Christmas in Exeter

Step into Christmas in Exeter! Our historic city is the place to celebrate with your friends and family and jump into the festive spirit. View a copy of the Guide to Christmas in Exeter here.

2021 sees the return of the highly-anticipated Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market! This year, taking place between 18^th November - 18^th December, the popular market offers the ultimate festive experience. Browse for unique and artisan gifts whilst enjoying festive food, mulled wine and live music on the bandstand at the foot of the West Front of Exeter Cathedral. Exeter's Christmas lights will also be on from Thursday 18th November.

Exeter Cathedral is at the heart of Exeter’s Christmas celebrations, with free entry for visitors during the Christmas Market. Don’t miss the chance to join a traditional carol concert here, see the Nativity brought to life, and to see Charles Dickens’ classic story A Christmas Carol brought alive in a traditional production, complete with beautiful period costume, song, dance, and a magnificent original musical score. See the full list of what’s on at Exeter Cathedral on their website.

It wouldn’t be Christmas without a traditional pantomime. With Le Navet Bete’s ‘A Christmas Carol’ at the Exeter Northcott, ‘Beauty and the Beast’ taking to the stage at Exeter Corn Exchange and ‘Cinderella’ playing at Exeter Barnfield – Exeter has plenty of choice when it comes to sparkling entertainment this Christmas, check out our blog guide to all of the pantos in Exeter!

The festivities don’t stop there. Exeter’s very first Winter Wonderland arrives in Northernhay Gardens between 17^th November – 2^nd  January; bringing an ice rink, winter treats and a colourful Santa’s grotto to the city.

Santa will also be spending some time in Princesshay, in a bespoke Christmas lodge on Bedford Street on the first three weekends in December. The lodge will house a FREE letter writing activity for children to post their wish lists to the North Pole.

From Friday 12^th November, a festive themed, open-air Snow House bar, snow dome pods and outdoor seating will take centre stage in Princesshay. The bar will be serving a range of favourite festive tipples and visitors will be treated to a choice of Christmas eats from crepes and churros, cheese and fudge to traditional German Bratwurst from the nearby extended market stalls situated on Bedford Street and Eastgate. Visitors can also expect to find handmade gifts and jewellery. Visit Princesshay's website to find out more.

There will also be extra time for shopping in Princesshay, with late night Thursdays until 8pm on the 9th, 16th and 23rd December.

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. 

Don’t miss the crafty Christmas cabins every Saturday and Sunday from the 20th November in the Guildhall Shopping Centre, where 4 cabins will be filled with amazing local makers from 11am – 4pm. There will also be late night shopping in the Guildhall every Thursday from 18^th November, plus keep your eyes out for an announcement regarding lots of snow!

There will be plenty of other Christmas market shopping opportunities across the city, including the St Thomas Christmas Festival, a brand new winter market event in the heart of St Thomas on Saturday 20^th November, the Festive Fore Street Flea on Sunday 21^st November, Magdalen Road’s Christmas Fair on Saturday 4^th December and the new Eastgate Market on Sidwell Street, from 19^th November on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 2 – 8pm.

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.

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. Check out our gift inspiration blog for more ideas!

See the list below for more Christmas events in Exeter in 2021.