Christmas Markets & Events in Devon 2025

As we approach the festivities of Christmas, there’s always one question being asked. Where are the best Christmas Markets and Events in Devon?

Quick Facts: Devon Christmas Markets 2025

• Season Runs: Mid-November 2025 - Early January 2026
  
• Largest Market: Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market (100+ traders)
  
• First Lights Switch-On: Plymouth City Centre - 13th November
  
• Most Events: Exeter, Plymouth, Torquay
  
• Free Events: Most lights switch-ons, many markets (some attractions charge)
  
• Booking Required: Plymouth Winter Wonderland, RHS Glow, Seaton Tramway
  
• Late Night Shopping: Thursdays in Exeter & Plymouth, Tuesdays in Totnes
  
• Best for Families: Plymouth Winter Wonderland, Powderham Castle, Pennywell Farm

In this blog we look at what our county has to offer this Christmas. Whether your looking for a Christmas Market to stock up on Devon produced gifts, searching for Santa in his grotto to surprise the children, or looking for late night shopping across Devon we have everything you need in one place.

2025 sees the return of some of the best Christmas Markets and Events Devon has to offer. In this blog we have included all the events we have information for as of 29th October 2025 but be sure to check with the venue or event directly before travelling as information is subject to change. 

If you want some Christmas fun, ideas for things to do with the whole family or inspiration on the best markets or last minute shopping locations, we’ve listed events taking place throughout Christmas in Devon. As we find out about more Christmas markets and events during the season, we’ll add to this list so please contact us if you’d like your event to be included.

And if you’re looking to send a loved one a true taste of Devon this year, don’t forget our delicious Christmas Devon food hampers. 

Where are the Christmas Lights being switched on in Devon?

• Thursday 13th November 2025 - Plymouth City Centre Christmas lights switch-on, countdown begins at 6.25pm. Family-friendly entertainment to be enjoyed on stage in the Piazza from 4pm.
• Friday 28th November 2025 - Torquay Christmas lights switch-on. The Bay of Lights illuminate from 28^th November until 2^nd January, and will illuminate Torquay, Paignton and Brixham seafronts.
• Saturday 15th November 2025 - Plymouth Barbican lights switch-on. Free activities and entertainment from 12pm to 6pm, with the lights being lit at 5.30pm
• Saturday 29th November 2025 - Dawlish Christmas Lights Switch-on and a lantern parade starting at 4.30pm.
• Friday 21st November - Saturday 22nd November 2025 - Brixham Lanterns, Lights and Luminations. The event was first launched in 2007 and has grown in popularity in recent years. The event has traditionally included a magical lantern parade, an incredible firework display, live music, street entertainment, and a street market.
• Saturday 29th November 2025 - Christmas in Crediton, Christmas lights switch-on, live music and entertainment.
• Saturday 22nd November 2025 - Newton Abbot Christmas lights switch-on. There will be daytime events and street food available from 12pm and Father Christmas will turn on the lights at St Leonard's clock tower at 5.30pm.
• Saturday 22nd November 2025 - Bovey Tracey Christmas lights switch-on. Festivities from 2pm will include a Christmas market and Santa's Grotto. 
• Sunday 30th November 2025 - Clovelly Christmas lights switch-on. Festivities from 3.30pm onwards, including a brass band led procession, carols and fireworks. The Christmas lights around the village and harbour being switched on at 5.30pm. Parking is £10 per car at the visitor centre. 
• Thursday 27th November 2025 - Barnstaple Christmas lights switch-on. Once again this event will coincide with the Christmas Fayre, carol singing and late night shopping. Festivities begin at 5pm leading up to the light switch on at 6pm. 
• November 2025. Exeter Christmas lights switch-on which is expected to occur mid-November is due to be announced soon.

Christmas markets, food and craft fairs in Devon

• Thursday 11th December - Tuesday 23rd December 2025 – Tavistock  Christmas Market, Butchers Hall.  Shop for unique gifts from a wide range of local traders.
• Plymouth Winter Wonderland, Central Park. 2025 will see Plymouth's third Winter Wonderland which will run 21^st November 2025 – 4^th January 2026. It boasts a real Christmas extravaganza including an ice-rink, rides, music arena, Santa's Grotto and festive refreshments. Booking is recommended via their website from.
• Selected dates between 21^st November - 30th December 2025 - RHS Glow 2025. RHS Garden Rosemoor. A magical lights trail with a range of entertainment and craft fairs. Tickets must be booked in advance.
• Thursday 20th November – Friday 19th December 2025 – Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market - Cathedral Green. Devon's biggest and most spectacular Christmas market with around 100 traders, showcasing the very best of Devon and beyond.
• Friday 5th - Sunday 7th December 2025 - Westpoint Christmas Shopping Fayre - the event boasts a huge range of Christmas gifts, entertainment and celebrity appearances. Adults £5, under 16 Free.
• 28th November 2025 - Ilfracombe Christmas Market, with stalls, food vendors, live entertainment and a lantern parade.  
•           Saturday 29th November 2025 10am-2pm - Brixham Christmas Market - part of the Lanterns, Lights & Luminations event.
• Saturday 22nd November 2025 – Teignmouth Christmas Market - Christmas Gift & Craft Fayre located at The Triangle and Bank Street in the town.
• Saturday 29th November - Sunday 30th November and Saturday 6^th – Sunday 7^th December 2025  - Torre Abbey, WinterFest Christmas Fair. Gift and craft fair in a traditional setting where each weekend will feature a different mix of stalls offering local gift, crafts and festive food.
• Thursday 27th November -  Sunday 21st December 2025 - Plymouth Christmas Market, Armada Way.  Featuring up to 60 festive wooden chalets bursting with gifts, artisan crafts and street food from around the world.
• Tuesday 2nd, 9th & 16th December 2025 - Totnes Christmas Markets. 3pm - 9pm. Live entertainment, food, drink and craft stalls.
• Friday 5th December, 2025 - Dickensian Evening, Tavistock. To include a range of family-friendly entertainment from 5pm as well as festive stalls, which will transport you back in time.
• Saturday 29th November 2025, 10am to 4pm - Newton Abbot Christmas Fayre, Newton Abbot Racecourse. Local Christmas produce, reinpony rides, an inflatable snow globe and face painting are some of the activities available. Activities are an additional charge.
• Saturday 22nd November 2025, From 2pm  - Bovey Tracey Christmas Market, Fore Street, where there will be stalls, the choir, bar and caterers.  Father Christmas will also be visiting to switch on the Christmas lights.
• Sunday 7th December 2025 - Tiverton Annual Christmas Craft & Gift Fair. Tiverton Pannier Market. 
• Thursday 4th December, 2025 - Chudleigh Fair and Late Night Christmas Shopping. 

Other Christmas events in Devon during winter 

• Monday 1^st December - Wednesday 31st December 2025 (excluding some dates) - Powderham Castle, Christmas at the Castle. Includes a Christmas lights trail, state room experience & petting zoo.
• Selected ates throughout November & December 2025 - Seaton Tramway Polar Express. A 'West-end production on rails' including a visit to Santa to receive a gift.
• 28th November - 30th December 2025 - Train of Lights, Dartmouth Steam Railway. A journey from Paignton to Kingswear, taking in the spectacular light displays along the way.
• Selected date throughout November & December 2025 - Christmas at Pennywell Farm. Includes a Nativity Journey, Christmas activities and a visit to Father Christmas and his friendly elves.

Late night shopping in Devon this season

• Thursdays from 20th November - Thursday 19th December 2025 - Exeter Late Night Shopping. Until 9pm. 
• Thursdays from 13th November - 19th December 2025 - Plymouth Late Night Shopping. 
• Tuesdays 2nd, 9^th and 16th December 2025 - Totnes Late Night Shopping. 3pm - 9pm.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do Christmas markets start in Devon 2025?
The first Christmas market in Devon opens on 13th November 2025 with the Plymouth City Centre lights switch-on. The main market season runs from mid-November through to late December, with Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market (20th November - 19th December) and Plymouth Winter Wonderland (21st November - 4th January 2026) being among the first major events.

Are Devon Christmas markets free to enter?
Most Christmas markets in Devon are free to enter, including Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market, Plymouth Christmas Market on Armada Way, and the various town markets across Newton Abbot, Brixham, and Totnes. However, some special events require tickets or have admission fees, such as Plymouth Winter Wonderland, RHS Glow at Rosemoor, Westpoint Christmas Shopping Fayre (£5 adults), and Seaton Tramway Polar Express.

What is the best Christmas market in Devon?
Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market is widely considered Devon's premier Christmas market, featuring around 100 traders and set against the stunning backdrop of Exeter Cathedral. For a complete winter experience, Plymouth Winter Wonderland offers the most attractions including ice-skating, rides, and Santa's Grotto. For unique atmosphere, RHS Glow at Rosemoor provides a magical lights trail experience.

Where can I meet Santa in Devon this Christmas?
Santa appears at numerous locations across Devon including Plymouth Winter Wonderland (Central Park), Pennywell Farm Christmas Experience, Bovey Tracey Christmas Market (22nd November), Newton Abbot Racecourse Christmas Fayre (29th November), and Seaton Tramway Polar Express. Many grottos require advance booking, so check individual venue websites early.

Can I do late night Christmas shopping in Devon?
Yes! Exeter offers late night shopping every Thursday from 20th November to 19th December until 9pm. Plymouth also has Thursday late night shopping from 13th November to 19th December. Totnes provides a different option with late night shopping on Tuesdays (2nd, 9th, and 16th December) from 3pm-9pm, combined with their Christmas market and entertainment.

Which Devon Christmas market is best for families?
Plymouth Winter Wonderland is ideal for families, offering ice-skating, rides, entertainment, and Santa's Grotto all in one location. Pennywell Farm Christmas (selected dates) provides a Nativity journey and activities specifically designed for children. Powderham Castle combines a lights trail with a petting zoo. For a traditional market experience, Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market offers a magical atmosphere with entertainment suitable for all ages.

Do I need to book tickets for Devon Christmas events?
Several popular events require advance booking: Plymouth Winter Wonderland (recommended), RHS Glow at Rosemoor (required), Seaton Tramway Polar Express (required), Dartmouth Steam Railway Train of Lights (recommended), and Powderham Castle Christmas (recommended). Most Christmas markets and lights switch-on events are free and don't require booking.

What are the best Christmas lights displays in Devon?
The Bay of Lights (Torquay, Paignton, and Brixham) runs from 28th November to 2nd January and illuminates the entire seafront. RHS Glow at Rosemoor offers a professionally designed lights trail. Powderham Castle features a Christmas lights trail through castle grounds. Clovelly village provides a picturesque traditional lights display from 30th November. Dartmouth Steam Railway's Train of Lights (28th November - 30th December) offers spectacular displays viewed from a moving steam train.

Where can I find locally-made Christmas gifts in Devon?
Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market specializes in local Devon producers and artisans. Tavistock Christmas Market (11th-23rd December) at Butchers Hall focuses on local traders. Tiverton Pannier Market Christmas Fair (7th December) features local crafts. Torre Abbey WinterFest (weekends 29th November - 7th December) showcases local gifts and crafts. Most town markets including Bovey Tracey, Brixham, and Totnes also feature local producers.

Are there any Christmas events in Devon on specific dates?
Yes! Key dates include: 13th November (Plymouth lights), 21st-22nd November (Brixham Lanterns), 22nd November (Newton Abbot, Bovey Tracey, Teignmouth), 27th November (Barnstaple), 28th November (Torquay lights, Ilfracombe market), 29th November (Dawlish, Crediton, Newton Abbot Fayre), and 30th November (Clovelly). For comprehensive planning, check the full calendar as many events run on multiple dates throughout December.