Padstow Christmas Fayre’s triumphant return

A warm welcome in the Christmas Market tent.

Earlier this December, Padstow welcomed back one of its most loved festive traditions with the launch of the revitalised Padstow Christmas Fayre. Over four, fun-packed days the harbour once again became a hub for seasonal celebration, drawing together locals and visitors against a backdrop of twinkling lights to visit stalls packed with goodies, eat fantastic food and see local chefs in action! After a smaller-scale market held in The Shipwrights last year, which helped keep the magic alive, the festival returned to its full scale and that made this year extra special. Its return is a heart-warming reminder of Padstow’s strong community and filled all who visited with Christmas spirit!

One of the many Christmas trees. This one was nestled outside the Chef’s Theatre.

Across this free-to-attend event there was a lot to enjoy. Not only did it have some of the best local food and drink, but it also raised funds for Charities such as Padstow Lifeboat, Fishermen’s Mission and Hospitality Action. The programme was as packed as ever, with fun for all ages. I will try to capture my favourite bits here for you to enjoy. Let’s start with the Christmas Market with its artisan stalls.

People browse the stalls of the many local artisans. So much choice!

Inside the Christmas Market tent there was a great variety of stalls brimming with handcrafted gifts, such as glasswork, clothing and artwork. It was the perfect place to find thoughtful, one-of-a-kind Christmas presents while supporting local businesses and artisans.

As you’d expect for Padstow, food played a central role. The air was filled with tempting aromas from mouth-watering street food, to sweet treats, as well as Cornish specialities and warming winter drinks. Mulled wine and cider, hot chocolate, not to mention a variety of locally produced spirits, helped keep shoppers warm as they perused the market, with it’s relaxed, sociable atmosphere.

Time to soak up the atmosphere and have a bite to eat in the Christmas Market tent.

One of the defining features of the Padstow Christmas Fayre was its impressive programme of chef demonstrations, which drew food lovers to the harbour throughout the event. Set within the Fayre’s dedicated Chef’s Theatre, these live sessions placed exceptional cooking talent right at the centre of festivities, reinforcing Padstow’s reputation as a destination for great food.

A line-up of well-known chefs took to the stage to share their recipes and tips, as well as insights into their culinary craft. These demonstrations were lively and engaging, blending practical cooking advice with humour and stories, all infused with a passion for local ingredients. From festive fare to seafood dishes to clever twists on classics, each session offered inspiration to home cooks eager for any help with their culinary Christmas preparations.

Despite featuring some of the UK’s best chefs, the atmosphere remained relaxed and welcoming. Tastings, audience participation and spontaneous moments made you feel as though you were part of a live cooking show audience, where everyone was part of the creation of some truly tasty dishes.

Chef Rick Stein gives us some Christmas cooking inspiration in the Chef’s Theatre.

However, it wasn’t just food or the central tents that made this event a highlight of the Cornish festive calendar. Music played an important role in bringing the Fayre to life, filling the event with festive cheer. Visitors were treated to an eclectic mix of live performances featuring everything from well-known Christmas hits, to carols and Cornish classics. Local bands and choirs added layers of warmth and energy to proceedings, with their sets taking place in the many pubs of Padstow, as well as the market tent.

Both the Memorial Hall and the Padstow Institute had their own craft fairs. So, for those who ventured further, there were even more boutique stalls offering local fare; from hand-crafted art sets to children’s books! In the case of the later, it also encouraged visitors to explore the town and visit Padstow’s great shops, with their fantastic Christmas window displays.

Local choirs create a wonderful Christmas atmosphere at the Fayre.

Alongside the Chef’s Theatre, more intimate masterclasses were offered in the beautiful Prideaux Walled Garden. These gave visitors a chance to learn directly from expert chefs about how to cook great traditional fare such as Cornish pasties and scotch eggs, or explore festive tipple ideas. The serene garden setting provided a peaceful contrast to the bustling harbour, giving people a chance to practise some tasty dishes which could form part of their personal holiday celebrations. Of course, within the garden sits The Bothy, which had received a festive makeover and offered an array of seasonal treats and drinks. It was a charming retreat where friends and families could sit and soak up the Christmas spirit between activities.

The Bothy by moonlight. What a perfect location for a cosy treat!

For those that wanted something extra special to share with loved ones, Caffè Rojano offered a Christmas breakfast. Featuring a very delicious Christmas Spiced French Toast and a Christmas hot chocolate, this breakfast was an ideal way to start any morning at the Fayre. A relaxed treat that allowed you to really soak in this famous Padstow eatery’s festive decorations and take a breath before heading back to the excitement of the main tents in the harbour.

Caffè Rojano’s Christmas Spiced French Toast. Delicious!!

One of the most eagerly anticipated moments of the Padstow Christmas Fayre was the spectacular fireworks display, which lit up the harbour on Friday evening. Crowds gathered along the waterfront to experience the display with its bursts of colour and shimmering trails that reflected in the water of the Camel Estuary. The display drew people together in a shared sense of wonder and celebration as they were treated to over eight minutes of explosive excitement! A truly special moment that many will remember for a long time.

Wonderous fireworks over the Padstow Harbour.

The 2025 Padstow Christmas Fayre was a joyous reminder of why this event holds a special place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike. From the many local stalls, to exciting chef demonstrations, to intimate masterclasses, it was impossible to not be filled with festive cheer. After a hiatus, the Fayre’s return felt particularly triumphant and, for those who attended, it showed that Padstow is a year-round destination that really knows how to make Christmas magical for all.