
Saturday 14th to Sunday 15th December 2024
Location: Jubilee Wharf, Penryn
This inviting community event offers handmade crafts, local produce, and artisanal foods in the heart of Penryn. The fair embodies the holiday spirit of shopping small, offering everything from knitted wear to artwork and hamper gifts. Make a beeline for Maya Ullman’s jewellery, inspired by the changing of the tides and seasons outside her studio, she creates jewellery using sustainable materials. If you like rum you will ‘Love’ Loveday Distillery, founded by two childhood chef friends, offering made-from-scratch spiced rum and golden hour gin, beautifully packaged. Find out more here.
Photo credit: Maya Ullman – Recycled bespoke jewellery, handmade by Maya Ullman in her Cornwall based studio exhibiting at The Jubilee Wharf Fair.
Trelissick Christmas Craft Fair
Wednesday 5th to Sunday 8th December 2024
Location: Trelissick Gardens, Truro
Set in the historic Trelissick Estate, this market consists of beautiful Cornish crafts made by National Trust staff and volunteers. The house is decorated with festive flair, and you can enjoy performances by local choirs and visits from Father Christmas on the weekends. There are also stunning maritime views and picturesque woodland walks to see. Stroll through the gardens and explore the fair for festive gifts, while also enjoying winter warmers in the barn café and house tearoom. Find out more here.
Cornwall Christmas Fair at the Eden Project
Wednesday 27th to Thursday 28th November 2024
Location: Eden Project, Bodelva, near St Austell
The Cornwall Christmas Fair at the Eden Project is a ticketed event showcasing a dazzling selection of over 60 stalls, featuring Christmas gifts, home accessories, fashion, jewellery, and more. All funds raised support the Cornwall Community Foundation, helping vulnerable communities in the area. Find out more here.
Truro Christmas Market
Friday 22nd November to Tuesday 24th December 2024
Location: Lemon Quay, Truro
Cornwall’s largest Christmas market, held at Lemon Quay, runs for over a month and showcases food, drink, arts, crafts, and festive treats. With over 100 stalls, the market offers a wide range of locally-made products, perfect for gift shopping or simply enjoying the festive atmosphere. Find out more here.
An Extra Bonus is the Falmouth Christmas Lights Switch-On and Lantern Parade
Thursday 28th November 2024
Location: Falmouth Town Centre
An extra highlight of the season, Falmouth kicks off the festive period with its Christmas Lights Switch-On. The evening begins with a performance by the Sing Choir, followed by a parade led by Kernow Pipes and Drums through town. Expect performances from local schools, churros, hot drinks, and the big switch-on at 7 pm, followed by a performance from the Rock Choir. Find out more here.
