Christmas is a special time of year where family, friends, and loved ones come together to celebrate. What better place to spend the holidays than in Devon, where you can enjoy all the best that the English countryside has to offer?
We have enjoyed some magical Christmases in Devon, so we wanted to write a blog post telling you how to have a Christmas in Devon that you’ll never forget.
Christmas Illuminations ‘Glow’ at RHS Rosemoor
See the beautiful gardens at RHS Rosemoor come to life at the spectacular night-time light display at RHS Rosemoor Glow. All the family can enjoy the stunning gardens and follow the Glow trail that incorporates both light and sound to bring cheery, festive fun to North Devon.
Experience a galaxy of stars, a tunnel of lights, and the Orchard shelter lit up at this wonderful Christmas event. You can even grab a tasty snack or hot drink and do a spot of Christmas shopping at any of the food and craft stalls that will be lining the trail.
Ticket prices differ depending if you are a member, and should be booked in advance. Check the website for the dates that the light display runs.
The Polar Express Train Ride
Take a magical tram ride through the North Pole to Santa’s house on a specially decorated tram at the Seaton Tramway during November and December.
Your journey begins just like the 2004 motion picture when THE POLAR EXPRESS™ will pick you up at South Devon Railway to take you to the North Pole. You will get to meet the characters from the film, and you and your family, hopefully dressed in PJs, will experience a fun filled theatrical adventure as you make your way to the North Pole.
Throughout your journey, you may tangle with the caribou and other magical happenings, as you have the original story of THE POLAR EXPRESS™ told to you by the singing Chefs. Don’t forget to have a bite of your cookie and authentic hot chocolate before arriving at the North Pole to meet Santa Claus.
Santa will join you on board and, if you are on the nice list, hand you your first gift of Christmas, a Silver Sleigh Bell just as in the motion picture we all love. If you like a sing-song you can also enjoy some classic Christmas carols on the tram back. A round trip lasts around 2.5 hours and there are a limited amount of seats per tram so book early to avoid disappointment.
Afternoon Tea at Bovey Castle
If it’s in your budget we would recommend staying at luxury hotel Bovey Castle over Christmas for a truly magical experience. But if the purse-strings don’t stretch that far, booking the festive afternoon tea at Bovey will give you a small glimpse into the luxurious and cosy surroundings.
Each year Bovey Castle transforms into a winter wonderland, illuminated by spectacular Christmas trees and plump armchairs nestled against tables laden with walnuts and oranges.
The hotel is idyllically situated in the heart of Dartmoor National Park, so take the opportunity to explore the area and visit local festive events in the surrounding towns and villages whilst you’re there.
See a Pantomime
Christmas isn’t Christmas without a trip to see a pantomime, no matter how old you are, or whether you have kids or not. Devon has lots of pantomime’s showing all across the county this year.
- Aladdin – Princess Theatre Torquay
- Dick Whittington – Barnfield Theatre Exeter
- Jack and the Beanstalk – Queens Theatre Barnstaple
- Sleeping Beauty – Theatre Royal Plymouth
- Cinderella – The Palace Theatre Paignton
- Hansel & Gretel – The Flavel Dartmouth
- Peter Pan – Exmouth Pavilion
Visit Powderham Castle’s Christmas
Open 1st-31st December 2022
Devon is full of historic castles, and each year Powderham Castle puts on quite the spectacle, with a whole host of activities for the entire family to enjoy over the festive season. 600-year-old Powderham enjoys a unique, picturesque setting within an ancient deer park beside the Exe estuary, just south of Exeter.
You can visit the castle’s Christmas State Rooms Experience, enjoy the Christmas Barn for food and games, and take the kids along for the Christmas Trail and Evening Light Walk. There’s even a Santa’s Grotto for the little ones to see Santa.
To top it all off, on 16th December 2022 you can see the Exeter Cathedral Choral Scholars singing carols, bringing you a festive evening of carols and seasonal music. Book tickets here.
Zooluminate light trail at Dartmoor Zoo
A brand new light trail is coming to Dartmoor Zoo this Christmas with Zooluminate.
Zooluminate is a series of beautiful light installations put together by the team behind the Illuminate Festival of Light. The trail extends around the whole zoo site and some enclosures will be illuminated, so you might even get the chance to see the animals all snuggled up for the night.
The lighting was been specifically researched and chosen to illuminate without causing critters harm or disruption. Tickets start from £40pp.
Carols in the Caves at Kents Cavern
Experience Christmas underground at a candlelit carols service held in the depths of prehistoric caves at Kents Cavern. This unique experience is suitable for children and adults and includes a bewitching Christmas carol concert by the ‘Yours in Harmony’ group and the ‘Torbay Police and Community Choir’.
You’ll start seated in the Vestibule Chamber and hear the amazing acoustics of the choir before taking a walk around the cave system singing carols by candlelight.
Once you’ve finished enjoying the concert in the Vestibule Chamber, you can take a candlelit tour around the caves before ending your adventure with hot chocolate or mulled wine in the Great Chamber.
Carols by candlelight in the underground world of Kents Cavern makes for a memorable and magical Christmas experience. The unique festive experience lasts two hours and visitors must be aged 16 or above. Pre-booking is essential.
Christmas night at Plymouth Aquarium
Who doesn’t love a visit to the Aquarium? For one night only, on 18th December, after hours the Aquarium will be transformed into a winter wonderland with Christmas films and even snow inside the National Aquarium in Plymouth.
Plus during the day on special days, you might catch a glimpse of Father Christmas diving with the sharks! There will also be Christmas-themed craft activities happening.
Attend the Holly Ball at The Grand Hotel Torquay
The Holly Ball has been an annual Torquay Rowing Club tradition dating back to 1906, with it being held at the Grand Hotel since 1950. The dress code is strictly black tie, and over one thousand people enjoy the ball each Christmas.
Back in 1906 it started at 2100 and ended at 0300 with dancing. Tickets were priced at 5/- (shillings) or 25p and 4/- (shillings) or 20p. There was no Holly Ball during WW1 and WW2, and it was also unable to go ahead during the COVID pandemic.
But in 2022 it is back and what better way to celebrate the Christmas season in Devon than attending this historic ball with friends and family.
Take the Kids to Boringdon Hall
Take the little ones to Boringdon Hall for Christmas in Devon, where they’ll be charmed by a special dance performance, enjoy a Christmassy festive afternoon tea and then have the opportunity to meet Santa in his grotto.
The experience includes festive activities such as gingerbread decorating and each child will receive a gift from Santa himself. Dates are limited and pre-booking is advised.
For the adults, there’s wreath making, festive murder mystery nights, Christmas party nights, and even a New Year’s Eve black tie ball.
Exeter Winter Wonderland
Set in the heart of the city centre, the Exeter Winter Wonderland is billed as a magical day out for the whole family to enjoy. There will be a real ice rink and Santa’s grotto with illuminated trail as well as fun fair rides and locally-sourced festive refreshments.
Exeter Winter Wonderland will be back at the same venue as last year from November 17th to January 2nd, from 11am to 10pm. It will offer the same festive fun as last year but will build on it by hosting a Christmas market and new rides.
Santa is also returning with a brand new grotto and Naughty Elf’s Workshop, and The Moose Lodge will be back where visitors can enjoy mulled wine, cider and German beer.
The Winter Wonderland is free entry, with tickets available to purchase for the ice rink and Santa’s Grotto.
Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market
As well as Winter Wonderland, you can also visit the Christmas Market at Exeter Cathedral. Running from November 18th to December 18th it will be a winter wonderland set among a labyrinth of winding lanes, festooned with fairy lights and laced with the seasonal sights and smells of festive chalets.
Visitors will be able to enjoy delicious global street food, served from pop-up restaurants, cafés and bars, alongside local West Country produce, unique hand-crafted gifts, decorations and much more – all twinkling below the illuminated medieval façade of Exeter Cathedral.
There will be festive activities and performances, including seasonal singing from Exeter Cathedral Choir, to entertain once the shopping is done, as well as free admission to experience awe-inspiring architecture and Advent services inside the cathedral.
Visit Devon’s National Trust Properties
Devon is home to some of the country’s best National Trust properties, and this time of year they’re all decked out in decorations and twinkling Christmas lights galore.
From winter walks and after-hours tours at Arlington Court, to 100 lit Christmas trees at Buckland Abbey. Agatha Christie’s Greenway will be transformed and a mystery spotter trail set up for the kids, while Dunster Castle’s great hall will be enshrined in festive foliage and wreaths.
Coleston Fishacre is ideal for sea-loving visitors, taking its decor inspiration from the landscape and wild ocean. And of course, Castle Drogo will provide visitors with an insight into how its owners celebrated Christmas in the 1920s.
Devon’s National Trust properties offer magic all-year round, but especially at Christmas.
Boxing Day BBQ on the Beach at Clovelly
Enjoy a Christmassy day at a Devonshire beach at the Boxing Day BBQ held annually at Clovelly Village for Christmas in Devon. There’ll be a huge hog roast and live music, with free access to the picturesque fishing village, which usually charges an entry fee.
Exploring the village and walking up and down the famous hill is a brilliant way to walk off the feast of Christmas day and get a breath of fresh air while enjoying a mulled cider or a delicious hot chocolate.
Clovelly is without a doubt one of the prettiest villages in Devon.
Christmas in Devon is Magical
Spending Christmas in Devon is a great way to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and the area is much quieter than the peak summer months. You can enjoy all the best that the English countryside has to offer without having to deal with crowded streets and packed shops.
If you’re looking for a more relaxed and low-key holiday season, then Devon is the perfect place for you. The rolling hills are blanketed in frost most mornings, and the towns and villages are adorned with twinkling lights. It’s the perfect setting for a festive holiday celebration.
This year, make your Christmas truly special by spending it in Devon. From delicious food to stunning scenery, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. And why not book a stay at one of our favourite luxury boutique hotels to make it even more special?
