The Exeter Christmas Market returns to Cathedral Green from 20th November to 19th December 2025. If you want a festive day out that feels grounded and well organised, this is the one that locals actually visit. You get proper traders, good food, and a welcoming atmosphere that suits families, day trippers, and anyone staying in the city for a winter break. This guide keeps things simple so you can plan a visit that works for you.
Introducing the Exeter Christmas Market for the 2025 season
The market sits on Cathedral Green and fills the space with more than one hundred chalets. Everything is arranged around the cathedral, so the layout stays clear and open. The organisers focus on quality, which is why it remains the largest and most reliable festive market in Devon. Expect a consistent mix of craft stalls, regional produce, and global street food.
The setting is perfect for a Christmas market, too. As the light fades, the cathedral glows against the stalls and the whole green settles into a warm, inviting space. If you’re planning a longer stay, Fresh Escapes has useful local guides such as Exeter nightlife and things to do in Exeter. Both make it easier to build a full winter itinerary around the market.
What to expect during a visit to the Christmas Market Exeter this year
Once the market opens, you will find a steady flow of people throughout the day. Weekday afternoons tend to be quieter, so ideal if you prefer space to browse. Evenings feel more sociable, especially between Thursday and Saturday when the market stays open until nine.
This is not a market built around big gimmicks. It’s focused on atmosphere, good food and local makers. Everything is concentrated in one manageable space. You can take your time, stop for food, then loop back towards the cathedral for another look.
If you want more ideas for days out, Fresh Escapes also has a guide on travelling from Exeter to Teignmouth, which is handy for anyone looking to add a coastal stop to their trip.
Local stalls and hand-crafted products at the Christmas Market in Exeter 2025
One of the biggest draws is the range of regional traders. The stalls change each year but the focus remains steady. Expect handmade jewellery, ceramics, candles, prints, woven items, festive decorations and small-batch food products. These traders are carefully selected, so the quality stays consistent across the entire market.
Food is a major part of the experience. Global street food chalets sit close to the centre and you can usually follow the smell before you see them. Warm drinks flow throughout the day and mulled options are everywhere, perfect for a cold afternoon.
If you’re planning to eat out later, our guide to places to eat in Exeter can help you decide where to head once you’ve finished browsing.
Why the cathedral setting shapes the Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market experience
The location is what sets this market apart. Cathedral Green feels atmospheric even on an ordinary day. During the winter season, it becomes a natural backdrop for the market. The cathedral windows glow after dusk and the whole site feels calm without being dull.
You can also explore the cathedral during the market under its Entry By Donation offer. Inside you will find the medieval astronomical clock, the longest medieval stone vault ceiling in the world, and the well-known medieval catflap.
The cathedral also runs a full programme of seasonal events. There are candlelit concerts, choir performances, family-friendly services, and community events running throughout November and December. Some require tickets, others are free.
Seasonal entertainment and activities across the 2025 market
Entertainment around the Christmas Market in Exeter is centred on the cathedral’s winter programme, which runs alongside the stalls and adds some structure to a visit. You can pick from a mix of services, concerts, and family events.
The season includes the Advent Procession on 30th November and the Christingle Service on 29th November, both popular with visitors who want something traditional. Music plays a big role too. Christmas by Candlelight on 2nd December brings West End performers to the cathedral, while Handel’s Messiah on 7th December remains one of the standout classical events. There are contemporary options as well, including G4 Christmas on 12th November and a homecoming show from Sound of the Sirens on 5th December.
If you want something different, the Mediaeval Baebes appear on 6th December with their early music performance, and the Music of Céline Dion by Candlelight on 21st November offers a more modern set list. Families can also look out for community events such as Teachers Rock The Cathedral at Christmas on 27th and 28th November.
For full details, timings and tickets, the official programme is updated here.
Practical information for planning your trip to the Exeter Market Christmas 2025
The 2025 market runs from Thursday 20th November until Friday 19th December. Opening times are:
- Monday to Wednesday: 10am to 7pm
- Thursday to Saturday: 10am to 9pm
- Sunday: 11am to 5pm
Cathedral sightseeing follows its own schedule and closes during services. It’s worth checking the daily calendar if you want to go inside.
Getting there
Travelling in is simple. Exeter Central and Exeter St Davids stations are both within walking distance of Cathedral Green. If you’re driving, the city centre car parks are close by. Princesshay 2, Princesshay 3 and Guildhall are all recommended. Park and Ride services run throughout the day, although Matford does not operate on Sundays or Bank Holiday Mondays.
Accessibility
Accessibility has been improved in recent seasons. Most entry points offer step-free routes and ramps are placed on the main steps. Paths throughout the market are wide, although the area around the cathedral includes cobblestones. Traders do their best to assist customers where chalet access is limited.
Pets
Dogs on leads are welcome in outdoor areas.
Check out the official website for more information.
Why the Exeter Christmas Market is well worth adding to your 2025 plans
The market works because it keeps things straightforward. Traders focus on quality and the setting does most of the lifting, so the experience never feels forced. It’s easy to reach and simple to move around, which makes it a good choice for anyone who prefers a calmer winter day out. Exeter also gives you plenty to do before or after your visit, whether you’re interested in food, culture, or coastal strolls.
If you’re planning a trip this winter, Fresh Escapes offers places to stay across the city. You can choose from central apartments, larger family homes or well located properties near the river. All give you a comfortable base for exploring Exeter and the rest of Devon.
Quayside View – Stylish Harbourfront Apartment in Paignton, Devon
From 113.00€ per night
Cathedral View - Luxury Exeter City Apartment with Cathedral Views
From 109.00€ per night
Littlefields – Stylish Family Cottage with Huge Garden & Spa, Seaton
From 121.00€ per night
Two Guns - Stylish town house with stunning river views
From 293.00€ per night