What better time to support local producers and makers than Christmas time? It's the best opportunity to buy local and find unique, meaningful gifts for the ones you love. Throw in some twinkly lights, festive music and a mulled wine and you've got a day out!

Here are our absolute favourites, big and small (in order of appearance!)

MAKERS CORNWALL CHRISTMAS FAIR

Penryn Campus, Falmouth University (and online)

3rd - 5th November

makerscornwall.co.uk

Best for meeting local artists

These makers have real passion for what they do and their work is of exceptional quality. Over 70 of them in one room...Warning! Like me you may 'accidentally' find a lot of presents from yourself. Bring donations for the local food bank. Delicious street food on hand to keep you fuelled. Explore nearby Falmouth for even more treats.

Healey's Christmas Markets

Healey's Cider Farm

Every weekend from 12th November

healeyscyder.co.uk

Plenty of space for budding farmers to roam around, story time with cookies and apple juice in the animal area, kid's juice blending and free tastings of the stronger stuff for the adults. Oh yeah… and the market too! Tickets are reasonably priced and include an access all areas pass with unlimited return visits for 12 months. Under 5's free.

Bedruthan Christmas Fayre

Bedruthan Hotel, Newquay

18th - 19th November

bedruthan.com

Browse stalls from a mix of talented craftspeople and artisan makers from around the South West. Plenty of unique Christmas gifts to choose from with makers and creators selling art, crafts, ceramics, textiles, illustration, homewares, gifts, fashion, jewellery and food and drink. Christmas cheer is in full supply with wreath Making workshops, carol singers and Christmas afternoon teas. Psst! There’s beautful coastline to be explored nearby or head into Newquay.

Cornwall Christmas Fair

Eden Project, St Austell

23rd - 24th November

edenproject.com

This one is great because you get to combine your Christmas shopping with a visit to the big domes complete with lightshow... and maybe a little skate on the ice rink too? (Best get there early!) The market is an enticing mix of gifts, home accessories, clothes, jewellery and mouth-watering produce. It's a ticketed event but includes a meal and admission to The Eden Project – bargain, I say!

CORNWALL SHOP SMALL MARKET

Lemon Quay, Truro 24th - 25th Nov
Killacourt, Newquay 1st-2nd Dec

cornwallshopsmall.co.uk

A very select 60 local traders of Contemporary Craft & Design, Home & Lifestyle Wares, Vintage & Salvage Finds. Not to be missed!

The BIG Christmas Market

Lemon Quay, Truro

29th Nov - 24th December (The Big Christmas Market)

trurofarmers.co.uk

A month-long market? Yes! Every day of the week? Yes! Hosted by Truro Farmers Market this extended Market is decidely Christmassy with family entertainment and festive happenings to add to the immersive feel.

Porthleven Christmas Market

Porthleven Shipyard

1st - 3rd December

Porthleven is home to this vibrant indoor and outdoor market throughout the year, but for three days in December, it goes all out, Christmas style. With a hot chocolate and mince pie in hand, walk around the many stalls that showcase everything from fresh Cornish bakes to a giddy array of Christmas gifts just waiting to be wrapped and unwrapped. Stop by one of Porthleven’s many amazing eateries for a bite to eat during your visit, or venture out onto the surrounding coast path for a beautiful, cobweb-clearing walk.

ETSY MADE LOCAL CHRISTMAS FAIR

St Ives Guildhall

30th Nov - 2nd Dec

A cornucopia of original gifts, all created by Cornish makers. Another great place to look for one-offs and unusual items, and the atmosphere’s always great. There’s a café and live music, making a real event of the annual Christmas present shopping trips. Check out our guide to St Ives to make the most of your day. The lantern parade is at 6pm on Saturday 1st December.

Fowey Christmas Market

Various Venues in Fowey

8th, 9th & 10th December

foweychristmasmarket.co.uk

This is one of the biggest in Cornwall. The tiny town get's dressed up in it's festive finery and is turned into a Christmas wonderland with Markets spread across the stunning Fowey Town Quay, Albert Quay, Webb Street and Town Hall venues. Live music and street performers to delight you on your way around.

Jubilee Wharf Christmas Fair

Jubilee Wharf, Penryn

16th - 17th December

jubileewharf.co.uk

The 16th Jubilee Wharf Christmas Fair, set in and around a beautiful wooden carbon-neutral building overlooking the harbour. Expect quirky and cool local makers offering their affordable, plastic-free, handmade goodies. There's entertainment in the courtyard and food and drink in the café. There's also a bicycle pedal-powered fountain to keep big and small kids entertained whilst others shop: genius! Free entry.

Mousehole Christmas Lights

From 11th December. No lights on 19th

OK this is technically not a Christmas Market, but this IS unmissable Christmas goodness people! These lights are are wonderful example of what can be achieved when the community work together and have been happening since 1963.

Most of the shops and eateries stay open during the evenings.

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