Step into Christmas in Exeter! The festive season is packed with popular events, plus those that are brand new, spreading even more sparkle throughout the city and surrounds. With Santa’s grottos, Christmas light displays, heart-warming markets, magical family-friendly experiences and much more – it’s time to have yourself an enchanting Exeter Christmas.

Exeter Winter Wonderland

Exeter's very first Winter Wonderland has arrived in Northernhay Gardens until 2nd January! With free entry, colourful lights, exciting fairground rides, tasty treats, a Santa's grotto and an ice rink (a real one!), this is the place to be for all Christmas lovers. Find out more here - don't forget to book your slots for ice skating and Santa's grotto! Please note, these activities are priced separately.

Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market

This year sees the return of the highly-anticipated Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market! This year, taking place between 18th November - 18th December, the popular market offers the ultimate festive experience. Browse for unique and artisan gifts whilst enjoying festive food, mulled wine and live music on the bandstand at the foot of the West Front of Exeter Cathedral. Find out more here.

The Polar Express at South Devon Railway

Climb aboard The Polar Express at South Devon Railway this festive season, from 20th November – 23rd December. Meet Santa and his mischievious elves during the magical ride, not to mention there will be opportunity to shop for gifts and induldge in sweet treats after your trip! Find out more and book your tickets here.

Christmas Trail at Killerton

Head to National Trust Killerton House and Gardens between 26th November – 2nd January 2022 for an after-dark Christmas illluminations trail. Discover sparkling tunnels of light, walk under giant baubles and colourful trees, then treat yourself to festive food and drink from independent street food vendors. Find out more on our website

Christmas Snow Bar at Princesshay

The Snow House bar & domes have returned to Princesshay until 29th December! Open every day between 11am-10pm, enjoy warming drinks within fully covered and heated snow domes and outdoor seating. Not to mention you can find festive favourites such as bratwursts, crepes and freshly made churros from the nearby market stalls! Find out more here.

The Polar Express at Seaton Tramway

Don't miss a second opportunity to experience The Polar Express in our region, at Seaton Tramway between 26th November – 24th December. Families will be able to enjoy the magical tram ride to Santa's home at the North Pole, indulge in a cup of hot chocolate and a delicious treat and not to mention meet Santa! Find out more and book your tickets here

Cotley Farm Christmas Experience

Cotley Farm is the place to be to grab your real Christmas tree, pick up gifts for your loved ones and take a break with a festive treat or two. Not to mention you can purchase gift hampers, order your Christmas turkey and meet REAL reindeer! Open from 26th November – 24th December, find out more here.

Follow the Glow Christmas Trail at The Donkey Sanctuary

Discover magical stories of donkeys from all across the world as you embark on the Follow the Glow Christmas Trail at The Donkey Sanctuary. Find the 9 boards located around the sanctuary using the clues, for your chance to win some exciting prizes! The trail is open until 6th January 2022, find out more here.

Christmas Shopping Fayre at Westpoint

Enjoy 3 days full of Christmas shopping at Westpoint Exeter! Browse up to 100s of stalls displaying 1000s of new lines and amazing seasonal offers from local craftspeople. Pick up gifts for your loved ones including jewellery, sports goods, toys and much more. Of course there will be yummy festive food and a free Santas grotto for when you've shopped 'til you've dropped! Find out more here

Christmas at Crealy

Christmas is at Crealy Theme Park and Resort between 27th November – Friday 24th December! See the theme park lit up with colourful lights, visit festive attractions including an ice show, visit Santa in his toy shop and sit back and enjoy live entertainment as you cosy up in the evening! Don't miss the excitement, book your tickets here.

Christmas at Powderham Castle

From 29th November – Friday 31st December, Powderham Castle brings back their popular Christmas at The Castle event. This year, expect a Santa's grotto, spectacular lights, warming festive treats, a Christmas Market, joyful music and much more! Grab your tickets quick.

Racedays at Exeter Racecourse

You can rely on Exeter Racecourse to get you in the Christmas spirit with their special events in December:

Grab your tickets, wrap up warm and enjoy a thrilling day at the races this festive season.

Christmas at Bear Town

From 1st-24th December, Bear Town will be magically transformed into a Christmas haven! Book your tickets for your hour an a half session, with your entry to meet Santa included - not to mention all children will receive a special gift to take home with them! Find out more here



Meet Santa at Princesshay Exeter

Father Christmas will be at Princesshay on the first three weekends in December! 

The magical experience is priced at £8 per child - 25% of the sales will be donated to Princesshay’s Charity Partner for 2021 – Families for Children. Each visit will include a gift box including a certificate, Santa’s magic key, tree decoration and magic flying formula reindeer food. Not to mention there will be a free letter writing activity at the North Pole Post Office!

Dates below, find out more on Princesshay's website.

  • Saturday 4th December
  • Sunday 5th December
  • Saturday 11th December
  • Sunday 12th December
  • Saturday 18th December
  • Sunday 19th December

Festive football clubs at Exeter City Community Trust

Exeter City Community Trust's football holiday clubs are back, this time wiht a festive feel for 3 days only this December – Monday 20th, Tuesday 22nd and Wednesday 23rd December in Exeter, Exmouth and North Devon from 9.30am-3.30pm each day. Tickets cost £25, find out more here.

The Christmas Drive-In

Looking for a family festive night out? Book your tickets for the Christmas Drive-In at Westpoint on 16th & 17th December. Choose from Elf, Home Alone, The Grinch or Love Actually. Grab your tickets here before they sell out!

Festive cruises with Stuart Line

Enjoy the calm and sheltered waters of the River Exe, spot gorgeous sights and enjoy a mince pie and mulled wine aboard Stuart Line's festive cruises this December. Their colourful boats have indoor heated lower decks with large panoramic windows for incredible viewing whatever the weather. Not to mention the outdoor upper decks come equipped with cosy blankets and giant umbrellas if needed! Cruises run until 1st January, find out more here

Christmas performances at the Guildhall Shopping Centre

Across the festive period, the Guildhall Shopping Centre has a dazzling performance schedule the whole family will enjoy. From The Grinch, to Santa, to Inka the Polar Bear - your Christmas shopping will certainly be exciting this year! 

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