Christmas in Devon 2026: Festive Family Days Out & Things to Do

Discover Santa Grottos, Christmas Light Trails, Festive Shows and Magical Days Out Across Devon!

Step into the spirit of Christmas 2026 as Devon transforms into a wonderland with sparkling Christmas light trails, enchanting Santa grottos and festive events. At Devon’s Top Attractions, families can enjoy winter adventures, festive shows and Christmas craft workshops, whilst discovering the magic of the season surrounded by stunning scenery and warm hospitality. From North Devon to South Devon, discover magical Christmas days out and unforgettable festive experiences for the whole family.

Christmas Sparkle in North Devon

The Christmas lights turn-on is a magical time at Clovelly starting at 4pm on 6 Dec. A brass band leads the procession down to the harbour with festive carols sung along the way. A hog roast, grog and other refreshments are available at the harbour and Lifeboat Station.  Father Christmas will make a surprise visit and at 5pm the switch is thrown and the entire village is lit up with fireworks to finish off. Plus you can enjoy a lunchtime Boxing Day Barbecue (from 1pm-3pm) for the perfect follow-up to Christmas day with FREE entrance to Clovelly and live music, too.

This winter, RHS Rosemoor is pulling out all the stops for the 10th anniversary of RHS Glow which returns to transform the gardens once again with enchanting illuminated trails, spectacular light and sound installations, and interactive experiences. Taking place on selected dates between 27 Nov and 30 Dec, this year’s illuminated Christmas trail promises a spectacular after dark experience with a re-imagined route through the gardens and eight brand new installations. Beyond the illuminations, guests can enjoy festive food and loads of late-night shopping.

Join Quince Honey Farm on 5 Dec and learn how to craft your very own natural and rustic Christmas Wreath to take home. Led by Head Gardener Rebecca Flay, the workshop will use seasonal fresh foliage as well as natural and reusable decorations. Learn the key techniques to make a beautiful wreath and the tricks to keep it fresh until Christmas! Enjoy a glass of ‘Buzz Fizz’ on arrival, followed by a mince pie and hot/cold drinks while you are busy at your craft.

Make your day unforgettable with an exclusive visit to Santa at The Milky Way. No queuing, with a dedicated time slot reserved just for your family (max 6 children) and as an extra magical touch, Santa will already know a little secret detail about every child to make the moment truly memorable. After meeting Santa, his elves will guide each child into Buzzlewick’s Toy Shop to handpick their very own festive present. Pre-booking is essential.

Step into a festive Christmas experience filled with wonder, storytelling, and family fun at The Big Sheep. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be guided through immersive themed areas, meet the Elves, and journey all the way to Father Christmas. The Father Christmas Experience includes all of this… A Truly Magical Christmas Tour, loads of Elf Fun, a Magical Show, meet Father Christmas, decorate a Gingerbread and make your very own Make a Bear Teddy. Every Sat & Sun 28 Nov to 13 Dec and daily from Sat 19 to Thurs 24 Dec.

Christmas Festivities and Illuminations in Torbay & South Devon

This Christmas, visit Babbacombe Model Village from 19 Dec to 3 Jan and soak up the festive cheer as the village comes alive with charming Christmas scenes. Enjoy the magical illuminations twinkling with Christmas sparkle and beautiful festive lighting and music. Children can join in the fun with the Christmas Character Spotter Sheet. Can you spot all the miniature Santas and Elves hidden among the scenes? Every successful young explorer will receive a small festive gift.

From 28 Nov to 3 Jan the English Riviera plays host to the Bay of Lights! Torquay, Paignton and Brixham come alive with a flurry of illuminated events. From lantern parades and a steam train covered in lights to carols by candlelight, the English Riviera is truly magical over winter.  Plus the star of the show: The Illumination Trail along Torquay seafront – enjoy a 1.5-mile route along Torquay seafront with glittering and unexpected surprises along the way.

Step into the Enchanted Magical Grotto…by Miss Ivy Events at House of Marbles this Christmas from 5-23 December. Step through the Woodland Gateway into an immersive festive world of oversized toadstools, giant baubles and hidden surprises – a full hour of adventure for children aged 3 to 10, ending with a special storytime moment with Santa himself. Plus see the creative festive craft workshops including create your own Christmas Bauble and Wreath Making workshops. Booking & further info online.

Step into a truly magical Christmas experience, filled with festive wonder, heart-warming moments and unforgettable family memories at Pennywell Farm. Your adventure begins at the North Pole, enter the sparkly enchanted forest where Father Christmas will be waiting in his grotto with a special gift for every child. To keep the experience relaxed and magical, visits to Father Christmas are limited to a maximum of two families at a time. On selected dates from 21 Nov to 24 Dec.

Step into the magic of Christmas as THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride returns to South Devon Railway for another unforgettable festive season. Inspired by the much-loved 2004 film, this fully immersive theatrical experience invites families to become part of the story, from the moment they arrive. With enchanting characters, festive music and magical moments it’s a celebration of imagination, belief and festive joy that will be remembered long after the season ends.

Step into the Magic of Christmas at the enchanting Woodlands Christmas Grotto. Experience the wonder of the festive season like never before. Begin a magical journey where twinkling lights, merry elves, and enchanting characters guide you closer to the heart of Christmas. Along the way, surprises await, from secret workshops to festive journeys that carry you deeper into the magic. To complete this magical adventure, you’ll find yourself in the presence of Santa himself. Selected dates in December.

The Magic of Christmas in East Devon

Experience a magical Light Fest this November at Crealy Theme Park. Get ready to see Crealy in a whole new light! This year, Light Fest is bigger and brighter than ever, with more spectacular light displays illuminating the Park after dark. Plus, experience two of their newest rides lit up at night, alongside family rides, colourful illuminations and plenty of magical photo moments. Selected dates in November – see online for details.

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ is coming to Seaton Tramway on selected dates through November & December! Families will enjoy the magical tram ride to Santa’s home at the North Pole in one of the specially decorated single-deck tramcars, enjoy a cup of hot chocolate, a delicious treat, speak to Santa and admire the awesome lights whilst you walk around the North Pole. All guests will receive their first gift of Christmas, a Silver Sleigh Bell, from Santa himself.

Come and meet Santa in his enchanting on-board grotto at Stuart Line Cruises. Every child will receive a good-quality, handpicked gift, whilst the grown-ups can enjoy a glass of homemade mulled wine and a warm mince pie. This Sail with Santa cruise is packed full of fun and is a fabulously festive way to kick-start Christmas! Advanced booking is essential and each present is handpicked and age specific for each child. Various dates including 5, 12,19 & 22 Dec plus other festive cruises available.

Get into the festive spirit at the Bicton Park Botanical Gardens Christmas Craft Fair on Friday 4th Dec, from 4pm to 8pm! Enjoy a magical evening of Christmas shopping, festive cheer and seasonal delights. Browse a wonderful selection of craft stalls, discover unique gifts and handmade treasures, and find something special for your loved ones this Christmas. The Orangery Restaurant will be open serving delicious Christmas specials and traditional mince pies. Best of all, entry is completely FREE!

Enjoy more for less at Dunkeswell Raceway this autumn and winter with 15% off all on-site activities through to December, Monday to Friday, from 3pm. Whether you’re looking to test your skills on the Racing Simulator, take on Combat Labs, get behind the wheel with Arrive & Drive, compete in a Sprint Race, or plan an action-packed Stag & Hen experience, there’s plenty to enjoy at Dunkeswell Raceway. Simply use code ASD26 when booking to receive 15% off.

Meet Waffles on the Winter Warmer Trail at the Donkey Sanctuary from 3 Nov to 2 Feb! Waffles is similar to many of the donkeys you’ll meet during your visit and just like Waffles, these donkeys need to be protected in winter from the wet, frost and cold. Using your map, follow Waffles around the sanctuary and discover how the Farms team keeps our donkeys happy and healthy all winter long. To win your prize, place the matching sticker in the correct space on your trail sheet. Bring your completed trail sheet to the gift shop to redeem your prize!

“Devon really comes alive in the run up to the Christmas holidays,” says Anne Blackham, Marketing Manager for Devon’s Top Attractions. “Visitors can enjoy magical days out, festive attractions, Christmas workshops and wonderful markets across the county. It’s a special time to visit Devon and for locals to experience the joy of the season.”