Discover the charm of the season in Torquay with our detailed guide. Whether you're rediscovering Torquay or seeing it with fresh eyes, this guide enhances your holiday spirit.
One of the highlights of the festive season is the enchanting Torquay Christmas Lights Switch On, where the city sparkles with festive illuminations that light up the night sky. This year, the WinterFest at Torre Abbey invites visitors to explore a magical winter wonderland, complete with unique seasonal stalls and activities for all ages. And don't forget the Bay of Lights Illumination Trail, which promises a captivating journey through beautifully lit displays around the coastline. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Torquay
- Bay of Lights Illumination Trail
- Torquay Christmas Lights Switch On
- WinterFest – Torre Abbey
- Bay of Lights Christmas Market
- Plymouth Winter Wonderland (Plymouth)
- Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market (Exeter)
- RHS Glow 2024 (RHS Garden Rosemoor)
- Powderham Castle – Christmas Lights and Grotto (Powderham)
- Ilfracombe Christmas Market (Ilfracombe)
- Kingsbridge Celebrates Christmas (Kingsbridge)
See these and even more events listed below!
Torquay Holiday Light Displays
Bay of Lights Illumination Trail
What to Expect:
Interactive light installations and digital sound shows along a scenic waterfront route.
Description:
The Bay of Lights Illumination Trail is a 1.5-mile light trail along Torquay's iconic waterfront, featuring 18 large light installations, an LED light fountain, 3,000 colour-changing hand-placed flowers, pixel pads, and a giant walk-through Christmas present. The trail runs daily from 4:30 PM with sound elements until 9:30 PM and lighting displays until 11 PM. It includes festive lighting in Torquay's town centre and 12-metre-high pixel mappable Christmas Trees in Paignton and Brixham.
Where: Torquay | More Info: Bay of Lights Illumination Trail
Torquay Christmas Lights Switch On
What to Expect:
Spectacular digital sound and light show along the seafront.
Description:
Torquay's Christmas Lights Switch On features a dazzling display of lights along the seafront, including a 1.5-mile illuminated trail, festive lighting in Union Street and Fleet Street, and a 12-meter-high pixel Christmas Tree in Paignton.
Where: Torquay | More Info: Torquay Christmas Lights Switch On
RHS Glow 2024
What to Expect:
Vibrant light displays amidst formal and informal garden plantings.
Description:
RHS Glow 2024 at RHS Garden Rosemoor features stunning light installations and family-friendly entertainment, blending formal and informal plantings in a picturesque Devon valley setting.
Where: RHS Garden Rosemoor | More Info: RHS Glow 2024
Powderham Castle – Christmas Lights and Grotto
What to Expect:
Holiday lights and seasonal activities at a historic castle.
Description:
Powderham Castle transforms into a vibrant holiday spectacle with illuminated light walks, beautifully decorated rooms, and seasonal food and beverage options. Families can meet Father Christmas in the Christmas Grotto, where children receive special gifts if they've been good. The event also features festive afternoon teas and local food traders.
Where: Powderham | More Info: Powderham Castle – Christmas Lights and Grotto
Plymouth City Centre Christmas lights switch-on
What to Expect:
Colourful light display with live music and festive entertainment.
Description:
The Plymouth City Centre Christmas lights switch-on marks the beginning of the holiday season with a spectacular display of colourful lights and festive entertainment in the city centre piazza. Enjoy live music, singing, and dance performances, as well as the big switch-on moment featuring Santa and special guests.
Where: Plymouth | More Info: Plymouth City Centre Christmas lights switch-on
Christmas in Crediton
What to Expect:
Live music and community festivities.
Description:
Christmas in Crediton features live music, entertainment, and festive activities to kick off the holiday season in the town.
Where: Crediton | More Info: Christmas in Crediton
Torquay Holiday Markets and Shopping
WinterFest – Torre Abbey
What to Expect:
Unique handmade local items and alpaca meet-and-greet.
Description:
WinterFest at Torre Abbey features a Christmas gift and craft fair with unique handmade local items, including Christmas decorations, toys, and jewellery. Meet alpacas from a local farm, enjoy festive tunes and mulled wine, and take advantage of a 50% discount on house and gardens admissions.
Where: Torquay | More Info: WinterFest – Torre Abbey
Bay of Lights Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Local traders and festive shopping in a historic abbey setting.
Description:
The Bay of Lights Christmas Market at Torre Abbey features local brands, delicious food, and festive shopping in a beautifully illuminated setting.
Where: Torquay | More Info: Bay of Lights Christmas Market
Exeter Cathedral 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 offering local gifts, produce, global street food, and seasonal entertainment. Explore the cathedral's amazing architecture and discover one thousand years of wonder.
Where: Exeter | More Info: Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market
Ilfracombe Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Traditional Christmas market with local crafts and seasonal treats.
Description:
The Ilfracombe Christmas Market is a vibrant event in the heart of Ilfracombe, offering a variety of stalls selling unique gifts, local crafts, and seasonal treats. Visitors can browse through the stalls, sample local delicacies, and soak up the festive atmosphere.
Where: Ilfracombe | More Info: Ilfracombe Christmas Market
Brixham Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Indoor market with local gifts and crafts.
Description:
The Brixham Christmas Indoor Market is a bustling event held at the Scala, Brixham Town Hall, featuring a variety of stalls selling local gifts, crafts, and seasonal items. The market offers a great opportunity to find unique presents and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Where: Brixham | More Info: Brixham Christmas Market
Kingsbridge Celebrates Christmas
What to Expect:
Local shopping and festive activities in a charming market town.
Description:
Kingsbridge Celebrates Christmas is a vibrant event featuring a Farmers Market in the town square, stalls along Fore Street, and live entertainment. Visitors can enjoy festive food, browse local gifts, and meet Father Christmas. The event also includes an ice rink for all to enjoy.
Where: Kingsbridge | More Info: Kingsbridge Celebrates Christmas
Westpoint Christmas Shopping Fayre
What to Expect:
Unique gift ideas from local craftspeople.
Description:
The Westpoint Christmas Shopping Fayre is a three-day event featuring over 250 stands with unique Christmas gift ideas. 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
Totnes Christmas Markets
What to Expect:
Community-driven market with local artisans and street food.
Description:
The Totnes Christmas Markets 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 market supports the local community by prioritizing high-quality items from traders based in Totnes.
Where: Totnes | More Info: Totnes Christmas Markets
Torquay Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Plymouth Winter Wonderland
What to Expect:
Large undercover ice rink with festive activities.
Description:
Plymouth Winter Wonderland is a festive event in Central Park featuring a large ice rink, Santa's Enchanted Forest Grotto, live music in a German-style Big Top, festive food stalls, and a Christmas Bar. The event offers something for all ages, including children's rides and attractions.
Where: Plymouth | More Info: Plymouth Winter Wonderland
Torquay Other Holiday Activities
Torre Abbey Father Christmas Experience
What to Expect:
Exclusive time with Father and Mother Christmas.
Description:
At Torre Abbey, Father and Mother Christmas will meet families in the enchanting Undercroft, offering a special Christmas gift. Each family can explore the Abbey and Gardens, visit the Christmas around the World exhibition, and enjoy the festive atmosphere of Winterfest, which includes a Christmas market in the Spanish Barn and free Christmas crafts for children.