Cornwall Christmas Market is the largest festive market in the county, held each December at the Royal Cornwall Showground in Wadebridge. Over three days the showground transforms into a covered indoor market with 120+ hand-picked independent traders selling artisan gifts, food and drink, and Cornish-made stocking fillers - the kind of stalls you won’t find on a high street, including small Cornish makers, illustrators, ceramicists, and food producers.
Beyond shopping, the market runs a full programme of festive entertainment. Santa is in residence with his elves and reindeer, there’s a giant Christmas tree, carol singers and street performers move through the venue across the weekend, and the food and drink line-up includes mulled wine, gingerbread, and hot festive plates. The market has its own elf trail and “letter to Santa” station, and the indoor venue means it runs whatever the weather - useful in mid-December.
The market opens with a Friday-evening preview session from 5pm to 8:30pm, then runs all day Saturday (10am-7:30pm) and Sunday morning into early afternoon (10am-4pm). Friday’s late opening is the quieter, more atmospheric session if you’d rather avoid the Saturday crowds.
Visitor Information
Dates: Friday 11 - Sunday 13 December 2026 Opening hours: Fri 5-8.30pm, Sat 10am-7.30pm, Sun 10am-4pm Cost: Adults £7, children £4, family ticket (2+2) £18 in advance, plus booking fee. Babies free. Gate prices higher and subject to capacity - advance booking recommended. Getting there: Royal Cornwall Showground is just off the A39 north of Wadebridge. Parking is on-site and signed. Family friendly: Yes - dedicated children’s activities, Santa, reindeer, elf trail. Indoor: Yes - covered marquees and exhibition halls, all-weather.
Where to Stay
Wadebridge sits on the Camel Trail and is well placed for both the showground and a December break in north Cornwall. Archway Cottage is a dog-friendly cottage for couples in the town centre. Lavender sleeps four and welcomes dogs. For larger groups, Higher Treliver Farmhouse sleeps eight in a rural setting just outside town. Browse holiday cottages in Wadebridge for the full selection - book early, December weekends fill quickly.