There is nothing more likely to get you into the festive spirit than wandering round a Christmas Market with a glass of Glühwein in hand. The atmosphere, the smell of hot food and drink and the wonderful gifts really get the festive period underway. Torquay and the surrounding areas host a wonderful array of markets, each with their own unique feel.
As we're open until 2nd December 2018, why not stay with us and do some Christmas shopping at the same time before the big rush?
Here's a run down of eight of the local Christmas market events taking place before we close:
1. Christmas at Cockington
In the lead up to Christmas, every weekend in December there will be music and craft activities to enjoy and all while you browse the galleries and craft studios to find unique, handmade gifts from the quality makers and enjoy delicious treats in the tea rooms.
2. Lupton House – Christmas Craft Fayre
Two days of craft stalls and family fun at Lupton House on Sat Nov 24th 10am – 5pm. Sun Nov 25th 10am – 4pm.
3. Exeter Christmas Markets
Exeter’s Christmas Markets will run from Thursday 16th November until Sunday 16th December. Focusing on the West Front of the Cathedral it will have a ‘Continental’ feel. Opening times: Monday to Wednesday the market will be open between 10am and 7pm (bars will be open until 7.15pm), Thursday to Saturday the market will be open between 10am and 9pm (bars will be open until 9.15pm). On Sunday the market will be open between 11am and 5pm.
As usual there will be a mix of local traders plus continental ones, all who will showcase the best of festive food, crafts and gifts. New for this year will be a bandstand with performances from local bands, carol singers and choirs. You can visit other street markets whilst in Exeter which will be held in Castle Street and Fore Street.
4. Christmas Shopping Fayre at Westpoint
In its 21st year, Westpoint, Exeter will host its annual Christmas Shopping Fayre from Friday 23rd to Sunday 25th November 2018. Each year there is an incredibly diverse range of exhibitors from far and wide who transform Westpoint into an Aladdin’s cave of wonderful gift ideas and essential Christmas items. It’s a magical few days. Prices are Adults £4; OAP £3. There is also lots of free parking!
5. Winterfest at Torre Abbey
They will be hosting a craft and gift fair in the historic setting of the Torre Abbey which will be filled with stalls (thirty!) selling truly unique crafts and Christmas gifts. You can expect seasonal music, a Christmas trail and some indulgent nibbles and beverages. This promises to be a charming event (just a 5 min walk from The 25) and the perfect opportunity to dig out those Christmas jumpers and get into the Winter Fest spirit. £2 Entry price includes entry to the Abbey. Sat 1st & Sun 2nd December.
6. Brixham Christmas Market
Brixham’s Christmas Market will be incorporated with their ‘Latern, Lights ‘luminations’ event on Saturday 30 November. It includes magical events, shopping and Christmas festive fun. There will be hot food stalls and street markets in various venues across the town. Full details of the event can be found at their website.
7. Kingsbridge Christmas Market
Kingsbridge will celebrate Christmas once again on Saturday 1st December so get in the festive spirit and eat, drink, and be merry in Kingsbridge this Christmas. An interesting selection of local craft stalls perfect for gifts and, especially for Christmas, some live music and entertainment.
Local shops will join in with their brightly lit windows and costumed staff, many offering one-off promotions. Stalls will be laden with a wide variety of wonderful gifts and festive treats providing an even bigger and better opportunity to browse and complete your Christmas shopping. All the while street entertainers, local bands and carol singers add to the magical atmosphere throughout the day. Full details can be found at www.kingsbridgecelebrateschristmas.com
8. Christmas Markets at Candlelit Dartmouth
Candlelit Dartmouth 2018 will take place on Friday 30 Nov and Saturday 1st December. There will be a wide range of stalls over both days plus entertainers and musicians, carol singing with the BRNC Volunteer Band and the Britannia Choral Society. Friday will see the official switch-on of the town’s Christmas lights, Santa arrives by boat. Saturday will start from 10am and will see seasonal workshops as well as a lantern procession. More details can be found on their website.
If you don’t have time to visit a Christmas market for your present shopping this year, why not order your presents from the comfort of your own home? Simply call or email us to arrange us a The 25 gift voucher.