Exeter's first Christmas Market soars with success
True to a well known carol, the weather outside has been frightful this December, but come hail, sleet or snow, Exeter's premiere Christmas Market has proved to be a roaring success.
While the stormy climate was knocking at our doorsteps, shoppers this year took comfort by warming their spirits in the bustling Exeter Christmas Market. Set against the stunning backdrop of Exeter Cathedral, visitors treated themselves to a cup of traditional Glühwein as they embarked for the first time around the Yuletide village.
Following the Christmas lights switch on in Princesshay on 23rd November, the market was ceremoniously opened by the Lord Mayor and Cathedral Dean in front of hundreds to mark the special occasion.
This season on the Cathedral green, visitors immersed themselves into the social hub of the Christmas market. With a blend of rich and flavoursome foods, vibrant colours and intoxicating aromas on offer, shoppers went on a gastronomic voyage of discovery across the globe. Adding to the unique shopping experience, traders competed for the best-dressed chalet. Proud market trader, Rosemary Jordan, was announced the lucky winner with her eclectic mix of locally crafted wooden toys, ornate vintage furniture and delicious gingerbread cookies, to transport visitors to their favorite country abode as they stepped inside her inviting stall.
Rosemary Jordan said: "Trading in Exeter’s first Christmas Market has been such a positive experience and the local people have been so warm and inviting. I couldn’t think of a more picturesque setting than Exeter Cathedral and everyone is enjoying soaking up the festive atmosphere. I can’t say more than enough about the so many wonderful traders I have met and made friends with from all over the world and how we have really got along and supported each other."
With local retailers making up 20% of the total number of traders, the Christmas market showcases a combination of continental delights with home grown indigenous talent. Hungry festive shoppers can feast on roast Hog, Belgian chocolates, Baklava, French crepes, specialty cheeses and meats from across the continent, while they marvel over the traditional Christmas crafts and foods from the local area.
The Exeter Christmas Market has offered shoppers a truly engaging retail experience this season, with a veritable feast of quality fayre reminiscent of traditional German Christmas markets.
During its stay, school and community groups were warmly invited to go on free-guided tours of Exeter Christmas Market for the opportunity to meet the colourful market traders and learn more about their cultural background and the goods they are selling. Lasting up to 45 minutes, the tours gave a unique and entertaining insight into the enchanting world of Christmas Markets outside of the classroom.
Open from 10am each day (11am on Sundays), the Exeter Christmas Market will be on Cathedral Green until 16 December, where it will aptly close in conjunction with the Exeter Nativity. With less than one week remaining, don’t miss your chance to buy loved ones something special this Christmas. For information on any of our initiatives please visit www.marketplaceeurope.co.uk or
