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Devon’s Top Attractions brought their year-long 40th anniversary celebrations to a proud close with their Annual General Meeting (AGM) on…
Read MoreChristmas in Devon awaits – See the county as it transforms into a wonderland of twinkling lights, festive experiences, and heart-warming family traditions. Across the county, visitors are invited to slow down, reconnect, and share in the magic of the season.
Step into the spirit of the holidays with sparkling light trails, enchanting Santa grottos, and Christmas-themed events at Devon’s top attractions. Families can enjoy winter adventures, festive shows, and craft workshops, whilst discovering the joy of the season surrounded by stunning scenery and warm hospitality.
“In the weeks leading up to Christmas, Devon really comes alive,” says Anne Blackham, Marketing Manager for Devon’s Top Attractions. “Visitors can enjoy magical days out, festive attractions, and Christmas markets across the county. It’s a wonderful time to visit Devon and for locals to experience the sparkle of the season.”
Find over 25 Enchanting Christmas Events, Santa Grottos & Light Trails Across Devon
What’s On in Exeter and East Devon
Visit Royal Albert Memorial Museum on 11 December for a Night at the Museum from 5.30-7.30pm (£5 per person). Wander through the twinkling galleries after dark, torch in hand, as the museum transforms into a glowing treasure trove of stories and surprises. Keep your eyes peeled for Father Christmas roaming the halls with goodies galore. Make your very own festive lantern visit the sparkle station for face paints and gather round for a globe-hopping adventure with storyteller Clive PiG.
From 1-31 December explore Powderham Castle and Grounds as they are transformed for the season, filled with twinkling lights, festive displays, and the sound of Christmas music. Each room and pathway is carefully dressed to celebrate the spirit of the season. Plus see Father Christmas in the brand-new Winter Garden full of glimmering lights from 1-24 December.
Immerse yourself in festive cheer and community spirit at Killerton. Enjoy the stunning ‘Red Dress Project,’ hand-crafted decorations, twinkling lights, seasonal music, games, trees dressed by local groups, hearty food and winter walks. The ground floor of Killerton house will be traditionally dressed with lush green garlands, sparkling trees, decorative fireplaces and hand-made delights. Outdoors, playful activities for all ages lead you through the gardens, parkland and Chapel grounds.
Enjoy Christmas in Devon with a Festive Special River Cruise running until 1 January Stuart Line Cruises. Their festively decorated boats have covered and heated lower decks, with cosy blankets, plenty of fresh air and great views on the upper outside deck. The warm welcome includes a glass of proper homemade mulled wine and a tasty warmed minced pie to enjoy whilst you sit back and take a breather from the busy Christmas season. Plus 6-22 December Sail with Santa is back.
Step into the magic of Christmas at Crealy’s enchanting Santa’s Grotto experience! Meet Santa himself in an exclusive meet & greet, and every child will receive a FREE high-quality toy straight from Santa’s Magical Toy Shop. NEW FOR 2025: Aladdin Family Pantomime, plus the Snowflake Express, hop onboard the beautifully reimagined Safari Express, watch the Christmas Sooty Show and enjoy light displays and illuminations across the Park.
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ is coming to Seaton Tramway on selected dates through November & December! Families will enjoy the magical tram ride to the North Pole in specially decorated single-deck tramcars, enjoy a cup of hot chocolate, a delicious treat, speak to Santa and admire the awesome lights. All guests will receive a gift of Christmas – A Silver Sleigh Bell – from Santa himself. Enjoy singing Christmas carols on the return journey.
All Aboard theBicton Christmas Train! Step into the magic of Christmas this December and book your seats on the Bicton Woodland Railway, which is getting a full festive makeover! The station will be transformed into a sparkling Christmas wonderland and as the train gently meanders through the beautiful Bicton Gardens, you can sing along to all your favourite Christmas tunes, surrounded by twinkling lights and festive cheer. Plus Walk-through Christmas Grotto and Christmas Tree Hunt.
Bring the family together for a day of fun, exploration and discovery at the Donkey Sanctuary as you join their Forever Home Winter Trail. For just £5, challenge yourself, get active and complete the trail to claim your prize! Pick up your trail sheet from the Gift Shop and don’t forget your wellies – it’s time to explore! Plus with daily talks, scenic walks, engaging exhibits, award-winning restaurant and, of course, hundreds of adorable donkeys to meet, there’s so much to explore.
What’s On in South Devon
Join Babbacombe Model Village for their illuminations with lots of Christmas sparkle and festive lighting. A fun Christmas character spotter sheet will add some extra fun during the daylight – will you be able to find all the miniature Santas and Elves? Enjoy a game of crazy golf which is included with admission. Experience the enchanting lighting and scenes in their immersive indoor Mythical Kingdom. On until 4 January.
Carols in the Cave – a festive underground concert at Kents Cavern on dates from 2-19 December. Experience the magic of live music like never before, an atmospheric evening of festive cheer, mulled wine, and Christmas melodies deep beneath the surface of Kents Cavern. Plus on select dates from 6-24 December deep beneath the surface in Torquay there’s Santa in the Caves – A Magical Christmas Grotto.
Bygones, in Torquay are celebrating the Victorian Christmas. Start thinking about getting in the Christmas spirit with a visit back in time to the Victorian era, from 1 December their life-sized Victorian street and rooms are transformed into a traditional Christmas setting! A wonderfully festive atmosphere for all the family. No extra costs – included within the admission fee.
Christmas at the Zoo is back from 6-24 December. Get ready to Explore the Wild this Christmas at Paignton Zoo! Santa will be visiting the zoo throughout December to help share that festive cheer. Visit Santa in his Grotto and receive a gift.
The English Riviera comes alive again with a flurry of illuminated events to form the Bay of Lights this Christmas. From lantern parades to a steam train covered in lights, to carols by candlelight and don’t forget the star of the show: The Illumination Trail along Torquay seafront. Plus Torbay will welcome a real ice rink inviting visitors of all ages to glide across the ice in a truly magical setting. It will open daily from 6 Dec to 2 Jan offering hourly sessions for up to 80 skaters.
A Festive Christmas market is back at Buckfast Abbey from 27-29 November. The spirit of the celebrations comes alive through handcrafted gifts and artisan creations. Wander among beautifully decorated stalls filled with seasonal delights – mouthwatering festive treats and entertainment throughout. Plus enjoy Christmas with Bach on 13 December at 7.30pm. The Abbey Choir is joined by period instrument ensemble, Noxwode Baroque, for a performance of J. S. Bach’s Magnificat and the Advent Cantata Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme.
Join in the festive spirit on 20 December at House of Marbles with their workshop to make an exclusive Candle Arrangement, accompanied by prosecco. Plus from 6-23 December Santa’s Grotto is back. Step into a world of festive fun with twinkling lights and friendly elves. Children will be welcomed into a cosy, enchanting grotto to enjoy an exclusive one-on-one moment with Father Christmas and leave with a special gift to remember the day. Plus there’s late night shopping on selected dates until 10pm.
Can you help Stick Man and Santa deliver the final present? Join Stick Man for his winter forest adventure at Haldon Forest Park. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the festive season together with friends and family. This interactive family trail has lots of fun wintry activities whilst keeping a lookout for hidden letters to discover who the special gift is for. Plus Forestry England’s emotive outdoor exhibition of Earth Photo shortlisted works returns. The free exhibition is open until 19 March 2026.
Experience the Magic at Pennywell this Christmas! Arrive at the magical North Pole and meet the friendly Elves. Collect your Christmas passport and get the stamps as you journey through their Christmas experience. Live Nativity Scene, Christmas Animal Cuddles, enter the sparkly enchanted forest where Father Christmas will be waiting in his grotto with a special gift for every child. On until 24 December.
After several magical seasons, THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride is returning to South Devon Railway from 28 Nov to 23 Dec. Step into the story and enjoy a festive journey full of theatrical storytelling, seasonal treats, and Christmas spirit. This is more than just a train ride — it’s a full theatrical experience. The world of The Polar Express™ surrounds you with music, lights, and beloved characters.
Experience the wonder of Christmas like never before at Woodlands’ enchanting Christmas Grotto from 29 November to 23 December and enjoy full access to the park. Begin a magical journey where twinkling lights, merry elves, and enchanting characters guide you closer to the heart of Christmas. Along the way, delightful surprises await, from secret workshops to festive trails that lead you deeper into the magic. Your adventure ends in a truly unforgettable moment as you meet Santa himself in his cosy grotto.
Festive Things to do in Plymouth
Experience the all-new Plymouth Christmas Market. With over 100 international and local traders housed in charming, traditional chalets. You’ll find an authentic feast of quality Christmas fayre alongside a carefully curated mix of handcrafted goods and bespoke artisan products. There’s festive fun too, including a traditional carousel and a vintage Helter Skelter offering breathtaking views.
Join The Box on 24 December as they take you through an interactive experience that will leave you feeling festive! Mistletoe (the naughtiest elf at the North Pole) has arranged for everyone to meet Santa at the museum. However, Mistletoe has mislaid the most important list… The ‘Naughty or Nice’ list. How is Santa meant to deliver presents without this vital document? This is a great opportunity to meet Santa, take a picture together and even tell him what you want most for Christmas, right. Plus, Breakfast With Santa on selected Sundays in December.
What’s on in North Devon
The Christmas lights turn-on at Clovelly on 30 November starts at 4 pm, a local brass band leads the procession down to the harbour. A hog roast, grog and other refreshments are available, Father Christmas will make a surprise visit. At 5 pm the switch is thrown and the entire village and harbour are lit up finishing with a grand finale of fireworks. The Boxing Day Barbecue gives FREE entrance to Clovelly village all day then enjoy a lunch barbecue starting at midday at the quay with live music 1-3pm.
The Magic of Christmas is coming to the Milky Way on selected dates in December. Journey through the magical snowy forest to Buzzlewick’s Elf Emporium, have a go at gingerbread decorating, write a letter to Santa, sit in Santa’s sleigh and make reindeer food. All visitors can look forward to visiting the garland-festooned train station and have a hot chocolate to enjoy on the Festive Train ride. Keep an eye out for Santa’s naughty elves and their mischievous antics and enjoy a special themed show created by Merlin.
Get ready to unwrap the Christmas magic early at Dartington Crystal! On 29 November (10am – 4pm) you’ll find fantastic discounts across the Glass and Gift Shop, activities like Glass Painting, a Teddy Factory, Live Demonstrations, and a Festive Trail Hunt. Don’t miss the chance to capture a precious memory with a half-price handcast, grab 10% off activities, and indulge in a festive treat at the Pavilion Café — all with free parking!
Join Quince Honey Farm on 13 & 20 December as that cheeky Head Elf will be back along with Mr and Mrs Claus to entertain your little ones with some Christmas fun! A Christmassy Tractor Ride awaits with a merry sing song, Christmassy party games plus you’ll get to meet the legends themselves, Mr and Mrs Claus! There’ll be more festive games and crafts, reindeer food making with Mrs Claus, sing-alongs, candle rolling and of course a chance for your little ones to meet Santa Claus and receive a small present.
On Sat 6, 13 and 20 December (9am to 2pm) join The Big Sheep for a magical day out at their Christmas Farmers Market, where the sights, scents, and sounds of the season come alive! Browse the best Christmas stalls full of great quality, tasty local food and drink, festive craft & handmade treasures! There’ll be festive treats plus live music, carol singers and the chance to win a £200 hamper.
Glow at RHS Rosemoor is back – create magical festive memories as the Glow winter illuminations return to RHS Rosemoor on selected dates from 21 November to 30 December 4.30-8.30pm. For Christmas 2025, discover a brand-new light trail packed with magical moments and surprises along the way, and enjoy delicious food and drink, and Christmas shopping for the ultimate festive evening out.
Unique Christmas Gift Ideas
take a look at our special selection of unique Christmas gift ideas, Ideas range from animal adoptions, annual passes to your favourite attraction and all sorts of special experiences, drive a train or tram for a day, animal encounters or island adventures.
If you believe in the magic of Christmas, make a day out with your family really special this festive season at one of Devon’s quality-assured attractions, after all, ‘Tis the Season to be Jolly!’
