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Exeter's festive season sparkles with more than just Christmas lights - it's also filled with brilliant free events for everyone to enjoy.
From magical markets and twinkling trails to choirs and community celebrations, Exeter comes alive with winter cheer. Whether you’re planning family adventures, festive meet-ups, or simply soaking up the seasonal spirit, there’s plenty to experience in Exeter this Christmas and without spending a penny.
New Christmas Lights
Exeter shines even brighter this winter and the festive celebrations are now officially under way as new displays illuminate the city and bring festive magic to the winter nights. Gaze in awe at starry cascades along the High Street, wander among star-themed projections and installations lighting up the city’s historic streets, and colourful ground installations make for perfect festive selfies. Don't forget to tag us @visitexeter so we can share your Christmas snaps.
Exeter Cathedral Cathedral Market
20th November - 19th December
A must-visit highlight of our city’s Christmas celebrations, a visit to Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market can be experienced and enjoyed for free. Take a winter stroll amongst the twinkling lights, artisan stalls, and breathe in the delicious aromas filling the winter air, creating a magical festive atmosphere.
More than just a stunning backdrop to the Christmas Market, take a little time to also step inside Exeter Cathedral which is offering free entry (donations accepted) for the duration of the market.
SPARK! Drummers at Princesshay
Thursday 20th November - 5pm, 6pm, 7pm
Celebrating the start of late-night shopping, SPARK! Drummers will be returning to Princesshay, transforming the centre into a vibrant display of light and music. The spectacular and colourful street theatre act features music, movement and illuminations, with several performances through the evening.
Winter Wonderland
21st November - 28th December
Exeter Winter Wonderland returns with festive magic for all ages! Enjoy thrilling rides, cosy Christmas market stalls, an ice rink, seasonal treats, and sparkling lights that transform the city into a winter escape. Perfect for family fun, festive dates, and making magical memories this Christmas in Exeter.
Topsham Christmas lights switch-on
Friday 28th November
Topsham kicks off the festive season on 24 November with a magical Christmas Lights Switch-On, featuring illuminated samba performers, puppetry and a joyful procession to the Quay. Enjoy carols, Santa’s visit and the lighting of the town’s largest Christmas tree, plus Love Topsham’s annual Festive Market will take place in the town’s St Margaret’s Church. The ideal opportunity to bag a unique gift, discover over 20 stalls showcasing arts, crafts, food and drink from Exeter’s finest artisan producers.
Magdalen Road Christmas Fair
Saturday 6th December, 2pm to 6pm
A village street atmosphere in the heart of the city, if you're seeking some real local gems then the wonderful Magdalen Road Christmas Fair should be top of your Christmas shopping list. The closed street will be filled with festive cheer and you'll find everything you need here, including that all-important Christmas tree. It's not Christmas without a brass band and the Devon & Somerset Fire Service Band will be spreading lots of festive cheer along with other musical entertainers.
Santa Run
Sunday 7th December
No your eyes aren't playing tricks on you, hundreds of Santa's will be uniting and taking to the streets for the annual Exeter Santa Run. One of the great sights of Christmas in Exeter, participants of all ages will be running together for a jolly good cause supporting charitable activities in the community. If you fancy taking part then everyone's welcome, with a 2.5k family run and 5k run option, or you can simply get in the festive spirit by cheering them all on to the finish line.
Christmas on the Quay
Sunday 21st December, 2pm - 9:30pm
Christmas on the Quay is back, offering a magical day packed with festive fun, live music, great food and Christmas cheer. Enjoy performances from Exeter Jazz Sax Quartet and the Salvation Army amongst others, visit Santa and his Elves, and treat your taste buds to mulled wine, hot chocolate, and delicious festive food, including an outdoor BBQ hosted by On The Waterfront. It's also a great opportunity to pack in any last minute Christmas shopping, with over 20 craft stalls in Exeter Custom House, plus all your favourite year-round Quay traders.
RAMM
Completely free to visit, Exeter’s Royal Albert Memorial Museum (RAMM) is the perfect place for escaping the cold or crowds this festive season. Welcoming visitors with a warm, creative and enriching experience, it's easy to spend hours wandering through the inspiring galleries and soaking up stories from around the world, as well as local history.
If you doing want to spend some pennies then pop into the Shop at RAMM. Packed with treasures, you'll find a selection of books and gifts that reflect RAMM's collections and exhibitions. It's also open until 9pm on Thursday 4th and 11th December.
Exeter Red Coat Guides
Explore Exeter’s rich history this Christmas with a free Red Coat Guided Tour. Led by knowledgeable local guides, these festive walks reveal hidden stories, iconic landmarks, and centuries of heritage. It’s the perfect way to experience our city’s charm, learn something new, and enjoy a seasonal stroll through Exeter’s historic streets. They run daily except on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Green Circle
If you're looking to escape the festive rush then come and unwind along Exeter’s beautiful Green Circle. This peaceful walking route loops around the city, leading you through parks, nature reserves, leafy trails, and quiet open spaces. It’s the perfect way to recharge, enjoy fresh air, and find calm away from the Christmas crowds - right on Exeter’s doorstep. Whether you want to tackle the full, 12-mile route or just fancy a gentle stroll between cafés and viewpoints, it's a wonderful way to enjoy a greener and more tranquil side to such a busy time of year.
Earth Photo exhibition at Haldon Forest Park
Sticking to the great outdoors and Haldon Forest Park welcomes the return of the free Earth Photo exhibition. Wander through the trees and explore powerful global photography capturing nature, people, and our changing world. It’s an inspiring, peaceful outdoor experience that's perfect for a fresh-air winter walk away. The exhibition runs until March so you've got plenty of time to plan your visit or make it part of a longer walk when visiting Haldon Forest Park.
Check out our Christmas in Exeter guide for more ideas this festive season.
Related
Exeter Cathedral's popular Christmas Market is back for 2025, from Thursday 20 November – Friday 19 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.
Annual Christmas fair organised by the St Leonard’s Neighbourhood Association. Magdalen Road's shops and restaurants are joined by stalls from all over the West Country and the event features street food, drinks, live music, fairground rides and Christmas shopping.
Princesshay are inviting visitors to experience the festive joy and 'Step into Christmas'. Shoppers will be wowed by beautiful lighting displays and amazing street entertainment, with fun for all the family and where sparks will certainly fly!
Victorian on the outside but a cornucopia of every era inside, a visit to this multi award-winning museum should not be missed.
Find out more about the city’s turbulent history on a free guided walking tour with the Red Coat Guides, running daily throughout the year.
The Exeter Green Circle is a twelve-mile walk around the city with something for everyone, and a walk which includes some rural stretches.
Whether you want a gentle stroll or an exhilarating mountain biking experience, there’s something for everyone at Haldon Forest Park. Open 364 days of the year, there is something for every interest to connect you with the great outdoors.
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