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Ho, ho, ho! Santa Claus is coming to town and visiting lots of magical places in the lead up to Christmas. There's still time to get on his 'nice list' but you'll have to promise to be good and know where to find him.
Princesshay
29 November, 6, 13, 20 December
Santa is returning to Princesshay this Christmas, settling into his golden sleigh beneath the glass canopy outside Space NK on four Sundays in the run-up to Christmas. Children can hop aboard to share their Christmas wishes, have a festive photo and receive a little keepsake. A suggested donation of £2.50 per child supports Princesshay's Charity of the Year, the Deaf Academy.
New for 2026: Signing Santa Saturdays!
On 5 and 12 December, from 11am–3pm, meet Signing Santa in an inclusive festive experience led by the Deaf Academy, with an interpreter to welcome deaf and hard-of-hearing visitors. All families are welcome to join in the Christmas magic!
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Crealy Theme Park
From 5 to 23 December
Get ready for a whole day of festive family fun at Crealy Theme Park. This festive season the park transforms into a Christmas wonderland, where children can meet Santa in his beautifully decorated grotto and choose a special present from his toy shop. There's also a Cinderella pantomime, festive shows, Snowflake Express, Christmas rides and a magical illuminated trail. It's a brilliant way to make a full day of Christmas memories.
Wildwood Devon
For a festive adventure with a woodland twist, head to Wildwood Devon near Ottery St Mary. Santa will be welcoming families to his grotto on selected dates through December, giving little ones the chance to share their Christmas wishes and enjoy a magical seasonal visit. Combine your Santa experience with a day exploring the wildlife park and discovering its fascinating animals. A lovely way to mix Christmas magic with a little outdoor adventure.
Greendale Farm Shop
Select dates from 5 to 23 December
Santa is making a special stop at Greendale Farm Shop this Christmas. Little ones can visit his festive grotto, share their Christmas wishes and choose a gift to take home. It's a lovely opportunity to combine a magical Santa encounter with a browse around the farm shop for delicious local produce and seasonal treats. Don't forget your camera for those all-important festive photos.
Stuart Line Cruises
Select dates from 5 to 22 December
Swap the usual Santa visit for something a little different and climb aboard Stuart Line Cruises' Sail with Santa. Setting sail from Exmouth Marina on selected dates in December, this festive one-hour cruise takes you along the River Exe, with Santa waiting in his very own onboard grotto. Children receive a special gift, while grown-ups can enjoy a mince pie and mulled wine. There's festive entertainment, too!
Bernaville Nurseries
Select dates from 28 November to 20 December
Follow the snowy forest trail at Bernaville Nurseries and discover a magical Christmas grotto, where Santa and his elves are waiting to welcome little visitors. Along the way, look out for friendly animals and festive photo opportunities. Children can make their own reindeer food, receive a present and take home a special keepsake book filled with games and colouring. Visits run on selected dates from 28 November to 20 December.
Cofton Holidays
5 to 23 December
Make Christmas memories together at Cofton Holidays, where Santa is settling into his beautifully decorated festive yurt. Each family enjoys a private five-minute visit, giving children time to chat with Father Christmas, take photos and receive a special gift. Up to four children can share an appointment, making it perfect for siblings, cousins or friends. Afterwards, enjoy festive food and drink, family activities and a photo opportunity beside Santa's sleigh.
Powderham
Select dates until 23 December
Step into a Christmas fairytale at Powderham, where Father Christmas is returning for a proper grotto experience this festive season. Meet the man himself and enjoy a magical visit before exploring the castle's enchanting Christmas transformation, with twinkling lights, festive displays and seasonal music throughout the rooms and grounds. Christmas at the Castle runs from 29 November to 30 December, with Santa visits on selected dates.
Dartmouth Steam Railway
Select dates from 28 November to 23 December
Climb aboard a beautifully illuminated vintage steam train for an unforgettable festive journey with Dartmouth Steam Railway's Train of Lights and Santa. Travelling from Paignton to Kingswear, you'll be treated to spectacular light displays, an enchanted forest and magical scenes along the railway. On the return journey, Santa and his helper visit passengers at their seats, with a Christmas gift for every adult and child. Please be sure to book the specific Train of Lights + Santa ticket, as Santa isn't included on every service.
Seaton Tramway
Select dates from 27th November to 24 December
All aboard for a magical Christmas journey. Seaton Tramway's Polar Express experience brings the much-loved festive story to life, with a specially decorated tram taking families on an adventure to the North Pole. Enjoy hot chocolate and a cookie, meet Santa and receive the first gift of Christmas – a silver sleigh bell.
Exeter Santa Run
Sunday 6 December
There's nothing quite like the spectacle of hundreds of Santa's dashing through the city and Exeter City Community Trust's Santa Run is always a crowd pleaser. Cheer on Santa on Sunday 6 December and hopefully he'll finish in time with enough energy still for the big day!
With so much going on in Exeter this festive season, check out our complete Christmas in Exeter guide.
Related
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!
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.
Let the kids go WILD and come gace to face with bears, wolves, lynx and more at Wildwood Devon! Nestled in the heart of the beautiful Devon countryside, Wildwood is home to an incredible collection of British wildlife. Every visit helps us protect and preserve these amazing species, so you can feel happy knowing your day out is making a real difference.
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.
Bernaville Nurseries is a large independent garden centre with a wide selection of quality plants, indoor and outdoor furniture, a comprehensive pet centre, gifts & interior decorations, a clothing department, restaurant & café and a huge seasonal Christmas display.
Cofton is set in a peaceful valley offering eighty acres of Devon countryside to explore. Fantastic four star facilities on a family-run holiday park. You’ll struggle to find a more beautiful setting for your holiday.
Discover centuries of local history at Powderham, home to the Courtenay family, who this year celebrate 700 years of devoted stewardship. Every visit offers something new. Centuries of history reside within the castle walls, every details holds a hidden story waiting to be discovered. Explore at your own pace or follow along with a guided tour. Dogs are most welcome to accompany you for free as you roam the grounds and castle.
Based on the glorious South Devon coastline in South West England, enjoy your days out in Devon on our steam trains, boat trips and paddle steamer.
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.
The Exeter Santa Run is back! At this annual event, we welcome participants of all ages and abilities to lace up the running shoes, put on a Santa Suit, and run together for a jolly good cause. Whether you’re a seasoned Exeter Santa Run participant or a first-time runner, our event promises an unforgettable experience. With two distances available, a 2.5k family run and a 5k run, it’s an excellent opportunity for families to come together, celebrate the festive season and support our charitable activities in the community.
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