Plan your Visit
Getting to the Heart of Christmas
27 Days 11 Hours 51 Minutes 06 Seconds to go!
The Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market is as accessible as it is beautiful. Set in the city’s vibrant centre, reaching us is easy whether you’re travelling by train, car, bus, bike or on foot.
What you can expect to see
There’s something unforgettable about Exeter at Christmas. Maybe it’s the way the Cathedral glows at dusk, or the laughter echoing between chalets. Maybe it’s the joy of discovering the perfect gift, or the simple pleasure of a mulled wine shared under fairy lights. Whatever it is, you’ll find it here. Wander through over one hundred curated stalls offering handmade arts, festive décor, and lovingly prepared food and drink. From artisan cheeses and sweet treats to sculpted silver jewellery and handwoven scarves, our traders are the heart and soul of the experience. Families will find space to explore and memories to make, and when you pause — to sip, to listen, to simply look around — you’ll see why Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market is unlike any other.
Opening Times
Visiting Exeter Cathedral and its Christmas Market
We can’t wait to welcome you to the Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market. Please find our opening times below. While visiting our Christmas Market this year, don’t miss a special opportunity to step inside one of Europe’s great cathedrals – here in the heart of Devon. Explore at your leisure and discover one thousand years of wonder, including the longest medieval stone vault ceiling in the world, a medieval astronomical clock, and our famous medieval catflap! Take advantage of our Entry By Donation offer during the Christmas Market. By making a donation you are helping to ensure we can still be here for future generations to enjoy. Thank you! Please note that Exeter Cathedral will not be open for sightseeing while services and events are taking place - please check our Daily Calendar for updates.
Opens Friday 13th November!
Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market
Open from 10am Friday 13th November 2026 – 5pm Sunday 13th December 2026
Monday - Wednesday: 10am - 7pm
Thursday-Saturday: 10am - 9pm
Sunday: 11am - 5pm
Exeter Cathedral Sightseeing
Step inside the Cathedral at Christmas with our Entry By Donation offer.
Monday - Friday: 10am-5pm
Saturday: 10am - 5pm
Sunday: 11:30am - 4pm
Please note: Exeter Cathedral will not be open for sightseeing while services and events are taking place.
How to get here
Park & Ride
If driving to the City, please make use of the Park and Ride service. Click here to view details of routes and the timetable. The Matford park and ride does not operate on Sunday nor on Bank Holiday Monday.
Car Parking
City-centre car parks and Park & Ride services make driving in stress-free. We recommend using Princesshay 2, Princesshay 3, or Guildhall car parks. Follow signs to “City Centre”.
Coach Parking
Facilities are available at the Bus and Coach Station located on Paris Street. Click here to find out more and book.
Train
Both Exeter Central and Exeter St Davids are within walking distance of Cathedral Green, offering direct links from London, Bristol, Plymouth and the South West. Perfect for a festive day trip or a weekend away.
Step free Access
Please note that the site has a number of slopes and some features have curbed access onto grass areas and the area around the Cathedral has cobbled stoned streets. We install ramps on our main steps to ensure accessibility to the whole site.
Foot
Exeter is a pedestrian-friendly city with clear signage and bike parking available near the Cathedral. Stroll in and discover the magic as you approach.
Coach Tour Operators
Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market is an ideal destination for group visits — from travel tours and coach groups to school outings and community organisations. With its city-centre location, historic charm and vibrant atmosphere, it offers a rich, festive experience with broad appeal. Coach drop-off points are conveniently located, and there are several parking options for group travel. For those looking to enhance the visit, we offer pre-booked Cathedral tours, reserved time slots for groups, and bespoke itineraries that can include live performances, roof tours, food experiences or guided walks.
Learn MoreSafety & Accessibility
Wheelchair Users - There are five entry points to the Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market in place and all except one have step-free access. Ramps are in place on the steps on the West Front, for wheelchair users and buggies. Wide paths are built throughout the market to allow ample room for wheelchairs to pass through. Please note that not all chalets at the Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market will be accessible to wheelchair users, traders will be happy to assist where needed.
24 Hour Security - A dedicated and experienced security team oversees the Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market for 24 hours a day, from when set up begins. Trained security guards patrol throughout the market and you can find the security chalet by the exit door on the south side of the Cathedral.
Dogs - Dogs on leads are permitted in the open-air areas. Only assistance dogs will be allowed inside the Cathedral.
Fist Aid Chalet - Can be found near the entrance to the Cathedral. Several Cathedral staff members and volunteers are also first aid and CPR trained and can be alerted if assistance is needed.
