Where to see Santa in South Devon this Christmas
As Christmas fast approaches like a herd of flying reindeer, it’s always worth knowing where you can see Santa...
by Sarah Howard / Christmas
Discover a winter wonderland of festive delights with our guide to the top Christmas things to do in South Devon. Discover a myriad of magical Christmas activities, food, pantomimes and more, from carols to traditional icy sea swims (Christmas hats included!).
This natural playground offers a perfect holiday escape for all the family, including four-legged friends.
Looking for Christmas things to do in South Devon? Use our quick links below to navigate the content, or read on for the full lowdown…
Book a last minute Christmas break in South Devon today
South Devon positively thrives through the Christmas period and the region is positively brimming with festive cheer and activity. From stunning light trails and glorious carols to Christmas wreath making, there really are plenty of things to do this Christmas in South Devon. Here are a few of our favourites Christmas events:
Heron Valley is the most magical place to spend your Friday night if you want an experience that embodies every aspect of Christmas. With late night offerings every Friday on the run up to the big day, enjoy delicious food, cocktails, mulled cider, late night shopping in the Christmas Barn and live music and carol singing.
Feeling crafty this Christmas? The House of Marbles hosts a seasonal selection of craft workshops, late-night shopping events, as well as Santa’s Grotto where the little ones (and the little four-legged ones) can meet Santa and Santa Paws.
Throughout the month of December, Christmas lights and kaleidoscopic spotlights turn the grounds of Coleton Fishacre into a festival of colour. With a cosy cafe, and well stocked gift shops this is the perfect spot for a Christmas outing.
Central Park is home to Winter Wonderland! The event has a popular real ice rink, a Santa’s grotto, fairground rides, food stalls and live entertainment.
Come December, you will find the South Hams awash with star studded light trails, you are totally spoilt for choice if this is a favourite Christmas activity. Visit the villages of Thurlestone, West Alvington and Malborough, not forgetting the twinkling Christmas lights found in the harbour towns of Salcombe, Dartmouth and Brixham.
What’s more, there are several light-filled events happening throughout the festive period. Here are our favourites:
This year, Paignton Zoo is hosting its biggest ever seasonal event. GlowWild is an after-dark immersive light experience featuring a stunning array of giant illuminated animals, light tunnels and even a silent disco for those who enjoy a Christmas dance! For more information, or to book your ticket visit the GloWild Paignton Zoo website.
The light walk at Powderham Castle returns this Christmas along with an array of indoor festive displays. Christmas at the Castle is wonderful, you will find the rooms magically transformed, and the light trail around the grounds stunning. Our top tip is to book after dusk tickets to fully experience the lights in their twinkling glory.
Zooluminate returns on an even bigger and better level this winter. Enjoy a wintery walk around the zoo site and experience watching the animals at night time set amongst magical illuminations.
The multi award winning Christmas experience and UKs first ever steam train of lights, the Christmas Trains of Lights spectacle is not to be missed. Expect to be propelled through a 450 metre tunnel into an enchanted forest transformed by an array of lights. The bright lights of Dartmouth are stunning, especially when reflected on the glassy waters of Dartmouth harbour.
A Christmas panto is a classic festive activity that is perfect for all the family. Here are our favourite Christmas shows and pantomimes happening in and around South Devon this Christmas, so book your panto tickets pronto, you won’t be disappointed!
– Christmas shows at The Soapbox Children’s Theatre, Plymouth
– Beauty and The Beast at Princess Theatre, Torquay
– Goldilocks and the three Bears at Theatre Royal Plymouth
– Aladdin at the Palace Theatre, Paignton
South Devon is an independent retailer’s powerhouse, so when it comes to choosing where to carry out a spot of Christmas shopping, you’re well and truly spoilt for choice. The towns of Salcombe, Dartmouth, Kingsbridge and Totnes are jam packed with boutique stores, and you will find a selection of gifts ranging from simple presents such as locally made clotted cream fudge, to something a little more luxurious such as a personalised clutch bag – regardless of what is on your shopping list, you won’t be disappointed. Should you want a larger city, both Exeter and Plymouth are renowned for their breadth of shopping opportunities.
Should you want to shop from the comfort of your cottage then look no further, because we’ve curated the ultimate South Devon Christmas gift ideas guide providing absolute convenience.
South Devon is home to a wealth of popular Christmas markets throughout the month of December, on both a small and large scale. With an array of festive treats you will find unique trinkets, stocking fillers, and locally crafted delights in various locations. Read our comprehensive guide to Christmas markets in South Devon for the full lowdown.
Although many people associate the great British outdoors with long and balmy summer days, the South Devon coast and countryside is equally as popular during the winter months, especially with visitors who want to make the most of fewer crowds, emptier beaches, and stunning scenery.
In typical British fashion, at Coast & Country Cottages we believe there is no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothes – so wrap up warm, don your wellies and join in the fun, the options really are extensive…
South Devon’s coastline is extensive and varied, and you will find a wide range of beaches, from the expansive stretches of sand such as Bantham Beach and ,to the shingle shores of Slapton Sands, Hallsands and Beesands and the more secret, secluded coves, including Mattiscombe Beach and Gara Rock Beach. With so much choice, you will always find somewhere to suit.
If you are hankering after a more private Christmas beach celebration, then find your way to one of the few secret Devon beaches – but shhhh, don’t tell a soul!
Is there a better way to celebrate Christmas Day than swapping your cosy winter pyjamas for a swimsuit and the big blue? A South Devon Christmas is all about embracing local traditions and making them part of the fun.
An icy Christmas Day swim has long been the post breakfast burn off, and you will find the beaches peppered with both locals and visitors alike braving the chilly plunge. If you’re keen to join in, read about our favourite beaches for a Christmas Day swim in South Devon.
It goes without saying that cold water swimming is not just reserved for Christmas Day, so if you’re a keen water enthusiast, then read our blog post on local wild swimming spots to learn about some of our favourite year-round swim locations.
If an icy sea swim seems a little too adventurous, why not head out for a crisp winter walk instead.
South Devon is home to an abundance of walking routes that crisscross the region, taking in a myriad of coastal paths, woodland trails, riverside rambles and rolling countryside. A designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this corner of South Devon is a walking wonderland and enjoys an abundance of wildlife, historical landmarks, secret coves, and hidden nooks and crannies.
Winter is the perfect time to explore the region by foot, and not only will you find yourself far from the summer crowds, but it will significantly boost your mood and allow you to soak up the goodness of vitamin D. With so many walking routes to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to start, so read our guide on walks in South Devon and also check out our favourite Dartmoor walks for inspiration.
Watersport enthusiasts in particular tend to use the winter period to maximise the quieter waters and so you can often spectate (or join!) individuals surfing, sailing and also kite surfing when conditions prevail.
In calmer conditions, both adults and children alike enjoy paddleboarding and kayaking, just be sure to wrap up warm, bobble hats being the essential item! The ultimate natural playground when it comes to watersports, read our guide on things to do in South Devon for more information.
South Devon has a fantastic reputation for sumptuous food, so it comes as no surprise that the festive season is heavily focused on decadent dining. Geographically, with a long stretch of coastline surrounded by thriving agricultural farmland, the region is perfectly placed for producing an abundance of year-round food.
If you want to hunker down and enjoy the comfort of your holiday cottage, then order a luxurious food hamper, delivered straight to your door. With so much food on offer, it can be difficult to know where to shop first, so to help you navigate the South Devon food scene, some of our absolute favourite hampers include Aune Valley, Ben’s Farm Shop, Lloyd Maunder Butcher and Deli and Delimann. As you would expect, the hampers are meticulously curated and jam-packed with goodies.
Pubs in South Devon are very much open, even on Christmas Day, making for a great opportunity to share some festive cheer amongst friends both old and new. Regardless of whether you want to hunker down in the gentle folds of the countryside or be beside the sea, you’re positively spoilt for choice.
There are plenty of Christmas things to do in South Devon this festive season, offering a wonderful base for couples, groups and families looking for a truly magical Christmas break.
We believe our self catering Christmas cottages are perfect, regardless of whether you want to stay in a secluded coastal cottage and enjoy a winter beach holiday, or you would rather a property in the heart of Salcombe or Dartmouth’s bustling centre. We are certain you will find something to suit, just be sure that wherever you choose to spend it, to deck the halls with holly and gather together for stories, laughter and silly games.
If you haven’t yet booked your Christmas self catering break then not to worry, we still have availability. Hurry though, our remaining properties are likely to be snapped up quickly…
Book your Christmas break in South Devon today
by Sarah Howard / Christmas
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As Christmas fast approaches like a herd of flying reindeer, it’s always worth knowing where you can see Santa...
South Devon is home to an array of Christmas markets throughout November and December. Discover unique trinkets, stocking fillers,...
South Devon positively thrives around the Christmas period and you’ll find its many beaches and icy cold waters a...
