The TOP seven best Christmas Markets in Cornwall to try during 2016
Following a spectacular bonfire and fireworks night this year with the stunning harbour town of Polperro as our back drop, I thought I should really share some of Cornwall’s fabulous Christmas markets that we’ve tried, tested and over indulged in (hic!), over recent years…
Start your Christmas shopping at the unique ‘Made in Cornwall’ Christmas Fair. You can find a wonderful present for everyone from food hampers filled with gourmet delights to beautiful jewellery for that special gift. The popular Fair gives you the chance to buy genuine Cornish gifts and food for Christmas that your friends and family will love. The fair will be held on the Piazza in Truro. Admission is free.
If you miss the Made in Cornwall fair, throughout December you can continue your hunt for the perfect gift with the Christmas Street Markets along Boscawen Street filled with festive stalls for you to discover.
Get the festive spirit flowing at Padstow Christmas Festival from 1st - 4th December 2016, It combines chefs, local food producers and crafts-folk to celebrate Christmas in a captivating waterside setting. It includes cookery demos as well as Christmas market stalls for you to explore. The festival highlights exciting local and regional companies and their amazing food products. It is also known as the premier event in the county for showcasing exciting gifts and products from wonderful artisan companies and manufacturers.
On Saturday 3 – Sunday 4 December Flambards will host a Christmas Craft Fayre featuring local crafters and businesses all showcasing their wares. You also may be able to see Father Christmas and his elves for a chat and photo as he will be visiting throughout the weekend. Find the fayre within the cobbled streets of the indoor Victorian Village, Britain in the Blitz and in Flambard's bespoke entertainment venue. There will be lots to choose from as 50 designer-makers will be attending to sell gifts, crafts and goodies as well as delicious food and drink produce. For this weekend entrance to the Christmas Fair is £1.00 per person – which includes entrance to the Victorian Village and Britain in the Blitz, as well as free parking.
The beautiful town of Fowey will be hosting a weekend of festive entertainment, food and drink, along with plenty of opportunities to pick up some unique Christmas gifts. Now in its 12th year the Fowey Christmas Market continues to go from strength to strength.
Whether you are a local resident or welcome visitor to our gorgeous town, you'll find plenty to do when the market opens with an evening of Festive entertainment on Friday 9th December from 5.00pm – 8.30pm and continues trading all day Saturday and Sunday.
Live Events South West are arranging the exciting selection of traders in the Town Quay Marquees and there will be local crafts in the Webb Street Market and Town Hall. There will also be a second market place within Fowey Leisure Centre with a regular mini-bus service between the two. When you visit you will undoubtedly find some of your favourite stalls alongside some new and exciting produce to enliven this year’s market.
As ever, there will be a seasoned mix of exhibitors with an emphasis on exceptional food, with numerous delicacies for you to savour... and as for entertainment, we are planning seasonal music supplied by local choirs and musicians, along with our special stilt walkers, who will be leading visitors from the market through the town centre. As well as all this, Fowey has a fantastic array of unique independent shops, great restaurants and cafes, hotels and guest houses all in the most beautiful location.
Also, what self-respecting Christmas Market would be the same without a visit from Father Christmas himself and a latern parade. Well, get ready to meet him in person as he sails into town on Friday evening. Otherwise, you can visit him at his grotto in the Butter Market over the weekend.
From the 8th to the 10th December visit Falmouth and browse round the beautifully festive marquee, have a glass of mulled wine or grab a bite of delicious street food and buy some amazing gifts. Outlaw Christmas Markets are known for showcasing the very best craft, gift and food & drink producers from 38 of the best designers, makers and producers. Enjoy live music and tasty street food throughout the days. At each Outlaw event you can expect taster workshop sessions run by local experts so you can learn something new, kids activities and a whole host of gourmet food offerings.
Christmas is always a magical time for The Lost Gardens but this festive season come and enjoy the first Heligan Christmas Fair, on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th December from 10am to 4pm. It is a family friendly event that will showcase over 70 local businesses including, artisans, creators, producers and makers who will come and trade under a canopy of festive joy, with marquees in the coach park, plant sales, picnic and ticketing areas. There's certainly plenty on offer including food and drink produce, crafts, jewellery, art and more. This Christmas Fair that will be full of festive cheer is free to Heligan Annual Members, £1 Local Pass holders and £2 for everyone else – including garden entry.
Back for the thirteenth year, and still fabulous! The fayre will run 10am to 5pm on Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sunday and include:-
Inspirational cookery demonstrations from leading west country chefs, local produce will be available for your culinary delight, lots of entertainment and Christmas Carolling, if you’re looking for that special Christmas gift, there will be a wide variety of crafts and gifts available, even a visit from Santa Saturday & Sunday 11am-3pm. Admission: Adults £3 each, Children £1 each.
Need somewhere to stay in Cornwall? We can thoroughly recommend 4 star platinum graded Captains Cottage Cornwall (www.captainscottage.co.uk). It really is the most comfortable, perfect home-from-home equipped with everything you need to enjoy your stay, including a gorgeous cosy log burner – hence its 5 star TripAdvisor reviews.
Located in stunning rural South Cornwall and just 5 minutes away from three fabulous beaches! The gorgeous countryside location with views of the sea down the valley will take your breath away and there are many amazing countryside, coastal and forest walks and cycle routes from the cottage or just a short drive away.
Captains Cottage is dog friendly, sleeps 5 guests and has a secure terrace garden. The nearest beach is five minutes away and the nearest pub and farm shop, walking distance.
The tranquil location is perfect for those looking to escape and have a peaceful break. The beautiful harbour towns of Looe, Polperro, Fowey and Cawsands are a stone’s throws away if you fancy soaking up some stunning views.
