A Magical Christmas in South Devon
South Devon transforms into a winter wonderland each Christmas. From the glittering Bay of Lights along the English Riviera to the theatrical POLAR EXPRESS™ train ride and atmospheric Christmas markets in Exeter and Totnes, the region glows with festive cheer.
Wander twinkling coastal streets, sip mulled wine at local markets, or cosy up in a seaside cottage by the fire. Whether you’re travelling with family, friends, or a special someone, South Devon’s festive season is packed with unforgettable experiences.
Highlights by Town
- Torquay & Paignton: Bay of Lights trail, ice skating, and festive theatre productions. Ideal for families and couples seeking a lively Christmas atmosphere.
- Brixham: Quieter harbour town with lantern parades, winter festivals, and waterfront light displays. Perfect for a relaxing festive stay.
- Kingswear & Dartmouth: Coastal charm with harbour views, festive boat trips, and easy access to Dartmouth’s Christmas events.
- Teignmouth: Traditional seaside town with seafront walks, cafés and family-friendly festive activities. Convenient base for Dartmoor and Exeter day trips.
- Exeter & Totnes: Bustling Christmas markets, cathedral events, and atmospheric lantern parades. Great for shopping and cultural festive experiences.
Festive Lights along the English Riviera
The Bay of Lights Illumination Trail brings Torquay, Paignton, and Brixham alive with spectacular light installations, lantern parades, and waterfront displays. As a result, it is perfect for an evening stroll. Moreover, the displays run from late November into early January, providing a magical experience for families and couples alike.
2025 Dates & Times:
- Illumination Trail (Torquay): Daily from 4:30 PM, late November to early January.
- Ice Skating at Abbey Park: Open daily 6 December 2025 – 2 January 2026
Highlights:
- Twinkling light installations along a 1.5-mile trail
- Lantern parades and festive street entertainment in Brixham
- Historic Torre Abbey comes alive with a stunning light projection show. It also hosts WinterFest with festive activities, workshops, and seasonal food
- The Train of Lights in Paignton offers a magical steam train journey through illuminated landscapes
Quick tip: To make the most of your visit, wrap up warm, enjoy hot drinks from seafront stalls, and don’t forget to time your walk around sunset for the best photos.
Festive Markets & Big Christmas Weekends
From cathedral squares to historic abbeys, South Devon’s markets are brimming with handmade gifts, live music, and festive aromas.
- Torre Abbey Christmas Market: Mid-November – December, artisan stalls, seasonal crafts, and live music
- Big Christmas Weekend at Cockington Court: Early December, family-friendly activities including craft workshops, storytelling, and seasonal performances
- Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market: Mid-November – mid-December, artisan stalls, festive food
- Totnes Late-Night Markets & Lantern Parades: Early December
Special Attractions & Winter Experiences
From caves to castles and zoos, South Devon is full of magical winter experiences. For example, families can meet Santa underground at Kents Cavern. Additionally, they can explore illuminated miniature scenes at Babbacombe Model Village, or enjoy sparkling animal-themed displays at Dartmoor Zoo and Paignton Zoo.
- Santa in the Caves – Kents Cavern: Carols in the cave, interactive storytelling, festive decorations, and a chance to meet Santa in the immersive grotto.
- Paignton Zoo Christmas Lights & Grotto: Evening light displays, festive decorations, and a chance to meet Santa, perfect for families.
- Babbacombe Model Village Christmas Illuminations: Miniature festive scenes with seasonal music and hidden surprises light up for evening illuminations.
- Dartmoor Zoo Zooluminate: December evenings with sparkling light trails, seasonal décor, and special animal-themed displays.
- Christmas in the Castle – Powderham Castle: The castle and grounds are transformed with the Winter Garden. Twinkling displays, festive decorations throughout, and immersive workshops (wreath-making, willow weaving, bauble crafting).
- Ice Skating at Abbey Park, Torquay: Brand-new for 2025 – glide across the open-air rink under twinkling lights, with festive music and warming winter treats nearby.
- Santa’s Grotto at House of Marbles: On select dates in December, children can visit Santa’s enchanting grotto, enjoy festive crafts, and explore the transformed winter wonderland at House of Marbles.
- Pennywell Farm Christmas Experience: Meet Father Christmas, enjoy a live Nativity, explore the Christmas village, and participate in festive activities like tractor rides and indoor play at Pennywell Farm.
- National Trust Christmas Events: Experience festive decorations, seasonal shopping, and activities at National Trust properties such as Buckland Abbey, Saltram, and Killerton. Highlights include “The Gruffalo’s Child” at Saltram and “Unflappable: Fashioning the 1920s” at Killerton.
Seasonal Train & Theatre Experiences
- Train of Lights, Paignton: Twinkling carriages, illuminated tunnels, and cozy festive treats on board
- THE POLAR EXPRESS™ at South Devon Railway: Magical, ticketed train experience for children and adults
- Pantomimes: Both Princess Theatre in Torquay and Palace Avenue Theatre in Paignton offer festive productions for all ages – check websites for show times and booking
Outdoor & Active Festive Fun
Looking for outdoor tradition or a challenge? Join a Boxing Day Dip, charity runs, local Santa fun runs, or family hikes across Dartmoor for a bracing Devon winter celebration. Both local sports clubs and town websites list dates and entry details each year.
- Boxing Day Dips & Santa Runs: A bracing local tradition for the adventurous
- Dartmoor Walks & South West Coast Path: Frosty views, fresh sea air, and peaceful trails
- Family Hikes & Charity Challenges: Great ways to work off those mince pies!
Then, after your outdoor adventures, warm up the Devon way – with hearty pub lunches, hot chocolates by the fire, or a traditional cream tea in a local café. Many seaside towns keep their independent eateries open all winter, offering the perfect cosy retreat after a brisk walk.
Practical info for guests
- Where to base yourself: Torquay and Paignton are best for the Bay of Lights trail, while Exeter is ideal for Christmas markets, cathedral events and easy transport links. Brixham and Kingswear offer a quieter, coastal stay with harbour views and easy access to festive boat trips. Teignmouth, with its traditional seaside charm, is perfect for families – close to festive walks along the seafront, cosy cafés, and easy access to both Dartmoor and Exeter for day trips.
- Transport: Trains to Exeter are frequent, local buses and park-and-ride services operate around market days and major events – check event pages for traffic/parking notices.
- Book ahead: Polar Express, grottos, zoo light nights and theatre-style experiences often require advance tickets.
It’s Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas…
There’s nothing quite like a South Devon Christmas! Gather your family, friends, or that special someone and settle into one of our charming holiday homes. Snuggle by the fire in a cosy coastal cottage, whip up festive treats in a well-equipped kitchen, or set off to explore twinkling light trails, bustling Christmas markets, and crisp winter walks across Dartmoor and the South West Coast Path.
Moreover, couples will love our romantic retreats, offering tranquil surroundings, cosy corners, and a little festive magic of their own. Additionally, dog-friendly homes mean your furry friend can join in the fun too. Finally, after a day of lights, laughter, and winter adventures, why not unwind in a hot tub under the stars, with a glass of Christmas cheer in hand perhaps?
Make this season unforgettable. Book your South Devon Christmas getaway and create memories that will sparkle long after the lights come down.
