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 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.

The Christmas lights will be switched on in Princesshay on the evening of Thursday 16 November. 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. There'll also be a live show from SPARK WorldBeaters, an incredible street theatre troupe performing at 5pm, 6pm & 7pm. Afterwards, enjoy a drink in The Antler Inn, a brand new cosy Christmas bar in Princesshay, open daily until 23rd December. 

Santa Claus is coming to town! Come and visit his elves and workshop on Bedford Street from 30th November to 24th December. Princesshay in collaboration with Markets In Exeter will also host a new local Christmas Market in Bedford Street with 10 Christmas chalets offering an eclectic and alternative array of gifting, fashion and accessories with local traders changing on a weekly basis so there is always something new to see each visit! 

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.

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. 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.