Short answer: Tavistock is a working town, so winter changes less here than on the coast. The Pannier Market is covered and runs Tuesday to Saturday. The Cornish Arms and Granito Lounge stay open, and Dartmoor is at its best under a hard sky.
This is the advantage of a stannary town over a beach village. Tavistock's shops, pubs and market serve people who live there, so December looks much like June — busy, and open.
The Pannier Market is a Victorian hall, properly indoors, running Tuesday to Saturday with a different theme most days. In winter it becomes the reason to come rather than a bonus.
Dartmoor is at its most dramatic between November and March, and it is also at its most serious. The weather changes fast, the light goes early, and the roads are unfenced with livestock on them. Bellever Forest is the sheltered option — forestry tracks, a shallow river and wild ponies, with toilets and a coffee trailer.
Lydford Gorge is worth knowing about but check seasonal opening, and note the paths are steep and slate underfoot, which is worse in the wet.
The Christmas market in the Pannier Market hall is the December event here. Dates are confirmed by organisers through the autumn — check before travelling.
Park free at The Meadows and walk in. It is a short walk and there is a playground at the park end.
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