Christmas Eve, Twixmas and New Year in Exeter 2025/26

What’s on, what’s open, things to do.

Christmas in Exeter is not limited to a handful of festive events. It unfolds across the city and into the quieter days between Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve, often known as Twixmas, before continuing into the New Year. With historic streets, riverside walks, woodland paths, open beaches and countryside close by, Exeter is an ideal base for a winter break that combines festive atmosphere with fresh air and relaxed exploration.

This guide brings together the best things to do in and around Exeter throughout December and early January: city highlights, winter activities, beach and riverside walks, New Year events, and straightforward day trips from the city.

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Christmas in Exeter

Christmas Eve in Exeter is one of the liveliest days of the festive season. The city centre is busy from late morning onwards, with last-minute shoppers filling High Street, Princesshay, Fore Street and Gandy Street. Cafés and pubs are full of people fitting in final meet-ups before Christmas Day, and the atmosphere is sociable rather than rushed, with a shared sense that everything is about to pause.

As the afternoon moves into evening, attention turns from shopping to celebrating. Many pubs and bars stay open late on Christmas Eve, and it is traditionally one of the busiest nights of the year for going out in Exeter. Friends, colleagues and returning locals gather for drinks, particularly around the Cathedral Quarter and central streets.

Alongside this, Christmas Eve services at Exeter Cathedral offer a contrasting pace. Carol services earlier in the evening and Midnight Mass later on attract large congregations, and walking across Cathedral Green afterwards, with the city quieter but not yet closed down, is a distinctive part of Christmas Eve in Exeter. It is one of the moments when the social and reflective sides of the season sit side by side.

Christmas Day itself feels very different. The city quietens noticeably, streets are mainly empty, and traffic is minimal. Morning services at the cathedral and local churches continue, while elsewhere the day becomes about slowing down and stepping outside.

Riverside walks from the Quayside are popular, offering flat paths and open views with very little activity around the city. Trips to the coast are also common, with winter walks along the beaches at Exmouth and Budleigh Salterton appealing for their space, sea air and sense of tradition.

Christmas Day swims have become an established part of the festive scene in recent years, particularly along the East Devon coast. Informal and organised dips usually take place earlier in the day and are often watched by as many people as take part, adding to the communal feel even for those staying dry.

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Christmas at Exeter Cathedral

Exeter Cathedral plays a central role in the city’s festive season, with a programme that usually includes Advent and Christmas services, carol services, Midnight Mass, Christmas Day worship and events extending into the New Year. Alongside regular services, the Cathedral often hosts concerts, light installations and other seasonal events. Complete and up-to-date information on what’s on, daily service times, opening hours, and any ticketed events is published by the Cathedral itself. Visitors are advised to check the official Advent and Christmas pages and the daily calendar on the Exeter Cathedral website before planning a visit. As a working cathedral, access to some areas may be limited during services. While many services are free to attend, concerts and special events may require booking.

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Boxing Day sales and Christmas opening hours in Exeter

Boxing Day remains a draw for shopping in Exeter, although for many people the focus has shifted online. In the city itself, opening hours can vary widely from shop to shop. Many central streets and main shopping areas welcome bargain hunters on 26 December, while some major retailers now choose not to open their physical stores at all, directing customers instead to online Boxing Day sales.

Princesshay and High Street Exeter shopping hours

The Princesshay shopping area operates a Boxing Day schedule of around 10.30 am to 4.30 pm, giving visitors plenty of time to browse sales and discounted stock before or after a winter walk around the city. This applies to many fashion and lifestyle stores in the centre, though individual shop hours can vary. 

Major retailers and expected hours

• Primark (Guildhall Shopping Centre) – In most years, the Exeter Primark opens on Boxing Day, typically from around 09.00 am to mid-afternoon on 26 December.
• Boots – National chains like Boots generally participate in Boxing Day trading, opening from about 09.00 am to 6.00 pm, with sale items available throughout the day.
• H&M – High street fashion stores such as H&M often open on Boxing Day with reduced hours, generally similar to other High Street retailers.
• Marks & Spencer (M&S) – Most standard M&S stores remain closed on Boxing Day as part of broader retailer trends to give staff a break, though a few convenience or service station branches may open with limited hours.
• Next and John Lewis – both brands have confirmed in recent years that many of their UK high-street stores are closed on Boxing Day, with online sales taking precedence instead.

Several supermarkets stay open on Boxing Day with reduced hours:

• Asda and Morrisons – Most branches tend to open 9.00 am to 6.00 pm, offering a chance to pick up essentials or seasonal bargains.
• Tesco – Tesco Express stores often open around 9.00 am to 7.00 pm, while larger Tesco Superstores and Extras typically trade 9.00 am to 6.00 pm on Boxing Day.
• M&S Food and many other supermarkets – Many convenience formats (including some M&S Food) operate reduced hours on Boxing Day, though full-size department stores are usually closed.

Stores likely closed on Boxing Day.

Several major chains, including John Lewis, Next, Aldi, Lidl and Marks & Spencer department stores, typically remain closed on 26 December, with most staff taking the bank holiday off. Smaller independent shops around the city often open later in the day or close entirely over the festive period, so it is worth checking individual business notices before you visit.

Eating and transport

Cafés, pubs and restaurants around the city centre and Quayside generally adjust for the holidays, keeping doors open through the Boxing Day period with menus suited to shoppers and day visitors. Public transport operates on a holiday timetable on 26 December, so planning journeys in advance helps avoid delays on buses or trains.

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Theatres and pantomimes in Exeter this Christmas

Exeter’s theatres play a big part in the festive season, with pantomimes and Christmas shows running throughout December and into early January. These productions are designed to fit easily around Christmas, Boxing Day and Twixmas plans, making them a reliable choice for an evening out during a winter break.

The Wizard of Oz at Exeter Corn Exchange

The main family pantomime at Exeter Corn Exchange for Christmas 2025 is The Wizard of Oz. Running from mid-December through to New Year’s Day, the production brings together music, comedy and familiar characters in a colourful retelling of the classic story. Performances are scheduled in the afternoons and evenings, making it easy to fit a visit around shopping, walks, or other festive activities.

Jack and the Beanstalk at Exeter Northcott Theatre

At the Exeter Northcott Theatre, the Christmas pantomime for the 2025–26 season is Jack and the Beanstalk. The show runs from late November through early January and is one of the city’s longest-running festive productions. Alongside family performances, the programme usually includes a small number of adults-only evenings earlier in December, offering a different take on the traditional pantomime format.

The Jolly Christmas Postman at Barnfield Theatre

The Barnfield Theatre hosts The Jolly Christmas Postman during the second half of December. Aimed at younger audiences, this seasonal show is well-suited to families with children and makes an excellent early evening outing during the school holidays or Twixmas.

Other festive theatre and live performances

Alongside pantomimes, Exeter’s theatres and performance spaces usually programme a range of seasonal shows over Christmas. These can include festive concerts, comedy nights, and smaller theatre productions, offering alternatives for visitors seeking something different from a traditional panto. Nearby towns such as Exmouth, Topsham and Crediton often host their own Christmas performances, extending the choice beyond the city itself.

Planning ahead

Christmas theatre performances are among the most popular events of the season, especially during the period between Christmas and New Year. Booking in advance is recommended, particularly for weekend shows and family-friendly matinees.

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Ice Skating in Exeter

For a festive atmosphere right in the city, Exeter Winter Wonderland continues until Sunday, 28 December 2025 at Northernhay Gardens. It is well-suited to the run-up to Christmas and the early Twixmas period, with decorative lighting, seasonal food and drink, family rides, and a covered real-ice rink offering bookable skating sessions. It fits easily around shopping, walks and time in the city centre.

For ice skating that runs right through to the New Year, Westpoint Arena hosts its large indoor rink until Sunday, 4 January 2026. The fully covered rink offers a mix of general skating sessions, quieter slots and evening disco skates, with on-site facilities and free parking. It works well as a Twixmas or New Year activity and is an easy option for families, groups or anyone looking to include skating as part of a winter visit to Exeter.

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Twixmas in Exeter

The days between Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve offer a welcome change of pace. With the busiest part of the festive season behind you, Exeter settles into a calmer rhythm that suits wandering, lingering and doing less by design. Shops and cafés remain open, streets are easier to navigate, and there is time to enjoy the city without a fixed plan.

This in-between period is ideal for rediscovering familiar places or noticing details that are often missed. A quiet walk around the cathedral, an unhurried visit to a museum, or a riverside stroll along the Exe can feel more rewarding when there is no timetable to follow. Short trips out of the city, whether to the estuary, the coast or nearby woodland, also fit naturally into these slower days, offering fresh air and space before the New Year begins.

Exeter’s hidden history: tunnels, streets and stories

Twixmas is a great time to take in places that can feel crowded elsewhere in the year. The Underground Passages beneath the city streets offer something unusual and intriguing – hidden medieval tunnels and stories that contrast with the lighting and bustle above ground. Close by, the Custom House Visitor Centre on the Quay brings Exeter’s trading history to life, and works naturally as part of an easy riverside walk.

If you enjoy guided experiences, the city’s Red Coat walking tours continue throughout the winter months. These provide a structured way to understand Exeter’s rich past, while also giving you a reason to explore streets you might otherwise pass by.

For quieter, indoor time, the Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery is a reliable choice throughout the winter. Its collections span natural history, local archaeology, and world cultures, offering plenty to absorb on a grey afternoon or between outdoor activities.

Relaxed winter activities in Exeter

Twixmas is a good time to enjoy activities that add a little movement to the day without feeling demanding or time-bound. Indoor and low-key outdoor options work well, allowing you to stay active while keeping a relaxed pace.

On the Quayside, The Quay Climbing Centre offers indoor climbing routes suitable for complete beginners through to experienced climbers. Sessions can be as short or as long as you like, making it easy to fit around winter daylight and other plans. The riverside location also makes it well-suited for a walk along the Quay before or after climbing.

Bike hire is another flexible way to explore Exeter during the quieter days between Christmas and New Year. Bikes can be hired directly from the Quayside at Saddles & Paddles, which is well placed for joining traffic-free sections of the Exe Estuary Trail.

From here, it is easy to cycle towards Topsham or continue further out along the estuary if conditions allow. The route is mainly flat and well surfaced, making it suitable for relaxed winter cycling. Calm, dry days work best, and cycling offers a gentle way to see more of the river landscape without committing to a long walk.

For a slower pace, the spa facilities at St Sidwell’s Point suit the reflective feel of Twixmas. Pools, steam rooms, and heated spaces offer a warm respite from winter walks and are popular with visitors looking to rest and recharge between Christmas and the New Year.

Winter river cruises along the Exe also continue through this period. Operated by Stuart Line Cruises, these trips offer a sheltered and unhurried way to experience the estuary. They work exceptionally well on crisp, still days or when you want time outdoors without committing to a longer walk, and they offer a different perspective on the river, wildlife, and wide winter skies.

Together, these activities fit neatly into Twixmas days, offering movement, warmth and space without the pressure of a full schedule.

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Riverside and estuary walks

The River Exe plays a central role in Exeter’s winter appeal. The Quayside remains active throughout the festive season, with flat walking paths, historic warehouses, and views across the water that are good at any time of day.

From the Quay, it is possible to follow paths southwards towards the broader Exe Estuary. These routes are suitable for all abilities and are especially attractive in winter when the water reflects the low sun and migratory birds gather on the mudflats.

A short local train journey brings you to Topsham, one of the most rewarding Twixmas outings from the city. Topsham’s long quay, independent shops and places to eat make it a natural choice for a half or full day, and from there you can cycle or walk sections of the Exe Estuary Trail towards Exmouth or back towards Exeter. This area comes into its own in winter, with frequent bird sightings on open water and a refreshing sense of space.

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Winter beach walks near Exeter

Devon’s coastline takes on a different character in winter. Beaches are quieter, and the ambient light and sound of the sea make coastal exploration especially rewarding. For ideas beyond the city, our East Devon beaches guide highlights walks, access points and places that work particularly well outside the summer months.

Exmouth and Orcombe Point

Exmouth is the nearest seaside town and is easily reached by the regular train service that follows the estuary out to the bay. The long sandy beach and wide promenade are ideal for winter walks, with views reaching across Lyme Bay. On bright days, it is possible to see far along the coast, and the sheer scale of the open space gives a different pace from city life.

Orcombe Point, at the eastern end of Exmouth, marks the western gateway to the Jurassic Coast. The paths here rise above the beach and offer sweeping views of the bay and headland, making winter walking particularly satisfying when daylight is soft and skies are clear.

Dawlish, Dawlish Warren and Budleigh Salterton

To the west, Dawlish’s seafront combines level walking with dramatic waves against the sea wall in winter weather. Nearby Dawlish Warren offers sandy stretches, dunes and nature reserve paths that feel open and expansive at this time of year, and are worth exploring on extended coastal walks.

East of Exmouth, Budleigh Salterton’s pebble beach and red cliffs offer a quieter seaside experience. Winter walks along the shoreline or towards the adjacent nature reserve are gentle and reflective, appealing to anyone who enjoys the wide horizons of the south coast.

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Woodland and countryside walks

Beyond the coast and estuary, Exeter offers easy access to woodlands and rolling countryside well-suited for winter days.

Haldon Forest Park lies just to the south west of the city. Its network of trails ranges from easy woodland paths to longer routes that rise to viewpoints with distant perspectives over Devon. Winter brings a quieter atmosphere, and the open trails are a good choice for families, dog walkers and anyone wanting fresh air close to the city.

East of Exeter, Woodbury Common forms part of the East Devon Pebblebed Heaths. Sweeping views across heather, gorse and open land make it a strong option for winter walking and cycling, with sandy bridleways that feel uncluttered even on busier days.

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Easy day trips from Exeter

A short trip from Exeter takes you into varied landscapes, historic sites and vibrant towns, all of which are enjoyable in winter.

South of the city around Starcross, the river widens, and the landscape feels more open. Powderham Castle sits beside the estuary, with parkland walks that are pleasant in winter, and even when the house is operating reduced hours, the grounds offer good winter exploration.

Further along the coast, Sidmouth combines elegant high streets with riverside parks and clifftop viewpoints, while Seaton, Beer & Branscombe form a classic East Devon trio. Seaton’s broad esplanade and wetlands are easy places to walk, and a short hop to Beer brings a traditional fishing village, beach access and paths that rise above the shore.

Just north of Exeter, National Trust Killerton is a Georgian estate with extensive parkland and waymarked walks. Its balance of indoor and outdoor options works well in mixed weather, giving flexibility to longer or shorter day trips.

Close to Exmouth, A La Ronde is a unique historic house with an unusual interior and views over the estuary. Nearby Lympstone offers a gentle half-day by the water, with riverside paths and places to stop for refreshments.

An hour or so from Exeter brings you into Dartmoor National Park. Granite tors, river valleys and hillside paths make for classic winter walking and exploration, with options that suit differing abilities and weather conditions.

Between Exeter and Topsham, Darts Farm sits beside the lower Exe and brings together local food producers, cafés and outdoor space. Nearby, Greendale Farm Shop offers a similar stop with a focus on local produce, butchery and food halls. Both work well as part of a relaxed day out, fitting easily around estuary walks, coastal trips or time spent exploring the countryside.

For families, Crealy Theme Park and Resort offers rides, indoor play and animal encounters within a short drive of the city. It is a practical all-weather option with on-site facilities and food outlets, and it works well even in cooler months.

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New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day

Exeter has plenty of ways to see in the New Year, whether you are looking for a lively evening in town or something more considered. In the city centre, established venues host music and dancing on New Year’s Eve, with DJs and live sets running through to midnight and beyond. Places such as Fever Exeter and Exeter Phoenix are well known for ticketed New Year’s Eve events, while bars around Queen Street, Gandy Street and the High Street tend to offer themed nights and late openings.

Alongside these, many pubs provide a more relaxed way to celebrate the final evening of the year, often with food, drinks and background music rather than a full party atmosphere. This suits visitors who want to mark the occasion without committing to a late night or busy venue.

For those who prefer a planned evening, hotels and country house venues around Exeter organise New Year’s Eve dinners and events that bring everything together in one place. Winslade Manor often hosts a New Year’s Eve dinner and party, while Boringdon Hall Hotel, just beyond the city, is known for its formal New Year celebrations. Closer to Exeter, hotels such as Hotel Indigo Exeter and The Devon Hotel often offer special menus or overnight packages for guests seeking a quieter yet structured evening.

New Year’s Day itself is usually about slowing the pace. Many people start the year outdoors, making the most of Exeter’s easy access to water, coast and countryside. A riverside walk from the Quayside is a popular choice, while trips out to Exmouth or Budleigh Salterton offer winter beach walks and fresh sea air. Woodland trails at Haldon Forest Park offer another option, particularly on clear days when views extend across Devon.

A long-established local tradition is New Year’s Day racing at Exeter Racecourse. The meeting adds a sense of occasion to the first day of January, combining jump racing with food, drink and a social atmosphere that attracts both regular racegoers and visitors marking the start of the year.

Together, these options make it easy to shape New Year’s Eve in Exeter around your own pace, whether that means a lively night out, a planned dinner close to the city, or a fresh start outdoors on New Year’s Day.

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Practical tips for winter visits

Winter daylight is shorter, so outdoor activities are best planned earlier in the day. Exeter’s public transport network makes it easy to reach beaches and estuary walks without a car, particularly along the lines to Exmouth and Dawlish.

Layered clothing, waterproof footwear and wind-resistant outer layers will help you get the most from coastal and countryside walks through December and early January.

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A winter season that lasts

Christmas in Exeter does not end on 25 December. It continues through Twixmas and extends into the New Year in quieter moments by the river, on winter beaches, across woodland trails and along the city’s historic streets. With so much within easy reach, Exeter offers a winter experience that feels varied, accessible and rewarding, whether you are visiting for a few days or using the city as a base for exploring Devon.

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Christmas, Twixmas & New Year in Exeter: FAQs

What is there to do in Exeter at Christmas?

Christmas in Exeter includes festive shopping, cathedral services, seasonal theatre, riverside walks, winter beach trips and Christmas Eve celebrations. The city combines a lively centre with easy access to coast and countryside, making it popular for winter breaks.

What happens in Exeter during Twixmas?

Twixmas in Exeter refers to the quieter days between Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve. Shops, cafés and attractions remain open, but the pace is slower. It is an ideal time for museums, estuary walks, river cruises and short day trips to places like Topsham, Exmouth and the East Devon coast.

Is Exeter busy on Christmas Eve?

Yes. Christmas Eve is one of the busiest days of the festive season in Exeter. The city centre is lively with shoppers, social gatherings and pub visits, particularly around the Cathedral Quarter, Gandy Street and the High Street.

Is Exeter quiet on Christmas Day?

Very. Exeter becomes noticeably quieter on Christmas Day, with minimal traffic and closed shops. Cathedral and church services continue, while many people head out for riverside walks, coastal trips or informal Christmas Day swims nearby.

Are shops open in Exeter on Boxing Day?

Many shops reopen on Boxing Day with reduced hours, particularly around Princesshay and the High Street. Opening times vary by retailer, and some major chains remain closed, so it is best to check individual store websites before visiting.

Are Exeter’s attractions open between Christmas and New Year?

Most attractions operate reduced or seasonal hours during Twixmas. Museums, guided walks, river cruises and indoor activities usually continue, while exact opening times can vary around bank holidays.

What Christmas events take place at Exeter Cathedral?

Exeter Cathedral hosts Advent and Christmas services, including carol services, Midnight Mass, Christmas Day worship and early January events. Some special services and installations are ticketed, while regular worship is usually free to attend.

Are there pantomimes and shows in Exeter at Christmas?

Yes. Exeter’s theatres programme pantomimes and festive shows throughout December and into early January. Performances are spread across afternoons and evenings, making them easy to fit around Christmas and Twixmas plans.

What is Exeter like for New Year’s Eve?

New Year’s Eve in Exeter ranges from ticketed parties and live music to relaxed pub evenings. Venues across the city centre host themed nights, while nearby hotels and country house venues offer organised dinners and celebrations.

What can you do on New Year’s Day in Exeter?

New Year’s Day is often spent outdoors. Popular options include riverside walks from the Quayside, winter beach walks at Exmouth or Budleigh Salterton, woodland trails at Haldon Forest Park and the traditional New Year’s Day racing at Exeter Racecourse.

Is Exeter a good base for a winter break in Devon?

Yes. Exeter works well as a winter base thanks to its rail connections, compact centre and proximity to the coast, estuary, countryside and Dartmoor. Christmas and Twixmas offer variety without the crowds of peak summer months.

Information is correct at the time of writing but festive opening hours, events and services can change. Always check official websites before travelling or booking.

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Practicalities and other helpful links

Helpful Links

• Booking.com – for most accommodation needs. Look out for options that include free cancellation.
• Easy Tide – Free UK tidal prediction service, providing tidal data and tide times for the current day and 6 days into the future.
• Expedia – good for flights and packages.
• Get Your Guide – find and book things to see. Includes unusual things to do.
• Hostelworld – Hostel-focused booking platform that fosters backpack connections.
• MetOffice – Weather forecasts from the UK official meteorological office.
• National Express – UK-based coach operator providing long-distance bus services
• Omio – Book travel tickets by comparing trains, buses and planes in one search.
• Rental Cars – to search out and book hire cars.
• Rome2Rio – Great for comparing local transport options (and for locating bus stops).
• Ticketmaster – What’s On – Major Events – Venues – Bookings
• Trainline.com – our go-to online platform for booking train and bus tickets, offering route planning, price comparisons, seat reservations, and ticket sales.
• Traffic England – for live traffic updates on major roads.
• Traveline SW – Comprehensive public transport information from A to B by bus, coach, train, ferry in South West England and Great Britain.
• TripAdvisor – for reviews of… pretty much everything. Our go-to before booking anything.
• Vrbo – Great for self-catering and vacation holiday home rentals.

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Over to you … have you recently travelled to South West England? What worked for you? What advice would you give to others? Please leave your comments below or join in the discussion in our Facebook Group.