December has arrived, and with it brings all the excitement and joy of the holiday season. It’s the most magical month of the year, full of Christmas songs, twinkling lights, and family get-togethers, and its arrival is a reminder that in only a few weeks’ time we’ll be putting presents under the tree for our loved ones to open.

This Saturday, 4^th of December, is Small Business Saturday UK. A date to shine a light on the amazing small businesses we are lucky to have here in the UK and the importance on supporting them. Small independent businesses help breathe life into our high streets and play a key role in keeping our local economies thriving. While shopping online might seem more convenient than ever , why not find some time this Christmas to get out into your community and see what your local shops have to offer? Gift shopping at Christmas is more than just another errand, it’s a chance to spend some quality time with your loved ones and enjoy events put on by your local community.

Browsing market stalls with hot chocolate in hand, surrounded by shimmering lights and the sound of Christmas music; is there any better way to do your gift shopping? Christmas markets are a perfect opportunity to discover some of the amazing independent shops in your local area and are often full of little gems that make the perfect gifts for loved ones.

It’s the busiest time of the year for most, so if you can’t make it to a market in the day, why not head to a late-night shopping event? Many towns and cities adorn their high street with decoration and keep shops open late into the evening, giving everyone the chance to shop locally, no matter their schedule. Town centres come alive with food stalls and fun events, and you might even find Father Christmas out and about, shopping for his own last-minute presents.

Giving custom to your local independent stores has a multitude of benefits – for you and them! Not only are markets and late-night shopping a fun outing for shoppers but shopping locally at Christmas puts money back into your local economy, supporting stockists from your community.

As part of the Small Business Saturday campaign, many local councils also offer free use of their car parks for the day making it easier to pop to your local shops for some festive retail therapy.

Selecting gifts in person gives you the chance to find unique and thoughtful gifts that fit the recipient. Spending time talking with stockists gives your shopping experience a more personal touch, as you’re able to see products up close and ask questions before you buy.

We’ve put together a list of some of the Christmas shopping events happening locally to us here in Cornwall…

Truro Late Night Shopping
Shops and markets open until 9pm, from Wednesday 24th November until Wednesday 22nd December.

Small Business Saturday in Truro
Free parking and use of the Park and Ride on Saturday 4th December.

Heartlands Christmas Market (Redruth)
Saturday 4^th and Sunday 5^th December 10am-4pm.

The Alverton’s Great Christmas Market (Truro)
Sunday 5^th December 10am-8pm.

Enchanted Christmas Market at The Royal Cornwall Show, Wadebridge
Open 8 days, over 2 long weekends between Thursday 9^th and Sunday 19^th December.

Knightor Winery Late Night Shopping (St. Austell)
Friday 10^th and Friday 17^th December, 12pm-8pm.

Late Night Shopping & Craft Stalls, Trevithick & Trays Farm Shop (St. Austell)
Open until 8pm on Friday 10^th and Friday 17^th December.

Healeys Cider Farm Christmas Markets, Truro
Open on Weekends from Saturday 13^th November until Sunday 19^th December.

And there are exciting events happening across the UK…

Winter Wonderland at London’s Hyde Park
Running until Monday 3^rd January 2022.

Manchester Christmas Markets and Winter Gardens 
Christmas Market will be open until Wednesday 22^nd December & The Winter Gardens will run until Monday 3^rd January 2022.

Edinburgh Christmas Market (East Princess Street Gardens)
Running until Tuesday 4th January, 10am-10pm.

However you’ll be celebrating the season this year, we hope you find time to shop with your local independent stores who need our support now more than ever.

Contact us to find your local St. Eval stockist. Our friendly customer service team are available Monday-Thursday 9-5 & Friday 9-4. Call us on 01841 540850 or email info@st-eval.com.

#stevalchristmas #shoplocal