Devon Christmas Lights, Markets & Events 2026: Dates & Locations

Christmas in Devon brings together town-centre light switch-ons, Christmas markets, illuminated attractions and festive events across the county, from Exeter and Plymouth to North Devon, the English Riviera and smaller towns and villages.

Looking for Christmas lights, markets and festive events in Devon in 2026?

Towns and villages across the county celebrate the run-up to Christmas with light switch-ons, lantern parades, Christmas markets, late-night shopping and illuminated attractions throughout November and December.

This independent guide brings together confirmed Devon Christmas events for 2026, including light switch-ons, Christmas markets, illuminated gardens, festive train rides and decorated historic houses. Highlights include Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market and Plymouth Christmas Market, RHS Glow, the Bay of Lights, Seaton Tramway’s Polar Express, and the Dartmouth Steam Railway Christmas Train of Lights.

Dates are added as councils, attractions and organisers confirm their 2026 programmes, so bookmark this page if you are planning Christmas in Devon.

For more festive ideas, explore our detailed guides:

• Christmas in Exeter 2026 – markets, lights and events
• What’s On in South West England
• What’s On in Devon this Weekend

If your town, village or event is missing, we would love to hear from you. You can submit an event for free to our What’s On Calendar.

---

Disclosure: Some of the outbound links on this page are affiliate links to sites that we use and would genuinely recommend. Using them doesn’t cost you extra, but it does help support this free guide. We also provide links to other sites that we believe may be helpful to you. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

---

---

🎄 Devon Christmas Light Switch-On Events 2026

🌟 Plymouth City Centre Christmas Lights Switch-On

Thursday 12 November 2026
Where: The Piazza, Armada Way, Plymouth

Plymouth City Centre Christmas Lights Switch-On is one of the first major Devon Christmas events of the season.

The 2026 switch-on takes place on Thursday 12 November at the Piazza on Armada Way, marking the start of the city’s festive celebrations.

Further details of the entertainment programme and precise switch-on time are due to be announced closer to the event.

Plymouth traditionally holds a separate Christmas lights celebration around the Barbican and Sutton Harbour. We will add the 2026 date here once the organisers confirm it.

---

🏮 Brixham – Lanterns, Lights & ‘Luminations

Friday 20 to Saturday 21 November 2026
Where: Brixham town centre and harbour

Lanterns, Lights & ‘Luminations returns to Brixham for two days of Christmas celebrations around the harbour and town centre.

The programme includes a colourful lantern parade, Christmas lights switch-on, street market, live music and family entertainment, followed by a fireworks display over the harbour.

The market is scheduled to run from 4 pm to 7 pm on Friday and from 10 am to 7 pm on Saturday.

Brixham is particularly atmospheric after dark, when the harbour lights combine with the town’s Christmas displays and illuminated boats.

If you’re visiting from further afield, this is one of the Devon Christmas events that can easily become a weekend break around Brixham and the wider English Riviera.

---

🎄 Honiton Christmas Tree Lights Switch-On

Saturday 21 November 2026
Where: Honiton town centre and Mackarness Hall

Honiton welcomes the festive season with its Christmas lights switch-on, Santa and entertainment in the town centre from 4 pm to 7 pm.

A Christmas Market will also take place in Mackarness Hall from 10 am to 7 pm, with stalls offering an opportunity to pick up Christmas gifts and seasonal treats before the evening celebrations.

The combination of the daytime market and evening lights makes this an easy event to build into a festive day out in Honiton.

---

🎄 South Molton Christmas Lights Switch-On

Saturday 21 November 2026
Where: The Square, Broad Street and Pannier Market, South Molton

South Molton begins its festive season with Christmas celebrations around The Square, Broad Street and the Pannier Market.

The event starts at 5 pm, with festive stalls, food and entertainment in the town centre before the Christmas lights are switched on at 7 pm.

The Pannier Market provides a useful indoor focus for the evening, while the celebrations spread into the surrounding streets in the centre of South Molton.

---

---

✨ Sidmouth Christmas Lights Switch-On & Late Night Shopping

Saturday 21 November 2026
Where: Market Place, Sidmouth

Sidmouth Christmas Lights Switch-On & Late Night Shopping takes place in Market Place on Saturday 21 November.

The lights are scheduled to be switched on at 5.30 pm, with shops remaining open late as part of an evening organised by the Sidmouth Chamber of Commerce.

The event runs from 5.30 pm to 8 pm.

A second late-night shopping evening is planned for Friday 4 December.

👉 You may also like to read our Sidmouth Travel Guide.

---

🎅 Newton Abbot Christmas Lights Switch-On

Saturday 21 November 2026, 12 noon to 6 pm
Where: Newton Abbot town centre and St Leonard’s Clock Tower

Newton Abbot Christmas Lights Switch-On brings a full afternoon of entertainment, street food, craft stalls and free activities for children to the town centre.

The festivities culminate at St Leonard’s Clock Tower, where Father Christmas will switch on Newton Abbot’s Christmas lights.

The event runs from 12 noon until 6 pm and is free to attend.

---

🎄 Christmas in Dawlish

Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 November 2026
Where: The Lawn and The Strand, Dawlish

Christmas in Dawlish returns for a two-day celebration with more than 50 festive market stalls, live music, family entertainment and Father Christmas.

Saturday’s celebrations run from 12pm to 7pm. A lantern display begins along The Strand at 4.30pm, leading towards The Lawn ahead of the Christmas lights switch-on at 5pm. Festive music and the evening market continue afterwards.

The celebrations continue on Sunday from 10am to 4pm, with the festive market, entertainment and another opportunity for children to meet Father Christmas.

---

🎄 Barnstaple Christmas Lights Switch-On

Thursday 26 November 2026, 5pm to 8pm
Where: Barnstaple town centre

Barnstaple’s Christmas celebrations get underway with an evening of entertainment, late-night shopping and the town’s Christmas lights switch-on.

Entertainment begins from 5pm, with the Christmas lights officially switched on at 6pm. Festive activities will take place around The Square and The Strand, while Mr and Mrs Claus will be at the Guildhall from 5pm to 8pm.

Shops and the Pannier Market will stay open until 8pm, and free parking is available from 4pm. Road closures will be in place during the event.

---

🎄 Combe Christmas – Lighting of the Lights, Ilfracombe

Friday 27 November 2026
Where: Ilfracombe town centre

Ilfracombe welcomes the festive season with Combe Christmas and the annual Lighting of the Lights celebration.

The event brings the community together for the town’s Christmas lights switch-on, with further details of the entertainment and timings still to be announced.

Check the official programme before travelling as more information about the 2026 celebrations is expected closer to the event.

---

🧜 Candlelit Dartmouth

Friday 27 to Saturday 28 November 2026
Where: Royal Avenue Gardens and Dartmouth town centre

Candlelit Dartmouth brings two days of festive celebrations to one of South Devon’s most attractive waterfront towns.

The programme includes a lantern procession, live music and a seasonal market in Royal Avenue Gardens, with the town’s Christmas lights adding to the atmosphere.

Father Christmas is also set to arrive by fire engine.

The combination of independent shops, pubs, restaurants and the historic waterfront makes Candlelit Dartmouth particularly easy to combine with a winter day out or weekend away.

👉 You may also like to read our Dartmouth Travel Guide.

---

---

🎄 Ivybridge Christmas Festival

Friday 27 November 2026
Where: Ivybridge town centre

Ivybridge Christmas Festival brings festive markets, food, live music and entertainment to the town centre, with activities around Fore Street, Erme Court, The Watermark and Glanvilles Mill.

Indoor and outdoor market stalls will be joined by late-night shopping, giving visitors an opportunity to browse local businesses and pick up Christmas gifts.

The town’s Christmas lights are switched on at 6 pm, forming the centrepiece of the evening celebrations.

---

🎄 Budleigh Salterton Christmas Late Night Shopping

Friday 27 November 2026, from 5.30 pm
Where: Budleigh Salterton town centre

Budleigh Salterton’s Christmas Late Night Shopping returns on Friday 27 November, with the town centre coming alive with festive entertainment and independent shops staying open late.

The traditional opening parade begins at 6pm, with Father Christmas, local schoolchildren and the Honiton Twirlstars Majorettes making their way through the town. A Christmas carol service follows at around 6.15pm.

There will also be performances from local choirs, singers, Morris dancers and majorettes, along with Santa’s Grotto and festive refreshments throughout the evening.

---

✨ Exmouth Winter Festival

Saturday 28 November 2026, 3pm to 7.30pm
Where: The Strand, Exmouth

Exmouth Winter Festival marks the start of the town’s Christmas celebrations with a free afternoon and evening of festive entertainment on The Strand.

The programme includes local choirs, walkabout characters and a colourful lantern parade, alongside the switching on of Exmouth’s Christmas tree lights.

Local shops and cafés stay open later, while stalls offer festive food and drink and free Christmas crafts.

---

🎄 Crediton Christmas Lights Switch-On

Saturday 28 November 2026
Where: Crediton Town Square

Crediton welcomes the festive season with its annual Christmas lights switch-on in the Town Square on Saturday 28 November.

The day’s celebrations are due to begin from 1 pm, with the Christmas lights switch-on forming part of the town’s festive programme.

Further details of the entertainment and activities are still to be announced, so check the latest programme before travelling.

---

🎄 Cullompton Christmas Lights Switch-On

Saturday 28 November 2026, 4 pm to 6 pm
Where: Higher Bullring, Cullompton

Cullompton begins its festive celebrations with the town’s Christmas lights switch-on at the Higher Bullring.

The free town-centre event runs from 4 pm to 6 pm, bringing the community together for the start of the Christmas season.

The central location makes it easy to combine the celebrations with Cullompton’s shops, cafés and other town-centre businesses.

---

🧜 Seaton Christmas Light Switch-On and Christmas Market

Saturday 28 November 2026
Where: Seaton town centre

Seaton Christmas Light Switch-On and Christmas Market combines the town’s festive illuminations with an independent Christmas market and an afternoon of family entertainment.

The Christmas market opens at 12 noon, with the official Christmas lights celebrations beginning at 4 pm.

Father Christmas, family activities, carol singing and late-night shopping are also planned.

👉 You may also like to read our Seaton Travel Guide.

---

🎄 Bideford Christmas Lights Switch-On

Sunday 29 November 2026
Where: Bideford Quay

Bideford Christmas Lights Switch-On launches the festive season on the town’s historic Quay.

The event is expected to include live entertainment, music, seasonal food and drink, family activities and Christmas market stalls before the town’s Christmas lights are illuminated.

The waterfront setting makes this one of North Devon’s larger community Christmas celebrations.

---

🎁 Festive Good Food and Craft Markets, Royal William Yard

2, 6, 9, 13, 16 and 20 December 2026
The Festive Good Food and Craft Markets at Royal William Yard bring more than 60 stalls to Plymouth’s historic waterfront. Visitors can browse locally made ceramics, candles, artwork, gifts and artisan produce while enjoying hot food, seasonal drinks and festive illuminations. Wednesday evening markets run from 5 pm to 9 pm, while Sunday markets take place from 10 am to 3 pm.

---

🎄 Okehampton Edwardian Evening

Thursday 3 December 2026, 5pm to 8pm
Where: Okehampton town centre

Okehampton’s annual Edwardian Evening returns on Thursday 3 December, bringing a traditional festive evening to the town centre.

The free event runs from 5pm to 8pm, with Okehampton’s Christmas lights switched on at 6.30pm. Expect music, festive entertainment and a lively town-centre atmosphere as shops and businesses join the celebrations.

The Edwardian Evening is traditionally held on the first Thursday in December and is organised by Okehampton BID.

---

🎩 Dickensian Evening, Tavistock

4 December 2026
Tavistock steps back into Victorian times for its atmospheric Dickensian Evening. Independent shops remain open late while choirs, bands, street entertainers and costumed shopkeepers bring the town centre to life. Visitors can also browse craft, food and gift stalls around the streets and Butchers’ Hall, with seasonal entertainment for families.

---

🌿 Christmas Wreath Workshops near Exeter

4, 5, 8 and 9 December 2026
Create a traditional Christmas door wreath during these Christmas Wreath Workshops at the British Academy of Floral Art near Exeter. Participants use seasonal foliage, berries, pinecones and decorations, with expert guidance and all materials included. Tea, coffee, festive treats and a glass of fizz are also provided. Places are limited, and booking is required.

---

🎁 North Devon Christmas Market, Braunton

5 December 2026, 12 pm to 8 pm
The North Devon Christmas Market returns to Braunton with craft stalls selling handmade jewellery, clothing, sweet treats and original Christmas gifts. Visitors can enjoy international street food, live performances from local choirs, dancers and musicians, plus children’s rides and inflatables. Entry is free.

---

🎄 Kingsbridge Celebrates Christmas

Saturday 5 December 2026
Where: Kingsbridge town centre and Town Square

Kingsbridge Celebrates Christmas brings a full day of festive activities to the town centre, with Christmas stalls, a farmers’ market, crafts and family entertainment.

A free ice rink will be set up in the Town Square, while Father Christmas is also due to make an appearance during the day.

The celebrations culminate with the Christmas lights switch-on at 4.30 pm, making this one of the larger community Christmas events in South Devon.

---

RNLI Christmas Light Switch On, Clovelly

Sunday 6 December 2026, from 4 pm

Clovelly’s Christmas celebrations take place against the memorable backdrop of its cobbled streets and historic harbour. The evening traditionally includes Christmas carols, festive food, the switching on of the village lights and a firework display.

The event supports Clovelly RNLI. Check the official Clovelly events programme for admission arrangements and final timings before visiting.

---

---

🛍️ Devon Christmas Markets and Festive Events 2026

Where to find Christmas events in Devon: Exeter and Plymouth host some of the county’s largest city-centre Christmas programmes. Meanwhile, the English Riviera combines Brixham’s switch-on celebrations with illuminated attractions in Torquay and Paignton. North Devon highlights include RHS Glow at Rosemoor and Bideford’s Christmas lights, while East Devon towns such as Sidmouth and Seaton hold traditional community celebrations.

Christmas in Devon extends well beyond town-centre light switch-ons. November and December bring Christmas markets, illuminated gardens, festive railway journeys and seasonal events at attractions across the county, making many of the events below suitable for a full festive day out or winter weekend away.

For an even more comprehensive shopping-focused roundup, see our guide to the Best Christmas markets in Devon.

---

Affinity Christmas Market, Bideford

🎁 Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 November 2026, 10 am to 4 pm

The Affinity Christmas Market, at Affinity Devon Outlet Shopping Centre, Bideford, brings more than 70 festive stalls to the Bideford shopping centre. Visitors can browse handmade crafts, jewellery, candles, personalised presents, seasonal treats and locally produced food and drink.

Live music, choirs, festive characters, workshops, circus performances and a Christmas trail add to the atmosphere. Admission and parking are free, making this an easy early season event for families and Christmas shoppers.

---

🎁 Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market

13 November to 13 December 2026

Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market returns to Cathedral Green for a month of festive shopping, food and drink beneath Exeter Cathedral.

More than 100 festive chalets are planned for 2026, with crafts, gifts, jewellery, West Country produce, street food and seasonal drinks among the attractions.

Entry is free. The market opens from 10 am Monday to Saturday and 11 am on Sundays, with later evening opening until 9 pm from Thursday to Saturday.

We know Exeter well and have visited the Christmas Market ourselves. Its Cathedral Green setting is particularly atmospheric after dark, and the central location makes it easy to combine with Exeter’s Christmas lights, independent shops, Cathedral, Guildhall and other city-centre attractions.

👉 For parking, Park and Ride, opening times, the best time to visit and our first-hand tips, see our complete Exeter Christmas Market 2026 guide.

---

🎁 Love Local Gift Market, Tavistock

14 November 2026
The Love Local Gift Market fills Tavistock’s historic Butchers’ Hall with independent traders, local makers and artisan producers. Visitors can browse distinctive Christmas gifts, handmade products and locally produced food and drink while supporting small businesses from across the area.

---

✨ Winter Twilight Fest, Crealy Theme Park

14 to 15, 21 to 22 and 28 to 29 November 2026
Crealy Theme Park near Exeter stays open later for three festive weekends, offering rides after dark and colourful winter illuminations throughout the park. Visitors can experience family attractions beneath the lights, including two of Crealy’s newest rides. Full opening times and ticket details are expected nearer the event.

---

⛸️ North Devon Christmas Ice Rink, Barnstaple

20 November to 31 December 2026
The North Devon Christmas Ice Rink returns to Ashford Garden Centre near Barnstaple with outdoor skating, festive music and twinkling lights. The real ice rink is open daily, with skate hire included in the ticket price. Special sessions include ice discos, toddler skating, family sessions and Santa’s Grotto skating. Booking is recommended, particularly at weekends and during the school holidays.

---

🎁 Wintertide, Buckfastleigh

21 November 2026
Wintertide returns to Buckfastleigh for a festive celebration of creativity, community and local craftsmanship. The carefully curated market brings together artists, designers and independent makers from across the South West, alongside seasonal food, drinks and family activities. It is a good opportunity to find original Christmas gifts while supporting local businesses.

---

🎄 Christmas at Arlington Court

21 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, selected dates
Enjoy a Storybook Christmas at Arlington Court, with festive decorations, a family trail and seasonal activities around the National Trust estate. The programme also includes a small Christmas market and late evening openings on selected December dates. Normal admission charges apply and opening days vary during the festive period, so check before travelling.

---

🎄 1940s Christmas at Greenway, near Brixham

Weekends from 21 November to 20 December and daily 27 to 31 December 2026

Christmas at Greenway takes Agatha Christie’s former holiday home back to the 1940s.

The displays are inspired by the true story of children evacuated from London to Greenway during the Second World War.

The house is decorated in a “make do and mend” style with handmade decorations, period-inspired presents and Christmas trees, while families can follow a teddy bear trail through the winter garden.

Greenway is open from 11 am to 4 pm on event days and normal National Trust admission applies.

Visitors arriving by car need to reserve a parking space in advance.

---

✨ A Very Miniature Christmas, Babbacombe Model Village

21 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, selected dates

A Very Miniature Christmas brings seasonal scenes, music and thousands of Christmas lights to Babbacombe Model Village in Torquay.

Children can follow a Christmas character trail to find miniature Santas and elves, while admission also includes access to the indoor attractions and nine-hole crazy golf.

Illuminations begin from 3.30 pm on selected days.

Arriving while it is still light gives visitors a chance to explore the miniature scenes by day before the gardens illuminate after dark.

The attraction is closed on 25 and 26 December and 1 January.

---

🎁 Buckfast Abbey Christmas Market, Buckfastleigh

26 to 28 November 2026

Buckfast Abbey Christmas Market returns for three days of festive shopping within the Abbey grounds.

Decorated stalls showcase handcrafted gifts, artisan products, winter clothing, Christmas decorations and seasonal food and treats, with festive entertainment adding to the atmosphere.

The market is open from 10 am to 5 pm each day.

Entry and visitor parking are free, although the Abbey advises that the event can become extremely busy, so allow additional time for parking during peak periods.

---

🎁 Plymouth Christmas Market

26 November to 20 December 2026
Plymouth Christmas Market returns to the city centre with rows of decorated wooden chalets offering artisan crafts, Christmas gifts and seasonal food. Visitors can browse jewellery, knitwear and decorations or enjoy crêpes, bratwurst, Dutch pancakes and mulled wine. The market takes place around the Piazza and provides a festive focus for Christmas shopping in Plymouth.

---

✨ Festive Cheer and Late Night Shopping, Ottery St Mary

27 November 2026
Ottery St Mary welcomes the Christmas season with its annual Festive Cheer event, featuring late-night shopping, festive stalls and entertainment around the town centre and St Mary’s Church. The celebration traditionally includes live music, choirs, a steam engine, a torchlit procession and the switching on of the town’s Christmas lights. Visitors can also see the Christmas Tree Festival inside the church.

---

🎄 Christmas at Castle Drogo

Weekends from 27 November, then daily from 21 to 31 December 2026, excluding 24 to 26 December
Celebrate 100 years of Christmas at Castle Drogo, with festive displays exploring how Christmas traditions have changed during the castle’s first century. Visitors can explore the decorated rooms and enjoy seasonal activities within the dramatic surroundings of the last castle built in England. Normal National Trust admission charges apply.

---

🚋 The Polar Express Tram Ride, Seaton Tramway

Selected dates from 27 November to 24 December 2026
Board The Polar Express Tram Ride at Seaton Tramway for a festive journey from Seaton to the North Pole. The experience includes storytelling and entertainment aboard the decorated tram, with hot chocolate and a cookie served during the journey. Families can meet Santa, join in with Christmas carols and receive a silver sleigh bell to take home. The experience lasts approximately two and a half hours, and booking is essential.

---

🎁 Christmas Shopping Fayre, Westpoint Exeter

27 to 29 November 2026

The Christmas Shopping Fayre at Westpoint Exeter brings hundreds of exhibitors together for three days of festive shopping.

Expect gifts, crafts, decorations, seasonal food and a wide mix of independent traders under one roof.

The indoor setting makes it a useful Christmas event whatever the November weather, while free parking is available at Westpoint.

---

🚂 Christmas Train of Lights, Dartmouth Steam Railway

27 November to 30 December 2026

The Christmas Train of Lights returns to the Dartmouth Steam Railway for illuminated steam train journeys between Paignton and Kingswear.

Thousands of lights, animated displays, festive scenes and music transform the railway’s coastal route through Torbay and alongside the River Dart.

The experience departs from Queen’s Park Station in Paignton and is designed to be enjoyed from aboard the train.

This is one of Devon’s most popular Christmas attractions, so booking is strongly recommended, particularly on weekends and in the lead-up to Christmas.

---

✨ RHS Glow at RHS Garden Rosemoor, Great Torrington

Selected dates from 27 November to 30 December 2026

RHS Glow at RHS Garden Rosemoor transforms the gardens near Great Torrington with colourful illuminations, music and glowing displays.

The light trail runs after dark, offering one of North Devon’s larger Christmas illumination experiences.

Glow runs from 4.30 pm to 8.30 pm, with timed arrivals and last entry to the trail at 7.15 pm.

Christmas craft fairs are also planned for 27 to 29 November and 5 to 6 December, with silent disco evenings on 11 and 12 December.

Booking is required.

---

🎄 Christmas at Killerton

28 November 2026 to 3 January 2027
Step back into the 1920s during Christmas at Killerton, where the house is decorated to evoke an Acland family Christmas in 1924. Visitors can explore festive rooms, see Christmas trees created by local community groups and follow a seasonal trail through the grounds. Killerton is closed on 25 and 26 December, with normal National Trust admission charges applying.

---

✨ Christmas at Knightshayes

28 November 2026 to 3 January 2027
Christmas at Knightshayes brings a Merry and Bright theme to the Victorian country house, with colourful decorations, illuminated displays and seasonal activities. Special late-night openings are planned on selected dates during December, offering an opportunity to see the house and grounds after dark. Knightshayes is closed from 24 to 26 December, and normal National Trust admission charges apply.

---

🎄 Christmas at Buckland Abbey

28 November 2026 to 4 January 2027
Buckland Abbey steps back into the 1950s for a nostalgic White Christmas. The decorated Abbey evokes a traditional postwar Christmas, with seasonal music, visiting choirs, and historic cookery demonstrations on selected dates. Buckland Abbey is closed on 25 and 26 December, with normal National Trust admission charges applying.

---

🎅 Bovey Tracey Christmas Market and Light Switch On

28 November 2026, 2 pm to 6 pm
Bovey Tracey Christmas Market and Light Switch On brings festive stalls, crafts, gifts, food and drinks to Fore Street. Local schoolchildren will lead the carol singing before the countdown to the town’s Christmas lights being switched on. The event is free to attend.

---

🎁 Moretonhampstead Christmas Market and Light Switch On

28 November 2026, 2 pm to 6 pm
The Moretonhampstead Christmas Market and Light Switch On brings festive stalls, seasonal gifts and entertainment to The Square. Local makers, independent businesses, charities and community groups will take part, with the town’s Christmas lights switched on at 5.30 pm. The event is free to attend.

---

🎄 Christmas in Teignmouth

28 November 2026
Christmas in Teignmouth brings a festive market and seasonal entertainment to the town centre. Visitors can browse stalls from local traders and enjoy the Christmas atmosphere as the community gathers to celebrate the start of the festive season.

---

🎁 Lupton House Christmas Fayre, near Brixham

Saturday 28 to Sunday 29 November 2026

Lupton House Christmas Fayre brings festive stalls, seasonal food and drink, cakes and family activities to the historic house near Brixham.

Father Christmas will be visiting throughout the weekend, and the house cafe will also be open for refreshments.

The fayre runs from 10 am to 4 pm each day, with £1 cash admission and free on-site parking.

---

🎁 Christmas at the Castle, Powderham

Sunday 29 November to Wednesday 30 December 2026

Where: Powderham Castle, near Exeter

Christmas at the Castle transforms Powderham Castle and its grounds with twinkling lights, festive displays and seasonal music. Decorated rooms and illuminated pathways create an atmospheric setting for a Christmas visit.

Opening days and times may vary during the event, so check the official programme and book tickets before travelling.

---

🎁 South Molton Winter Wonderland

Friday 4 December 2026, 6 pm to 9 pm

South Molton Pannier Market and Drovers Yard host a festive Winter Wonderland with Christmas stalls, seasonal food and live entertainment.

The evening includes live choirs and real reindeer, adding another Christmas event to the town’s festive programme following the November lights switch-on.

The event runs from 6 pm to 9 pm in and around the Pannier Market and Drovers Yard.

---

🎁 Totnes Christmas Markets and Late Night Shopping

Tuesdays 8, 15 and 22 December 2026, 3 pm to 9 pm

Totnes Christmas Markets return on three Tuesday evenings in December, bringing festive stalls and late-night shopping to the town centre. They provide an opportunity to browse gifts, food and seasonal produce while exploring Totnes’s independent shops and historic streets after dark.

The markets are scheduled to run from 3 pm until 9 pm. Check Totnes Town Council for the programme, access information and additional entertainment.

---

🎁 Cullompton Christmas Late Night Shopping

Wednesday 9 December 2026, 5 pm to 9 pm

Cullompton continues its Christmas celebrations with an evening of late-night shopping in the town centre.

Shops and local businesses will remain open into the evening, giving visitors an opportunity to shop locally for Christmas gifts and enjoy the town’s festive atmosphere.

The event runs from 5 pm to 9 pm.

---

🎁 Festive Feast, Hatherleigh Market

Sunday 20 December 2026, 10 am to 3 pm

Festive Feast returns to Hatherleigh Market for a Christmas food and shopping event in the final weekend before Christmas.

Visitors can browse indoor and outdoor stalls for last-minute Christmas treats and essentials, alongside a selection of festive food and street food.

---

✨ Clovelly Court Gardens Christmas Illuminations

Sunday 20 December 2026, 5 pm to 7.30 pm

Clovelly Court Gardens Christmas Illuminations offers a rare opportunity to explore the historic gardens after dark. Seasonal lighting will illuminate the sheltered Victorian walled garden and its restored greenhouses, creating a different perspective on one of Clovelly’s less familiar attractions.

The event is scheduled to run from 5 pm to 7.30 pm. Check the official Clovelly events programme for admission details and any arrangements you need to confirm before visiting.

---

---

🔆 Torquay, Paignton and the English Riviera at Christmas

Christmas around Torbay extends well beyond a traditional town-centre switch-on.

Brixham’s Lanterns, Lights & ‘Luminations provide one of the area’s major Christmas weekends, while Torquay and Paignton host illuminated attractions and festive events throughout the season.

A Very Miniature Christmas at Babbacombe Model Village runs on selected dates from 21 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, while the Dartmouth Steam Railway’s Christmas Train of Lights runs from 27 November to 30 December.

The wider Bay of Lights celebrations also bring Christmas illuminations to the English Riviera during the festive season.

With events concentrated around Torquay, Paignton and Brixham, the English Riviera is one of the easiest parts of Devon to combine several Christmas attractions in the same weekend.

---

💡 Bay of Lights Illumination Trail, Torquay

Saturday 28 November 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027

The Bay of Lights Illumination Trail returns to Torquay with colourful installations stretching along the seafront. The free 1.5-mile trail provides an atmospheric evening walk through the resort, with illuminated features and sea views along the way.

Further attractions, including the Torquay ice rink and Torre Abbey Christmas Market, are expected to form part of the wider programme. Check dates for these when the complete schedule is released. Read our complete guide to the Bay of Lights in Torquay.

---

Christmas Light Switch-On and Event Dates Still to Be Announced

Several Devon towns that held Christmas light switch-ons, markets and festive celebrations in 2025 have not yet published confirmed details for 2026.

We’re watching for further 2026 Christmas announcements from Axminster, Tiverton and Topsham. Dates will be added as soon as councils, attractions and event organisers confirm them.

Previous events have included Christmas markets, lantern parades, late-night shopping, live music, Father Christmas visits and family entertainment.

We’ll move each town into the confirmed listings above once its 2026 programme is published.

---

When are the Exeter Christmas lights switched on in 2026?

Exeter is slightly different from many Devon towns because in recent years it has not held a single traditional city-centre Christmas lights switch-on event.

Instead, Christmas lights and decorations form part of the city’s wider festive programme, alongside Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market and other seasonal events.

For a more detailed look at the city during the festive season, see our guide to Christmas in Exeter, which covers Christmas markets, lights, shopping, and seasonal events.

We’ll update this section when Exeter’s full 2026 Christmas lighting programme is confirmed.

---

Planning a Christmas Day Out in Devon

Christmas light switch-ons are among Devon’s busiest free community events, particularly when they coincide with Christmas markets, late-night shopping or weekend celebrations.

Town-centre roads may close temporarily, and parking can become busy around the main switch-on time. If you’re travelling specifically for an event, check the organiser’s latest information before setting out, particularly for timings, parking, road closures and weather-related changes.

For a bigger festive day out, Candlelit Dartmouth and Brixham’s Lanterns, Lights & ’Luminations combine lights, markets and entertainment. Ticketed attractions including RHS Glow, the Bay of Lights, the Polar Express Tram Ride and the Christmas Train of Lights are especially popular, so book in advance where available. National Trust properties including Killerton, Greenway and Castle Drogo also offer seasonal displays and winter walks and evening experiences.

If you’re travelling from further afield, Dartmouth, Brixham and the English Riviera are particularly easy to combine with a winter weekend away.

---

---

Add Your Devon Christmas Event

This guide is based on information published by councils, chambers of commerce, attractions, tourism organisations and event organisers.

Devon has many smaller village Christmas markets, community light switch-ons and festive events that may not yet have announced their 2026 dates.

If you’re organising an event we have missed, you can submit it free of charge to our What’s On Calendar:

👉 Submit a South West England event

We’ll continue adding confirmed events as programmes are announced.

---

---

Devon Christmas Events 2026 in Date Order

• Affinity Christmas Market, Bideford: 7 and 8 November
• Plymouth City Centre Christmas Lights Switch On: 12 November
• Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market: 13 November to 13 December
• Love Local Gift Market, Tavistock: 14 November
• Winter Twilight Fest, Crealy Theme Park: 14 to 15, 21 to 22 and 28 to 29 November
• Lanterns, Lights & ‘Luminations, Brixham: 20 and 21 November
• North Devon Christmas Ice Rink, Barnstaple: 20 November to 31 December
• Sidmouth Christmas Lights Switch On and Late Night Shopping: 21 November
• Newton Abbot Christmas Lights Switch On: 21 November
• Honiton Christmas Tree Lights Switch On: 21 November
• South Molton Christmas Lights Switch On: 21 November
• Wintertide, Buckfastleigh: 21 November
• Christmas in Dawlish: 21 and 22 November
• A Very Miniature Christmas, Babbacombe Model Village: 21 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, selected dates
• 1940s Christmas at Greenway: weekends from 21 November to 20 December, plus 27 to 31 December
• Barnstaple Christmas Lights Switch-On: 26 November
• Christmas at Arlington Court: 21 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, selected dates
• Buckfast Abbey Christmas Market: 26 to 28 November
• Plymouth Christmas Market: 26 November to 20 December
• Festive Cheer and Late Night Shopping, Ottery St Mary: 27 November
• Budleigh Salterton Christmas Late Night Shopping: 27 November
• Candlelit Dartmouth: 27 and 28 November
• Combe Christmas – Lighting of the Lights, Ilfracombe: 27 November
• Ivybridge Christmas Festival: 27 November
• Christmas Shopping Fayre, Westpoint Exeter: 27 to 29 November
• Christmas at Castle Drogo: weekends from 27 November, then daily from 21 to 31 December, excluding 24 to 26 December
• The Polar Express Tram Ride, Seaton Tramway: selected dates from 27 November to 24 December
• Christmas Train of Lights, Dartmouth Steam Railway: 27 November to 30 December
• RHS Glow at RHS Garden Rosemoor: 27 November to 30 December, selected dates
• Exmouth Winter Festival: 28 November
• Bovey Tracey Christmas Market and Light Switch On: 28 November
• Moretonhampstead Christmas Market and Light Switch On: 28 November
• Christmas in Teignmouth: 28 November
• Seaton Christmas Light Switch On and Christmas Market: 28 November
• Crediton Christmas Lights Switch On: 28 November
• Cullompton Christmas Lights Switch On: 28 November
• Lupton House Christmas Fayre: 28 and 29 November
• Christmas at Killerton: 28 November 2026 to 3 January 2027
• Christmas at Knightshayes: 28 November 2026 to 3 January 2027
• Christmas at Buckland Abbey: 28 November 2026 to 4 January 2027
• Bay of Lights, English Riviera: 28 November 2026 to 3 January 2027
• Bideford Christmas Lights Switch On: 29 November
• Christmas at the Castle, Powderham: 29 November to 30 December
• Festive Good Food and Craft Markets, Royal William Yard: 2, 6, 9, 13, 16 and 20 December
• Okehampton Edwardian Evening: 3 December
• Dickensian Evening, Tavistock: 4 December
• South Molton Winter Wonderland: 4 December
• Christmas Wreath Workshops near Exeter: 4, 5, 8 and 9 December
• North Devon Christmas Market, Braunton: 5 December
• Kingsbridge Celebrates Christmas: 5 December
• RNLI Christmas Light Switch On, Clovelly: 6 December
• Totnes Christmas Markets and Late Night Shopping: 8, 15 and 22 December
• Cullompton Christmas Late Night Shopping: 9 December
• Clovelly Court Gardens Christmas Illuminations: 20 December
• Festive Feast, Hatherleigh Market: 20 December

More dates will be added as Devon’s 2026 Christmas programmes are confirmed.

---

---

Dates and details are, to the best of our knowledge, correct at the time of writing. Always check with organisers before travelling.

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.