Plan your festive season in Bideford with our comprehensive guide. Whether you're a local or a visitor, this guide helps you enjoy the festive season in Bideford.
Popular events this year include the Bideford Christmas Light Switch-on, where the town sparkles to life with twinkling lights and festive cheer. You'll also find the delightful Magic of Christmas at the Milky Way, featuring enchanting displays and family-friendly activities. And don't forget the Exeter Christmas Market, a charming hub of local crafts and seasonal treats. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Bideford
- Exeter Christmas Market (Exeter)
- Brixham Christmas Market and Lanterns, Lights & ‘Luminations (Brixham)
- Clovelly Christmas Lights and Carol Service (Clovelly)
- Totnes Christmas Market and Late-Night Shopping (Totnes)
- The Magic of Christmas at the Milky Way
- Bideford Christmas Light Switch-on
- Westpoint Christmas Shopping Fayre (Exeter)
- Woodlands Christmas Grotto Experience (Totnes)
- Combe Christmas Festival (Ilfracombe)
- Peter Pan a Magical pop up panto
See these and even more events listed below!
Bideford Holiday Light Displays
Bideford Christmas Light Switch-on
What to Expect:
Community-driven light switch-on with live music and fairground rides.
Description:
Bideford Christmas Light Switch-on is a free whole-town event featuring community music performances, fairground rides, stalls, and the big lights switch-on at 5 pm. The event includes live music, circus workshops, and a lantern parade, with various attractions and activities throughout the day.
Where: Bideford | More Info: Bideford Christmas Light Switch-on
Clovelly Christmas Lights and Carol Service
What to Expect:
Live brass band procession and fireworks display.
Description:
Clovelly's Christmas Lights and Carol Service feature a local brass band procession, festive carols, a hog roast, and fireworks, culminating in the village and harbour lights turning on.
Where: Clovelly | More Info: Clovelly Christmas Lights and Carol Service
Brixham Christmas Market and Lanterns, Lights & ‘Luminations
What to Expect:
Lantern parade and fireworks display.
Description:
Brixham Christmas Market and Lanterns, Lights & ‘Luminations features a lantern parade, live music, street entertainment, and a street market. The event includes Middle Street, The Strand, The Old Fish Market, and The Quay, with an added day for late-night shopping.
Where: Brixham | More Info: Brixham Christmas Market and Lanterns, Lights & ‘Luminations
Barnstaple Christmas lights switch-on
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday light switch-on with local choir performances.
Description:
Join us in The Square, Barnstaple, for a night of community spirit and holiday cheer. The event begins at 5:00 PM, culminating in the lights being switched on at 6:00 PM. Enjoy local choir performances and festive activities as you celebrate the start of the holiday season.
Where: Barnstaple | More Info: Barnstaple Christmas lights switch-on
Bideford Holiday Markets and Shopping
Exeter Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Unique shopping experience with local and global vendors.
Description:
Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market offers over a hundred twinkling festive chalets, local gifts and produce, bars, global street food, and seasonal entertainment. You can also explore Exeter Cathedral's amazing architecture and discover one thousand years of wonder.
Where: Exeter | More Info: Exeter Christmas Market
Totnes Christmas Market and Late-Night Shopping
What to Expect:
Local artisans and producers selling handmade gifts and street food.
Description:
The Totnes Christmas Market and Late-Night Shopping events offer a town-wide celebration of festive family-friendly fun with live music, entertainment, street food, and craft stalls. Local makers and producers showcase unique gifts and seasonal items, while the town's independent shops remain open late to welcome visitors.
Where: Totnes | More Info: Totnes Christmas Market and Late-Night Shopping
Combe Christmas Festival
What to Expect:
Traditional Christmas festivities with local artisans and entertainment.
Description:
Combe Christmas Festival is a vibrant celebration featuring festive decorations, live music, and seasonal activities in a picturesque setting.
Where: Ilfracombe | More Info: Combe Christmas Festival
Tavistock Dikensian Evening
What to Expect:
Traditional Christmas experience with street performers and festive stalls.
Description:
Tavistock Dickensian Evening is an annual late-night shopping event that transports visitors back in time with traditional attire, street entertainment, festive food, and craft stalls.
Where: Tavistock | More Info: Tavistock Dikensian Evening
Ilfracombe Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Traditional crafts and local delicacies on display.
Description:
Ilfracombe Christmas Market is a vibrant event featuring local artisans, crafts, and seasonal goods. Visitors can explore the charming stalls, sample local delicacies, and soak in the festive atmosphere.
Where: Ilfracombe | More Info: Ilfracombe Christmas Market
Westpoint Christmas Shopping Fayre
What to Expect:
Unique gift ideas from local craftspeople.
Description:
The Westpoint Christmas Shopping Fayre offers a fun-packed three days of festive shopping with over 250 stands featuring unique Christmas gift ideas for all the family. Enjoy entertainers, demonstrators, and a free Santa’s Grotto in a bustling atmosphere. Meet talented local craftspeople and indulge in delicious festive treats.
Where: Exeter | More Info: Westpoint Christmas Shopping Fayre
Bideford Holiday Shows and Entertainment
The Magic of Christmas at the Milky Way
What to Expect:
Interactive Christmas activities with Santa and his elves.
Description:
At the Milky Way Adventure Park, immerse yourself in a Christmas experience featuring Santa's Christmas Cottage, a journey through snowy woods, and creative activities in the Elf Emporium. Ride the Festive Train and enjoy hot chocolate while spotting Santa's naughty elves. The event includes gingerbread decorating, writing letters to Santa, and making reindeer food. A special themed show created by Merlin adds to the festive atmosphere.
Where: Bideford | More Info: The Magic of Christmas at the Milky Way
Peter Pan a Magical pop up panto
What to Expect:
Classic pantomime with songs and festive magic.
Description:
A classic tale of Peter Pan comes to life in a delightful pop-up pantomime, filled with songs, silliness, and festive magic for all ages.
Where: Bideford | More Info: Peter Pan a Magical pop up panto
Bideford Other Holiday Activities
Arlington Court Christmas Craft Fair
What to Expect:
Themed Victorian Christmas carols in every room.
Description:
Arlington Court transforms into a Victorian Christmas wonderland with each room themed on a Christmas carol, featuring festive family activities, carriage rides, and traditional green Father Christmas visits.
Where: Barnstaple | More Info: Arlington Court Christmas Craft Fair
Santa's Winter Wonderland at Bow Garden Centre
What to Expect:
Personal elf guides and professional photo opportunities.
Description:
At Bow Garden Centre, children can meet Santa in a specially decorated grotto, participate in a craft activity, and enjoy a festive snow machine. Each child receives a quality, age-appropriate gift and has photo opportunities with Santa and his elves.
Where: Crediton | More Info: Santa's Winter Wonderland at Bow Garden Centre
Father Christmas Experience at Torre Abbey
What to Expect:
Exclusive time with Father and Mother Christmas in a festive setting.
Description:
At Torre Abbey, Father and Mother Christmas will meet families in the enchanting Undercroft Winter Wonderland. Each family will have exclusive time with Father and Mother Christmas and receive a special Christmas gift. The event includes exploring the Abbey and Gardens, visiting the Christmas around the World exhibition, and enjoying the festive atmosphere of Winterfest, which includes a Christmas market in the Spanish Barn and free Christmas crafts for children.
Where: Torquay | More Info: Father Christmas Experience at Torre Abbey
Woodlands Christmas Grotto Experience
What to Expect:
Interactive Christmas grotto with Santa and elf tour guides.
Description:
Explore a 10-room interactive walkthrough featuring snowy forests, cosy cabins, and the Elf Toy Factory. Join your elf tour guides for an adventure through the North Pole, ride the Woodlands Express, and meet Santa in his grotto.
Where: Totnes | More Info: Woodlands Christmas Grotto Experience
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Barnstaple (8 miles)
- Exeter (36 miles)
- Heavitree (37 miles)
- Newton Abbot (43 miles)
- Swansea (43 miles)
- Bridgend (43 miles)
- Plymouth (45 miles)
- Exmouth (45 miles)
- Coity (45 miles)