Experience the charm of the holidays in Exeter with our comprehensive guide. Whether Exeter is your permanent address or your temporary haven, this guide helps you embrace the spirit of the season.
One of the highlights of the festive calendar is the Exeter Christmas Market, where local artisans showcase their crafts amid twinkling lights and delightful seasonal treats. In Totnes, the Christmas Market and Late-Night Shopping offer a unique opportunity to explore boutique shops while enjoying a warm, festive atmosphere. And don't forget that the Brixham Christmas Market and Lanterns, Lights & 'Luminations' is a magical experience that features enchanting displays and community spirit. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Exeter
- Exeter Christmas Market
- Totnes Christmas Market and Late-Night Shopping (Totnes)
- Brixham Christmas Market and Lanterns, Lights & ‘Luminations (Brixham)
- Princesshay Christmas Lights Switch On
- Powderham Castle – Christmas Lights and Grotto
- Clovelly Christmas Lights and Carol Service (Clovelly)
- Christmas at Killerton House (Broadclyst)
- Winter-Fest Light Trail at Crealy
- Peter Pan at Exeter Corn Exchange
- Elf The Musical at Barnfield Theatre
See these and even more events listed below!
Exeter Holiday Light Displays
Clovelly Christmas Lights and Carol Service
What to Expect:
Local brass band procession and fireworks finale.
Description:
Clovelly's Christmas Lights and Carol Service feature a local brass band procession, festive carols, hog roast, hot dogs, and a grand finale of fireworks. Father Christmas makes a surprise visit after the Carol Service, and the entire village and harbour light up.
Where: Clovelly | More Info: Clovelly Christmas Lights and Carol Service
Brixham Christmas Market and Lanterns, Lights & ‘Luminations
What to Expect:
Lantern parade with fireworks display over the harbor.
Description:
Brixham Christmas Market and Lanterns, Lights & ‘Luminations features a lantern parade, live music, street entertainment, and a street market with local craft stalls.
Where: Brixham | More Info: Brixham Christmas Market and Lanterns, Lights & ‘Luminations
Winter-Fest Light Trail at Crealy
What to Expect:
Thrilling nighttime rides and illuminated park attractions.
Description:
Explore Crealy Theme Park & Resort at night with Winter Twilight Fest, featuring rides in the dark and festive light displays.
Where: Exeter | More Info: Winter-Fest Light Trail at Crealy
Powderham Castle – Christmas Lights and Grotto
What to Expect:
Holiday lights and seasonal decor in a historic castle setting.
Description:
Powderham Castle transforms into a spectacular holiday destination with its Christmas Illuminated Light Walk and Festive House Experience. The event features rooms decorated in seasonal decor, live music performances, and a variety of food and beverage options from vendors on the grounds.
Where: Exeter | More Info: Powderham Castle – Christmas Lights and Grotto
Princesshay Christmas Lights Switch On
What to Expect:
Eco-friendly LED lights and live street performances.
Description:
Princesshay transforms into a vibrant spectacle with thousands of twinkling lights, beautifully decorated green wreaths, and a stunning new Christmas Tree. The event features live music, movement, and spectacular lighting by SPARK WorldBeaters, along with a Charity Christmas Trees Festival and a new local Christmas Market.
Where: Exeter | More Info: Princesshay Christmas Lights Switch On
Exeter Holiday Markets and Shopping
Exeter Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Unique pop-up opportunities in the Cloister Garden.
Description:
Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market features over a hundred twinkling festive chalets, local gifts and produce, themed bars, global street food, and seasonal entertainment.
Where: Exeter | More Info: Exeter Christmas Market
Totnes Christmas Market and Late-Night Shopping
What to Expect:
Community-driven event with local makers and producers.
Description:
Totnes Christmas Market and Late-Night Shopping feature live music, street food, and artisan stalls, offering a vibrant mix of local produce and handmade gifts.
Where: Totnes | More Info: Totnes Christmas Market and Late-Night Shopping
Exeter Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Elf The Musical at Barnfield Theatre
What to Expect:
Heartwarming tale of self-discovery and family.
Description:
Elf The Musical tells the story of Buddy, a young orphan who mistakenly crawls into Santa's bag of gifts and is transported to the North Pole. Raised as an elf, Buddy discovers he is actually human and returns to New York City to find his birth father and help the people rediscover the true meaning of Christmas.
Where: Exeter | More Info: Elf The Musical at Barnfield Theatre
The Elves and The Shoemaker at Barnfield Theatre
What to Expect:
Interactive puppetry and clowning in a miniature world.
Description:
At the Elves and The Shoemaker, cheeky Elves living in the old Shoemaker's shop must work together with the Shoemaker to save their home from dwindling sales. This highly interactive 50-minute adventure features clowning, puppetry, and a miniature world.
Where: Exeter | More Info: The Elves and The Shoemaker at Barnfield Theatre
Peter Pan at Exeter Corn Exchange
What to Expect:
High-flying pantomime with classic characters and slapstick humor.
Description:
Join classic characters in a hilarious and adventurous pantomime of Peter Pan, featuring slapstick fun, silly sing-alongs, and a perfect Christmas family highlight.
Where: Exeter | More Info: Peter Pan at Exeter Corn Exchange
A Christmas Carol by The Duke’s Theatre Company
What to Expect:
A musical adaptation with original music and beautiful lighting.
Description:
The Duke’s Theatre Company presents a new adaptation of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, featuring original music and theatrical magic. This heart-warming story of redemption transports audiences to Victorian London, where the plight of Tiny Tim and the hopes and fears of the Cratchits are framed within the spooky goings of Victorian Spiritualism.
Where: Torquay | More Info: A Christmas Carol by The Duke’s Theatre Company
Dartmouth Steam Railway Santa Specials
What to Expect:
Santa visits each passenger with gifts.
Description:
Embark on a festive journey aboard the Dartmouth Steam Railway, where vintage carriages adorned with thousands of lights transport you through the Greenway tunnel to an enchanted forest. Santa and his helper visit each passenger, presenting gifts to children and adults alike.
Where: Dartmouth | More Info: Dartmouth Steam Railway Santa Specials
Swingin' Christmas by Exeter Jazz Orchestra
What to Expect:
Pay-What-You-Can-Afford tickets support a registered charity.
Description:
The Exeter Jazz Orchestra presents a swinging Christmas night filled with jazz classics, golden age groovers, and cool carols. Expect a lively performance by Devon's premier musicians under the direction of jazz saxophonist Will Paley, featuring a mix of timeless jazz and festive cheer.
Where: Exeter | More Info: Swingin' Christmas by Exeter Jazz Orchestra
Exeter Other Holiday Activities
Sail with Santa and Stuart Line Cruises
What to Expect:
Family-friendly holiday cruise with handpicked gifts and festive entertainment.
Description:
Join the Stuart family for a festive cruise along the River Exe, where children receive handpicked gifts and adults enjoy mulled wine and mince pies. The event features a traditional Punch and Judy show, a custom-built grotto, and a fully licensed cash bar.
Where: Exmouth | More Info: Sail with Santa and Stuart Line Cruises
Christmas at Woolley Animals
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with farm animals.
Description:
Celebrate Christmas at Woolley Animals with festive markets, Santa visits, and time with adorable alpacas, goats, and other farm animals.
Where: North Devon | More Info: Christmas at Woolley Animals
Christmas at Killerton House
What to Expect:
Traditional Christmas decorations and activities in an 18th-century house.
Description:
Explore Killerton House this winter, where the ground floor is decorated with festive Christmas trees and mantlepieces. Enjoy a series of cosy scenes, including Christmas games around the fire and afternoon tea. The outdoor trail offers festive family fun through the gardens and Chapel grounds.
Where: Broadclyst | More Info: Christmas at Killerton House
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Heavitree (1 miles)
- Exmouth (9 miles)
- Newton Abbot (14 miles)
- Torquay (18 miles)
- Paignton (20 miles)
- Taunton (27 miles)
- Barnstaple (34 miles)
- Plymstock (35 miles)
- Bideford (36 miles)
- Bridgwater (36 miles)
- Plymouth (36 miles)
- Yeovil (42 miles)
- Burnham-on-Sea (42 miles)