Newquay Christmas Market

About

The Newquay Christmas Market, part of the beloved Newquay at Christmas celebration, transforms this iconic surfing town into a winter wonderland where the Atlantic breeze carries the scent of mulled cider and the spirit of shopping small comes alive.

A Collaboration of Cornish Community Spirit

The Newquay Shop Small Christmas Market represents the best of community partnership, brought together by Cornwall Shop Small and Newquay Farmers Market, delivered by Newquay BID with invaluable support from Visit Newquay and Newquay Town Council. This collaboration ensures that every festive detail creates an authentic Cornish Christmas experience that celebrates local talent and independent businesses.

What Makes This Christmas Market Special?

Curated Local Treasures

The market showcases an exceptional array of local creators and curators specialising in contemporary craft and design, home and lifestyle wares, vintage and salvage finds, alongside delicious local food and drink from the renowned Newquay Farmers Market. Every stall tells a story of Cornish craftsmanship, creativity, and passion.

When you shop at the Newquay Christmas Market, you're discovering:

Handcrafted Gifts: Unique, artisan-made presents you won't find on the high street, from hand-poured candles to bespoke jewellery featuring Cornish sea glass

Contemporary Design: Ceramics, homeware, and lifestyle products created by talented local designers who draw inspiration from Cornwall's dramatic coastline

Artisan Food & Drink: The finest Cornish produce, from award-winning cheeses to locally roasted coffee, craft gin, and seasonal treats

A Weekend of Festive Celebrations

The Christmas festivities kick off on Friday evening, coinciding with Newquay's spectacular Christmas lights switch-on, complete with live music throughout the town, a magical lantern parade winding through the streets, breathtaking fireworks over the harbour, and a festive bar.

The market continues throughout the weekend, offering multiple opportunities to browse, shop, and soak up the festive atmosphere while supporting Cornwall's thriving independent business community.

Why Shop Small in Newquay This Christmas

Support Local Makers & Creators

Every purchase at the Newquay Christmas Market directly supports Cornwall's talented makers, designers, and producers. These aren't mass-produced items from distant warehouses—they're lovingly created by people who live, work, and breathe Cornwall's creative spirit.

Discover Authentic Cornish Gifts

Forget generic presents. When you shop small at this Christmas market, you're finding gifts with genuine character and provenance. Whether it's jewellery inspired by Newquay's famous beaches, pottery thrown by local ceramicists, or gourmet treats from Cornish food producers.

Experience Community Connection

The BIG Newquay Market series is renowned for its warm welcome and friendly traders, creating a free-to-visit, family and dog-friendly event. The Christmas market carries this same community spirit, where shopping becomes a social experience filled with conversation, discovery, and festive cheer.

Sustainable Shopping Choices

Shopping small means shopping sustainably. You're choosing products made with care, often using eco-friendly materials and methods. You're reducing transportation emissions by buying locally. You're investing in a circular economy that keeps money within the Cornish community.

Planning Your Visit to Newquay Christmas Market

Location & Accessibility

The Christmas market takes place at the Killacourt in the heart of Newquay, making it easily accessible whether you're arriving by car, bus, or train.

What to Expect

· FREE entry for all visitors

· Family-friendly environment with activities for children

· Dog-friendly—bring your four-legged friends along

· Licensed festive bar serving mulled wine, local craft beer, and cider

· Live music and entertainment throughout the weekend

· Food stalls featuring Cornish specialities

Make a Weekend of It

Why not extend your Christmas market visit into a Cornish coastal getaway? Newquay offers accommodation for every budget, from cosy B&Bs to luxury hotels with ocean views. Even in winter, Cornwall's north coast retains its dramatic beauty—imagine bracing clifftop walks followed by warming pasties and festive shopping.

The Cornwall Shop Small Philosophy

Cornwall Shop Small champions the county's independent businesses, makers, and creators. The movement celebrates everything that makes Cornwall special: creativity, craftsmanship and community.

By participating in events like the Newquay Christmas Market, you're joining a growing movement of conscious consumers who recognise that where we spend our money matters. Shopping small means:

Beyond the Christmas Market: Newquay's Year-Round Markets

The festive magic doesn't end with Christmas. The BIG Newquay Market returns as a regular monthly destination market, typically running on the first Saturday of the month from March through November, with special Christmas additions. Mark your calendars and make shopping small a year-round habit.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Visit

Arrive Early: Popular items sell quickly, especially unique, one-off pieces from independent makers.

Bring Cash: While many traders accept cards, having cash ensures smooth transactions and supports smaller vendors.

Chat with Makers: Don't be shy about engaging with stall holders. They love sharing the stories behind their creations and can often offer insights into their craft or create custom pieces.

Follow on Social Media: Stay connected with Cornwall Shop Small and participating traders to discover new makers and learn about future events.

The Perfect Cornish Christmas Experience

The Newquay Christmas Market offers something increasingly rare in modern retail: authenticity. This isn't about rushing through crowds in overheated shopping centres or scrolling through endless online listings. It's about slowing down, connecting with your community, and making thoughtful choices about your Christmas purchases.

Join the Celebration of Cornish Creativity

Whether you're a Newquay local, a Cornwall resident, or visiting from further afield, the Newquay Christmas Market welcomes you to experience the best of festive shopping small. It's more than just a market—it's a celebration of everything that makes Cornwall special.

This Christmas, choose gifts that matter. Choose local. Choose small. Choose Newquay.