If you’re craving a deeply indulgent, richly flavoured and highly sensory Christmas experience, Cornwall is the place to head to. Throughout November and December, you’ll find some of the UK’s best Christmas markets and food festivals. Here are seven of our foodie festive favourites to really get your tummies rumbling at the most magical time of the year.
Fowey Christmas Market
Get your shopping off to a flying start in Fowey between November 26th and 28th. Around 200 local traders takeover Town Quay, Albert Quay, Webb Street and the Town Hall selling gifts and regionally produced food and drink. The event is accompanied by twinkly lights, Christmas music and plenty of seasonal cheer.
Healey’s Christmas Market
Healey’s Cyder Farm hosts their fifth annual Christmas market every weekend between from November 13 and December 19. You’ll find their cobbled courtyard glittering with fairy lights and filled with the warming scent of spiced mulled cyder and generous helpings of deliciously comforting food.
The Roots Culture Christmas Market, Mount Pleasant Eco Park
This alternative to the high street runs over the weekend from December 3 to 5. Meet talented local makers, crafters, inventors and upcyclers selling jewellery, pottery and so much more. The event is soundtracked by live music and resident DJs, keeping the Christmas spirits high. Food comes courtesy of Wilder Allotment Kitchen, who will be serving vegan dishes along with mulled wine and hot drinks. Dogs are welcome, too!
‘Made in Cornwall’ Christmas Fair, Truro
This event is running for the first time this year, and will be in Truro’s stunning cathedral from Monday November 29 to Thursday 2 December. Enter the nave and you’ll find more than 100 artisan producers showcasing the best that Cornwall’s producers have to offer. Should you visit later in the month, Truro Farmers’ Market will also be running their annual Christmas bonanza every day throughout December on Lemon Quay.
Christmas Trail and Lantern Parade, Penzance
Penzance is a town steeped in the Christmas spirit, with annual traditions such as the dazzling Montol (Midwinter) celebrations. Shoppers can also enjoy a glorious Christmas arts trail, with traders displaying work by local artists in their windows. Stop along the way and refuel at the plentiful street food and market stalls. Visit on December 18 and you can also take part in the Humphry Davy Birthday Lantern parade, which is a procession illuminated by lamplight.
The Enchanted Christmas Market, Royal Cornwall Showground Wadebridge
One of the biggest events on the Cornish festive calendar, the Enchanted Christmas Market takes place over two weekends in December. You’ll be able to experience storytelling from Santa, take a turn (or a tumble) on the ice rink, and enjoy the magic of wintry Narnia. This indoor event hosts 100 stalls along with an extensive food court and bar.
Christmas Fair, Jubilee Wharf, Penryn
Now in its 12th year, this not-for-profit event brings local creatives, artists and foodies together for a relaxed Christmas fair. On December 11th and 12th more than 25 stalls will set up shop both inside and out, with food and drink available all day from the Muddy Beach Café.