In Family, Seasonal, Shopping

Discover the magic of Christmas shopping in Exeter! From sparkling lights and festive markets to unique gifts and late-night shopping, here’s why local beats online this season.

Christmas shopping in Exeter is an experience you won’t want to miss. To give you a taste of the festive magic, we invited Stephanie Darkes from Exploring Exeter to spend an evening in the city during Late Night Thursdays. From twinkling lights and bustling markets to independent boutiques and cosy food stops, Stephanie shares why shopping local beats scrolling online this Christmas.

Here’s a quick look at Stephanie’s top tips for festive shopping:

Why shop in Exeter this Christmas?

Skip the online scrolling and rediscover the joy of shopping in person. Exeter offers:

  • Independent shops with unique finds
  • Devon’s biggest Cathedral Christmas Market
  • Eco-conscious gifting options
  • Brand-new festive lights
  • Late-night shopping every Thursday until 8pm

Festive highlights you'll love

  • Fore Street: Independent gems like Helen of Troy and Zero for sustainable gifts.
  • Cathedral Market: Over 100 chalets with artisan crafts, handmade jewellery, and mulled wine.
  • Gandy Street: Boutique shopping and foodie stops like Red Panda.
  • Princesshay: High Street brands plus Christmashay Village for local makers.
  • Guildhall: Family-friendly shopping with a free Winter Wonderland play area and festive entertainment.

Arch at Central Station

Top tips for your visit

  • Choose your time: Weekends for atmosphere, weekdays for quiet browsing, or Thursday evenings for late-night magic.
  • Plan breaks: Enjoy Exeter’s food spots – Red Panda is a must.
  • Mix indies and high street: Tick off your list in one trip.
  • Don’t miss the market: Handmade gifts worth the extra time.

Beyond shopping – Festive fun in Exeter

Add festive fun to your day:

  • Exeter Winter Wonderland: Ice rink, Santa’s Grotto, and more (until 24 December).
  • Magdalen Road Christmas Fayre: 6 December
  • Santa Run: 7 December
  • Sacred Grounds Winter Fayre: 11 December

Christmas lights on Gandy Street

Why local beats online

Shopping in Exeter means finding gifts with a story while supporting local businesses and artisans. It’s sustainable, personal, and far more magical than clicking “add to cart.”

Plan your Christmas trip

  • Cathedral Market: Until 19 December
  • Christmashay Village: Until 23 December
  • Late-Night Thursdays:  4 , 11 and 18 December

Angel Wings in Princesshay

Read Stephanie’s full blog feature and discover how to make the most of your festive shopping trip in Exeter.

Author bio

Stephanie Darkes is the founder of Exploring Exeter, a lifestyle and travel platform dedicated to uncovering the best of Exeter and Devon. Follow her on Instagram @exploringexeter for more festive inspiration.

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