With Christmas just around the corner, many of you will be starting to make plans for the festive period. We in Devon love Christmas and, therefore, have a variety of Christmas events happening throughout December for you to get involved in on Your Devon Escape. Check out our recommendations below of events we love happening this December. Enjoy a unique Devon experience during your Christmas in Dartmouth.
Get into the festive spirit as the town comes alive with Candlelit Dartmouth Festival, a candlelit procession through the town. Get involved before the festival and take part in a lantern-making workshop to join the procession. Hundreds of beautiful hand-made lanterns will fill the street for an evening to remember. Complete with music, dancing, and Christmas fancy dress, take part in this unique Christmas Dartmouth tradition. Meet Father Christmas as he arrives by boat, speak to him about your Christmas wishes and, if you are on the nice list, receive a present from the man himself. Join the procession during your Christmas in Dartmouth.
A Christmas fair located in the Old Market Square in Dartmouth in aid of the Children’s Hospice South West. With stalls selling lovely crafts, cards, books, art, jewellery, cakes, gifts and more. Proceeds from this event will go to helping the charity to provide essential specialist care and support for over five hundred families with life-limited children in the South West. Happening on Saturday the 3rd December from 10am to 3pm, pop on down to see what the stalls have on offer and help a worthy cause, whilst getting in the Christmas spirit.
An enchanting and immersive experience this Christmas. Inspired by the coastline, the house will be decorated with dazzling lights and soundscapes, unique decorations, and photo-worthy displays. The small people can journey around the house on the indoor spotter trail and discover festive traditions from around the world. The event will run on weekends throughout December, and daily from the 27th to the 31st of December, and the 7th and 8th of January. No booking is needed, and the event is free for National Trust members. Check it out on Your Devon Escape for a unique day out during your Christmas in Dartmouth.
Meet Santa and his magical elves in his marvellous grotto. The Christmas event starts on the 26th of November, running every weekend up until the 18th of December, and then daily from the 29th to the 23rd of December. Meet your elf guides and adventure through the magical forest, meeting all of Santa’s festive friends before arriving at his toy workshop. Sneak a peek at where the magical toys and gifts are made and cherish the family memories you will make from the Santa experience. Whilst wandering around, make sure you are looking out for lots of magical surprises hidden inside! Book tickets today for a Christmas event to remember on Your Devon Escape.
The multi-award-winning Christmas experience is happening this November and December. From the 25th of November to the 30th of December hop on the UK’s first steam train of lights. The Christmas Train of Lights is now a must-see event in the South West festive calendar, so don’t miss out! The festive illuminated journey starts from Paignton, where the vintage carriages are waiting decorated with thousands of lights, both inside and out. Along the journey, you will pass through the enchanted forest which is transformed by a multitude of lights and feature displays. The stunning show ends as you enter Kingswear and can look across to the beautiful Dartmouth. Check out their website to find out more and book your tickets before they sell out and experience this unique journey on Your Devon Escape.
EXETER CATHEDRAL CHRISTMAS MARKET
Make it a day out to remember at Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market. Running from the 18th of November until the 18th December, you will discover something for everyone, with over a hundred twinkling festive chalets. From local gifts and produce to themed bars and global street food, there is something to keep the whole family entertained. The market is free entry with seasonal entertainment happening throughout the day and evening. It is truly an event to get into the festive spirit. An hour’s drive from Dartmouth, visit Devon’s biggest Christmas market to get some unique presents to take home for your loved ones or simply to try some tasty food and get in the Christmas spirit.
LANTERNS, LIGHTS AND ‘LUMINATIONS’
Brixham will celebrate its Christmas Lights Switch on with a ‘Lanterns, Lights and ‘Luminations’ parade. The town will be filled with market stalls and entertainment throughout the day to get into the Christmas spirit. Happening on the 26th of November, head over to Brixham to start your Christmas celebrations. There is a Christmas indoor market from 10am to 2pm in the town hall, with thirty stalls selling a wide range of unique items, mince pies and hot drinks. Check out the link to find out the running order of the day to make the most of this event during your Christmas in Dartmouth.
For more ideas for activities on Your Devon Escape, why not check out our journal for recommendations. Or make us all jealous on Your Devon Escape by sharing your Christmas adventures with #yourdevonescape or tag us on Facebook @YourDevonEscape or on Instagram @your_devon_escape.