THE UK must be home to hundreds, if not thousands, of Christmas markets – but having explored many across the UK, the South West is home to the best.
Devon comes alive in the winter months – the moors become snowy, small villages have pubs with glowing fires and towns become decked out with huge light installations.
Having lived in London for five years now, I have been to a fair few in the capital and even further afield, such as Newcastle.
But each time I visit a new Christmas market I am reminded of the ones in Devon – and honestly none compare.
Totnes Christmas Market
Totnes is the Devon Christmas Market that takes the top spot in my heart – nothing really compares to it.
Set all along the medieval town’s high street, it really does feel like stepping into the middle ages.
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And what makes it even more fun, is it takes place solely in the late afternoon to evening.
This year the market will take place on December 2, 9 and 16 from 3pm to 9pm.
Despite Totnes only being a small town, the market features over 70 stalls.
And thanks to being located on the high street (the road is closed for the event), all the shops stay open late as well with lots of festive activities inside too.
I often think Totnes is the best town in the UK for independent shops, so it is usually the Christmas market where I find the most gifts (including some for myself).
The market then also has two food court areas, one in the Civic Hall carpark and one at The Mansion.
If you head there on the final date, you will get to see the beautiful Totnes Carnival Lantern Parade as well.
Starting at 4:30pm, the parade works its way through the town.
Carols are performed in St Mary’s Church as well, and Totnes Elizabethan Museum will be open too.
Listen to your favourite carols with performances from local schools and community choirs outside St Mary’s Church.
Exeter Christmas Market
Based around the city’s historic cathedral, Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market will take place from November 20 to December 19.
This market really feels magical because as you peruse around, you’ll be in the shadow of the breathtaking cathedral.
It is Devon’s biggest Christmas market with over a hundred festive chalets, but isn’t so large that it makes it overwhelming – so it’s perfect to get comfortably into the Christmas spirit.
There are a number of stalls selling seasonal gifts and food, as well as mulled wine.
The market is full of local traders which makes it really special, including South Devon Chilli Farm – well-known for its chilli chocolate.
Devon is also a top spot for cider producers, and at this year’s market there will be Ventons Devon Cyder, made with vintage cyder apples.
Christmas Shopping Fayre
If you are panicking about what to get people or have a lot of people to buy for, then head to the Christmas Shopping Fayre at Westpoint in Exeter.
Across December 5, 6 and 7, visitors can head to this giant Christmas market – which is inside!
There are lots of stalls selling a range of items, and there is even a free Santa’s grotto.
It costs £5 per adult to enter and children under 16-years-old are free.
Michaelmas Fair
The Michaelmas Fair is another one located in an amazing setting – but this time it is at a castle.
Found at Powderham Castle in Exeter, The Michaelmas Fair will take place on November 6, between 10am and 3pm.
There are a number of stalls selling crafted items and gifts you can’t find on the high street and of course, food and drink is available as well.
The setting is also a big draw to this market as it is located in the courtyard of the castle.
Unusually, if you have an antique or collectible, bring it along and you can have it valued for free.
It costs £3.50 per person, if you book in advance, or £5 per person on the door.
Newton Abbot Christmas Fayre
Located at Newton Abbot Racecourse on November 29, you will find the Christmas Fayre.
The event will take place between 10am and 4pm and there will be a number of family activities to enjoy.
The best thing about Newton Abbot Racecourse is that it is super accessible via public transport, thanks to being close to Newton Abbot town centre.
In addition to 70 local stallholders with handmade jewellery and decorations, there will also be a Christmas Village with 60 stables featuring craftsmen.
There’s a cafe as well, with mulled wine, hot drinks and lunch options available.
This event though, is definitely a top spot for kids as there is a face painter, Dartmoor ponies and even a snow globe that you can step inside.
Families can also take part in a pottery painting workshop or adults can opt to make a wreath.
Tickets cost £3 per adult and children are free.
Christmas Artisan Market and ‘Dino-roars’ Christmas storytelling
Last but not least is a Christmas market in a hidden spot.
The small village of Cockington is just set back from the Torbay seafront, but feels like a completely different world from the surrounding area.
Think thatched cottages and little streams.
Taking place on December 14 between 10:30am and 4pm, Cockington Court will host an artisan market with handmade products from local businesses and artists, such as glassblowers, jewellers and florists.
Entry is free.
The Seven Dials cafe will be open for hot drinks, lunch options, cream teas and sweet treats.
For kids, there will also be ‘Dino-roars’ Christmas storytelling, where families can listen to Christmas tales including ‘The Christmasaurus and the night before Christmas’ by Tom Fletcher and ‘The Dinosaur Who Pooped a Reindeer’ by Tom Fletcher and Dougie.
Kids can even meet some of the dino characters and make dinosaur Christmas trees.
The storytelling sessions cost £4.50 per person.
In other Christmas market news, one of the UK’s most popular holiday parks to get £2million winter wonderland.
Plus, the UK Christmas market that attracts nearly two million visitors is getting three new attractions.