Christmas Shopping in Exeter: Why Shopping Local Beats Clicking ‘Add to Cart’
This year, instead of defaulting to online shopping and endless scrolling through generic gift options, I’m sticking to shopping locally. Last Thursday, I took the girls out for our annual Christmas shopping adventure in Exeter, and it reminded me why shopping in person, in your own city, beats online shopping every time. Here’s your complete guide to Christmas shopping in Exeter, and why you should ditch the laptop and head into town this festive season.
Why Shop in Exeter This Christmas?
Let’s be honest – online shopping has made us lazy. It’s easy to click ‘add to cart’ at midnight in your pyjamas, but where’s the joy in that? Where’s the discovery, the atmosphere, the satisfaction of finding the perfect gift?
Exeter’s Christmas shopping scene has everything you need:
- Unique, independent shops you won’t find anywhere else
- A stunning Christmas market with 100+ local makers
- Beautiful festive atmosphere with brand new Christmas lights
- Sustainable, ethical shopping options for conscious gift-giving
- Support for local businesses and artisans
- The actual experience of Christmas shopping (which, let’s face it, is half the fun)
Plus, late-night shopping on Thursdays means you can shop until 8pm – perfect for after work or when you need that relaxed, crowd-free atmosphere.
The Magic of In-Person Christmas Shopping
Christmas shopping in person is something that online shopping can’t replicate. When you’re browsing Exeter’s independent shops and market stalls, you discover things you’d never have thought to search for online. You pick up items, feel their quality, and chat with makers and shop owners who can tell you the story behind each piece.
The girls and I had such a lovely time just wandering, discovering, and finding those perfect gifts that make you think “oh, they’d absolutely love this!” You don’t get that spontaneous joy of discovery from Amazon.
Plus, let’s talk about instant gratification. No waiting for deliveries, no worrying about packages going missing, no disappointment when the item looks nothing like the photo. You see it, you love it, you take it home. Done.
Let’s not forget the sustainability factor: Shopping local means less packaging, a smaller carbon footprint from delivery vans, and more money staying in your local economy. Every purchase at an independent shop or from a local maker is an investment in Exeter’s future.
Exeter’s Brand New Christmas Lights
Before we dive into the shopping, can we talk about the lights? Exeter has unveiled a spectacular new lighting scheme as part of a five-year investment, and it’s absolutely stunning. The High Street is draped in starry cascades, with twinkling sphere installations and magical star projections dancing across historic buildings.
We started our evening around 5:30 pm, just as the lights were beginning to sparkle against the darkening sky. The projections at Tuckers Hall on Fore Street are particularly beautiful – definitely worth a photo stop. These lights stretch from Fore Street all the way to Sidwell Street, covering North Street, South Street, Gandy Street, and more.
Stop 1: Fore Street’s Independent Treasures
We kicked off our shopping tour on Fore Street, home to some of Exeter’s most unique independent retailers. Heads–up: many of the indies close earlier than the major stores, so I’d recommend visiting during daytime hours if you want to browse them properly. But they’re absolutely worth building into your Christmas shopping plans.
Helen of Troy
This place is an Aladdin’s cave of unique gift ideas. The girls and I spent ages browsing their collection, and it’s the kind of shop where you’ll find something special for that person who’s impossible to buy for. The beauty of Helen of Troy is that everything feels carefully curated – you won’t find these gifts anywhere else.
Zero
If you’re shopping for someone who cares about the planet (or if you’re trying to make more sustainable choices yourself), Zero is essential. They stock ethical, environmentally friendly gifts that don’t compromise on style or quality. From reusable essentials to beautiful, sustainable homeware, it’s proof that eco-friendly shopping can be genuinely exciting.
The Fore Street lights create such a lovely atmosphere in the evening, even when the shops have closed – the whole street feels like a Christmas card come to life.
Stop 2: Cathedral Christmas Market – Devon’s Biggest
This was the girls’ favourite stop, and I can see why. Exeter’s Cathedral Christmas Market is Devon’s biggest, with over 100 festive chalets sprawled across Cathedral Green. It opened on 20 November and runs right through until 19 December, so there’s plenty of time to visit.
The setting is absolutely magical – imagine browsing handmade gifts and artisan products with the cathedral’s soaring spires lit up behind you. We picked up some beautifully handmade gloves (perfect for my mum) and found gorgeous earrings for a friend. The craftsmanship here is incredible.
What You’ll Find:
- Artisan gifts from local makers
- Handmade jewellery and accessories
- Unique Christmas decorations
- Gourmet street food
- Mulled wine and festive drinks
- Gift ideas you won’t find on the high street
Opening Hours:
- Monday-Wednesday: 10am-7pm
- Thursday-Saturday: 10am-9pm (perfect for late-night shopping!)
- Sunday: 11am-5pm
The Thursday evening opening until 9pm means you can take your time browsing without feeling rushed or meet friends for a drink and a catch-up. We grabbed some mulled wine and just soaked up the atmosphere – it’s as much an experience as a shopping trip.
Stop 3: Gandy Street & Independent Boutiques
After the market, we headed to Gandy Street – Exeter’s most atmospheric shopping street. The cobbles, the Christmas lights overhead, the independent boutiques… It’s got such a special atmosphere.
Mantis Jewellery
Mantis Jewellery are one of my Gandy Street favs. They create beautiful, unique pieces, and they also have a stall at the Cathedral Christmas Market. If you’re after jewellery that’s genuinely one-of-a-kind, this is your spot. The girls were particularly taken with their contemporary designs – a world away from generic high street jewellery.
Hyde and Seek
Located opposite the RAMM (Royal Albert Memorial Museum), Hyde and Seek is brilliant for gifts with personality. The curation here is excellent – quirky, interesting pieces that show you’ve put thought into your gift giving.
By this point, we were ready for a food break (essential on any shopping expedition), and Gandy Street doesn’t disappoint. Red Panda serves incredible Asian fusion – those dumplings are honestly the best in Devon. But there are food options all over the city centre, so you’re never far from a pit stop.
Stop 4: Princesshay – Best of Both Worlds
Princesshay Shopping Centre is where you get the best of both worlds: your favourite high street stores PLUS local makers and small businesses at Christmashay Village.
Christmashay Village
Running from 14 November to 23 December, Christmashay Village features 17 festive cabins filled with local makers and small businesses. It’s the perfect place to find something unique without straying far from the major stores.
Retro Rail
We picked up some seriously cool vintage clothing here. If you’re shopping for someone who loves sustainable fashion or unique statement pieces, Retro Rail is a treasure trove. The girls found some fantastic pieces, and I loved that we were shopping sustainably while still finding really stylish gifts.
Emma’s Farm Shop
For the environmentally conscious shopper, Emma’s Farm Shop stocks beautiful, locally sourced, sustainable products. From honey and eggs to eco-friendly essentials, it’s a lovely addition to Princesshay’s offering.
Don’t miss the new Mistletoe Bar while you’re here – perfect for a festive drink break between shops. On 20 November, SPARK! Drummers performed to celebrate the first late-night shopping evening, adding a brilliant energy to the atmosphere.
Bonus: Santa Sundays run throughout December – meet Father Christmas on his golden sleigh and grab a festive photo. It’s £2.50 for a small keepsake, with donations going to Vranch House (Princesshay’s charity partner).
Stop 5: Guildhall Shop & Dine
Our final stop was Guildhall Shopping Centre, and if you’re shopping with little ones, this is where you’ll breathe a sigh of relief. The FREE Winter Wonderland indoor play area is perfect for children aged five and under – they can burn off energy while you browse in peace.
Festive Entertainment at Guildhall:
- 6 December, 11am-1pm: Christmas Belle storytelling
- 13 December, 11am-3pm: The Grinch makes a mischievous visit
- 18 December, 2pm-7pm: The Grinch returns
- 20 December, 11am-3pm: Santa & Mrs Claus storytelling
Everything’s under one roof here, which is brilliant when you’re starting to feel the shopping fatigue. The Winter Wonderland theme is adorable, and having entertainment options throughout December means you can make shopping a proper family day out.
Making the Most of Your Shopping Trip
Here’s what I learned from our Christmas shopping adventure in Exeter:
Choose Your Time
Weekend Daytime: Perfect for the whole experience – all indies open, market bustling, whole festive atmosphere
Weekday Daytime: Quieter, easier to browse, better for a relaxed shop
Late Night Shopping Thursdays: Shops open til 8pm, magical under the lights, less crowded (20 November, 27 November, 4 December, 11 December, 18 December)
We went on a Thursday evening and loved the atmosphere – starting around 5:30pm meant we caught the lights as they sparkled against the darkening sky. But honestly, Exeter’s Christmas shopping is brilliant whenever you visit.
Pace Yourself
We planned our route to include a proper dinner break (Red Panda on Gandy Street was perfect), which made the whole experience feel less like a shopping marathon and more like a fun outing. There are food options all over the city centre, so you’re never far from a pit stop.
Mix Indies with High Street
The beauty of Exeter’s shopping scene lies in its variety. We found unique, sustainable gifts at indies like Zero and Mantis Jewellery, then picked up high street essentials at Princesshay. You can tick off your entire Christmas list in one city.
Don’t Forget the Market
Those handmade gloves we picked up at the Cathedral Market? Best purchase of the day. The quality is incredible, and you’re supporting local artisans. Budget extra time for the market – you’ll want to browse every stall.
Bring Comfortable Shoes
Trust me – you’ll want to visit everywhere, and that means a fair bit of walking. Comfortable shoes are non-negotiable.
Beyond the Thursday Evenings
While late-night shopping on Thursdays is brilliant, don’t forget about the daytime opportunities:
Exeter Winter Wonderland at Northernhay Gardens runs from 22 November to 24 December, featuring a real ice rink, Santa’s Grotto, a light trail, a vintage carousel, and festive food stalls. It’s a lovely addition to a shopping day out.
Other Exeter Events:
- Magdalen Road Christmas Fayre: 6 December
- Santa Run: 7 December
- Sacred Grounds Winter Fayre: 11 December
Why Shop Local?
What struck me most during our evening was the sheer variety of unique, locally-made gifts available in Exeter. From Mantis Jewellery’s contemporary designs to the handcrafted items at the Cathedral Market, from Zero’s sustainable offerings to the vintage finds at Retro Rail – these are gifts that tell a story.
When you shop local, you’re not just finding something special; you’re supporting independent businesses, local makers, and artisans who pour their hearts into their craft. That handmade glove purchase at the Cathedral Market? I know it was made locally, with care and skill. Those earrings for my friend? They’re one-of-a-kind pieces from Mantis that she won’t see anyone else wearing.
Plus, there’s something genuinely lovely about being able to say “I found this at a little shop in Exeter” rather than “I ordered it online.” The experience of discovering these gifts, browsing the stalls under Christmas lights, chatting with the makers and shop owners – it’s all part of the magic.
The Verdict: Ditch the Laptop and Head Into Town
Our Christmas shopping adventure in Exeter reminded me why shopping in person is so much better than clicking through websites. The combination of discovering unique gifts at independent shops, supporting local makers at the Cathedral Market, feeling the festive atmosphere under those stunning new Christmas lights, and actually enjoying the process – it beats online shopping hands down.
The girls had a brilliant time (and found some excellent presents), I managed to tick off half my Christmas list with unique, thoughtful gifts while supporting local businesses and makers.
This Christmas, I’m challenging you to do more of your shopping in Exeter rather than online. Whether you come during the day to catch the indies when they’re open, visit the Cathedral Market on a bustling Saturday, or take advantage of those Thursday evening late night shopping sessions (shops open til 8pm – 20 November, 27 November, 4 December, 11 December, 18 December), I promise you’ll find better gifts and enjoy the experience so much more.
My Top Picks:
- Most Unique Gifts: Mantis Jewellery (Gandy Street)
- Best for Eco-Conscious Shopping: Zero (Fore Street) & Emma’s Farm Shop (Princesshay)
- Hidden Surprises: Helen of Troy (Fore Street) & Hyde and Seek (opposite RAMM)
- Best Market Finds: Handmade accessories at Cathedral Christmas Market
- Perfect Food Break: Red Panda (Gandy Street)
- Sustainable Fashion: Retro Rail (Princesshay)
Plan Your Visit
Cathedral Christmas Market: 20 November – 19 December
Christmashay Village: 14 November – 23 December
Late Night Shopping Thursdays: 20 Nov | 27 Nov | 4 Dec | 11 Dec | 18 Dec (shops open until 8pm)
Most Independent Shops: Open daily, but check individual opening times (many close earlier on Sundays)
Top Tip: Visit during the week for a quieter browse, or come at weekends for the whole bustling Christmas atmosphere. Thursday evenings offer the best of both worlds – extended hours with a relaxed vibe.
For more information and a complete programme of Christmas events, visit visitexeter.com/christmas
Are you planning to shop more locally this Christmas? What are your favourite Exeter shops for finding unique gifts? Let me know in the comments – I’m always looking for new discoveries!
Happy shopping – and remember, the best gifts aren’t found by scrolling, they’re found by exploring!
Exploring Exeter is your guide to the very best of Exeter and Devon. For more local recommendations, events, and hidden gems, follow me on Instagram @exploringexeter and subscribe to the newsletter for weekly updates.
Disclosure: This is a sponsored blog post based on my own shopping experience in Exeter. All opinions are my own, and I paid for all items purchased. Some locations were provided with information from InExeter and Visit Exeter’s Christmas campaign materials.
Tags: Devon, Exeter, family, princesshay