Day or night - Exeter is filled with unforgettable Christmas experiences this festive season. From colourful pantos, to jolly-good food, magical markets, Santa visits and much, much more - you don't want to miss Christmas in Exeter in 2022!

Soak up the atmosphere at Exeter's Christmas Market

Don't miss the Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market, which is open until 18th December! Enjoy delicious street food from around the world, shop for unique, handmade gifts and decorations then sing-along to festive favourites with local talented musicians under the twinkly lights, infront of our magnificent Exeter Cathedral

Explore Exeter's Winter Wonderland

Exeter's Winter Wonderland is back this festive season in Northernhay Gardens, until 2nd January! This year expect rides and attractions, a real ice rink, locally-sourced festive refreshments plus a giant Santa’s grotto! New for 2022 is a mini Christmas market. 

Hop on a festive cruise

Explore the calm and shelted waters of the River Exe, as you relax with a mulled wine and a scrumptious, warm mince pie. With live, informative and interesting commentary, these cruises are perfect to get everyone out and about during the festive season! Find out more here.

Laugh your socks off at Exeter's magical pantos

'Tis the season to snap up your tickets to Exeter's pantos! From glass slippers, to genies and pigeons (yes, pigeons!) - there's a pantomime in Exeter for every family during the most wonderful time of the year. Check out our blog for Exeter's exciting panto guide.

Tuck into fabulously festive food and drink

A big part of Christmas is the food - are we right? To make your festive plans a little easier this year, we've put together a guide for the jolliest eateries in Exeter... check out our blog for inspiration!

Meet the man himself!

There are plenty of opportunities to meet Santa this year in Exeter.

  • Princesshay - 26th November - 24th December, find out dates and prices here. Entry is priced at £8 per child, no booking required. 10% of the sales will be donated to Princesshay’s Charity Partner for 2022 – CEDA.
  • John Lewis - various dates from 8th December until 23rd December, find out more in John Lewis' guest blog. Tickets cost £15 per child.
  • Bear Town - Alongside a festive two-hour play session from 2nd - 24th December, all visitors will be given their very own Christmas buzzer, which Father Christmas will magically activate when he is ready to meet you in his grotto! Children tickets are priced at £28.95. Find out more here.
  • Winter Wonderland - From 17th November until 24th December, meet Santa and visit the elf's workshop! Tickets cost £13 per child. Find out more and book here.
  • Stuart Line Cruises - On various dates between 3rd and 22nd December, climb aboard Stuart Line Cruises and meet Santa himself! Tickets are priced at £12, entertainment, refreshments and a hand-picked present for every child included.
  • Crealy - Take a journey through magical themed corridors to meet, featuring festive suprises along the way including the opportunity to make your own reindeer food, say hello to Santa's elves and more! Entry is priced between £16-£20. Find out more here.

Browse the Magdalen Road Christmas Fair

Kick off Christmas 2022 and experience the annual Magdalen Road Christmas Fair on 3rd December! Browse 50 festive stalls, dig into delicious food and drink, plus listen to live entertainment and take part in family activities.

Have a magical Cotley Farm Christmas experience

Opening on Friday 25th November through to Christmas Eve - at Cotley Farm you can pick your own Christmas tree, visit the reindeer, order your turkey, catch up with friends over coffee, pick up your wreath and much more! Check out their guest blog for inspiration. 

Pick up gifts at Topsham's Christmas market

Start your Christmas shopping at Topsham's Christmas market, as Matthews Hall on 1st December! The market has everything you need - from Christmas cards, to skin care, to artwork, jewellery and more! Find out more here

Feel festive with Exeter Cathedral's Christmas choir

Exeter Cathedral's choir returns for an evening of Christmas carols, which is guaranteed to get you in the festive spirit!

  • Friday, 9th December at 19:00
  • Sunday, 11th December at 15:00 
  • Monday, 12th December at 19:00 

Get your tickets here.

Climb aboard the magical Polar Express

The Polar Express returns to Seaton Tramway this festive season! Make your way to Santa's home in the North Pole, with festive treats and experiences along the way. Get your tickets here before they disappear!

Enjoy a festive day out at Killerton

Head to Killerton with the family, for a festive day out this Christmas! Enjoy games and activities around the garden and chapel grounds, an outdoor festive play trail is even available for younger visitors. Find out more here.

Related

Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market
Christmas
Exeter Christmas Market on Cathedral Green

Exeter Cathedral's popular Christmas Market is back for 2023, from Friday 17 November – Sunday 17 December. Taking place on Exeter's Cathedral Green, the Cathedral Christmas Market is wonderfully atmospheric, set among a labyrinth of winding paths, festooned with fairy lights and laced with the seasonal sights and smells of festive chalets, showcasing a wide range of local, regional, national and international suppliers, offering crafts and gifts, and seasonal food and drink.

Exeter Northcott Theatre
Theatre
Exeter Northcott theatre exterior

The Exeter Northcott Theatre has been the home of high-quality professional theatre in Exeter and Devon for 50 years. The varied programme includes drama, dance, opera, ballet, music, workshops, community and educational events.

Exeter Barnfield Theatre
Theatre
Exeter Barnfield Theatre

A varied programme of events, alternative theatre and concerts. An intimate atmosphere. Bar and cafe.

Exeter Corn Exchange
Event Venue
The Hall of Exeter Corn Exchange

The largest venue in Exeter city centre, Exeter Corn Exchange is probably the ideal location for your event - whatever it may be.

Exeter Phoenix
Arts Centre
Exeter Phoenix - front of building

Exeter Phoenix is a vibrant, world-class multi-artform venue in the heart of Exeter's city centre. Each year we host hundreds of events and artistic activity spanning many disciplines.

Princesshay
Shopping Centre
Princesshay Shopping Centre - with Cathedral View

The award-winning Princesshay is in the heart of the city, with over 60 stores including big brands such as Next and Zara, as well as smaller independent and regional brands. Princesshay is seriously stylish, featuring distinctive architecture, that complements Exeter's historic buildings, and landscaped European style squares with cafes and restaurants.

John Lewis
Department Store
John Lewis exterior

Department store chain for home furnishings & accessories, electronics, fashion & beauty.

Bear Town
Family Fun
Bear Town

With 12 unique role play areas, each more exciting than the last, Bear Town will inspire your child to broaden their personal, social and emotional development, expand their communication and language skills all the while gaining confidence and most importantly having fun.

Stuart Line Cruises
Boat Trip
Geology Day Trip

A family owned passenger boat business operating from Exmouth. With sailings along the East & South Devon coastline & River Exe. A large variety of trips available from scenic river cruises to all day excursions. Operating all year round.

Crealy Theme Park & Resort
Theme Park / Waterpark
Overhead shot of Crealy Theme Park

Discover award-winning family fun at Crealy Theme Park & Resort in Devon, home to over 60 rides and attractions, with spectacular entertainment, live shows, Sooty Land and animals galore.

Cotley Farm Christmas Experience
Christmas
Cotley Christmas Experience

Here at Cotley Farm, just east of Exeter in Whimple, we welcome families to join us for a more traditional feel of Christmas. We grow quality, freshly cut real Christmas trees, make beautiful wreaths, and have real reindeer and other animals as part of our family farm. Our festive Christmas shop is full of beautiful decorations and tasty local produce. We also supply festive hampers and you can even order your turkey here too!

Topsham
Town
Ice cream in Topsham

A fascinating and quaint historic estuary port, Topsham has some fine architecture. There are Dutch traders’ houses and fine examples of buildings from Georgian and Edwardian times.

Exeter Cathedral
Cathedral/Minster
Exeter Cathedral roof top tour

Medieval cathedral. Fine example of Gothic Decorated style. Longest unbroken stretch of Gothic vaulting in the world. Image screen on West Front, Minstrels' Gallery and tombs. Expert guided tours, trails and activities for the family

Seaton Tramway
Railway
Seaton Tramway logo

For a great day out in Devon, visit Seaton Tramway a attraction featuring a narrow gauge electric tramway running 3 miles from Seaton to Colyton via Colyford.

National Trust Killerton House & Gardens
Historic House/Palace
Killerton pond

Explore Killerton, one of Devon's great estates, with a landscape garden, parkland, Georgian house and renowned fashion collection.

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