Plan your seasonal shopping spree at The Old Bakehouse
If you can’t wait to go carol singing and see spectacular Christmas lights, or you're fond of a glass of mulled wine and mince pie, now is a great time to book a trip to the bustling festive markets of the West Country. The Old Bakehouse offers an ideal base for exploring these markets, which range from city centre stalls with dazzling light displays to historic coastal towns hosting artisan sellers.
Here are some of the upcoming Christmas markets across Devon and surrounding counties not to be missed when you book a stay at our small friendly hotel.
🎄 Local Gems: Colyton, Seaton & Beer
Staying in Colyton means you are just minutes away from some of the most heartwarming, community-spirited festive events in the region.
Seaton Christmas Market & Lights Switch-On: Kick off your seasonal celebrations on Saturday November 28. Head to Windsor Gardens from midday to 7pm to experience Seaton's Independent Market, packed with brilliant local traders. Stick around for live music, hot food stalls, and the magical festive switch-on in The Square at 5.30pm.
Colyton Christmas Fayre: Experience a wonderfully traditional event on Wednesday, December 2. The historic streets of Colyton come alive for the annual Colyton Christmas Fayre, featuring beautiful festive lights, community stalls, and, of course, Father Christmas.
Beer Christmas Market: Set in the picturesque fishing village of Beer, the first weekend of December begins with a craft fair in St Michael’s Church between 3pm and 7pm on Friday December 4. The Christmas lights will be switched on at 5.30pm, which will be followed by carol singing in front of the Mariner’s Hall. The Victorian Fair takes place on Saturday, 5th December. It is the perfect place to discover coastal-themed crafts and sample locally crafted winter warmers.
🌊 Coastal Holiday Charm: Sidmouth & Lyme Regis
Take a crisp winter walk along the coast and immerse yourself in these fantastic seaside festive celebrations.
Lyme Regis Big Christmas Weekend: Plan your visit for December 12-13 for The Big Christmas Weekend in Lyme Regis, Dorset, just 10 minutes’ drive from The Old Bakehouse. Browse a vibrant Christmas Makers Market hosted at The Town Mill complex, marvel at the stunning installations at the Christmas Tree Festival, and enjoy the sounds of the Lyme Regis Town Band.
Sidmouth Festive Shopping: Sidmouth's elegant regency seafront and independent high street sparkle with holiday displays throughout December. The Annual Christmas Switch-on and late-night shopping takes place on Saturday November 21. Late night shopping also takes place on Friday December 4.
🛍️ Market Town Traditions: Axminster & Chard
The historic market towns bordering East Devon and Somerset offer rich traditions and fabulous local produce.
Axminster Festive Markets: The highly popular, fully accessible indoor market transforms the ground floor of the Guildhall into a bustling festive avenue on Saturday and Sunday November 28-29, from 11am to 3pm. It will feature artisan makers, seasonal food producers, local crafts, and gifts. Christmas music is played throughout the event.
Chard Christmas Craft Events: Just over the Somerset border, Chard embraces the holidays with community craft markets, local charity fairs, and a beautifully lit town centre. The festive lights will be switched at 7.30pm during the Guildhall Christmas fair on Saturday November 28. Families can visit Santa’s Grotto, while a parade featuring the Mayor, the town crier, majorettes and Santa on his sleigh makes its way down the High Street from 6.45pm.
✨ The Spectacular Headliners: Exeter & Taunton
If you are looking for festive spectacles, dazzling light displays, and rows of traditional wooden chalets, these nearby city and county hubs make a fantastic day trip from The Old Bakehouse.
Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market: Running from November 13 to December 13, the iconic Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market is Devon’s premier winter attraction. Explore over 100 festive chalets winding across the Cathedral Green and extending into the Cloister Garden. Enjoy global street food, local gins, handcrafted woodwork, and a brand-new tipi bar.
Taunton WinterFest & Hestercombe Market: Taunton launches the holidays with WinterFest on Sunday November 22, filling the town centre with fairground rides, market stalls, and a grand illumination ceremony. Then on December 4-5, the breathtaking Hestercombe Christmas Market near Taunton presents over 75 handpicked independent South West businesses within an idyllic heritage garden setting.