Step into Christmas with Princesshay

There’s nowhere quite like Christmas in Exeter, and this festive season, Princesshay is inviting visitors to ‘Step into Christmas’ with an enchanting programme of events, shopping, food, entertainment and family-friendly experiences.

From sparkling lights and festive markets to magical visits with Santa, the city’s premier shopping destination is set to bring Christmas cheer to the heart of Exeter.

Christmas magic arrives in Exeter

From 13 November, Princesshay will be transformed for the festive season with dazzling Christmas lights, charity Christmas trees and plenty of opportunities to soak up the atmosphere while shopping for gifts, meeting friends or enjoying a seasonal treat. Visitors can wander beneath twinkling lights, browse the shops and enjoy the sights and sounds of Christmas in one of Exeter's most popular destinations.

Discover the Festive Market & Mistletoe Bar

A visit to Princesshay wouldn’t be complete without exploring the much-loved Festive Market and Mistletoe Bar, running from 13 November to 31 December. Spread across Princesshay Square, Bedford Street, Eastgate and the main mall, the market will feature 17 local traders and street food vendors offering unique gifts, seasonal treats and festive flavours. 

Whether you're searching for Christmas presents, enjoying an afternoon of festive shopping or simply embracing the seasonal atmosphere, there's plenty to discover. The Mistletoe Bar, located beside the centre's Christmas tree in Princesshay Square, provides the perfect spot to pause and enjoy a festive drink alongside delicious street food favourites including churros, bratwurst and Yorkshire pudding wraps.

Don't miss SPARK!

One of the highlights of the Christmas programme returns on Thursday 19 November when the spectacular SPARK! performance brings Princesshay to life. The world-famous illuminated drummers will perform at 5pm, 6pm and 7pm, officially marking the start of late-night shopping in unforgettable style. Combining music, light and high-energy entertainment, SPARK! is a festive experience not to be missed. 

Shop later with Thursday late-night shopping

Make Christmas shopping easier with Princesshay's Thursday late-night shopping events. Taking place on 19 and 26 November, and 3, 10 and 17 December, visitors can enjoy extra time to browse favourite brands, pick up presents and enjoy Exeter after dark as the city sparkles with festive lights.

Meet Santa in his golden sleigh

Families visiting Exeter this Christmas will have the chance to meet Santa in his magical golden sleigh beneath Princesshay's iconic glass canopy. Santa and his elf will be welcoming visitors on 29 November and 6, 13 and 20 December, giving children the opportunity to share their Christmas wishes and receive a festive keepsake to take home.

As part of the experience, Princesshay's Charity of the Year, the Deaf Academy, will be collecting voluntary £2.50 donations from families queuing to meet Santa, helping to support their important work.

An inclusive Christmas experience with Signing Santa

Princesshay is also continuing its commitment to accessibility with Signing Santa sessions on 5 and 12 December. Delivered in partnership with the Deaf Academy, these special events provide a welcoming and inclusive experience for deaf and hard-of-hearing visitors.

Families can meet Signing Santa and his interpreter, creating magical Christmas memories in an environment designed to make festive experiences accessible to everyone. 

Plan your festive visit

Whether you're ticking off your Christmas shopping list, enjoying festive food and drink, meeting Santa or simply soaking up the atmosphere, Princesshay offers a wonderful festive day out in the heart of Exeter.

Key Dates

• Christmas Lights from 13 November
• Charity Christmas Trees from 13 November
• Festive Market & Mistletoe Bar: 13 November to 31 December
• SPARK!: Thursday 19 November
• Late-Night Shopping: 19 and 26 November, 3, 10 and 17 December
• Santa Sundays: 29 November, 6, 13 and 20 December
• Signing Santa Saturdays: 5 and 12 December 

This Christmas, gather family and friends, wrap up warm and discover festive fun, seasonal flavours and magical moments as you step into Christmas at Princesshay.