Christmas Markets in South Devon 2025
South Devon is home to an array of Christmas markets throughout November and December. Discover unique trinkets, stocking fillers,...
by Sarah Howard / Christmas
Discover a winter wonderland of festive delights with our guide to the top Christmas events in 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 events in South Devon? Use our quick links below to navigate the content, or read on for the full lowdown…
South Devon positively thrives through the Christmas period, and the region is brimming with festive cheer and activities. From stunning light trails and glorious carols to Christmas workshops and pretty markets, there really are plenty of things to do this Christmas in South Devon. Here are a few of our favourite Christmas events:
Address: The Old Pottery, Pottery Road, Bovey Tracey, TQ13 9DS
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Feeling crafty this Christmas? The House of Marbles hosts a seasonal selection of craft workshops, late-night shopping events, and a Christmas feast, as well as Santa’s Grotto, where the little ones (and the little four-legged ones) can meet Santa and Santa Paws.
Address: Brownstone Rd, Kingswear, Dartmouth, TQ6 0EQ
Coleton Fishacre turned 100 years old in 2025, so to celebrate they are putting on a festive celebration that will take you back to the Roaring Twenties. Enjoy the Christmas decorations, learn to do the Charleston and dance like it’s 1925, and get into the festive spirit with markets, food, and coastal walks.
Address: Plymouth Central Park, PL2 3DG
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Looking for one of the biggest Christmas events in Devon? Head to Plymouth’s Central Park where their annual winter celebration turns Britain’s Ocean City into a Winter Wonderland. Put on your skates and enjoy a night on the ice, take a journey through the North Pole in Santa’s Grotto, and listen to your favourite Christmas songs with live music.
Address: Totnes Road, Paignton, Devon, TQ4 7EU
Every year, Paignton Zoo hosts a spectacular line-up of seasonal events. From after-dark light illuminations to visits from the main man himself, Santa. This year is no different – see all your favourite animals and more with Christmas events at Paignton Zoo.
Address: Powderham Castle, Kenton, Exeter, Devon, EX6 8JQ
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It’s already that time of the year when you need to start thinking about Christmas, and if you’re visiting South Devon, nothing is more special than a trip to Powderham Castle. This year, expect to see the castle and grounds transformed with sparkling lights, festive displays and workshops, and the sounds and smells of Christmas.
Come December, you will find Devon awash with star studded light trails like you’ve never seen before. Here are our must-see Christmas lights in South Devon:
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Address: Sparkwell, Plymouth, Devon, PL7 5DG
Back by popular demand, Zooluminate returns to Dartmoor Zoo. Get a free hot drink of your choice and a mince pie included in every ticket. Enjoy a wintery walk as your spot your favourite animals and their incredible light illuminations. Don’t forget to stop off at Santa’s grotto to tell him what you want for Christmas this year.
Do bear in mind that Santa’s Grotto is not included in standard admission, tickets must be booked separately and in advance. Check out the Dartmoor Zoo website for more information.
Address: Dartmouth Steam Railway (Paignton Station), Queen’s Park Rd, Paignton TQ4 6AF
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Hosted by Dartmouth Steam Railway, the Christmas Train of Lights is a multi award winning Christmas experience not to be missed. Starting in Paignton, you’ll be taken on a magical journey through an enchanted forest filled with light illuminations and fantastical stories. It’s a train journey the whole family will enjoy.
Address: Torquay, Paignton, and Brixham
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The English Rivieria Bay of Lights returns for another spectacular year. This Christmas event in Devon runs from 28th November to 2nd January and takes you on a breathtaking 1.5 mile light illumination trail from Torre Abbey to Torquay Harbour. Discover 19 different displays including pixel Christmas Trees.
Address: Hampton Avenue, Babbacombe, Torquay, TQ1 3LA
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Celebrate the festive season on a miniature scale with Christmas at Babbacombe Model Village. Enjoy their famous light illuminations, miniature Christmas displays, and spot the hidden elves and Santas dotted about the village.
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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!
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No Christmas break is complete without seeing Santa and South Devon has some of the best Santa’s Grottos in Devon. Here are our top three picks:
Check out our blog on Where to See Santa this Christmas for more places where you and your little ones can meet the main man himself.
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 selling a wide range of gifts from locally made clotted cream fudge to personalised clutch bags. Regardless of what’s on your shopping list, you won’t be disappointed.
Looking for a larger city with more chain stores and late night shopping options? Head to Exeter or Plymouth. 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 to help you find something extra special for your loved ones.
When visiting the region this festive season, you can’t miss out on a Christmas market. South Devon is home to a wealth of popular options throughout December, on both a small and large scale. Here are our top picks:
Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market
Plymouth Christmas Market
Buckfast Abbey Christmas Market
Brixham Christmas Market
Looking for more Christmas Markets in South Devon? 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…
Trade your cosy winter PJs for a swimsuit and celebrate Christmas Day the South Devon way: with a chilly plunge into the sea. This local tradition has long been the perfect post-breakfast activity to work up an appetite for the rest of the day’s festivities. So if you’re keen to take the plunge, read about our favourite beaches for a Christmas Day swim in South Devon.
Of course, the crisp water isn’t just for Christmas! If you’re a keen swimmer, you can enjoy the stunning scenery and refreshing water year-round. To discover more locations, read our blog post on local wild swimming spots to find some of our top picks for a swim in any season.
If taking a plunge into the icy seas sounds a bit too adventurous, a crisp winter walk is a fantastic alternative.
South Devon is a walker’s paradise, home to a wealth of crisscrossing routes that take in everything from breathtaking coastal paths and woodland trails to rolling countryside. As a designated National Landscape, this region is brimming with wildlife, historical landmarks, and secluded spots just waiting to be explored.
Winter is an ideal time to explore the area on foot. You’ll not only escape the summer crowds, but also significantly boost your mood and soak up some much-needed vitamin D. With so many options available, choosing a route can be tough! To get started, check out our general guide on walks in South Devon or our favourite Dartmoor walks for inspiration.
Watersport enthusiasts in particular tend to use the winter period to maximise the quieter waters. You can often spectate (or join!) individuals surfing, sailing and kite surfing when conditions allow.
In calmer conditions, both adults and children 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’s coastline is extensive and varied, and you will find a wide range of beaches to enjoy this winter. Here are a few of our favourites:
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!
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 backed 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 Christmas Day Lunch in 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. Our festive favourites include:
Check out our blog on which pubs are open on Christmas Day for more inspiration.
Whether you want to hunker down in the gentle folds of the countryside or be beside the sea, you’ll be absolutely spoilt for choice.
There are plenty of Christmas events in South Devon to keep you and your loved ones busy when visiting the region this festive season. At Coast and Country Cottages, we offer a diverse range of independently owned self-catering cottages, providing the perfect base for couples, groups, and families seeking a truly magical Christmas break.
Whether you want to stay in a secluded coastal cottage, a romantic bolthole for two, or a dog-friendly property with enclosed gardens, there’s something here for everyone.
From the seaside towns of Salcombe and Dartmouth to the quaint villages of Hope Cove and Thurlestone, we’re certain you’ll find something to suit. Wherever you choose to spend it, be sure to deck the halls with holly and gather together for stories, laughter, and silly games.
Book your Christmas break in South Devon today
by Sarah Howard / Christmas
As a content writer in the travel and hospitality industry, my passion for exploration is woven into every aspect of my work and p...
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