Exeter unveils 100-chalet Christmas market

Exeter’s festive season begins Friday, Nov. 13, with the lighting of street decorations and the opening of two major markets.

The Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market and the Princesshay Festive Market launch that day. The Princesshay market includes its Mistletoe Bar. Cathedral Green hosts Devon’s largest Christmas market. More than 100 festive chalets occupy the historic site near the cathedral towers.

Traders at the Cathedral Green market sell gifts and seasonal food. Visitors can drink mulled wine in the area. Late-night shopping starts Thursday, Nov. 19, on the High Street, at John Lewis, and at Princesshay. The Guildhall Shopping Centre adds its hours from Nov. 26.

Princesshay opens the late-night shopping season with drummers from SPARK! They perform at 5 p.m., 6 p.m., and 7 p.m. on the first night. Specific shopping events follow in the weeks ahead. The Festive Fore Street Flea takes place on Nov. 22. The Festive First Thursday occurs on Gandy Street on Dec. 3. The Magdalen Road Christmas Fair runs on Dec. 5, featuring local independent traders.

Winter Wonderland returns to Northernhay Gardens from Nov. 20 to Jan. 3. The event includes fairground rides, street food, and a covered ice rink. The Grinch makes surprise appearances at the Guildhall Shopping Centre for theatrical performances.

Exeter Cathedral hosts several traditional events. An advent procession occurs on Nov. 29. The Lord Mayor and Dean’s carol service takes place on Dec. 7. A family nativity show with live alpacas runs on Dec. 13.

Theatre productions fill the local stages. Pinocchio plays at the Exeter Corn Exchange. Sleeping Beauty performs at the Exeter Northcott. Quirk Theatre presents Yeti at the Exeter Phoenix.