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. 

2021 saw the return of the highly-anticipated Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market, as well as Exeter’s very first Winter Wonderland, which brought an ice rink, winter treats and a colourful Santa’s grotto to the city.

Don’t miss the chance to join traditional carol concerts at Exeter Cathedral, and see the Nativity story brought to life. It also wouldn’t be Christmas without a traditional pantomime, and Exeter's variety of theatres provide plenty of choice!

Get into the festive spirit at the open-air Snow House bar, snow dome pods and outdoor seating, which takes centre stage annually in Princesshay. 

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. 

There are plenty of other Christmas market shopping opportunities across the city, including the St Thomas Christmas Festival, a winter market event in the heart of St Thomas, Festive Fore Street Flea markets, Magdalen Road’s annual Christmas Fair, and the new Eastgate Market on Sidwell Street.

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 2022, as they're announced.