We absolutely love a Christmas market. The cost of living in the UK this year has become extortionate, which is why it’s more important than ever to shop local. But shopping local isn’t just responsible, it’s also the best way to guarantee gorgeous, good quality products & produce and a delightful shopping atmosphere! Luckily for you lot, there’s an array of stunning Christmas fairs and markets happening across Exmoor throughout the lead up to the festive period and, because we love you, we’ve pulled them all together into one helpful list for you here:
Allerford & Selworthy Christmas Gift & Craft Fair
Saturday 18th November – 11am-4pm
The first Christmas fair of the season this year is a collaborative effort from Allerford & Selworthy held in the Allerford & Selworthy Community Hall. Put on by the Allerford & Selworthy Wednesday Ladies, you can expect all sorts of home made crafts & cuteness from the artisans of these two adorable pop up book village. For more on the area, please see our Bossington & Allerford Visitors’ Guide.
Exmoor Christmas Fair – Porlock Village Hall
Sat 25th Nov, 12pm-6pm & Sun 26th Nov, 10am-4pm
Let’s hear those sleigh bells jingling and a ring-ding-tingling too for the Exmoor Christmas Fair, which is held in Porlock Village Hall. Adored every year by locals and visitors alike, you can expect delights ranging from specialty food & drink to authentic hand made gifts. Porlock is one of our favourite spots on Exmoor because it has so much charm, and so many lovely little establishments. So, if you opt for this one we suggest you also check out our Porlock visitors guide.
Dunster By Candlelight
Friday 1st December, 5pm-9pm & Saturday 2nd December, 4pm-9pm
This is one of Exmoor’s most cherished events of the year. It’s a gorgeously unique Christmas market, lit entirely by (yep, you guessed it:) candlelight! In fact, it’s so special, that we’ve got a whole separate blog post devoted entirely to it; so for more information click here.
Lynmouth In Lights
Saturday 2nd December 11am-4pm
Usually Lynton & Lynmouth team up for festivities, but this year “Lynmouth in Lights” kicks off the proceedings on the first weekend of December. There will be carol singing, sea shanties (in true Lynmouth style), a nativity, a raffle, kids activities and you can even meet the Grinch! The Christmas lights switch on will be happening at 4pm on the Esplanade too. Look out for the wonderful fisherman’s Christmas tree by Rhenish Tower if you go.
Dulverton by Starlight
Sunday 3rd December, 2-7pm
Dulverton by Starlight, much like Dunster by Candlelight, is magical event and Christmas market in the dark, except, rather than candlelight, this one’s all about shopping underneath a canopy of Exmoor’s famous stars… With hundreds of beautiful twinkly fairy lights, glittering away too.
Festivities including stalls with stunning goods for sale, street entertainers & live music will be in action all afternoon and into the evening. At 3pm in the Heritage Centre, Father Christmas is coming to town, at 5.45pm by the big Christmas Tree there will be a Christmas Carols sing-a-long… And, for that extra sparkle, there will be fireworks! (Shooting off at 6.15pm.)
The whole village will be alive with Christmas magic, and it really is such a pretty little village. More info at @dulvertonbystarlight on Instagram.
Lynton Town Hall Christmas Market
Sat 9th Dec 12pm-6pm & Sun 10th Dec 10am-4pm
Lynton’s Christmas market weekend is one of the biggest on Exmoor. The market itself happens in the beautiful old Lynton Town Hall, which is practically a castle! There’ll be delicious festive food and drink options, as well as an amazing array of choices for your Christmas shopping. There will also be a festive songs sing-a-long in the church (2-4pm on the Saturday) and FREE face painting at Willow’s Winter Grotto! (From 12-3pm on both days.)
And finally, South Molton has Molt-iple options for you!
South Molton isn’t technically on Exmoor but, depending on where you’re staying, it might only be a 15min drive for you. So we thought we’d include it in case you’re interested, because South Molton is known for it’s incredible high ceilinged, 19th Century Pannier Market, so they do have some SUPER stuff happening. Click here or see below for what’s lined up…
South Molton Christmas Lights Switch On
Friday 24th November, from 5pm
Bars, street food vendors, rides & inflatables, live music and a guest appearances from BBC Radio Devon’s John Acres. Not to mention the adorable children’s lantern parade and FREE ice skating in the lorry park! This one should really kick off the holiday season with a bang.
The Kick off to Christmas Market
Saturday 25th November, 8am-1.30pm
A Christmas market held in the famous Pannier Market with over 70 stalls selling goods, food & drink so you can get a head start on your shopping. Free ice skating too.
Festive Flea Market
Sunday 10th December, 10am-3pm
If you’re looking for a Christmas market with antique, vintage & retro items then maybe this is the one for you. Again, in the Pannier with 70 odd stalls… surely worth popping along if not just for a mulled cider!
Where To Stay at Christmas Time on Exmoor
Of course, if you’re planning a trip around a Christmas market, we can help you find a gorgeous holiday cottage to suit your needs in (or near enough to) any of the above locations.
Darling Digs near Dunster
Pretty Places near Porlock
Lovely Lots near Lynton & Lynmouth
To search by any Exmoor village, just head to our website.
