Devon Christmas Markets and Events 2026: Your Guide to Festive Devon

As Christmas approaches, Devon comes alive with festive markets, sparkling Christmas lights, seasonal food, independent traders and magical family attractions. Whether you're searching for the best Christmas markets in Devon, planning a festive day out or looking for inspiration for Christmas gifts, there's plenty to discover across the county.

From the famous Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market to Plymouth's festive celebrations, RHS Garden Rosemoor's illuminated trails and Christmas at Powderham Castle, this guide highlights some of the best Devon Christmas events to explore in 2026.

Looking for a taste of Devon to share this Christmas? Explore our Christmas food hampers from Devon for delicious regional treats and thoughtful festive gifts delivered to your chosen recipient.

Please check each event organiser's official website before travelling. Dates, opening hours, ticket availability and activities can change.

Quick Facts: Devon Christmas Markets 2026

• Best-known Christmas market: Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market

• Exeter market dates: 13 November to 13 December 2026

• Plymouth Christmas Market: 26 November to 20 December 2026

• Christmas lights and festive trails: Events take place at locations across Devon during November and December

• Family-friendly experiences: Look out for festive light trails, Christmas shows, seasonal activities and visits with Father Christmas

• Local shopping: Find artisan gifts, crafts, festive food and regional produce at selected markets and fairs

• Booking advice: Check ticket requirements in advance, particularly for popular light trails and family attractions

1. Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market 2026

The Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market is one of the most popular festive attractions in Devon. Set on Cathedral Green in the historic heart of Exeter, it combines traditional Christmas atmosphere with independent traders, seasonal food, handmade gifts and festive refreshments.

In 2026, the market is scheduled to run from Friday 13 November to Sunday 13 December. Visitors can browse the stalls, enjoy seasonal treats and look for distinctive gifts while taking in the spectacular surroundings of Exeter Cathedral.

It's an excellent choice for anyone searching for Christmas markets in Exeter, festive shopping in Devon or a seasonal day out with family and friends.

Best for: Christmas shopping, artisan gifts, festive food and a traditional Christmas market atmosphere.

Before visiting, check the official Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market information for current opening times and visitor information.

2. Plymouth Christmas Market 2026

Plymouth offers another excellent destination for Christmas shopping and festive food. Its city-centre Christmas Market is scheduled to return from Thursday 26 November to Sunday 20 December 2026.

Visitors can expect festive chalets, artisan crafts, seasonal treats and a variety of street-food options. The event is also planning a craft-focused area featuring work from local makers, giving shoppers another opportunity to discover unusual Christmas presents.

If you're planning a festive visit to Plymouth, combine the market with a look around the city centre and its seasonal displays.

Best for: Christmas shopping, food lovers, handcrafted gifts and a festive city-centre visit.

Check the official Visit Plymouth Christmas Market guide before setting off.

3. RHS Glow at RHS Garden Rosemoor

For something a little different, RHS Glow transforms RHS Garden Rosemoor into a colourful illuminated experience during the festive season.

The 2026 programme includes selected dates from 27 November to 30 December, with pre-booked tickets required for the Glow trail. The gardens are illuminated with seasonal displays, making this an appealing evening experience for couples, families and anyone who enjoys winter walks.

RHS Garden Rosemoor is also hosting its Magic of Christmas Craft and Food Fair on selected dates, including 27–29 November and 5–6 December 2026. These fairs offer an opportunity to discover seasonal treats and gifts from regional makers and producers.

Best for: Christmas light displays, winter evenings, seasonal food and artisan shopping.

Visit the official RHS Glow information to check dates, ticket availability and visitor arrangements.

4. Christmas at Powderham Castle 2026

Powderham Castle near Exeter is another destination to consider when planning Christmas activities in Devon.

Christmas at the Castle is scheduled for 29 November to 30 December 2026. The programme includes an illuminated Christmas Light Walk, festive entertainment on selected dates and optional experiences such as the castle attraction and festive afternoon tea.

Families can also check the availability of Father Christmas experiences when booking. As different activities may operate on different dates, it's worth reviewing the programme before choosing your visit.

Best for: Christmas lights, family outings, festive experiences and a memorable seasonal visit.

For dates, ticket options and booking details, visit the official Christmas at the Castle website.

5. More Christmas Markets and Events Around Devon

Beyond Exeter and Plymouth, towns and attractions across Devon offer opportunities to enjoy local Christmas shopping, seasonal entertainment and community celebrations.

When planning your Christmas events calendar, look out for confirmed programmes in the following areas:

• Brixham: Look for Christmas market activities and the Lanterns, Lights and Luminations programme.

• Dawlish: Check local announcements for the Christmas lights switch-on and lantern parade.

• Newton Abbot: Look for Christmas fayres, local produce and festive family activities.

• Bovey Tracey: Check for Christmas market stalls and seasonal town-centre events.

• Totnes: Look for festive markets, independent shops and seasonal evening shopping.

• Tiverton: Check the local programme for Christmas craft and gift fairs.

• Barnstaple and Tavistock: Explore local event listings for independent traders, festive shopping and community celebrations.

Event dates and arrangements vary from year to year, so confirm the latest details with the relevant town council, venue or event organiser before including a particular date in your plans.

6. Christmas Lights and Festive Displays in Devon

One of the highlights of the festive season is seeing towns and attractions illuminated for Christmas. Across Devon, Christmas lights, lantern parades and seasonal displays can make an ordinary shopping trip feel much more special.

Exeter, Plymouth, Torquay, Dawlish and other towns are worth checking for their latest Christmas announcements. Attractions such as RHS Garden Rosemoor and Powderham Castle also provide dedicated festive light experiences.

If you want to attend a particular Christmas lights switch-on, check the organiser's confirmed date and start time. Some events include live entertainment or street activities before the lights are switched on, while others may have road closures or parking restrictions.

Tip: Popular weekend events can be busy. Check travel arrangements and ticket requirements before leaving home.

7. Christmas Shopping and Late-Night Shopping in Devon

Christmas markets are not the only way to enjoy festive shopping in Devon. Many town centres have independent retailers, gift shops, food producers and seasonal events that make them worth exploring during November and December.

Exeter and Plymouth are useful starting points for city-centre shopping, while towns such as Totnes and Tavistock offer opportunities to discover independent businesses and locally made gifts.

Late-night shopping dates and opening hours can change each year. Check local shopping-centre announcements and town event listings before planning an evening visit.

If you're buying gifts for people who live further away, ordering online can also save time during the busiest part of the Christmas season.

8. Looking for Christmas Food Gifts from Devon?

After visiting a Christmas market, you might be inspired to share some of Devon's food traditions with friends and family. Regional food gifts can be a thoughtful choice for relatives, friends, colleagues or anyone who enjoys discovering local produce.

Devon-inspired Christmas food hampers offer a convenient way to bring together a selection of festive treats without having to visit several shops or markets.

At Devon Heaven, you can explore our range of Christmas and winter food hampers for gifting inspiration. Whether you're sending a present to family, thanking a friend or choosing a seasonal gift for someone special, take a look at the available hampers and their individual contents before ordering.

When choosing a Christmas food hamper, consider:

• Who you're buying for: Choose a gift that suits the recipient's tastes and preferences.

• The contents: Check the included products, ingredients and any dietary information.

• Delivery arrangements: Review delivery dates, cut-off times and any seasonal delivery guidance.

• The occasion: Consider whether the hamper is for a family celebration, a thank-you gift or a Christmas surprise.

Ordering early is sensible during the festive period, particularly if you need a gift to arrive before a specific date.

9. Tips for Planning Your Devon Christmas Outings

A little preparation can make Christmas outings more enjoyable, particularly when popular events attract large crowds.

Check dates before travelling. Some attractions run on selected dates rather than every day throughout the Christmas season.

Book popular attractions early. Light trails and experiences involving Father Christmas may require advance tickets and can sell out.

Plan your journey. Check parking, public transport, accessibility and any road restrictions announced by the organiser.

Allow time for shopping. If you're visiting a Christmas market, leave time to explore the stalls, enjoy seasonal refreshments and browse independent traders.

Check opening hours. Market hours may vary by weekday, with some events offering later shopping on selected evenings.

Plan gifts in advance. If you are sending presents by post, check delivery arrangements and order deadlines rather than leaving everything until the last few days before Christmas.

Make the Most of Christmas in Devon

From the festive stalls at Exeter Cathedral and Plymouth's city-centre market to the illuminated gardens at RHS Rosemoor and the seasonal experiences at Powderham Castle, Devon offers plenty of ways to enjoy the build-up to Christmas in 2026.

Whether you're looking for Christmas markets, family-friendly events, independent gifts or seasonal food, checking the latest event information will help you make the most of your visit.

And if you want to share a taste of the county with someone who can't join you, explore Devon Heaven's Christmas food hampers for more festive gifting inspiration.

Event information was checked against published organiser information available in October 2026. Please confirm details directly with each venue before travelling.