Magical Christmas Festivities in Exeter

Christmas is in full swing in Exeter! From pop-up markets and dining domes to traditional pantomimes, our city has it all. Even though the festive season will look slightly different this year - December will safely remain 'the most wonderful time of the year' in Exeter! We've highlighted exciting events and activities that will get anyone, any age, in the festive spirit... 

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Festive Special River Cruises with Stuart Line

Jump aboard Stuart Line Cruises this season with their special Festive River Cruises. Discover the history, beauty and wildlife of the Exe Estuary and surrounding areas as you indulge in a mulled wine and a locally-sourced mince pie! 

Christmas pop-up restaurant at Powderham Castle

Head to Powderham Castle for their Christmas pop-up restaurant, every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday until Sunday 20th December. Expect Christmas lunch, afternoon tea or dinner served by local caterers Posh Nosh, served within the castle's spectacular music room and library. Purchase your tickets quickly - this event is normally a sell out!

Carols By Candlelight at the Donkey Sanctuary

Sit back with a mulled wine or hot chocolate and let Carols by Candlelight: Sanctuary From Your Sofa entertain you for the evening. This recorded carol service will feature traditional favourites, plus live streamed catch ups with some of your favourite donkeys and members of our staff!

Pop-up dining domes 

We're sure you've noticed the festive domes popping up across the city. You can now enjoy your favourite meals in Exeter whilst relaxing in cosy dining domes; choose from Rockfish Exeter, On The Waterfront/Mango's Café, The Prospect, No.3 Topsham or No.5 in Cathedral Close. Princesshay has also had a magical transformation this month, with their Christmas Snow Bar - including private snow domes and open-air seating available for you to enjoy warming festive drinks alongside bratwurst, churros and crepes! 

Mini Christmas markets

Unfortunately the annual Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market was cancelled this year, but there are still opportunities to shop with local market traders at the Guildhall Shopping Centre's Alpine Christmas Market! Not to mention there are a handful of local takeaway stalls, to fuel your energy as you carry all of those shopping bags...

Jolly good pantomimes

Pantomimes have been given the green light this Christmas, oh yes they have! This year Exeter's residents and visitors are in for a treat with the swashbuckling Treasure Island at Exeter Northcott and the dazzling Wizard of Oz at Exeter Corn Exchange. Book your tickets now for an evening full of family fun - tickets range from £14 - £24, please check with each event individually.

Cosy chalets

Lloyd's Kitchen are taking bookings for their festive Christmas Chalets! Each chalet seats up to 6 people and is equipped with faux fur blankets, twinkling lights and a set-up ready for you to play your own music. Forget about the outside world within these adorable chalets, available to book with a minimum of 4 people and with an overall minumum spend of £90. Click here to read the terms and conditions and book yours!

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Christmas Workshops at the Devon and Exeter Institution

Visit the Devon and Exeter Institution for their creative Christmas workshops this December! Attend tours of the fascinating building, take part in festive wreath-making workshops, get involved with Christmas memory box demonstrations and be inspired at literature talks and lectures - all of which are free to attend!

Visit Exeter's Virtual Christmas Market 

We've had a fantastic response for our first ever Virtual Christmas Market! If you haven't already, pop over to our market to shop with our local independents & popular brands and with our fantastic food retailers & takeaway services - we're certain you'll find the perfect gift for someone special this season. Not to mention we have a great line-up of musical performances, festive workshops and charity fundraisers on our events page! Don't forget to support our cultural organisations and give a helping hand to our local community, this year it's more important than ever to give back!