‘Tis the season to be jolly! But if the thought of Christmas shopping is weighing on your mind, worry not! Cornwall Christmas Market has all the gifts you could ever dream of, with options for all budgets, and every kind of person (& pet!) on your list!
With over 125 local traders joining us, supporting small Cornish businesses has never been easier – and by shopping locally, you’ll also help reduce your carbon footprint.
You’ll find thousands of unique, quality products that make fantastic gifts – many of which are officially certified as ‘Made in Cornwall’ – a mark of genuine Cornish craftsmanship that shows an item is produced right here in the Duchy.
In this week’s blog, we’d love to give you a sneak peek at some of the wonderful gifts available at the market. Of course, this is just a snippet of what’s on offer, but we hope this guide will make your festive shopping a little brighter and a lot more local!
For the person who loves Christmas
Spread some Christmas joy with RugsyLugsy’s handcrafted wooden gifts and decorations! Anyone who loves Christmas will appreciate these cute and quirky accessories made from sustainable wood.
For the art lover
From paintings and ceramics to fused glass and objets d’art, Cornwall Christmas Market is an art haven. Come along to discover one-of-a-kind pieces that make incredible gifts…or gorgeous additions to your own home!
For the lady who travels
Make her travels a joy with a Make Up/Travel Bag from Blossom and a Washbag from Caitlin’s Cornish Textiles. Both practical and pretty, these lovely finds are sure to impress!
For the nature lover
Give a gift that makes a difference with a Woodland Trust or Cornwall Wildlife Trust Membership. Both charities will be at Cornwall Christmas Market, giving you the chance to learn more about their fantastic work and how you can support them.
For the player of board games
Whether they enjoy a board game at Christmas or all year round, Besont by Marric Games promises hours of excitement! Meet the creators of this thrilling game and pick up a gift for someone who enjoys a good challenge!
For the beauty buff
Be Skincare’s B Handy – Lemongrass & Jojoba – Gift Set is the perfect choice for those who love all-natural skincare made with the purest ingredients. Check out Be Skincare’s full range of moisturisers, cleansers, fresheners, and remedies at the market!
For the earth-conscious dresser
Anyone who appreciates style, function, and sustainability will be over the moon to receive a gift from Rooted Ocean – a forward-thinking Cornish clothing brand that designs and makes apparel for adventures on land and sea.
For the jewellery lover
With a number of Cornwall’s most talented jewellery makers attending Cornwall Christmas Market, you’re bound to find the perfect piece of jewellery for your special someone. These stunning pieces have caught our eye. See what catches yours!
For the cook
Make their day with a beautiful London Plane Timber Serving Board from Barratt Boards. This master of woodcraft also makes stunning chopping boards and butchers blocks which will be available at the market.
For the little bookworm
Please the young reader in your life with one or more books from the Landy and Friends series, written by Veronica Lamond. These popular books will keep them well entertained over the Christmas holidays!
For the trendy kid
Kit them out with a stylish t-shirt or hoody from Cornish clothing brand No.1 Cubs. Their timeless designs are both casual and comfy, perfect for kids on the go!
For those with a sweet tooth
Sweeten their Christmas with a Cornish-made treat! From handmade cookies and flapjacks to artisan fudge, Cornwall’s tastiest goodies await!
For the cheese lover
Why not wrap up a selection of Westcountry cheeses for that loved one who’s obsessed with cheese? We’re thrilled to welcome Curds & Croust, Glastonbury Cheese, and Cornish Cheese Co. to the market. Keep an eye out for their cheese-laden stalls!
For the fan of hot sauce!
Cornish Chillies, Cornwall’s very own chilli farm, produces hot sauces and chutneys bursting with flavour. Snap up some of their more-ish condiments as a fiery treat for the spice lover on your list!
For the breakfast person
Sweeten their morning with a jar of honey! King’s Orchard Honey and Spring Cottage Cornish Honey will have jars of their heavenly golden honey for sale at the market – lovely as a stand-alone gift or to pop in a hamper!
For the wine lover
Cornwall Christmas Market has a world-class selection of wines, making it easy to find the perfect bottle for Christmas celebrations or a special gift. Look out for award-winning Cornish wine producers, Looe Valley Vineyard and Knightor Winery, plus The Bimbling Barrel, your go-to for exceptional wines produced by independent makers.
For the gardener
Little Green Seaweed’s Organic Seaweed Fertiliser for plants and succulents is an ideal gift for the green-fingered. Packed full of nutrients, minerals, trace elements and natural plant hormones, it’ll have their garden blooming!
For the animal lover
Mary and Ted’s Dog Mama sweatshirt is both cool and quirky! Available in 8 different colours and embroidered to order, this is a perfect gift for someone who’s mad about their dog!
For your four-legged friend
Dress your dog for Christmas in the Red Tartan Dog Harness or Dog Bandana by Cornish Dog Wear. Both durable, comfortable, and stylishly crafted in Cornwall, your dog will be the star of every winter walk!
For the man who has everything
For the hard-to-buy-for man in your life, perhaps consider a bottle of their favourite tipple? Many of Cornwall’s leading distilleries and breweries will be at the market, so whether it’s rum, gin or fine Cornish ale, you’re sure to find something he’ll love!
We hope this has given you a taste of the fabulous Christmas gifts at Cornwall Christmas Market!
Book your Tickets for the ultimate festive shopping experience.
If you haven’t heard the rumours, Cornwall Christmas Market is a paradise for food lovers! With a mouthwatering array of street food and an impressive number of artisan stalls offering locally made food and drink, Christmas has never looked so delicious!
From the warm, spicy notes of mulled cider to the tempting sizzle of gourmet sausages, every corner of the market is brimming with festive flavours. And whether you’re craving a hearty Cornish pasty, a sweet and crumbly mince pie, or something a bit more adventurous, there’s something for everyone.
But it’s not just about eating on the spot! Cornwall Christmas Market is also a fantastic place to stock up on festive goodies to take home – either for gifts or the Christmas spread!
Street food at Cornwall Christmas Market
Add a little local flavour to your Christmas and tuck into some of Cornwall’s finest street food! For the whole of our 3-day event, you’ll find a wide variety of food and drink vendors selling traditional Cornish fare as well as all your festive favourites.
Savoury bites
As you stroll through the market, the tempting aromas of freshly cooked savoury treats will make it nearly impossible to resist a bite to eat! From festive burgers to Christmas dinner Yorkshire Pudding wraps, and flame-grilled BBQ specialties to savoury pretzels, you’ll have a hard job choosing what to eat first!
For those who prefer plant-based options, you’ll also find a great selection of flavoursome vegetarian and vegan offerings, all hand-prepared for maximum taste!
Sweet snacks
If you’re craving something sweet, Cornwall Christmas Market has you covered! Treat yourself to warm, sweet crêpes filled with your favourite toppings, buttery soft Cornish fudge, and a world of other irresistible sugary delights!
Cafe culture
Ready for a short break from the festivities? Why not pause for a moment and enjoy a good coffee while soaking up the magical atmosphere of the market?
At Cornwall Christmas Market you’ll find plenty of stands serving expertly brewed, barista-style coffee. And whether you prefer a classic espresso, a creamy cappuccino, or a frothy latte, there’s something to satisfy every palate!
For the non-coffee drinkers, there’s also an excellent selection of quality teas and hot chocolates, perfect for warming up on a chilly winter’s day.
Festive drinks
Raise a glass to Christmas with the rich warming aroma of mulled wine or mulled cider from the market, or perhaps a glass of prosecco or beer from our fully stocked licensed bar hosted by Firebrand Brewery!
Trust us when we say the market will be overflowing with Christmas cheer – and delicious drinks to match!
Food and drink stalls at Cornwall Christmas Market
With many of Cornwall’s most renowned food and drink producers bringing their produce to the market, this is a fantastic opportunity to discover the region’s best flavours. Read on to learn about the scrumptious things that await!
Cheeses and chutneys
Make this year’s cheeseboard extra special with a variety of premium Cornish cheeses. At the market, several of our county’s most beloved cheese makers will be offering their signature cheeses.
You’ll also come across a superb choice of chutneys, ideal for pairing with cheese (or leftover turkey!) for the ultimate after-dinner treat.
Preserves and condiments
It’s always a joy to open the fridge to some exciting new condiments and preserves – especially at Christmastime! From award-winning jams and honeys to prized sauces and dips, you’ll find an amazing variety to make this Christmas taste better than ever!
Baked goods and patisserie
Come along to experience some of the heavenly baked goods at Cornwall Christmas Market. You’ll love the range of artisan mince pies and Christmas puddings, handmade cakes, and moreish cookies! Plus, festive pastries so good, you’ll be coming back for more!
Meat and charcuterie
Excitingly, several wonderful meat producers are joining us at this year’s market. This is a fantastic chance to stock up on quality meat, from local butchers, or charcuterie such as chorizo, ham & fresh pâté.
So, whether you’re looking for some pigs in blankets for Christmas Day or some delicious cured meat for Boxing Day, Cornwall Christmas Market is the place to shop for the very best!
Luxury chocolates
Discover a gorgeous assortment of handmade chocolates that are perfect for gifting, sharing with family and friends, or enjoying on your own! From gourmet truffles to exquisite specialty chocolates, they’re one of the most thoughtful ways to spread Christmas cheer!
Fine wines, beers and spirits
Whatever your preferred Christmas tipple, you’ll find it at the market! Many of Cornwall’s award-winning distilleries, winemakers, and breweries will be joining us, so if you’re on the lookout for a handcrafted spirit, a fine wine, or a local beer, you’re in for a treat! Cheers!
Feast, shop, and celebrate at Cornwall Christmas Market!
Cornwall Christmas Market 13th – 15th December 2024
If your little ones are eager to meet Santa in Cornwall this Christmas, look no further than Cornwall Christmas Market! The big man in red will be with us for the entire 3-day event: Friday 13th Dec 5.30 pm – 9 pm, Saturday 14th Dec 10 am – 8.30 pm, and Sunday 15th Dec 10 am – 4 pm, taking time out of his busy festive schedule to greet you and make this Christmas unforgettable.
This is the perfect opportunity for children to share a Christmas wish with Santa Claus who will be waiting to meet them in his beautifully decorated grotto, alongside some of his fun-loving elves!
As Santa will be flying in from the North Pole on his sleigh, his loyal herd of reindeer will also be accompanying him at the market, adding to the magic and wonder! You’ll see these wonderful creatures in their cosy indoor enclosure close to Santa Claus, most likely refuelling with some tasty food before they fly back to Christmas HQ! They have a big night ahead of them on Christmas Eve, so they’ll be enjoying some rest and relaxation at the market before they fly around the world delivering presents!
Book a Selfie with Santa Session
As part of your Santa visit, you can opt to book a Selfie with Santa session – the perfect way to capture your special moment with the merry man! Families can take up to 7 photos on their own device, making it easy to share Christmas pics with loved ones!
When you reserve your Cornwall Christmas Market tickets on our ‘Book Tickets’ page, simply select ‘Yes’ to ‘Book a Session with Santa’ and choose your time slot for just an additional £10. Santa’s grotto can accommodate groups of up to 6 people, so gather together your best Christmas crew, strike a pose, and make some memories to look back on for years to come!
Festive fun for everyone
Besides meeting Santa, there’s so much more to discover at Cornwall Christmas Market. The Live Events South West team has planned the best festive lineup imaginable with everything from gift shopping stalls and street food to Christmas entertainment and even an enormous Christmas tree!
Read on to learn more about the festive attractions that await at our traditional Christmas Market!
Enjoy the giant Christmas tree
Standing tall at the heart of the market, our majestic 22ft + Christmas Tree will be shining bright! Decorated with thousands of twinkling fairy lights and spectacular decorations, you’ll feel the magic of Christmas all around!
Making the perfect backdrop for a Christmas photo with loved ones, why not stand beneath its branches and capture the moment on camera? This magnificent tree will fill your heart with joy and become a favourite Christmas memory!
Delicious festive food & drink
If you can’t indulge in mouthwatering food and drink at Christmas time, when can you?! Join us at Cornwall Christmas Market where you’ll find a delightful range of food and drink vendors and famous brands fully stocked with Christmas fare!
We have the tastiest selection of street food such as an outdoor BBQ, festive burgers, Christmas dinner wraps, pretzels, crêpes, mince pies, mulled wine and cider! Plus Artisan Food and Drink stalls selling festive treats like handmade cheeses, chocolates, preserves, and Cornish spirits. There’s no better place to start the Christmas feasting!
Handmade gifts & artisan stalls
Cornwall Christmas Market is a fantastic destination to do all your Christmas shopping in one place! With over 125 Artisan Traders joining us each day, this is the perfect opportunity to find those beautiful, one-of-a-kind gifts, without having to trawl the high street or internet!
With everything from homewares and art to jewellery and luxurious skincare, you’ll find something special for everyone on your list! Stroll through the rows of sparkling stalls and do your Christmas gift shopping in the most magical way possible!
Live entertainment for all ages
Our traditionally themed market has a full schedule of festive entertainment to fill you with Christmas cheer. With local choirs singing well-known Christmas carols, street entertainers bringing the smiles, and performances from some of Cornwall’s most-loved artists, you’ll come away feeling exceptionally Christmassy!
Keep an eye on our What’s On page to find out about the latest additions to our exciting entertainment schedule!
With Christmas fast approaching, many children are starting to dream about Santa Claus and his reindeer visiting them while they’re asleep on Christmas Eve. Excitement is certainly building, but it can feel like a long wait for some!
Luckily there’s a way to meet Santa and his wonderful reindeer in the lead-up to Christmas…They’ll be at Cornwall Christmas Market from Friday 13th December – Sunday 15th December making Christmas dreams come true!
Don’t miss this rare chance to spend time with Santa and his loyal companions – we’re thrilled to welcome them to Cornwall!
Reindeer in Cornwall
Over 800 years ago, reindeer were native to Great Britain and it was a usual sight to see them roaming freely in places like Scotland. The effects of climate change, however, made their numbers dwindle.
Nowadays, reindeer are found in the Arctic Tundra and the forests of Greenland, Scandinavia, Russia, Alaska, and Canada. They’re extremely hardy creatures and right at home in places like the snowy North Pole where they share a home with Santa!
Of course, you don’t come across reindeer in Cornwall very often, so we’re honoured to welcome these special visitors to Cornwall Christmas Market! For the whole of our 3-day event, you’ll find them in their spacious indoor enclosure close to Santa Claus, enjoying a bite to eat and some quiet time before Christmas Eve!
This is a magical opportunity to catch a glimpse of these beautiful animals, up close. And whatever your age, you’re bound to be fascinated by them!
10 Fun facts about reindeer
Ahead of your visit, we thought you might like a few interesting facts about Santa’s companions:
Reindeer are the only deer species in the world where females have antlers too!
Large male reindeer can grow up to 3.9 feet (1.2m) tall (measured from the ground to their shoulder.)
Reindeer are fantastic swimmers who swim three times faster than the average human.
Male antlers can grow up to 1.4m long!
Reindeer have deeply cloven hooves that are perfectly suited to snow. As their hooves are divided into two, they spread on the snow and help distribute the reindeer’s weight. Clever!
In summertime, reindeer eat grass, leaves, and mushrooms.
In wintertime, reindeer mainly eat lichen which they pull from under the snow. This is high in vitamins and protein, and is also known as ‘reindeer moss!’ (Oh and of course they eat lots of carrots too!)
Reindeer are the only mammals that can see ultraviolet light.
Reindeer fur changes colour from brown in the summertime to a whitish shade in wintertime.
They have hollow fur to trap heat and keep themselves warm. This is made up of a thick wooly undercoat and a top layer of longer hairs.
Your reindeer encounter
Meeting Santa’s reindeer is a truly magical experience, especially for children dreaming of Santa’s sleigh! To make the most of it, remember that reindeer are gentle yet naturally timid animals, so it’s important to give them plenty of space and keep voices soft.
Stand back and take in their soft fur, amazing hooves, and kind eyes. Maybe you can imagine them pulling Santa’s sleigh through the night sky too!
How Santa’s reindeer will be cared for
At Cornwall Christmas Market, the welfare of Santa’s reindeer is very important to us. So, while Santa is busy meeting visitors, an experienced team will be on-site caring for his furry friends.
Throughout the event, the reindeer will be in a spacious and comfortable indoor enclosure, giving them plenty of room to rest, eat, and relax. Their living space will be kept clean and regularly monitored by their handlers, making sure they’re safe, happy, and calm.
When to see reindeer in Cornwall
Santa and his reindeer will be at Cornwall Christmas Market, held at the Royal Cornwall Showground, Wadebridge, on the following dates:
Friday 13th December 20245.30 pm – 9 pm
Saturday 14th December 202410 am – 8.30 pm
Sunday 15th December 202410 am – 4 pm
The countdown to Cornwall Christmas Market has begun!
Book your Tickets to meet Santa Claus and his amazing reindeer in Cornwall.
With just 8 weeks to go until Cornwall Christmas Market (and less than 10 weeks until Christmas Day itself!), it’s time to tell you about everything we have in store for you over our magical Christmas Market weekend of 13th – 15th December 2024!
Set in the heart of Royal Cornwall Showground, Cornwall Christmas Market is an indoor extravaganza brought to you by the team behind the successful Fowey Christmas Market, Made in Cornwall Christmas Market, and the former Truro Winter Gift Fayre.
Traditional through and through, you can expect a winter wonderland of festive fun that will satisfy your every Christmas need. From gift shopping to yuletide food and drink – and festive entertainment to a giant Christmas Tree – this glittering event promises to fill you with Christmas cheer!
We truly believe that the magic of the season comes alive in a market and in this blog, we’re excited to share 5 wonderful experiences that you won’t want to miss at Cornwall Christmas Market.
Christmas Gift Shopping
Bring your shopping bags and get ready for a traditional Christmas market experience, where every corner bursts with Christmas spirit! With over 120 local traders selling everything from festive food and drink to unique and beautiful gifts, your Christmas shopping will be made exceptionally stress-free this year! And whether you’re looking for the perfect gift for someone who loves art, jewellery, skincare, homewares, or perhaps food and drink, you’ll be spoilt for choice! Check out our list of Who’s Exhibiting to discover which talented makers you can support at the market.
Festive Food and Drink
Prepare for a scrumptious Christmas Feast! We’ve lined up a superb range of festive food and drink vendors to get your taste buds dancing, with everything from gourmet street food to unique artisan treats. Think festive burgers and gyros, sweet crêpes, fresh doughnuts, and warming mulled wine and cider to get you in the Christmas mood!
You’ll also find a vast selection of local food and drink traders throughout the market, selling gorgeous foodie gifts to delight every palate. From craft beer, wine, and spirits to delicious cheeses and charcuterie, plus treats ranging from handmade fudge to mouthwatering preserves, you won’t be able to resist taking home some sweet and savoury treats – whether that’s for you or the Christmas table!
Giant Christmas Tree
Bringing smiles to everyone’s faces, our magnificent giant Christmas tree will be standing proudly at the heart of the market. At over 22ft+ tall, this stunning, locally grown tree is being brought in from a nursery in nearby Bodmin, ready to welcome you to Cornwall Christmas Market.
Hand-decorated with thousands of fairy lights, baubles, and decorations, this heartwarming sight makes a fantastic backdrop for photographs, being the quintessential symbol of a traditional Christmas but on an enormous scale! Gather together your loved ones, breathe in the fragrant evergreen scent that’s so reminiscent of Christmas, and marvel at the beauty of this majestic Christmas tree!
Santa and His Reindeer
We are beyond excited to announce that Santa Claus along with his herd of reindeer will be joining us for the entire weekend at Cornwall Christmas Market! Bring the whole family for an unforgettable experience – step into Santa’s magical grotto where you can meet the big man himself, share your Christmas wishes, and snap a festive selfie or family photo with him.*
Right next to Santa, you’ll also find his real herd of reindeer*, happily resting in their spacious indoor enclosure. You’ll be amazed by them!
(*Santa Selfies are to be pre-booked. Visit the Book Tickets page on our website to reserve your time slot.
*Please note that dogs are permitted at Cornwall Christmas Market at off-peak times. We ask that they are kept away from Santa’s reindeer if they are likely to bark.)
Christmas Entertainment
With a jam-packed festive entertainment schedule, the atmosphere at Cornwall Christmas Market is set to be electric! Across our 2 stages you can expect incredible acts such as singers Georgia D’Arcy and Andy ‘The Crooner’ Marshall, bringing us timeless Christmas classics in their signature styles. Popular saxophonist ‘Paul on Sax’ will also be delivering the festive tunes, along with local Cornish choirs who will be filling the market hall with the sweet sound of Christmas carols.
Keep an eye out for our fun and festive Elf and White Fawn stilt performers, as well as our human statues, Winter Queen being one of them!
Not forgetting the kids, our Elf Trail will be in place all weekend, ready for children to find all the cheeky elves hiding throughout the market! If your child finds all of the elves they will be entered into a competition to win a special Christmas prize!
Our full Daily Entertainment Schedule will be released soon, but you can find a sample of the sensational things to come on our What’s On page!
