Bay of Lights Torquay 2026: Christmas Lights, Trail, Dates & Independent Visitor Guide 🎄

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Bay of Lights illuminations shining across Torquay seafront and harbour at night
Bay of Lights, Torquay (Credit: ThisIsSouthWest)

The Bay of Lights Torquay 2026 returns from Saturday 28 November 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027, bringing more than five weeks of Christmas lights, illuminated installations and festive events to the English Riviera.

At its heart is the free 1.5-mile Bay of Lights Illumination Trail, with around 20 large-scale light installations stretching along Torquay seafront between Torre Abbey and the harbourside. The trail combines digital light shows, interactive displays, festive music and illuminated gardens, with the lights operating every evening throughout the Christmas period.

We visited the Bay of Lights on opening day last Christmas. We made a full day of it, combining Christmas shopping in Torquay, a winter walk to Cockington, the Torre Abbey Christmas Market, live music and food, and a walk along the illumination trail after dark.

Opening night was particularly atmospheric and very busy, with live music, entertainment and crowds gathering along the waterfront adding to the sense of occasion. If you want to experience Bay of Lights at its most exciting, we think the first evening is the one to choose. However, you certainly don’t need to visit on opening night. An early evening later in the Christmas period should be quieter, giving you more space to enjoy the installations at your own pace.

This independent guide combines our experience with the latest confirmed information for Bay of Lights 2026, including opening times, the route, where to start, how long to allow, parking, the Christmas market, ice skating, opening-night fireworks, and other Christmas events in Torbay and nearby South Devon.

About this guide: ThisIsSouthWest is an independent South West England travel guide and is not connected with the organisers of Bay of Lights. We visited the event ourselves in 2025 and have combined our first-hand experience with the latest official information for 2026. We will continue to update this guide as further dates, times and event details are confirmed.


Bay of Lights Torquay 2026 at a Glance

Planning a visit to the Torquay Christmas lights? Here are the key details for the 2026 Bay of Lights Illumination Trail.

Dates: Saturday 28 November 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027

Lights on: Daily from 4.30 pm. Sound finishes at 9.30 pm and lights at 11 pm

Entry: Free. No ticket is needed for the main illumination trail

Trail: Around 1.5 miles with around 20 large-scale installations

Route: Between Torre Abbey and Torquay Harbourside

Opening night: Saturday 28 November, with free harbourside fireworks

Accessibility: The official trail is described as fully accessible

How long? Allow at least an hour, or around 1 to 2 hours with children

Our tip: We favour starting at Torre Abbey at around 4.30 pm. Opening night has the biggest atmosphere and fireworks, while another evening later in the Christmas period should be quieter.

Official information: Check the Bay of Lights Illumination Trail website for the latest event updates before travelling.


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What is the Bay of Lights?

Illuminated fountain and palm trees glowing blue at Torre Abbey Gardens during the Bay of Lights Illumination Trail in Torquay.
Bay of Lights Illumination Trail at Torre Abbey Gardens, Torquay. Credit: ThisIsSouthWest

The Bay of Lights is the English Riviera’s wider Christmas programme, centred on Torquay’s free 1.5-mile Illumination Trail between Torre Abbey and Torquay Harbourside, with additional festive events taking place across Torquay, Paignton and Brixham.

The name can be slightly confusing because Bay of Lights often refers specifically to the Torquay Christmas light trail. Strictly speaking, however, the trail is the centrepiece of the wider Bay of Lights programme.

In 2026, the trail will feature around 20 major illuminated installations, plus additional displays. Highlights include an LED light fountain, 1,000 colour-changing flowers, pixel pads, and a giant walk-through Christmas present, along with returning favourites. Interactive displays, digital light shows and festive music will add to the experience along the route.

There is plenty to see beyond the trail. Torquay’s wider Christmas programme includes events around Torre Abbey and Abbey Park, while Paignton and Brixham will each have an 8-metre-high pixel Christmas tree featuring digital light shows from 4.30 pm to 11 pm.

For more about the town itself, see our guide to things to do in Torquay.


When is Bay of Lights Torquay 2026?

Trees illuminated with colourful lights at Torre Abbey Gardens during the Bay of Lights Illumination Trail in Torquay.
Torre Abbey Gardens illuminated for Bay of Lights. (Credit: ThisIsSouthWest)

The Bay of Lights Illumination Trail runs from Saturday 28 November 2026 until Sunday 3 January 2027.

This is worth emphasising because Bay of Lights is not simply a Christmas lights switch-on event.

The opening evening on 28 November is likely to attract particularly large crowds. It includes free fireworks, but the illumination trail runs every evening throughout December and into the New Year.

That makes it much easier to incorporate into a winter break in South Devon without having to visit on one particular weekend.


What time do the Torquay Christmas lights come on?

Alive with Light projection illuminating the historic façade of Torre Abbey during Bay of Lights Torquay.
Alive with Light at Torre Abbey. (Credit: ThisIsSouthWest)

The Torquay Bay of Lights Illumination Trail starts at 4.30 pm each day.

Sound elements continue until 9.30 pm, while the lighting displays remain illuminated until 11 pm.

This tallies closely with our experience last Christmas. We visited on opening day, and the lights were already illuminated as darkness fell around 4.30 pm, well before the later ceremonial switch-on.

For families in particular, this means there is no need to wait until late evening. Visiting from around 4.30 pm or 5 pm gives you darkness for the illuminations while still leaving plenty of evening ahead.


Bay of Lights 2026 Opening Night and Fireworks

Pink, gold and white fireworks bursting across the night sky .
Expect fireworks on Bay of Lights Opening Night. (Credit: ThisIsSouthWest)

Opening night takes place on Saturday 28 November 2026, with a free fireworks display confirmed above Torquay Harbourside.

Full timings and entertainment details have yet to be announced.

Opening night can be an excellent choice if you want to experience Bay of Lights at its busiest. When we went in 2025, there was live Christmas music, street entertainment and busking, food vans and a real sense of excitement around the waterfront.

It was also extremely busy.

Torbay Council subsequently estimated that around 15,000 people attended the 2025 opening celebrations, so anyone planning to attend the 2026 opening night should expect parking, restaurants and the busiest parts of the trail to be under pressure.

We arrived in Torquay in the early afternoon and found free on-street parking on Avenue Road. By evening, parking spaces were much harder to find.


Walking the Bay of Lights Illumination Trail

Visitors enjoying illuminated displays along Torquay seafront during the Bay of Lights Illumination Trail.
Bay of Lights on Torquay seafront. (Credit: ThisIsSouthWest)

The trail covers approximately 1.5 miles of Torquay seafront, with around 20 large-scale installations planned for 2026.

It runs between Torre Abbey and Torquay Harbourside, passing along the seafront towards the Princess Theatre, Princess Gardens and harbour.

Expect a mixture of large illuminated structures, digital displays, music and interactive installations rather than a conventional row of Christmas lights.

During our visit, one thing that struck us was how much there was to look at. Around Torre Abbey Gardens in particular, there seemed to be light everywhere you looked.

Further towards the harbour, moving light projections appeared across the pavement. These proved particularly popular with children, who could interact with and chase the changing patterns.

The route is free and officially described as fully accessible, making it suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs.


Bay of Lights Torquay Trail Map

The map below follows the approximately 1.5-mile route between Torre Abbey and Torquay Harbour. Individual installations may differ from the points shown, so use it as a general walking guide rather than an exact display plan.


Where is the best place to start Bay of Lights?

Illuminated Christmas light installation in Torre Abbey Gardens overlooking Torquay seafront during Bay of Lights.
Bay of Lights at Torre Abbey Gardens. (Credit: ThisIsSouthWest)

You can enjoy the illumination trail in either direction, but we would start at Torre Abbey.

There are several reasons.

Torre Abbey Gardens are among the most impressive parts of the experience, and you can also combine the Abbey end with the Christmas Market, food and drink, and the Alive with Light projection show.

Starting here around 4.30 pm lets you see the gardens as darkness falls and browse the Christmas Market before it gets busier later in the evening. On our visit, this also gave us time to enjoy the food stalls and bar while things were still relatively relaxed, before gradually making our way along the illuminated seafront towards Torquay Harbour.

However, there is no reason you cannot do it the other way around.

If you are shopping or eating in Torquay town centre, starting at the harbour and making Torre Abbey your destination also works particularly well. You could then finish with the gardens, the projection show, the Christmas Market, or the ice rink, depending on the date and opening times.


How long does Bay of Lights take to walk?

Colourful interactive light projections on Torquay seafront during the Bay of Lights Illumination Trail.
Interactive lights on Torquay seafront. (Credit: ThisIsSouthWest)

The official trail is about 1.5 miles long, but distance alone doesn’t tell you how much time you’ll need.

We would allow at least an hour.

You could walk the seafront much faster, but that misses the point. There are installations to stop and look at, photographs to take and interactive displays to enjoy.

With children, we would probably allow 1 to 2 hours, particularly if they want to spend time with the interactive installations.

Allow longer still if you stop to listen to live music or buy food or drinks from the seasonal stalls and vans.


Our Visit to Bay of Lights

Merry Christmas light projection on the promenade during the Bay of Lights Illumination Trail in Torquay.
Christmas projections on Torquay seafront. (Credit: ThisIsSouthWest)

We visited Torquay for the opening of Bay of Lights last Christmas and decided to make a full day of it rather than simply driving in for the evening illuminations.

After arriving in the early afternoon, we did some Christmas shopping in Torquay before heading towards Cockington.

One shopping highlight was Torquay Candle Co, tucked away upstairs in Fleet Walk Shopping Centre. The shop was beautifully merchandised and had a real Christmas feel, with candles, scents, soaps and plenty of unusual gift ideas. We also found the staff particularly friendly, making it well worth a visit if you are doing Christmas shopping before heading to the lights.

From Torquay, we walked through Chelston to Cockington Village, then returned towards the coast and Livermead before following the seafront back towards Torre Abbey.

Cockington itself was very quiet. Many visitor businesses had closed for the day or the season, though The Drum Inn still offered a drink or something to eat. The walk was still an enjoyable way of adding something different to our afternoon.


Is it Worth Staying Overnight for Bay of Lights?

Torquay seafront illuminated at dusk during the Bay of Lights Christmas celebrations.
The Grand Hotel, Torquay seafront at Christmas. (Credit: ThisIsSouthWest)

If you are travelling any distance to Bay of Lights, we think staying overnight is worth considering.

We drove home after our visit, so we missed the opening-night fireworks and the ice rink. In hindsight, an overnight stay would have allowed us to enjoy the whole evening without worrying about the journey home.

For a longer Christmas break, Torquay makes a practical base for exploring South Devon. You could combine Bay of Lights with the Christmas Train of Lights from Paignton, or visit Brixham, Totnes or Dartmouth.

Find places to stay in Torquay →

Making a Christmas Weekend of It

We would spend the first day exploring Torquay before visiting Torre Abbey Christmas Market and walking the illumination trail after dark.

The next day could include Paignton or Brixham and the Christmas Train of Lights, while Totnes or Dartmouth are good choices if you have another day available. Check our What’s On in South West England guide for other events taking place during your stay.


Torre Abbey Christmas Market

English Riviera illuminated Christmas light display during Bay of Lights in Torquay.
English Riviera Christmas lights. (Credit: ThisIsSouthWest)

The Torre Abbey Christmas Market works really well as part of a visit to the Bay of Lights. It centres on Torre Abbey and the Spanish Barn, near the western end of the illumination trail, so it is easy to browse the stalls, grab something to eat or drink, and then head off to see the lights.

We visited twice during the day. Earlier in the afternoon it was relatively quiet and easy to browse, but when we returned as darkness fell, the atmosphere had really picked up. Live Christmas music, food, drink, and a much larger crowd gathered for the evening.

The market isn’t enormous, but we thought it was well worth a look. There were some interesting stalls and plenty of food options, and we enjoyed a particularly good locally sourced beef burger with a small beer before heading onto the illumination trail.

This is another reason we like starting at the Torre Abbey end of the trail. Arriving before the main evening crowds gives you time to explore the market and enjoy the food stalls and bar before it gets much busier.

The Torre Abbey Christmas Market returns from 28 November to 20 December 2026, with more than 30 local stalls selling artisan gifts, seasonal treats, food and drink. It’s easily combined with the illumination trail, as the market is beside Torre Abbey at one end of the route.


Alive with Light at Torre Abbey

Alive with Light projection show illuminating Torre Abbey during Bay of Lights Torquay.
Alive with Light at Torre Abbey. (Credit: ThisIsSouthWest)

One of our favourite installations was actually the historic Abbey itself.

Alive with Light uses projection mapping to transform Torre Abbey’s façade with moving images, light, and sound. It is much more elaborate than simply illuminating the building and at times feels almost like watching a huge animated film projected across the Abbey.

The surrounding gardens enhance the effect, with illuminated installations throughout the grounds.

Alive with Light is confirmed to return in 2026, and it is one reason we recommend including Torre Abbey in your route rather than simply walking part of the seafront trail.


Is Bay of Lights good for children?

Yes. The event is free, the main trail is accessible, and the variety between installations keeps younger visitors interested.

Bay of Lights is a good choice for families. The 1.5-mile trail features about 20 large-scale installations in 2026, including interactive elements, digital displays, and festive music. On our visit, children particularly enjoyed the moving projections on the pavement near the harbour.

For families, we would allow around one to two hours. There is plenty for children to stop and look at along the way, particularly the interactive displays, so it is worth taking your time rather than rushing through the trail.

The return of the ice rink at Abbey Park adds another family attraction for 2026.


Torquay Ice Rink 2026

The real ice rink at Abbey Park returns for Christmas 2026, with bookings now open.

Skating will be available daily from 28 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, except Christmas Day. More than 17,000 people took to the ice during its first season, with nearly every session selling out. This year, there will be a larger skating area, longer opening hours and a new viewing platform for friends and family.

Abbey Park is close to Torre Abbey and the western end of the Bay of Lights trail, so it is easy to combine a skating session with the illuminations and Christmas Market.

Torbay Council recommends booking in advance, particularly for the most popular dates and times.

We skipped skating on our visit. With a drive home still ahead of us, discretion seemed the better option!

If we returned for an overnight stay, however, combining skating, the Christmas Market, and the Bay of Lights would make for a great festive evening.


Is Bay of Lights free?

Yes. The Torquay Illumination Trail is free to visit, and you do not need a ticket to walk the trail.

Some additional attractions and activities, including ice skating, cost extra.

Food, drink, and Christmas Market purchases are also extra.


Is Bay of Lights accessible?

The organisers describe the 1.5-mile Torquay Illumination Trail as fully accessible, and our experience walking the route reflects that.

Much of the trail follows the level seafront promenades and paths through the gardens, and we found it easy to get around. It should be suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs.

Visitors with particular accessibility requirements should still check the latest event information before travelling, particularly as temporary installations, weather or event arrangements could affect parts of the route.


Where to park for Bay of Lights Torquay

Torquay has several town centre and seafront car parks, but parking demand varies enormously depending on when you visit.

On opening day last year, we arrived in the early afternoon and found free on-street parking on Avenue Road. By evening, parking was much more difficult to find.

We don’t recommend relying on free street parking, especially on opening night or busy December weekends.

For the seafront and town centre, council car parks include Shedden Hill (TQ2 5TY) and Lower Union Lane (TQ2 5PN). Abbey Park and Shedden Hill are particularly handy if you plan to start the trail at the Torre Abbey end, while Beacon Quay and Torquay Harbour are useful options towards the other end of the trail. Check current charges, opening arrangements and any event-specific restrictions before travelling.

Best for Torre Abbey: Abbey Park and Shedden Hill
Best for the harbour: Beacon Quay and Lower Union Lane

Arriving before darkness falls has several advantages. You’ll have a better chance of finding parking, can explore Torquay or Torre Abbey before the lights begin, and be in position when the trail illuminates from 4.30 pm.


Getting to Bay of Lights by Train and Bus

Torquay railway station is close to the Torre Abbey end of the trail, making the train a particularly convenient option if you plan to start there. Services connect Torquay with Paignton, Newton Abbot and Exeter, with connections available for journeys from further afield.

Stagecoach Route 12 links Newton Abbot, Torquay, Paignton and Brixham and is useful for visitors staying elsewhere around Torbay. Check the latest train and bus times before travelling, particularly for the journey home after an evening visit.

Public transport is especially practical if you are staying elsewhere in Torbay and want to see the lights without searching for parking in central Torquay.


What happens if it rains?

This is South Devon in December, so it is sensible to prepare for rain.

The illumination trail runs outdoors along the seafront, so bring a waterproof coat and suitable footwear if the forecast is unsettled.

One advantage of making a longer evening of your visit is that Torquay town centre, cafés, restaurants, and some Torre Abbey attractions offer places to go indoors.

The Abbey Park ice rink is also expected to be all-weather.

We recommend checking the latest Met Office forecast and official event updates before making a long journey.


Make a Day of Bay of Lights

You don’t have to wait until 4.30 pm to arrive in Torquay.

Our own visit was particularly enjoyable because Bay of Lights was the finale to a full winter day in the town.

We arrived in the early afternoon, did some Christmas shopping and then walked through Chelston to Cockington Village.

After returning via Livermead and the seafront, we visited Torre Abbey Christmas Market, had something to eat and listened to live Christmas music before walking the illumination trail after dark.

If you don’t fancy a winter walk to Cockington, there is plenty more to do around the town. Torquay Museum, Kents Cavern, Babbacombe Model Village, and the harbour are among the options, but always check winter opening hours.

See our complete guide to things to do in Torquay for more ideas.


What Else is On in Torbay at Christmas 2026?

Stylised night-time view of Brixham Harbour illuminated with Christmas lights and festive reflections on the water.

Bay of Lights is much more than the Torquay seafront trail.

The wider programme spans Torbay and the English Riviera, making it easy to plan a weekend around several Christmas attractions.

Christmas Train of Lights, Paignton

One of South Devon’s biggest Christmas attractions returns from 27 November to 30 December 2026.

The Dartmouth Steam Railway’s Christmas Train of Lights starts at Queen’s Park Station in Paignton and travels along the coast to Kingswear, with illuminated displays lining the railway.

New displays and surprises are promised for 2026.

This is a good addition to a Bay of Lights visit if you are staying for more than one night.

Paignton itself is worth exploring too. See our guide to things to do in Paignton for beaches, attractions and other ideas.

Babbacombe Model Village Christmas Illuminations

Babbacombe Model Village adds its own festive displays with “A Very Miniature Christmas,” running from 21 November 2026 to 3 January 2027.

Christmas illuminations are available on selected dates, including weekends from 21 November to 18 December and most opening days from 19 December into the New Year. For families, this is another good stop on a Bay of Lights visit, but check the latest opening and illumination times before you go.

Brixham at Christmas

At the southern end of Tor Bay, Brixham offers a very different Christmas atmosphere.

Its harbour, independent shops and colourful waterfront make it worth visiting at any time of year, while festive events include the town’s established Lanterns, Lights & ‘luminations celebrations.

The 2026 event takes place on 20 and 21 November, shortly before the Torquay Bay of Lights trail begins.

If you are visiting later in December, Brixham is still well worth considering for Christmas shopping, a harbour walk or lunch.

Our things to do in Brixham guide has more ideas for exploring the town.

Christmas in Totnes

If Christmas shopping is high on your list, Totnes is one of the easiest places to recommend beyond Torbay.

The town is known for independent shops, local producers, cafés and a historic high street, making it particularly appealing in the run-up to Christmas.

The Totnes Christmas Market and Late Night Shopping events are confirmed for:

  • Tuesday 8 December 2026, 3 pm to 9 pm
  • Tuesday 15 December 2026, 3 pm to 9 pm
  • Tuesday 22 December 2026, 3 pm to 9 pm

The evenings combine craft stalls, street food, live music, entertainment, and late-night shopping. The opening evening on 8 December will also feature the Totnes Carnival Lantern Parade.

You can easily reach Totnes from Torquay by bus, so you can spend part of the day there before returning to Torquay for the lights.

See our guide to things to do in Totnes for more ideas.

Dartmouth at Christmas

Dartmouth is another lovely place to include in a Christmas break in South Devon.

Candlelit Dartmouth returns on 27 and 28 November 2026, with Christmas markets and festive entertainment around the town. The programme includes a Christmas Market in Royal Avenue Gardens, another in the Old Market, live music, entertainment and the traditional lantern procession.

The timing also lets you combine a visit to Dartmouth with the opening weekend of Bay of Lights, which begins in Torquay on Saturday 28 November.

Dartmouth is also closely connected with the Christmas Train of Lights. The train runs from Paignton to Kingswear on the opposite bank of the River Dart, with views across the water towards the illuminated town of Dartmouth adding to the experience.

See the Candlelit Dartmouth 2026 programme.

For planning a separate visit, see our guide to things to do in Dartmouth.


Is Bay of Lights Worth Visiting?

We think so.

The important thing is to see Bay of Lights as more than a quick walk past some Christmas decorations.

Torre Abbey Gardens, projection mapping, large illuminated installations, music, interactive displays, and Torquay’s waterfront make the trail feel like a proper event.

It is particularly good for families, but we visited as a couple and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Being free also makes a considerable difference. You can spend as long or as little as you like on the trail and choose whether to add paid activities, food, drinks or Christmas shopping.

We really enjoyed the excitement and atmosphere of opening night, when the crowds, entertainment and build-up made the evening feel like a proper Christmas event. If we returned, though, we would also be tempted to visit later in the Christmas period to experience the trail when it is quieter.


Bay of Lights Torquay 2026 FAQs

When is Bay of Lights Torquay 2026?

Bay of Lights Torquay runs from Saturday 28 November 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027. The illumination trail operates every evening throughout the festive period.

What time do the Torquay Christmas lights come on?

The Bay of Lights Illumination Trail starts at 4.30pm each day. Sound elements finish at 9.30pm and the lighting displays remain illuminated until 11pm.

Is Bay of Lights Torquay free?

Yes. The main 1.5-mile Torquay Illumination Trail is free to visit and no ticket is required. Some additional attractions, including ice skating, are separately charged.

Where does the Bay of Lights trail start?

The trail runs between Torre Abbey and Torquay Harbourside and can be walked in either direction. We favour starting at Torre Abbey at around 4.30pm, particularly if you also want to visit the Christmas Market.

How long is the Bay of Lights trail?

The Torquay Bay of Lights Illumination Trail is approximately 1.5 miles long, with around 20 major illuminated installations planned along the route for 2026, alongside additional displays.

How long should I allow for Bay of Lights?

Allow at least one hour for the trail. With children, photography stops or time spent enjoying the interactive displays, we would allow around one to two hours.

Is Bay of Lights good for children?

Yes. Bay of Lights is very family-friendly. The trail is free, there are interactive displays and moving projections, and the route is suitable for pushchairs. The real ice rink at Abbey Park also returns for Christmas 2026.

Is Bay of Lights wheelchair accessible?

The organisers describe the 1.5-mile illumination trail as fully accessible. Much of the route follows established seafront promenades and paths through the gardens. Visitors with specific accessibility requirements should check the latest event information before travelling.

Are there fireworks at Bay of Lights Torquay 2026?

Yes. Free fireworks above Torquay Harbourside are confirmed for the opening evening on Saturday 28 November 2026. The exact display time has yet to be announced.

Do I need to visit Bay of Lights on opening night?

No. The trail runs every evening until 3 January 2027. Opening night has the biggest atmosphere, entertainment and fireworks, but it is also likely to be one of the busiest nights. A later evening should be quieter.

Is there an ice rink in Torquay at Christmas 2026?

Yes. The real ice rink at Abbey Park returns from 28 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, except Christmas Day. It will have a larger skating area and longer opening hours, and bookings are now open.

Where can I park for Bay of Lights Torquay?

Torquay has several council car parks within walking distance of the trail, including Shedden Hill, Lower Union Lane, Abbey Park, Beacon Quay and Torquay Harbour. Opening night and December weekends can be particularly busy, so arriving before darkness falls is worth considering.

Can I get to Bay of Lights by train?

Yes. Torquay railway station is a short walk from Torre Abbey, making it particularly convenient for the western end of the illumination trail.

Can you visit Bay of Lights in the rain?

Yes, but the illumination trail is outdoors along Torquay seafront, so bring waterproof clothing and suitable footwear if rain is forecast. Severe weather could affect individual attractions or events, so check official updates before travelling.

What else can I do near Bay of Lights?

Nearby options include Torre Abbey, Torquay Harbour, Cockington and Babbacombe. You could also combine a Christmas break with Paignton’s Christmas Train of Lights, Brixham, Totnes or Dartmouth.


ℹ️
Before you travel
We make every effort to keep this Bay of Lights guide up to date, but event times, individual installations, entertainment, parking arrangements and other festive activities can change.

Some parts of the wider 2026 programme are still being announced. Weather may also affect outdoor events. We recommend checking the official Bay of Lights Illumination Trail website before travelling for the latest information.


Final Tips for Visiting Bay of Lights Torquay

Our biggest tip is don’t rush it.

The 1.5-mile distance makes Bay of Lights sound like a relatively short walk, but you’ll have much more to enjoy if you take time to stop, watch the installations, listen to the music, and soak up the atmosphere.

We would arrive before or around dusk, especially if driving, and start at Torre Abbey around 4.30 pm. Opening night should provide the biggest atmosphere, but it will also be one of the busiest evenings of the entire Christmas period.

For a more relaxed experience, choose another evening in December.

And if you are travelling from further afield, consider staying rather than driving straight home. We thoroughly enjoyed our day in Torquay last Christmas, but leaving before the fireworks is one reason we might be tempted to make our next visit a weekend.

With Torquay’s lights, Paignton’s Christmas Train of Lights, Brixham’s harbour, Totnes Christmas shopping, and Dartmouth all within reach, there’s plenty to fill a festive break in South Devon.

Official information: Bay of Lights Illumination Trail

Explore more: Things to Do in Torquay | Things to Do in Paignton | Things to Do in Brixham | Things to Do in Totnes | Things to Do in Dartmouth


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