Christmas Markets in South Devon 2024
South Devon is home to an array of Christmas markets throughout November and December. Discover unique trinkets, stocking fillers,...
by Justine King / Christmas
As Christmas fast approaches like a herd of flying reindeer, it’s always worth knowing where you can see Santa in Devon this year. Adults and children alike can enjoy a range of festive delights whilst meeting the main man himself.
Santa is a busy man, as you can imagine, so some of his appearances will only be for a day, while for others he could be seen for most of the festive season. We’ve put together a list of magical places where you can see Santa in South Devon this year. So be quick or you might miss him!
Use our quick links below to find out where you can see Santa in South Devon this year, or read on for all our festive favourites:
Dates: 22nd November to 24 December (selected dates available)
Pennywell Farm is a popular South Devon attraction no matter what time of the year you visit, but it’s transformed over the festive season. It plays host to a traditional celebration of Christmas that’s focused on a nativity play.
Children are invited to dress up and take part in the show (costumes and directions are provided). See you’re little ones have fun and meet others with this special experience. Once the play is over, head over to Noah’s Barn where you’ll find mince pies for the adults and homemade Christmas cookies for the kids.
Next, it’s time to head over to the elves’ sweet shop where a bag of yummy candy waits for every child. After this, you and your children will get the chance to experience all the animals on Pennywell Farm up close, including stroking the famous miniature piglets.
Draw your visit to a close with a trip to Santa’s Grotto and let him know your Christmas wish, and if you’re on his nice list you may even receive a small gift before you head off home. It’s a magical experience for the whole family to enjoy.
Advance booking is required, so book your tickets via the Pennywell Farm website.
Dates: 30th November to 24th December (selected dates available)
It’s nearly time for the festivities to begin, and Santa and Mrs Claus will be taking time out of their busy schedule to visit one of Devon’s largest attractions; Paignton Zoo. Santa’s magical Grotto will be open on selected dates throughout the festive period.
Meet his helpers and Mrs Claus to receive a special gift to take home with you. Enjoy some fun, festive activities and story time with Mrs Claus.
Pre-booking for the Zoo and Grotto is required and can be done via the Paignton Zoo website.
Dates: 27th November to 30th December (selected dates available)
Take a trip on the UK’s first, multi-award-winning steam train of lights. It’s the must-see event in the South West festive calendar and it’s sure to be a show-stopper. There are plenty of added surprises for 2024 as well.
Your illuminated journey starts at Queen’s Park Station in Paignton, where the vintage carriage is illuminated with thousands of lights inside and out. You’ll arrive at Churston Station 15 minutes after you’ve settled in, where the light show begins.
From Churston, you’ll be taken on a light adventure through the 450-metre Greenway Tunnel, which leads to an enchanted forest filled with a multitude of light displays.
To find out more information and to pre-book your tickets, take a look at the Dartmouth Railway website.
Dates: 29th November to 23rd December (selected dates available)
Nothing shouts Christmas more than The Polar Express. Take a trip on a Polar Express-themed train, where your children will gasp with amazement from the platform before the journey even begins, thanks to South Devon Railway.
It’s the perfect family-friendly adventure this festive season, so whether Grandad is a steam train fanatic, Dad wants to ride the footplate, or the children just love the film, there’s something here for everyone.
Throughout your journey, you’ll get the chance to meet the conductor and his crew, who will keep you entertained the whole way through. You’ll even get the chance to meet the main man himself – Santa and his gang of helpful elves.
Once the journey is over, there’ll be a photo opportunity where the whole family can pose in front of The Polar Express to capture the magical event.
To book your tickets in advance, visit the South Devon Railway website.
Dates: 23rd November to 23rd December (Selected dates available)
Experience Christmas at Woodlands with a magical journey through ten interactive rooms. You will meet your elf guides and all of Santa’s festive companions before arriving at the incredible toy workshop where you can take a sneak peek at how an array of magical toys and gifts are made.
All children will receive a gift from Santa and a bag of reindeer food to take home, whilst adults can enjoy a sumptuous festive drink. Don’t forget to bring a pre-written Christmas letter to be posted in the letterbox!
Entry to Woodlands is included in the Christmas Grotto experience, inclusive of all attractions and winter rides. Tickets are available on the Woodlands website.
Dates: 23rd November to 22nd December (selected dates available)
From Santa’s grotto to delicious festive treats, The House Of Marbles has a range of festivities for the whole family. Witness the art of glass-making in the Teign Valley Glass Studio, shop ‘til you drop with a treasure trove of delightful gifts, and bring your dogs along for the ride.
No matter how old you are, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy. Discover more via the House of Marbles website.
Dates: 30th December to 23rd December (selected dates and times available)
Have yourself a merry little Christmas at Marldon Christmas Tree Farm. Create magical Christmas moments with your family as you step inside Santa’s Grottos. With it’s captivating lights, scents of pine, and joyful sounds of Christmas songs, you and your loved one will be instantly transported to the North Pole.
Children and adults alike will get the chance to meet Santa in his treehouse grotto. Be sure to share your Christmas wishes and you might even get a little surprise gift from his helpful elves. But the magic doesn’t stop there! There’s also a festive shop full of charming gifts, and look out for the reindeer and huskies.
Book your tickets using this link or visit the Marldon Christmas Tree Farm website for more info.
Dates: 7th December to 24th December (Selected dates available)
Santa returns to Kents Cavern with another incredible interactive pantomime performance throughout the caves, your final destination being Santa’s festive Grotto. Children will receive a beautifully wrapped gift, whilst adults can indulge in mulled wine and mince pies.
Sensible footwear is recommended for the caves, and whilst you may dress up in festive gear be sure to keep yourself warm. Book your Kents Cavern ticket here.
Breakfast with Santa: 30th November – 24th December
Tea with Santa: 30th November – 23rd December
Santa’s Grotto: 23rd November – 24th December
This Christmas, Endsleigh Garden Centre are offering the chance to see Santa in his Grotto, and for those that are feeling hungry, you can also book breakfast or tea with Santa! Don’t forget that the soft play will be open, so be sure to leave time for a run around.
Secure your time with Santa here.
Dates: 6th December to 23rd December (selected dates available)
If you’re looking for something a little different, take a trip to Greendale Farm Shop this festive season in search of some unique gifts. Bring your children along for a chance to meet the Man in Red inside his festive grotto. They’ll receive a gift to take home and will be able to tell Santa all about the gifts they hope to receive this year.
Book your tickets via the Greendale Farm Shop website.
Dates: 30th November to 23rd December (selected dates available)
Dreaming of a white Christmas? Head on down to Crealy Theme Park! This festive season, it’s transformed into a Winter Wonderland that will bring the magic of Christmas to everyone. From sparkling lights and Live Shows on Ice to Santas Grotto and rides in the dark, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy.
Find out more information via the Crealy Theme Park website.
At Coast Country Cottages, we have an extensive range of family-friendly holiday cottages, dog-friendly properties and large holiday homes across South Devon. Many of our properties are situated close to festive markets, local attractions, beaches and the South West Coast Path.
Find the perfect holiday cottage for your festive break by viewing our Christmas Cottage Holidays or speak with a member of our team.
by Justine King / Christmas
Hi, I'm Justine. Holidays and travelling have always been a favourite of mine from a young age. Having recently decided to travel...
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