Christmas Events in South Devon 2022

The Christmas season is upon us meaning there are lots of great festive events to take part in across the region. Magical train rides, Christmassy craft workshops and fabulous festive shows are just some of the events to look forward to this year. Discover the excellent range of Christmas events taking place in South Devon below.  

Stories of Sanctuary Spirit – Winter Trail, The Donkey Sanctuary, Sidmouth (2nd November - 17th March 2023) 

Discover the spirit of The Donkey Sanctuary this Christmas. Follow their festive trail around the sanctuary and uncover each spirit word and matching donkey in their merry poems. The activity is suitable for little ones of all ages and includes a festive prize upon completion. Of course, you can also take part in The Donkey Sanctuary’s usual daily talks, demonstrations and scenic walks.  

The Polar Express Train Ride at South Devon Railway, Buckfastleigh (18th November - 23rd December) 

All aboard the South Devon Polar Express! Enjoy an enchanting ride to the North Pole from November to December on the historic South Devon Railway! Inspired by the iconic animated Christmas film loved by all, ride along the River Dart from Buckfastleigh with the singing chefs and train conductor of the Polar Express to meet Santa himself. Visitors can explore the Christmas stalls and watch an exciting pre-show before boarding the steam train and afterwards, you can visit Santa’s special workshop. 

Seaton Tramway: The Polar Express, Seaton (25th November - 24th December) 

South Devon boast not one, but two Polar Express themed events. In the lead up to Christmas you can be whisked away to the North Pole on Seaton Tramway. Look forward to a yummy hot chocolate and tasty treats before boarding the tram and having the chance to meet Santa. Children will receive a gift from Santa and on the journey back you can join in with some Christmas carols.  

Train of Lights, Paignton (25th - 27th, 30th November & 1st - 4th, 6th - 11th, 13th - 23rd, 27th - 30th December) 

A must-see event in the South West, The Christmas Train of Lights is the UK’s first steam train of lights. The journey starts in Paignton where the vintage steam train awaits you, decorated with thousands of lights. You’ll travel through the enchanted forest near Greenway before stopping at Kingswear to take some photos and then return to Paignton. It’s a truly magical experience that everyone, regardless of age, will absolutely love! 

That'll Be The Day Christmas Show, Princess Theatre, Torquay (27th November) 

Kick off the Festive season with a timeless rock'n'roll Christmas Show at the Princess Theatre in Torquay. That’ll be the Day is completely refreshed year on year, combining all your favourite contemporary and traditional Christmas songs with hilarious comedy sketches and impersonations. The show is guaranteed to lift your spirits and leave you feeling festive and merry! 

Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, Exmouth (1st December) 

Exmouth Pavilions are showcasing one of the most popular Christmas stories, Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol on 1st December. Presented by Chapterhouse Theatre Company, this iconic play will certainly allow you to embrace the festive spirit if you’re usually a bit of a Scrooge! 

Craft & Dine: Wreath Making at House of Marbles, Bovey Tracey (1st December) 

Enjoy a festive evening of wreath making and dining at House of Marbles. Every Thursday in December House of Marbles will be hosting a different craft workshop. Head to the attraction on the 1st December to create a Christmas wreath whilst learning how to make it long lasting to hang on your door throughout the entire festive season. After the workshop why not make an evening of it and dine at House of Marbles’ restaurant The Old Pottery. For just £20pp you can enjoy a two-course meal and a soft drink, you can also visit their gift shop to pick up some Christmassy gifts for your loved ones.  

Live Christmas Band Night with Ian Boyd, Exmouth (2nd December) 

If you’ve never experienced live music on a boat, you absolutely should! Stuart Line Cruises are hosting a Live Christmas Band Night with local musician Ian Boyd. Set sail on their Pride of Exmouth boat and sing all night long whilst enjoying the festive atmosphere. Performing songs old and new, Ian Boyd has something for everyone to get you in the mood to dance! 

The Concert Band of Britannia Royal Naval College Christmas Concert, Palace Theatre, Paignton (2nd December) 

This year the Britannia Royal Naval Collage Big Band will be delighted to showcase a selection of festive and winter favourites at the Palace Theatre in Paignton. The evening will be packed full of Christmas music to help you tap into the festive spirit. Free mince pies will be on offer during the interval. If this doesn’t get you into the Christmas mood, we’re not sure what will!  

Christmas at Coleton Fishacre: 'A Winter's Tide’, Kingswear (3rd & 4th, 10th & 11th, 17th & 18th, 27th - 31st December, 7th & 8th January) 

If you’re looking for a magical and immersive experience, visit Coleton Fishacre this December. Inspired by South Devon’s striking coastline, the estate will be decorated with hundreds of dazzling lights, soundscapes and festive displays. Your little ones can meander around the house with Coleton Fishacre’s indoor spotter trail to learn about the festive traditions across the globe. 

Craft & Dine: Festive Wrapping Skills and Paper Decorations Workshop at House of Marbles, Bovey Tracey (8th December) 

The second of the Craft & Dine events at House of Marbles is the Festive Wrapping Skills and Paper Decoration workshop, held on the 8th December. Paper expert Rachel Powe will be running two exciting workshops to guide you through the beautiful and unique ways to wrap your Christmas presents this year. She’ll also provide step-by-step demonstrations for making your own paper decorations for your home or tree.  

Zooluminate, Dartmoor Zoo, Dartmoor (9th December - 2nd January) 

Experience Dartmoor Zoo in a way you’ve never seen before at their Zooluminate event. A series of beautiful light installations will bring the zoo to life after dark in the most magical way. The installation is presented by JHAV, the team that worked on the Illuminate Festival of Light. The lights have been researched and chosen to ensure the animals will not be disrupted and you may even spot a few snuggled up and enjoying the atmosphere. Why not make a day of it and take advantage of the entire Dartmoor Zoo experience by purchasing a day and night ticket?  

Christmas Illuminations at Babbacombe Model Village, Torquay (10th & 11th, 17th - 24th, 27th - 31st December & 2nd January) 

If you’ve visited Babbacombe Model Village before, you’ll know how enchanting and magical the gardens are, even outside of the festive period; but during the Christmas season it’s even more so. With lots of Christmas sparkle and festive lighting, enjoy the delightful seasonal scenes as their little folk get ready to celebrate Christmas. The illuminations take place on selected evenings in December, but make sure to take advantage of all they have to offer by visiting during the daytime too.  

Lantern Parade and Christmas Street Fayre, Newton Abbot (Workshop on the 10th December and Parade on the 14th December) 

Newton Abbot's much-loved Lantern Parade returns to the streets on Wednesday 14th December. The students of local primary schools have been working hard to create a number of beautiful lanterns, each with a unique and personalised flourish, for this very event. If you fancy making a lantern of your own for the parade, why not take part in their workshop on Saturday 10th December. As well as the procession, there will also be a Christmas fayre with plenty of street food vendors, live music and entertainment.  

The Christmas Lunch, Sandy Park, Exeter (15th December) 

The Exeter Chiefs Foundation, the official charity of Exeter Rugby Club and Wooden Spoon have organised this year’s Christmas Lunch for Thursday 15th December at Sandy Park. This charity event will host a fun-filled and festive afternoon of entertainment to celebrate the Christmas season and you’ll also be treated to a four-course dinner too! 

Craft & Dine: Make a Festive Table Decoration at House of Marbles, Bovey Tracey (15th December) 

On the 15th December head to House of Marbles for their next Craft & Dine session to create a festive table decoration with Cara Boxanne. Learn how to make a natural and long lasting table centrepiece complete with seasonal flourishes and decorations to display on your table for all to enjoy on Christmas day. 

Christmas Boat Party, Exmouth (16th & 17th December) 

Head to Exmouth Marina on the 16th or 17th December to join in on Stuart Line Cruises' 3-hour Christmas Boat Party cruise. You can enjoy a welcome drink as you board and locally produce food will be available too. Sail along the River Exe whilst dancing the night away in their heated indoor lower deck or embrace the fresh air on the outdoor upper deck, complete with twinkly lights and festive decorations. It’ll certainly be a party to remember! 

Harberton Christmas Tree Festival, Harbarton (16th – 18th December) 

Harbarton’s popular Christmas Tree Festival returns to the village from the 16th – 18th December. Twenty-five enchanting trees will be on show at St Andrew’s Church to encapsulate the vibrant community who live here. Come along with friends and family to enjoy homemade soup, cakes and bread whilst admiring the trees in this beautiful Grade I Listed building.  

Block Printed Christmas Gift Wrap, Tavistock (17th December)  

Learn to create beautifully unique gift wrap using creative block printing techniques with Linnet Workshops. During the session you’ll be guided on how to design, carve and print your own lino blocks. By repeating your pattern you’ll be left with a stand out piece of wrapping paper to wrap your loved one's gifts in this Christmas. The workshop takes place at The Printworks in Tavistock on Saturday 17th December.  

Christmas at The Musicals, Exmouth (18th December) 

Presented by Exmouth Youth Theatre, Christmas at The Musicals is a show jam-packed with brilliantly choreographed numbers from some of the best loved musicals as well as plenty of festive favourites. Expect songs from School or Rock, The Showman, Annie and more, performed by a cast of 60 young performers local to Exmouth. You can catch this fabulous show on Sunday 18th December at Exmouth Pavilion.   

Dylan Moran, Mike Wozniak, Lou Sanders, Celya AB, John Robins: Live At Christmas, Exeter (21st December)  

Some of the best comedians in the UK are heading to Exeter Great Hall for a spectacular all-star festive show. Legendary comedian Dylan Moran, best known for his roles in Black Books and Shaun of the Dead, will headline this event with Taskmaster stars Mike Wozniak and Lou Sands performing a cracking show, hosted by John Robins.  

Craft & Dine: Christmas Cake Decorating Workshop at House of Marbles, Bovey Tracey (22nd December)  

The last of House of Marbles’ Craft & Dine sessions is a Christmas Cake Decorating Workshop. Join cake specialist Stef from Sweet Art Bakery to learn the skills required to decorate your very own Christmas cake in a unique and festive style. You can bring your own homemade cake to decorate, or order one from the House of Marbles when booking your ticket. 

Festive Specials, Exmouth (24th, 26th - 31st December & 1st January) 

Take some time out of the busy festive season to sit back, relax and spend some quality time with your friends and family with a Stuart Line Cruise Festive Special. It’s the perfect reason to get everyone out and about during the festive season; what better way is there to catch up with your loved ones. Sail along the calm waters of the River Exe on a festively decorated boat and enjoy a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie. 

Christmas Day Swim Cruise, Exmouth (25th December)  

Exmouth’s Christmas Day Swim is pretty renowned in Devon; with hundreds of people gathered on the beach on Christmas Day, it’s quite the spectacle. If you want to get involved but don’t fancy getting cold or wet you could join a Stuart Line Cruise to get the best view of the swim, whilst remaining warm and dry. Watch the swimmers dive into the sea and then enjoy a leisurely cruise up the river before returning back in time to pop the turkey in the oven!  

If you’re looking where to meet Santa in South Devon this year be sure to check out our other blog post here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to stay up to date with all the festivities happening in South Devon and what to look forward to in 2023.