10 Things to do in Devon this Christmas

Escape the hustle and bustle of the pre Christmas frenzy and come and join us in Devon this Christmas. Where the market towns morph into winter wonderlands, the streets are buzzing with festive delights and the harbours festooned with coloured lights. And if you need further enticing, we’ve selected our top 10 things to do in Devon this Christmas – and we can’t wait! Of course if you simply want to chill out in one of our luxury holiday cottages, enjoy long coastal walks and relax in front of the log burner, we have a festive bolthole with your name on it. Simply magical.  Christmas isn’t Christmas without a pantomime

Pack your bags  

1. All aboard The Polar Express on the South Devon Railway and experience the magic of the 2004 film. Meet the conductor and crew as you head towards the North Pole where Father Christmas and his band of friendly elves join the train. 
2. Meet your elf guides and adventure through the magical Christmas Grotto at Woodlands Park. Venture into the magical forest and meet Santa’s friends as you make your way to his toy workshop and a very special peek inside.
3.  Christmas Train of Lights Hop aboard a festive steam train for a very special journey in fairy lit vintage carriages. Departing from Queen’s Park Station, Paignton you’ll make your way through the Greenway tunnel to the enchanted forest.
4. Christmas Illuminations at Babbacombe Model Village – November 16th, 17th, 23rd, 24th & 30th, December 1st, 7th, 8th, 14th to 24th, and 27th to 31st. January 2nd, 3rd & 4th. Visit the fabulous model village at Christmas and join in the festivities as the little folk celebrate Christmas.
5. Christmas isn’t Christmas without a pantomime! Mirror, Mirror, on the wall, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs are in panto at the Theatre Royal Plymouth. Join this spectacular production with Rob Rinder and Lesley Joseph for an evening of sensational music, dancing, fabulous costumes and plenty of audience participation! So join in the fun from 13th December – 11th January. 
6. RHS Rosemoor’s Glow Winter Illuminations 27 November – 30 December. RHS Rosemoor, Torrington  Time: 4:30pm–8pm. Entry by pre-booked timed tickets only. A winter wonderland of live entertainment, festive lights and artisan stalls in the magical gardens at RHS Rosemoor.
7. Enter a magical world at Saltram House and a tip toe the captivating festive trail. This beautiful period property with its grand interiors portrays the beautiful tale ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’ for 2024 plus a delightful children’s trail through the gardens. You can join in the fun from the 22nd November – 1st January. This is a timed ticketed event so we recommend booking early!
8. ‘Rock around the Christmas wreath’ at Agatha Christie’s Greenway just across the river from Dartmouth. Join the festive wreath trail around the garden. Each wreath is inspired by Christmas songs so get in tune and sing your loudest as you explore the garden. Christmas at Greenway is on every weekend from 23rd November – 22nd December, then daily from 27 – 31 December. Booking recommended.
9. Christmas Wreath making at Riverford near Totnes. Get creative and join Head Gardener Penny Hemming to make your very own Christmas door wreath out of fragrant evergreens and other natural treasures from the hedgerow and garden. Includes Riverford mince pies and mulled wine. Dates: Weds 4th / Thurs 5th / Fri 6th / Sat 7th / Sat 14th December. 
10. And finally, Street food and stocking fillers at the Christmas Markets:

Totnes Christmas Market and Late Night Shopping 2024. 3pm-9pm on 3,10 and 17 December. A family friendly festive celebration which takes over vibrant Totnes town with live music, street food and artisan crafts.

Christmas at the Yard Royal William Yard Plymouth –  a winter wonderland of festivities with artisan markets and illuminations. 1st -18th December Festive Good Food & Craft Market is held every Wednesday evening and daytime on Sundays. With 70 plus stalls showcasing the very best from producers and makers in the region. Perfect for Christmas gifts and a glass of mulled wine. 

Exeter Christmas Market on Cathedral Green – November 15th – December 15th. Has to be Devon’s largest Christmas market. This traditional European-style market is a great place to pick up handmade Christmas gifts and stocking fillers, dine on gourmet street food and excellent local drinks and join in the festivities.

With so much to do in Devon during the festive season so why not get in touch and we’ll help you choose a luxury holiday cottage for your stay.