I may be biased but Christmas in Devon is wonderful. Here’s my guide to what to expect in Devon this December. It includes where you’ll find Christmas events at attractions as well as festive shows, light trails and Santa himself!
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Christmas in Devon: the ultimate guide for families
Grab your Santa hats and prepare your tummy for mince pies aplenty as Devon gets set for Christmas.
Below you’ll discover:
- free things to do this Christmas
- shows and pantomimes
- switching on of Christmas lights
- where to meet Santa in Devon
- Devon Christmas markets
- Christmas light trails
- Christmas craft workshops
- Santa steam trains and the Polar Express in Devon
- what’s on at National Trust places
- and oodles of festive cheer.
Know of an event I can add to my monthly guides? Submit a listing!
You might also like to take some Christmas present inspiration from my Devon gift guide. And here’s a very Devon stocking filler!
Buy the Devon Colouring Book for Kids
Visit the Devon with Kids shop
Here’s what you can expect Christmas to look like in 2024:
Free things to do this Christmas
There’s no getting away from the fact Christmas can be expensive.
So, let me point you in the direction of some free festive fun this winter including light and treasure trails, where to meet Santa for free and light switch ons with free entrainment.
Read my full guide to free things to do in Devon this Christmas.
Here’s some more free things to do in Devon.
Christmas shows and pantomimes in Devon
Here are the Christmas shows and pantomimes happening in Devon in 2024:
Cinderella at the Northcott Theatre, Exeter – 28 November 2024 to 5 January 2025
After year-on-year record-breaking success,Exeter NorthcottandLe Navet Beteteam up once again to bring you this fabulous modern take on a classic story.
Expect plenty of laughs, great music, amazing special effects and full-on-fun for every generation with this fabulous rags-to-riches tale.
Book tickets for Cinderella on the Northcott Theatre website.
A Christmas Carol at Pavilions Teignmouth – 4 December 2024
This Christmas Teignmouth Pavilions is hosting Christmas Carol–Being a Ghost Story of Christmas performed by the award-winning Dyad Productions.
Dickens’ festive, immortal tale of redemption and compassion is brought to life in Dyad’s inimitable solo style.
Find out more and book tickets on the Pavilions website.
Elf! The Musical at Barnfield Theatre in Exeter – 4 to 14 December 2024
Bringing this well loved Christmas family movie to life, Exeter Little Theatre accompany proudly presents Elf The Musical.
Buddy, a young orphan, mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported to the North Pole.
The would-be elf is raised unaware that he is actually a human, until his enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. He then returns to New York City to find his birth father and help the people of The Big Apple rediscover the true meaning of Christmas!
This is a musical extravaganza for all ages.
Find out more and book tickets on the Exeter Northcott website.
Paulos presents Ho Ho Ho Holiday Hoopla at Greendale Farm – 7 December to 4 January 2025
Paulos Circus is returning to Greendale Farm this winter with its Ho Ho Ho Holiday Hoopla show.
This family friendly circus event promises a delightful blend of traditional circus acts and holiday themed entertainment, perfect for getting into the Christmas spirit.
Find out more and book tickets on the Christmas Circus website.
Beauty and the Beast at Queens Theatre, Barnstaple – 12 to 31 December 2024
This Christmas the Queen’s Theatre brings you a Tale as old as time – Beauty and the Beast!
This production promises to be a feast for the senses, a celebration of love, and a guaranteed rollercoaster of emotions, sprinkled with side-splitting humour and heartwarming moments for the whole family.
Find out more and book tickets for Beauty and the Beast
Jack and the Beanstalk, at Princess Theatre, Torquay – 13 December 2024 to 4 January 2025
This Festive season panto magic will be sprinkled in abundance at the Princess Theatre in Torquay as it welcomes a new, multi-award-winning pantomime production Jack and the Bean Stalk.
Join Jack, Dame Trott, and the lovable Clarabelle the Cow for an unforgettable escapade filled with FE-FI-FO-FUN!
Find out more and book tickets for Jack and the Beanstalk.
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at Theatre Royal Plymouth – 13 December to 11 January 2025
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfswill be spectacularly brought to life with an abundance of comedy, sensational song and dance numbers, fabulous costumes and stunning scenery at the Theatre Royal Plymouth this winter.
With amazing special effects, stunning sets and beautiful costumes direct from The London Palladium,this retelling of a fairytale favouritewill take your whole family on a magical panto adventure like never before.
Find out more and book tickets for Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
The Elf Who Lost Christmas at The Soapbox Children’s Theatre, Plymouth – 14 to 24 December 2024
Oh no! What will Father Christmas do? The Elf who lost Christmas is sure to have a plan.
This delightful Christmas show for little ones and their families has colourful characters, beautifully crafted puppets and songs.
Visit The Soapbox Children’s Theatre website to get more information and book tickets.
Peter Pan at Exeter Corn Exchange – 14 December 2024 to 1 January 2025
This year the Exeter Corn Exchange presents the high-flying pantomime, Peter Pan.
This festive tale is told with merriment and melody – plus a big dollop of slapstick fun and silly sing-alongs!
Will Peter Pan fly high over Neverland? Or will the villainous Captain Hook bring him down to Earth with a bump? You’ll have to book tickets to find out.
There’s an early bird ticket offer until 30 September 2024.
Find out more and book tickets on the Exeter Corn Exchange website.
Dayzee and the World of Tomorrow at Exeter Phoenix Theatre – 15 to 28 December 2024
This festive season, join Dayzee and her dad in the not-so-far-off-future, a magical future where bicycles fly, flies talk and mangrove forests sing.
Find out more and buy tickets on the Exeter Phoenix website.
The Elves and The Shoemaker at Barnfield Theatre, Exeter – 16 to 24 December 2024
Exeter Northcott and PaddleBoat Theatre Company are excited to present a brand-new version of the beloved fairytale, The Elves and the Shoemaker.
This highly interactive 50-minute adventure is full of clowning, puppetry and a magical miniature world.
Find out more and buy tickets on the Exeter Northcott website.
A Christmas Carol – 17 December to 19 December 2024
Get into the Christmas spirit with The Duke’s Theatre Company’s first indoor season: a musical adaptation of a nail-biting retelling of perhaps the most famous ghost story of all time, A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.
Book tickets via the Torre Abbey website.
The Snow Queen at The Beehive – 20 December 2024
The Beehive in Honiton is hosting a performance of The Snow Queen by Theatrix Arts this Christmas.
Follow Gerda on her adventures as she sets out to rescue her brother Kai from the evil Snow Queen who is holding him prisoner in her ice palace and meet the magical creatures who help her on her mission.
Find out more and get tickets on the Beehive website.
Ceilidh for Ukraine in Stoke Gabriel – 20 December 2024
Blue Jewel Ceilidh Band are playing a ceilidh at Stoke Gabriel and Torquay Police Football Clubin aid of Ukrainian Action, a charity sending convoys of trucks with humanitarian aid from the UK to Ukraine.
Blue Jewel Ceilidh Band (whose members are from Totnes and Stoke Gabriel) will be providing music and calling the dances.
Find out more and buy tickets on We Got Tickets.
The Three Musketeers in Kingkerswell – 21 December 2024
Get set for a swashbuckling adventure at the South Devon Players perform The Three Musketeers in Kingskerswell Village Hall near Newton Abbot.
This lively family show is adapted from the novel by Alexandre Dumas and set in and around the royal court of France.
With beautiful costuming, dramatic action scenes, and a fast moving story, the show is performed by a team of professional actors aged 11 to 65 from around South Devon.
For more information and tickets visit the South Devon Players box office.
Cinderella Pantomime at Exmouth Pavilion – 21 December 2024 to 1 January 2025
Trio Entertainment return this Christmas to follow the rags to riches tale where dreams come true with a special invitation to the Ball.
Cinderella is doomed to live un-happily ever after with her two horrible Ugly Sisters, but she manages with the help of her ‘silly’ friend Buttons and a ‘magical’ Fairy Godmother to make all her dreams come true!
Find out more and book tickets.
Sleeping Beauty at the Palace Theatre, Paignton – 21 December 2024 to 5 January 2025
Paignton Pantomime Productions will be back on stage with Sleeping Beauty this Christmas.
It’s set to be a spectacular traditional pantomime full of colour, song, dance, wit and audience participation.
For more information and to book tickets, see The Palace Theatre Paignton website.
Beauty and the Beast at Barnfield Theatre in Exeter – 30 December 2024 to 2 January 2025
This Christmas enjoy a tale as old as time with Wonder Pantomimes as they bring the story ofBeauty and the Beastto the Barnfield as part of a six-week national tour.
Join bookworm Belle who lives a quiet provincial life, but it quickly turns to danger when she finds herself imprisoned by a hideous Beast. Will the Beast learn how to love and be loved in return? Will Belle melt the Beast’s frosty heart? Will the spell be broken before the last rose petal falls?
Find out more and book tickets on the Exeter Northcott website.
Christmas light switch ons
Want to take the kids to see your nearest town of city lit up for the festive season? Take a look at my full guide to where to see Devon’s Christmas light switch ons.
Where to meet Santa in Devon 2024
If Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas without a trip to Santa’s grotto, then here’s where to find Father Christmas in Devon in 2024.
Top tip: also see the Christmas events happening at Devon attractions a bit further down this guide. Santa is bound to make an appearance!
Lanterns, Lights and Luminations in Brixham – South Devon
This popular event in South Devon returns in 2024 with a magical lantern parade, a firework display, live music, street entertainment, and a market.
The event will include the Christmas light switch on, the arrival of Santa and fireworks.
This event is free to attend.
Lanterns, Lights and Luminations, Brixham Harbour, 22 to 23 November 2024.
Winter Wonderland and Grotto at Pier Point in Torquay – South Devon
Pier Point Bar & Restaurant’s much-loved Winter Wonderland Grotto is returning this Christmas season with all profits going directly to support local charity, Rowcroft Hospice.
Children can visit Santa in his grotto and will choose from a range of gifts.They will then be treated to a hot chocolate and cookie.
All profits from the grotto will go to Rowcroft Hospice to enable patients with life limiting illnesses to benefit from the very best compassionate care.
Santa’s Grotto, Pier Point Torquay – selected dates from 29 November to 23 December 2024.
Father Christmas Experience at Torre Abbey – South Devon
Father and Mother Christmas will be popping into Torre Abbey to meet families before Christmas Day.
Each family will have exclusive time with Father and Mother Christmas and receive a special Christmas gift.
On your visit you will also be able to explore the Abbey and Gardens, visit the Christmas around the World exhibition and take in the festive atmosphere of Winterfest. This will include a Christmas market in the Spanish Barn and free Christmas crafts for children.
Father Christmas Experience, Torre Abbey, Torquay – selected dates 30 November to 15 December 2024.
Santa’s Grotto at Boringdon Hall – South Devon
Santa will be visiting Boringdon Hall on three dates in the run up to Christmas. As well as the grotto this experience includes a festive afternoon tea and Christmas activities for the whole family.
Book in advance to meet Santa at Boringdon Hall.
Santa’s Grotto at Boringdon Hall, Plymouth, 1, 8 and 15 December 2024.
Kingsbridge Celebrates Christmas – South Devon
Thanks to local sponsorship there’s a free Santa’s grotto being laid on as part of the Kingsbridge Celebrates Christmas event.
Children can visit Father Christmas and receive a gift. There’s also farmers market stalls and live entertainment throughout the day.
Kingsbridge Celebrates Christmas, Fore Street, Kingsbridge, 7 December 2024.
Sail with Santa and Stuart Line Cruises in East Devon – selected dates from 7 December and 22 December 2024
Meet Santa on the River Exe this Christmas by hopping onboard a Stuart Line Cruises.
There will be magic and balloon modelling, as well as all the usual festive fun on this very special ride including a visit to Santas grotto. For adults there will be commentary about the river, mulled wine and mince pies.
Sail with Santa, Exmouth.
Christmas at Woolley Animals, North Devon – from 8 December 2024
Christmas at Woolley Animals is always very special with alpaca walking, visits to Santa in his grotto and market traders in the festive Winter Wonderland animal barn.
For more information visit the Woolley Farm website.
Santas on a Bike in South Molton – 14 December 2024
The Annual Santa Ride from Taunton to Little Bridge House Children’s Hospice will be visiting South Molton Town Square for the Mayor’s fundraiser for the hospice.
Alongside the Santa ride involving more than 100 bikes, trikes and quads, there will be snow, photo opportunities, carols and Christmas gifts in the Pannier Market.
This event is free to attend.
Find out more on Facebook.
Festive Afternoon Tea at Boringdon Hall near Plymouth – 16 to 17 December 2024
Boringdon Hall’s Santa’s experience returns in 2024. Children will receive a Christmas as Father Christmas visits the tables to add a sprinkle of festive magic.
Find out more and book the Festive Afternoon Tea at Boringdon Hall.
The Milky Way Adventure Park – North Devon – selected dates from 7 to 23 December 2024
Visit Santa’s Christmas Cottage, journey through the snowy woods, get creative in our Elf Emporium and ride the Festive Train!
For more information and to book visit the The Milky Way website.
Christmas light trails in Devon in 2024
Here’s where to find magical light trails and illuminated installations in Devon this year:
Winter-Fest Light Trail at Crealy near Exeter – 22 November to 6 December 2024
A brand new light trail is happening as part of Crealy Theme Park & Resort’s festive events.
Explore the park’s rides in the dark alongside magical winter light displays.
Find out more about Winter-Fest Light Trailat Crealy.
Powderham Castle – Christmas Lights and Grotto – 25 November to 31 December 2024
Christmas at the Castle is back this winter, offering a festive experience for everyone.
Wander through the mesmerising light displays and let the kids visit Santa in his grotto, where he’ll have special gifts for those on the nice list.
Treat yourself to delicious seasonal goodies and warm beverages as you explore the decorated castle and grounds.
Enhance your visit with a luxurious Festive Afternoon Tea in the Music Room. Choose from a glass of bubbles, a gin and tonic, or a non-alcoholic drink, and enjoy a selection of scrumptious holiday treats in a beautifully festive setting.
There is an option to book the Santa’s Grotto from 30 November to 24 December.
For more information see the Powerham Castle website.
Glow at RHS Rosemoor, Great Torrington – selected dates from 27 November to 30 December 2024
Make memories this festive season by exploring RHS Rosemoor’s magical trail of light and colour with six uplifting soundscapes to guide you through the garden rooms, woodlands and open spaces.
There will also be family entertainment every night. Adult off-peak tickets are available at 2023 prices.
Find out more about Glow at RHS Rosemoor.
Bay of Lights illuminated trail, Torquay – 29 November 2024 to 2 January 2025
The Bay of Lights free light trail is returning to Torbay this winter.
Enjoy a 1.5 mile route along Torquay seafront with glittering and unexpected surprises along the way including a light tunnel, prisms of light and a 12m high Christmas tree.
Find out more about Bay of Lights in Torquay.
Christmas Wonderland Illuminations at Babbacombe Model Village – selected dates from 30 November to 31 December 2024
Enter a magical miniature wonderland of festive lights at Babbacombe Model Village this Christmas.
There will be miniature seasonal scenes, a Christmas character spotter sheet and crazy golf. The Christmas lights are on from 3.30pm.
Find out more about Christmas atBabbacombe Model Villagein Torquay.
Zooluminate – 13 December to 4 January 2025
Zooluminate is back by popular demand in 2024.
Experience a magical, wintery and festive walk around this gorgeous site, taking in a series of beautiful light installations (from JHAV, the incredible team that brought you The Atlantic Project and Illuminate Festival of Light), which bring the zoo to life after dark in the most enchanting way possible.
The Jaguar Restaurant is open throughout the event, offering a whole host of delicious food, drink and snack options to refuel your Zoo adventure, including some festive specials.
Find out more about Christmas at Zooluminate Dartmoor Zoo.
Winter wonderlands in Devon
Here’s the winter wonderlands that have been announced in Devon:
Plymouth Winter Wonderland – 15 November to 1 January 2025
Plymouth, get ready to deck the halls with boughs of holly and lace up your skates, because Plymouth’s Winter Wonderland is back.
Following the resounding success of last year’s event, the magical winter festival is set to return to Central Park.
This year’s Winter Wonderland promises to be even more enchanting, with a host of festive delights for all ages. Step into a Winter Wonderland of twinkling lights, festive music, and Christmas cheer.
Find out more about Plymouth Winter Wonderland.
Polar Express and Santa trains in Devon
All aboard! Christmas is rolling into Devon with a series of Christmas trains and even the Polar Express.
Expect plenty of festive cheer and maybe even Santa himself in my guide to Christmas trains in Devon.
Find out more about days out for tram and loco fans in my full guide to steam trains in Devon.
Christmas events at Devon attractions
Devon’s attractions put on a great show at Christmas with special events and displays during the festive season.
Here’s where you can expect to find events on in Devon this December:
Mini Winter Wonderland Trail at The Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth – 4 November 2024 to 3 February 2025
Find out how Sidmouth’s donkeys are kept happy over the colder winter months and meet them too during this season’s mini trail around the sanctuary.
Trail sheets cost £5 each with a prize on completion and entry to the sanctuary is free.
Find out more about the Mini Winter Wonderland Trail.
Christmas crafts with Pom Stitch Tassel in Bovey Tracey – 9 November to 23 December 2024
Get your crafty Christmas on with all kinds of maker workshops at the Pom Stitch Tassel studio in Bovey Tracey.
There are crafting sessions just for kids, for adult and whole family events in the run up to Christmas. Make everything from pom pom Christmas trees to Gingerbread Houses.
Find the full schedule and book on the Pom Stitch Tassel website.
Christmas Nativity at Pennywell Farm – 15 November to 24 December 2024
Pennywell Farm’s magical Christmas event begins with a welcome from the elves before you are transported back 2,000 years to a nativity scene starring animals from the farm.
There will be plenty of treats for young and old as well as a visit to meet Father Christmas in an enchanted forest. Every child will receive a special present.
If you are interested in going this year read our review of Christmas at Pennywell Farm in 2021.
Find out more about Christmas at Pennywell Farm.
Made-Well Christmas Quest – selected dates from 30 November to 22 December 2024
Families can also enjoy a Christmas Quest including a visit with Santa at Made-Well CIC near Hatherleigh in West Devon.
The first day of the Quest coincides with the Made-Well Christmas fayre which takes place from 10am to 2pm on 30 November. The Quest then continues every weekend until Christmas.
Advanced booking is required for the Christmas Quest
Find out more on the Made-Well CIC Facebook page.
Christmas at Crealy near Exeter – selected dates from 30 November to 23 December 2024
Crealy’s Christmas celebrations are set to return this winter. Expect a glittering show, Christmas activities and Santa’s toy shop.
Here’s a taster of what this great Devon Christmas day out has involved in previous years. This year’s event details are yet to be released but the dates have been confirmed. To find out more get on the Crealy mailing list.
Take a look at our full guide to days out at Crealy Adventure Park.
Christmas at Crealy, Exeter.
Christmas at Woodlands 2024 – 23 November to 23 December 2024
Woodlands’ Christmas grotto experience returns to the theme park near Dartmouth this winter.
Meet Santa and friends in a festive experience.
For further information visit the Woodlands website.
Santa at Paignton Zoo – selected dates from 30 November to 24 December 2024
Santa will be visiting the zoo on dates throughout the festive season, so book your visit to see him in his grotto. Each child ticket booked includes a gift from Santa and zoo entry (at a reduced price) for the day of their grotto visit.
Mrs Claus will be spreading further festive joy hosting storytelling sessions at various times throughout the day, and there will be live music, mulled cider and mince pies at the weekends.
Find out more about what’s on at Paignton Zoo this Christmas.
Christmas at Arlington Court near Barnstaple – selected dates from 5 to 19 December 2024
Head to Arlington Court National Trust house and gardens for Christmas open days and evenings. Each room of the house will be inspired by a different Victorian Christmas carol.
Savour festive treats from the tea-room or grab a marshmallow roasting kit to enjoy by the outdoor fire pits. There will also be family-friendly crafting activities or you can explore unique artwork and gifts from local artists in the Activity Room.
Last entry to the house is at 6.30pm. Normal entry fees apply and members can visit for free. No pre-booking required.
Find out more on the Arlington Court website.
Clovelly Christmas Lights in North Devon – 8 December 2024
Head to Clovelly from 4pm on 8 December 2024 to see the Christmas Lights switched on. The local brass band will procession down to the harbour where there will be carols, a hog roast and other festive refreshments.
Don’t miss a visit from Father Christmas himself and seeing the entire village and harbour lit up.
The grand finale is a firework display to add even more sparkle to this opening event to the Clovelly Christmas season.
Entrance fee: £10 per car at the Visitor Centre after 2pm. All proceeds to RNLI.
Find out more about Clovelly Christmas Lights at Clovelly Village.
Devon Christmas markets and fairs in 2024
What better way to enjoy the festive season than with a mulled cider and bratwurst while browsing locally produced gifts?
Read my full guide to Christmas markets in Devon.
Looking for more things to do between Christmas and New Year? Check out my guide to Twixmas in Devon.
Know of an event I can add to my monthly guides? Submit a listing!
Where to buy a Christmas tree in Devon
If Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas without a real tree here’s where to buy a Christmas tree in Devon:
- Cotley Farm Christmas trees, near Ottery St Mary
- Connet Farm, Honiton
- Dartmoor Christmas Trees, Haldon
- Marldon Christmas Tree Farm, Marldon
- Stacey’s Christmas Tree Farm, Holsworthy
- John Cockram Christmas Trees, Chulmleigh Hill
- John Cockram Christmas Trees, Horwood.
Phew, what a lot there is going on this Christmas in Devon! What takes your fancy? I’m sure there’s events I’ve missed so please doget in touchif you think something should be added.
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