Christmas in Exeter

Christmas in Exeter is a wonderfully atmospheric time of year. Visit the Cathedral Christmas Market on the Cathedral Green from Friday 17 November – Sunday 17 December, to explore a labyrinth of winding lanes, festooned with fairy lights and laced with the seasonal sights and smells of festive chalets.

Exeter's Christmas lights will be switched on the evening of Thursday 16 November and there will be late night shopping in the run up to Christmas.

Don't miss the chance to meet Santa in Princesshay- more details TBC!

Light up your Christmas at Exeter Cathedral and join Exeter Chamber Choir for the musical magic of Christmas by Candlelight on Saturday 16 December or enjoy an evening of wonderful concert music at the Viennese Christmas Spectacular on Friday 22 December.

It wouldn’t be Christmas without a traditional pantomime, and Exeter's variety of theatres provide plenty of choice. A popular classic comes to The Corn Exchange with Sleeping Beauty, from the 16 December to 1 January or treat the family to a show at the Northcott Theatre as Dick Whittington arrives in town from 30 November to 7 January.

View the full list of theatre shows coming to Exeter this November and 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. 

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! Let your imagination go wild and create a decoration to hang on your tree for years to come with Festive Wildlife Decorations on Wednesday 20 December. 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 2023, as they're announced.