Christmas in Exeter

Experience the magic of Christmas in Exeter. There is so much to see and do you'll want to stay longer, so why not make the most of the season and treat yourself to an overnight stay at one of the city-centre hotels.

Exeter's most celebrated festive event returns on 13th November, with the wonderfully atmospheric Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market on the Cathedral Green until 13th December. Explore the labyrinth of winding lanes, festooned with fairy lights and laced with the seasonal sights and smells of over 100 festive chalets, plus a new area in the Cloister Garden, hosting independent traders.

On the same day, Exeter’s Christmas lights will begin to sparkle against the winter night, filling the city with a magical festive glow and officially marking the start of the Christmas season.

While visiting the Cathedral Market you can also take advantage of Exeter Cathedral's 'Entry by donation' offer to explore its amazing architecture and discover one thousand years of wonder. Throughout the festive season the Cathedral plays host to a wonderful array of performances Christmas with the Cathedral Choir (8th to 12th December) and The Exeter Nativity (13th December).

This Christmas, Princesshay shines brighter than ever with thousands of twinkling lights, green wreaths, and a spectacular 8m tree in Princesshay Square. Explore festive photo spots including Santa’s Sleigh, Angel Wings, and the popular walk-through JOY letters. This year’s eco-friendly lighting uses recycled materials and ultra LED bulbs. The celebrations kick off on 19th November with the launch of Christmashay Village and late-night shopping, featuring dazzling performances from SPARK! WorldBeaters. Plus, the much-loved Charity Christmas Trees Festival returns, lighting up Bedford Street with 35 beautifully decorated trees supporting local causes.

Visit the Guildhall Shopping Centre for more family fun this Christmas, with late night shopping and festive entertainment from Thursday 20th November, and continuing throughout December. Look out for Christmas story time on select dates, Santa and Mrs Claus, and watch out as the The Grinch is back in town!

New to Exeter’s Christmas calendar this year, and following a successful summer launch, First Thursdays gets a festive makeover on 3rd December. Taking place along the atmospheric Gandy Street, this special Christmas edition promises to bring a little extra sparkle to one of Exeter’s most distinctive streets. As the lights twinkle and the evening draws in, visitors can soak up a vibrant festive atmosphere with lively early-evening entertainment, late-night shopping, live music and street performances.

Exeter’s historic quayside transforms into a festive waterfront wonderland as Christmas on the Quay returns Saturday 21st November. Enjoy twinkling lights, independent stalls, delicious street food and live entertainment, all set against the River Exe’s magical backdrop. Perfect for families, friends and festive explorers, it’s one of Exeter’s most charming Christmas destinations.

Winter Wonderland returns to Northernhay Gardens, 20th November to 3rd January, with a covered, real ice rink open daily, Santa's Grotto, Light Trail, vintage carousel, fairground rides, street food, and festive stalls.

The much-loved Magdalen Road Christmas Fair returns on Saturday 5th December. With its cosy community atmosphere, showcasing local traders, artisan gifts, delicious food, and live music, it's the perfect place to shop local and soak up the Christmas cheer. 

Of course Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without an appearance by the big man himself and Santa will be making some special guest appearances across Exeter, including Exeter City Community Trust's Santa Run on Sunday 6th December. Check out if you've made the nice or naughty list with our guide on where to find Santa before the big day. 

The festive fun continues in theatre land and there's lots of show stopping pantomimes to keep the whole family entertained. Pinocchio takes to the stage at Exeter Corn Exchange (12th December to 2nd January) while Sleeping Beauty (27th November to 3rd January) is performed at Exeter Northcott and Quirk Theatre presents Yeti at the Barnfield Theatre 13th - 27th December).

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. The Topsham Christmas Lights Switch-On is all set for Friday 27th November (TBC). 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 complete What's On guide to Christmas events in Exeter this festive season.