Christmas in Exeter

Christmas in Exeter is a wonderfully atmospheric time of year. Visit the Cathedral Christmas Market on the Cathedral Green from Friday 18 November – Sunday 18 December, to explore a labyrinth of winding lanes, festooned with fairy lights and laced with the seasonal sights and smells of festive chalets.

On the evening of Saturday 26 November, the Exeter Carnival will light up the city's streets for the first time in 24 years!

Exeter's Christmas lights will be on from 17 November, and there will be late night shopping in the run up to Christmas, watch this space for dates.

Don't miss the chance to meet Santa in Princesshay, from Saturday 26 November until Christmas Eve in the Christmas Lodge on Bedford Street. The Hub launches in Princesshay Square from 17 November - 1 January, in collaboration with Margoux and Exeter City Football Club - enjoy live football coverage, Christmas workshops, family entertainment and music!

Don’t miss the chance to join traditional carol concerts at Exeter Cathedral, including Christmas with the Cathedral Choir. It also wouldn’t be Christmas without a traditional pantomime, and Exeter's variety of theatres provide plenty of choice, including Cinderella at the Exeter Corn Exchange, an hilarious adaptation of Robin Hood at the Exeter Northcott, and the astonishing true story of Mary the Pigeon Who Never Gave Up at the Exeter Phoenix. See the full list of shows and theatre productions in Exeter this November and December here.

2022 sees the return of Exeter's Winter Wonderland in Northernhay Gardens, with an ice rink, winter treats and a colourful Santa’s grotto.

Exeter’s compact city centre makes it ideal for Christmas shopping. An eclectic mix of shops can be found within easy walking distance of each other, from the big names in the High Street, Princesshay, Guildhall Shopping Centre, to independent and vintage fashions, jewellery, crafts and gifts in the cobbled Gandy Street and quirky West Quarter. 

When you’re ready for a refreshment pit-stop, Exeter’s cafes and restaurants are ready to welcome you, providing you with the very best local produce that our region has to offer. Take a look at our Exeter Food and Drink Trail for inspiration for your Christmas gathering this year.

When you're shopped out, or just want a bit of peace from the bustle of Christmas shopping, pop into Exeter's Royal Albert Memorial Museum. Centrally located on Queen Street, the museum is free to visit, with 16 galleries of fascinating exhibitions to explore! The RAMM Shop also has some wonderful unique Christmas gifts. Follow the RAMM on social for festive ideas and fun online every day of the month in the run up to Christmas, plus fun facts, jokes, and special offers in the RAMM shop.

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Just four miles from Exeter, the beautiful estuary town of Topsham offers a wonderfully eclectic Christmas shopping experience. With over 50 independent shops and services across town, you’re sure to find a unique gift. Visit during their Christmas shopping evening to soak up the festive atmosphere. Find out more on the Love Topsham website. 

If you are stuck for the perfect gift this Christmas treat your loved ones to an independent gift card. The joy of the card is that the gifted amount can be spent across multiple independent retailers, salons, cafes and restaurants, so you really are supporting local with the card. Purchase online at www.inexetergiftcard.co.uk. 

See the list below for more Christmas events in Exeter in 2022, as they're announced.