🎄 Christmas in Exeter 2025: Your Guide to Markets, Lights and Winter Events 🎄

Brand-new city lights, Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market, late-night shopping and a sparkling season ahead.

This winter, Christmas in Exeter 2025 brings the city to life with festive lights, seasonal entertainment and the ever-popular Exeter Christmas Market on Cathedral Green. From mid-November, the streets and squares glow with a new display of Exeter Christmas lights, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere across the city centre and providing the perfect setting for browsing the stalls, tasting local food and enjoying the Christmas market experience.

Cathedral Green will once again host the Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market, featuring local crafts, food, gifts, and live entertainment. Visitors can also enjoy Exeter late-night shopping every Thursday from 20 November to 18 December, when shops across Princesshay, Guildhall and the High Street stay open until 9 pm, adding even more sparkle to the festive evenings.

Alongside the market, there are plenty of things to do in Exeter at Christmas 2025. Families can enjoy pantomimes, theatre shows and carol services at Exeter Cathedral, while shoppers explore independent boutiques and markets around Princesshay, Gandy Street and the West Quarter.

The Quayside is perfect for winter walks beneath the riverside lights, and visitors can also try ice skating in Northenhay Gardens or enjoy seasonal food in one of the city’s many restaurants. With so many Christmas events and attractions in Exeter, the city is an ideal destination for a festive day out or weekend break in Devon.

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Dates and programmes are subject to change. Always confirm before you travel.

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✨ Exeter Christmas Lights 2025 – Follow the Stars

Exeter’s Christmas Lights 2025 will be switched on from Friday, 14 November, launching the city’s brand-new Follow the Stars theme. Streets, squares and shopping districts will sparkle with illuminated arches, star-shaped projections and glowing light trails, creating beautiful photo spots and festive walks throughout the city centre.

This year’s display is Exeter’s most sustainable yet, made entirely from recycled materials and powered by energy-saving LEDs. The switch-on event also marks the start of late-night shopping on Thursdays, running until 18 December, when music, street performers and the buzz of Christmas crowds bring extra warmth and atmosphere to the city’s evenings.

“Every detail has been designed to make the experience as joyful and memorable as possible,” says Nicola Wheeler, CEO of InExeter. “We’re proud to bring a new Christmas light scheme to the city on behalf of local businesses.”

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🎄 Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market – Devon’s Largest 🎄

From 20 November to 19 December, Cathedral Green will once again be the centre of Exeter’s Christmas celebrations. More than 100 wooden chalets will fill the square, with festive lights, seasonal aromas and plenty of local produce and gifts. This year’s Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market also includes a new Cloister Garden area, giving space to smaller local makers and independent traders.

Set beneath the illuminated towers of the Cathedral, the market offers one of the most atmospheric festive settings in the South West. Visitors can browse handmade crafts, jewellery and food, enjoy live carols and sample mulled wine or hot chocolate under the lights. Inside the Cathedral, which is open by donation, special events include Exeter Cathedral Christmas by Candlelight, the Advent Procession on 30 November and The Exeter Nativity on 14 December.

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🎅 Princesshay’s Christmashay Village and Charity Tree Trail

Just a few minutes’ walk from the Cathedral, Princesshay adds extra festive sparkle to Exeter’s main shopping area. Thousands of lights, wreaths and an 8-metre Christmas tree create a bright seasonal display, while new selfie spots, including Santa’s Sleigh, Angel Wings and walk-through JOY letters, bring plenty of photo opportunities.

The celebrations begin on Thursday, 20 November, with the launch of Christmashay Village in Princesshay, marking the start of Exeter’s late-night shopping season. The event will be brought to life by the return of SPARK! WorldBeaters, whose energetic performances at 5 pm, 6 pm and 7 pm combine live percussion, movement and light to create a spectacular street theatre experience.

Running from 14 November to 23 December, the Christmashay Village builds on last year’s success with 23 food and market traders set across Princesshay Square, Bedford Street and the main mall. Seventeen festive cabins will showcase an ever-changing mix of local businesses offering jewellery, crafts, candles, bakes, art, pottery and soaps. The Christmashay Bar, next to a new Christmas tree in the square, completes the scene with a welcoming festive atmosphere and a taste of a European-style market.

Nearby, Bedford Street hosts the Charity Christmas Tree Festival, where 35 trees are decorated to raise money for local causes. Families can also meet Father Christmas during Santa Sundays (30 November–21 December) in support of Vranch House.

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🛍️ Guildhall and RAMM – Festive Shopping and Culture

The Guildhall Shopping Centre will keep the festive mood alive with late-night shopping and live entertainment from Thursday, 20 November onwards. Families can enjoy storytelling, carols and special appearances from Santa, Mrs Claus and even The Grinch.

At the Royal Albert Memorial Museum (RAMM), the shop will open late on 4 and 11 December, offering a great selection of local gifts and Devon-themed souvenirs. The popular Night at the Museum: Winter Wonders event returns on 11 December, featuring live music, crafts and festive activities in one of Exeter’s most atmospheric settings.

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❄️ Exeter Winter Wonderland

From 21 November to 28 December, Northernhay Gardens will once again host Exeter’s Winter Wonderland. The event features a covered real-ice rink, an illuminated light trail, Santa’s Grotto, a carousel, fairground rides, and a range of festive food and drink stalls, creating a full Christmas experience for all ages.

Whether you’re skating under the lights or warming up with a hot chocolate overlooking the city, Winter Wonderland remains one of Exeter’s most popular festive highlights.

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🌟 Local Fairs and Riverside Celebrations

December in Exeter also means community celebrations full of warmth and character.

• Magdalen Road Christmas Fair returns on Saturday 6 December, filling the leafy St Leonard’s neighbourhood with artisan food, gifts and live music.
• Christmas on the Quay lights up the waterfront on Sunday 21 December, combining festive stalls, local entertainment and twinkling reflections on the water.

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🎭 Pantomimes in Exeter – Festive Theatre Magic

Exeter’s stages come alive every December with pantomimes and family favourites:

• The Wizard of Oz at the Corn Exchange
• Jack and the Beanstalk at the Northcott Theatre
• Cinderella at the Barnfield Theatre

Tickets sell fast, so early booking is essential for these seasonal favourites.

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🎅 Santa’s Appearances in Exeter

Father Christmas will be spreading cheer all over Exeter this December, making appearances at Princesshay, the Guildhall and Winter Wonderland, as well as leading the Exeter Santa Run on 7 December. Keep an eye on Visit Exeter’s listings for the latest times and places to spot him.

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🛍️ A Festive Escape to Topsham

Just a short hop from Exeter, the estuary town of Topsham offers its own festive atmosphere, with more than 50 independent shops, cafés and boutiques dressed for the season.

The Topsham Christmas Lights Switch-On takes place on Friday 28 November, lighting up Fore Street and The Strand with live music, mulled wine and community cheer. Visitors can enjoy late-night shopping, carol singing and street food, with many local traders opening their doors for special festive offers and tastings. It’s a warm, welcoming event that captures the spirit of a Devon Christmas by the river.

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🌟 Torbay Bay of Lights 2025

If you are exploring more of Devon this winter, Torbay offers one of the brightest coastal Christmas celebrations in the region. Just under an hour from Exeter by train or car, the English Riviera transforms into a sparkling bay of lights, markets and seaside festivities throughout December.

The Bay of Lights Illumination Trail runs from Torre Abbey to Torquay Harbour, creating a mile-and-a-half-long trail of glowing arches, colour, and reflections across the water. Paignton and Brixham join in with their own harbour lights and displays, making the whole coastline feel magical after dark.

Visitors can browse the Torre Abbey Christmas Market, skate at the new Abbey Park Ice Rink, join Brixham’s Lanterns, Lights & ’Luminations weekend, or book a seat on the famous Paignton to Dartmouth Train of Lights for one of South Devon’s most scenic festive experiences.

If you would like the full round-up of seaside events, illuminated trails, markets and Santa appearances, see our complete guide:
Christmas in Torbay 2025: Lights, Markets and Winter Events.

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🚆 Getting to Exeter

By Train:
Fast trains run from London Paddington (about two hours) and London Waterloo (around three hours) to Exeter St Davids and Exeter Central. There are also direct connections from Bristol, Bath, Plymouth and Torbay.

By Road:
Exeter is easily reached via the M5, A30 and A38. Use Park & Ride sites at Honiton Road, Sowton or Matford for a stress-free journey into the centre.

By Air:
The Stagecoach 4A bus runs regularly between Exeter Airport and the city centre, taking about 25 minutes and stopping at key points including Exeter St Davids and Exeter High Street.

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🅿️ Parking and Accessibility

Central car parks include Princesshay 2 (EX1 1EU), Guildhall (EX4 3HP) and Cathedral & Quay (EX1 1DE). Reduced evening rates apply after 6pm, and spaces can be pre-booked through JustPark.

The city centre is compact and largely step-free, making it easy to explore on foot. Accessible toilets are available at RAMM and Princesshay, and Co-Bikes provides electric cycle hire across key sites.

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🏨 Stay a Little Longer

Turn your Christmas visit into a weekend break. Exeter’s central hotels make perfect bases for exploring both the market and the surrounding Devon attractions.

• Hotel du Vin Exeter – boutique elegance with spa and restaurant
• Hotel Indigo Exeter – modern, stylish and near the High Street
• Southernhay House – an independent Georgian townhouse with character
• Premier Inn City Centre – ideal for families and great value
• Mercure Southgate Hotel – comfortable and close to the Cathedral

Book early for December weekends, as availability disappears fast once the market opens.

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💡 Insider Tips

• Arrive mid-afternoon to enjoy the Exeter Christmas market in daylight and stay for the evening lights.
• Bring a reusable cup — many stalls reward eco-friendly visitors.
• Dress warmly; Cathedral Green can feel chilly after dark.
• Explore Gandy Street, Fore Street and Sidwell Street for independent shopping and local food.
• Extend your visit with a trip to Topsham or Killerton’s Christmas displays.

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Other Helpful Links

Vrbo – Great for self-catering and vacation holiday home rentals.

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.

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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.

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