Last updated: 15 August 2025
Exeter Christmas Market 2025 returns to Cathedral Green from Thursday 20 November to Friday 19 December 2025, filling the heart of the city with twinkling chalets, West-Country crafts and irresistible street food. Set against the soaring Gothic backdrop of Exeter Cathedral, you can browse 100+ artisan stalls, sip mulled wine and listen to live music as the lights come on. It’s free to enter, family-friendly, and steps from Exeter Central station. Use our guide for opening times, travel and parking tips, accessibility info, and the best hotels nearby, whether you want luxury, mid-range convenience or a great-value budget stay.
Quick‑Look Facts For 2025
| Dates (2025) | Thu 20th Nov – Fri 19th Dec 2025 |
| Location | Cathedral Green, EX1 1HS |
| Entry | Free (donations welcome for cathedral access) |
| Stalls | 100 + artisan chalets, global street‑food vans & Bavarian bars |
| Opening Times | Mon–Wed 10 – 19 h, Thu–Sat 10 – 21 h, Sun 11 – 17 h |
| Accessibility | Step‑free paths, ramps & accessible toilets |
Why You’ll Love It
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Picture‑perfect backdrop – Few UK markets can boast a 12‑century cathedral as their centrepiece.
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Shop small, shop local – From Dartmoor alpaca wool to hand‑poured Exe estuary candles.
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Eat your way around Devon – Try venison burgers, West‑Country cheeses and vegan churros before warming up with a cup of spiced cider.
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Free cathedral entry – Wander inside to admire Europe’s longest uninterrupted Gothic stone vault after dark.
Dates & Opening Times 2025
Exeter Cathedral has confirmed the 2025 market will run Thursday 20 November to Friday 19 December 2025, kicking off at 10 a.m. on opening day and running until 9 p.m. on the final Friday.
Daily trading hours are (Mon–Wed 10‑19 h, Thu–Sat 10‑21 h, Sun 11‑17 h).
What You’ll Find on Cathedral Green
🎁 100+ Hand‑Picked Stalls
Expect a maze of Alpine‑style chalets brimming with locally made jewellery, sustainable wooden toys, wool throws and gourmet hampers.
🍴 Food & Drink Highlights
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Mulled wine & spiced cider – sip beneath the lit‑up spires.
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Devon cheeses & charcuterie – perfect edible gifts.
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Street‑food favourites: loaded bratwurst, raclette, vegan curries, churros and churro‑filled crêpes.
🎵 Entertainment & Atmosphere
Choirs and buskers create a festive soundtrack most evenings, while the Cathedral hosts candlelit concerts and seasonal services – all a short step from the market stalls.
Getting There, Parking & Accessibility
By Train
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Exeter Central – 3‑minute walk.
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St Davids – 15‑minute stroll or 5‑min bus/taxi.
By Car
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City‑centre car parks signposted from the M5/A30.
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Park & Ride sites at Honiton Road, Matford and Sowton offer free parking + £ return bus fare – far less stressful than hunting for a bay.
Accessibility
Four of five entrances are step‑free, wide pathways traverse the Green, and accessible toilets are provided. Assistance dogs are welcome.
Hotels Near Exeter Christmas Market 2025
💎 Luxury
| Hotel | Why Book |
|---|---|
| Hotel du Vin Exeter | Boutique spa, year‑round heated pool, 10‑min walk to the market. |
| Southernhay House Hotel | Georgian townhouse glamour & cocktail lounge steps from Cathedral Green. |
| Courtyard by Marriott Exeter Sandy Park | Sleek 4⭐ skyline bar overlooking Exe Valley; quick bus into town. |
😊 Mid‑Range
| Leonardo Hotel Exeter | Modern rooms beside Princesshay shopping mall. |
| Mercure Exeter Rougemont | Victorian character opposite Exeter Central Station. |
| Holiday Inn Express – City Centre | Free breakfast, family‑friendly, 8‑minute walk. |
💷 Budget
| Exeter Court Hotel | Motel‑style rooms + free parking just off the A38. |
| St Andrews Hotel | Friendly B&B with free parking, 15‑min walk to the market. |
| Toby Carvery Exeter M5 J30 (Innkeeper’s Collection) | Solid chain option on a direct bus route. |
Booking tip: Prices jump on December weekends; mid‑week stays can be up to 35 % cheaper.
Insider Tips to Maximise Your Visit
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Arrive early – Market paths are widest at 10 a.m.
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Go cashless – most traders take cards, but contactless works faster in queues.
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Bring a reusable cup – many bars knock 20‑50 p off your mulled wine.
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Mid‑week magic – Tuesday and Wednesday evenings have shorter queues yet full entertainment schedules.
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Combine with Cathedral tour – it’s free during market dates; donations keep the doors open.
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Layer up – Devon winters are damp; pack waterproof footwear.
Final Thoughts
Exeter Christmas Market 2025 promises another year of fairy‑light‑filled magic, artisan shopping and festive feasting – all framed by one of England’s most beautiful cathedrals. Book your accommodation early, plan your travel, and let the mulled wine (or hot chocolate) work its seasonal spell. See you under the spires! 🎄
Exeter Christmas Market 2025: Frequently Asked Questions
When does Exeter Christmas Market 2025 start?
Exeter Cathedral has confirmed the market will run from Thursday 20 November to Friday 19 December 2025.
What are the opening times for Exeter Christmas Market 2025?
Opening times are Monday–Wednesday 10:00–19:00, Thursday–Saturday 10:00–21:00 and Sunday 11:00–17:00.
Is Exeter Christmas Market free to enter?
Yes, entry to the market is completely free; donations to Exeter Cathedral are welcome.
What food can I expect at Exeter Christmas Market?
You’ll find over 30 street‑food vendors offering everything from traditional bratwurst and raclette to vegan churros, Devon cheeses and mulled cider.
Is Exeter Christmas Market dog friendly?
Only assistance dogs are permitted within the market area.
How do I get to Exeter Christmas Market by train?
Exeter Central station is a three‑minute walk; Exeter St Davids is a 15‑minute walk or short bus/taxi ride.
Where can I park for Exeter Christmas Market?
Use city‑centre car parks or the Honiton Road, Matford and Sowton Park & Ride sites for hassle‑free parking.
Is Exeter Christmas Market wheelchair accessible?
Yes, four of the five entrances are step‑free and accessible toilets are provided on site.
Are there toilets at Exeter Christmas Market?
Yes, both standard and accessible toilets are available inside the market footprint.
Which hotels are near Exeter Christmas Market?
Luxury: Hotel du Vin Exeter, Southernhay House. Mid‑range: Leonardo Hotel Exeter, Mercure Rougemont. Budget: Exeter Court Hotel, St Andrews Hotel.
