Christmas Fairs and Events in Devon and West Dorset 2026
Ideas for festive days out with family and friends.
Christmas in Devon is full of fun and festive experiences. From fairs to Christmas lights to family days out, enjoy the Christmas spirit of local events to get you in the festive mood. Head along to one of these Christmas events in the West Country.
Even better if there’s a mulled wine or hot chocolate on offer, oh and a mince pie. Enjoy Exeter events and support local small businesses and crafts people at fairs and stalls. Please do check organisers websites or social media to confirm these events before travelling.
Check the Events listings for even more days out ideas.
Christmas In and Around Exeter
Exeter Cathedral Market
Starts Friday 13th November – Sunday 13th December 2026
Set in the grounds of stunning Exeter Cathedral, enjoy an exciting mix of local and continental traders, showcasing the best of festive food, crafts and gifts in festive chalets. Enjoy with local bands, carol singers and choirs to entertain traders and customers. A really lovely place to browse for presents and escape the high street.
This is Devon’s largest Christmas market, it will open daily 10am – 7pm Mon – Weds, 9pm Thurs – Sat and 11am – 5pm Sundays
Christmas Lights In Exeter
Friday 13th November 2026
Princesshay shopping center marks Christmas with the annual Christmas Lights Switch On.
Enjoy live music, entertainment, performances and festive activities.
Princesshay Christmas Market
Princesshay will host it’s own festive market with chalets on Bedford Street featuring local makers, craftspeople, jewellers and more, which will run from November 13th to 31st December with its own bar in Princesshay Square. Details here.
Late Night Shopping Entertainment – Thursday 19th November includes entertainment from SPARK World Beaters illuminated drummers
Christmas Charity Trees
Princesshay is welcoming back the Charity Christmas Trees to Roman Walk. 35 Charity Trees will line Roman Walk from 13th November showcasing some of the amazing local charities and their causes.
Exeter Winter Wonderland
Held in Northernhay Gardens, enjoy free entry to this Christmas event from 20th November – 3rd January. Pay for funfair rides, ice skating, Santa’s grotto and more.
Exeter Magdalen Road Christmas Fair
This popular fair returns on Saturday 5th December with a wonderful mix of stalls from local traders and crafters.
Westpoint Christmas Shopping Fayre
Friday 27th, Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th NOV 2026
Choose from over 250 stands with unique gift ideas for all the family. All inside and car parking is free so head along and kick off the festive season. One of the best indoor festive shopping event you’ll find anywhere in the South West.
Gifts you won’t find on the high street. Meet talented, local craftspeople, enjoy delicious festive treats and a large range of Christmas gift ideas. Free Santa’s Grotto
Friday and Saturday: 9.00am – 5.00pm Sunday: 9.00am – 4.00pm, Entry £5 adults.  Tickets in advance. More details here /westpointexeter.co.uk
Crealy Adventure Park – Winter Twilight Trail
Enjoy a fun day at Crealy including a live Christmas Cinderella show and the popular Santa experience.
Enjoy the Park transformed into a festival of light, featuring enchanting light displays across the Park including a light tunnel. Feel the thrill of your favourite rides in the dark including Maximus and The Flying Machine transformed with a festive feel. Book ahead for the meet and great with Santa in his grotto.
Wildwood Devon – Medieval Wonderland
Head to the Saxon Village at Wildwood Escot to meet Santa and his Earth Elves in a traditional setting on weekends in December. A unique experience each child will receive a soft toy from Santa.
Details at Wildwood Devon.
RHS Glow at Rosemoor
In North Devon you can immerse yourself in festive light and sound at RHS Rosemoor. The beautiful gardens will be bathed with light from 20th November – 3rd January 2027.
Enjoy the atmospheric, illuminated trail and stunning light displays as well as festive shopping. More details HERE.  Near Bideford in North Devon.
More Christmas light displays across the South West here.
Christmas Fairs in West Dorset 2026
Abbey Farm Christmas Market
Abbotsbury, Saturday 28th & Sunday 29th December 2026
You will be spoilt for choice with over stalls as well as lovely shops in the Abbey Farm complex. The perfect opportunity to discover unique Christmas gifts or indulge yourself in something special for the holiday season. In addition to Christmas shopping, enjoy live music, choirs and other exciting entertainment throughout the weekend. Bring friends and enjoy a cup of coffee at Cherries Coffee Shop.
Highland’s Makers Market
Eype, near Bridport, Saturday 14th November 2026
Local artisans will be selling their arts and crafts or demonstrating their skills at the Highlands Makers Market near Bridport. A great chance to find unique locally handmade gifts. 9.30am – 3pm. Food and drink available.
Entrance ÂŁ1. Profits to Julia’s House. Held at Highlands End Holiday Park near Bridport. See here for more details.
Mapperton House Christmas
Beaminster, 28th & 29th November 2026
Enjoy the magic of Mapperton Estate at Christmas with fantastic stalls focusing on local products and delicious food and drink and live music. You can also explore the Mapperton Gardens in winter! Stalls include: Christmas cards, English wines, candles, ceramics, local fudge, jewellery and much more.
Enjoy festive food and drink and book Santa’s Grotto.
Book ahead, Tickets: ÂŁ5 per person including FREE garden entry. Time: 10am-6pm and 10am – 4pm
Forde Abbey Christmas Fair
Near Chard, 21st & 22nd November 2026
Browse the historic Abbey which will be filled with local traders and their handmade treasures. From pottery and paintings to jewellery, metalwork, cosmetics, garments, and more. All under cover and full of seasonal charm.
Enjoy the sounds of Christmas carols, warm up with a glass of mulled wine, and treat yourself to something delicious from the Abbot’s Table Café, serving light lunches, cakes, bakes, and traditional cream teas all day.
Entry: ÂŁ5 for adults (15+), children under 15 go free. Includes access to the gardens.
Dorset Winter Food and Drink Fair
Athelhampton House near Dorchester
Saturday 7th & 8th November 2026
Get into the Festive Spirit with Dorset Food and Drink’s Christmas Fair. Set in the beautiful Athelhampton House and Gardens near Dorchester, this is a unique opportunity to sample the wide selection of delicious produce the county has to offer with 45 stalls.
The Park & ride (TBC) will start at Dorset County Council, County Hall, Entry is ÂŁ5 per person in advance. ÂŁ7.50 on the door.
More details at www.athelhampton.co.uk
Well that’s a great choice of events to get you in the Christmas mood. Check out more events in East Devon here and lovely Christmas Fairs in Devon, Dorset and Somerset on my Events listing pages.
I’ve also got another post with ideas for days out with teenage children and adults, Â plus I will keep sharing other days out on Facebook.
Finally if you are still struggling for gifts for the outdoor lover in your family try this Outdoor Gift GuideÂ
Thank you and please leave a comment below if you have been to any of these events or would like to share others.
Clare
Hi! I am Clare and I live in glorious East Devon with my family.
Join me in finding new places to explore in the West Country as well as further afield.
I hope you enjoy reading and taking inspiration from this website. 
Great list. Can certainly recommend a visit to the Wind in the Willows themed displays at Killerton this year 🙂