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Santa in Devon - Pennywell Farm

As Christmas fast approaches like a herd of flying reindeer, it’s always worth knowing where you can see Santa in South 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 10 magical places where you can see Santa in South Devon this year. So be quick or you might miss him!


10 places to see Santa in South Devon:

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:

  1. Pennywell Farm
  2. Dartmouth Steam Railway
  3. Polar Express at South Devon Railway
  4. Christmas Grotto at Woodlands
  5. House of Marbles
  6. Heron Valley
  7. Marldon Christmas Tree Farm
  8. Santa in the Caves, Kents Cavern
  9. Endsleigh Garden Centre
  10. Borringdon Hall


Christmas at Pennywell Farm

17th November to 24 December (selected dates available)

Santa in Devon at Pennywell Farm

Pennywell Farm is a popular South Devon attraction no matter what time of the year you visit. Over the festive season it is totally transformed and 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).

For those with rumbling tummies, head to the barn where you’ll find mince pies for the adults and homemade Christmas cookies for the kids, not forgetting 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, you will also receive a small gift before you head home.

Advance booking is required, so book your tickets via the Pennywell Farm website.


Dartmouth Steam Railway

24th November to 30th December (selected dates available)

Dartmouth Steam Railway Train of Lights

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 is always a show-stopper.

Your illuminated journey starts at Queen’s Park Station in Paignton, where the vintage carriage is illuminated with thousands of lights inside and out. Shortly after you’ve settled in, you’ll arrive at Churston Station where the light show begins. From here you will be taken on a light adventure, through 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 Steam Railway website.


The Polar Express at South Devon Railway

24th November to 23rd December

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.

During your journey, you’ll get the chance to meet the conductor and his crew, who will keep you entertained the whole way through. You will also have the opportunity to meet the main man himself and his team of helpful elves.

To book your tickets in advance, visit the South Devon Railway website.


Christmas Grotto at Woodlands

25th November – 23rd December

 Santa in Devon at Woodlands Grotto

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.


Christmas at the House of Marbles

25th November – 22nd December

Based in Bovey Tracey, The House Of Marbles has a range of festivities for the whole family to enjoy –  there is even a Santa Paws experience for those with canine companions! Santa and his elves will be waiting patiently for those who want to receive a festive goody bag and share their deepest Christmas wishes. The Emporium will stay open late until 10pm, allowing plenty of time to browse and purchase gifts.

Discover more and secure your spot at the House of Marbles website.


Meet Santa at Heron Valley

December, 2023 – Booking essential, dates TBC

Santa in Devon at Heron Valley grotto

Heron Valley is simply magical at Christmas and boasts its very own dedicated Christmas barn that is beautifully decorated and jam-packed with gifts. Meet Santa in his grotto, and afterward snuggle in front of the fire and enjoy delicious seasonal drinks and food at the cafe.

Pre-booking is essential, visit the Heron Valley website to secure your spot.


Meet Santa at Marldon Christmas Tree Farm

25th November to 23rd December (selected dates and times available)

Have yourself a very merry Christmas experience at Marldon Christmas Tree Farm. Run by Rowcroft Hospice, this popular event is sure to be one you and your children will remember. All proceeds from this event go directly to the Rowcroft Hospice, supporting local families in difficulty and need.

In the snow-covered grotto, you will have the chance to meet Santa and his elves, encounter a real reindeer, and also receive a special Christmas gift.

To book your tickets to the event visit the Rowcroft Hospice website.


Kents Cavern

2nd to 24th December (selected dates and times available)

Santa in the Caves is back for 2023 with an incredible interactive pantomime performance throughout the caves that finishes in Santa’s Grotto. Children will receive a generous wrapped gift and whilst adults can indulge in mulled wine and mince pies.

There are twelve popular Santa in the Caves shows per day, with a capacity of 40 people per tour. Book your Kents Cavern ticket here.


Endsleigh Garden Centre

Breakfast with Santa: 2nd – 24th December

Tea with Santa: 2nd – 23rd December

Santa’s Grotto: 25th 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 to share either 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.


Boringdon Hall

3rd, 10th and 17th December

Feel the true magic of Christmas as soon as you arrive at Borringdon Hall – you will be dazzled by an enchanting dance performance, indulge in a sumptuous festive afternoon tea and enjoy crafting activities including gingerbread decorating. You will of course get to meet Santa himself, with each child receiving a Christmas present.

Book your Boringdon Christmas experience here.


Additional Christmas events in South Devon that are too good to miss:

As you would expect, Christmas in South Devon is a hive of activity and you will find a wealth of festive events to enjoy. Here are three festive events we’re really excited for this year…

Read more.

1. GloWild at Paignton Zoo

17th November – 2nd January

Paignton Zoo is set to end its centenary year in style with its biggest ever seasonal event. A spectacular after-dark immersive light experience, GloWild will feature an incredible collection of giant illuminated animals, fibre optics, kaleidoscope projectors, and light tunnels. There is even a silent disco for those that are keen for a festive dance.

Tickets to GloWild are expected to sell fast, so do be quick! Thes can be purchased through the Paignton Zoo website.

2. Lanterns, Lights and Luminations in Brixham

25th November

This event in Brixham is extremely popular and boasts a magical lantern parade, firework display, live music, street entertainment and a brimming Christmas market. The event will include the Christmas light switch on, the arrival of Santa and a firework display.

This event is free to attend, no booking is required.

3. Plymouth Winter Wonderland

24th November – 1st January

Winter Wonderland is an exciting new event in Plymouth this year, and it is set to be epic. Located in Central Park the wonderland will be home to an undercover ice rink, enchanted Santa’s forest grotto, fairground rides, food stalls and live entertainment.

To find out more, or to book your ticket visit the Plymouth Winter Wonderland website.


For more festive inspiration, read our collection of Christmas blogs:


Christmas Cottage Breaks in South Devon

Christmas holiday cottage in South Devon

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.