Christmas in Exeter

Christmas in Exeter is a wonderfully atmospheric time of year and there is lots going on. Check out the InExeter Christmas Guide for what's on in Exeter city centre.

Visit the Cathedral Christmas Market on the Cathedral Green, from 15th November to 15th December, to explore a labyrinth of winding lanes, festooned with fairy lights and laced with the seasonal sights and smells of festive chalets.

The Christmas lights switch on in Princesshay is always a popular occasion. Expect thousands of warm twinkly lights, beautifully decorated green wreaths, a stunning new Christmas Tree in Princesshay Square and multiple ‘on the ground’ photo opportunities including Santa’s Sleigh, Angel Wings and huge walk through JOY letters. 

Light up your Christmas at Exeter Cathedral and join Exeter Chamber Choir for the musical magic of Christmas by Candlelight.

If it's seasonal craft and decoration making you're after then Christmas at the Custom House will fill you with glee. Get crafty with willow star making and an ornament workshop or relax to some soothing poetry and harp music.

It wouldn’t be Christmas without a traditional pantomime, and Exeter's variety of theatres provide plenty of choice. From the 4th to 14th December, the Barnfield Theatre plays host to Elf the Musical, followed by Beauty and the Beast taking to the same stage on the 30th and 31st December, and 2nd January. A fabulous modern take on a classic story, Cinderella comes to the Northcott Theatre from the 28th November to 5th 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! 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. 

See the list below for more Christmas events in Exeter in 2024, as they're announced.