It may be November, but now is the time to book up for those special Christmas events. We’ve rounded up some of the best which are kicking off this month
Plymouth City Centre Christmas Lights (PIC)
Celebrate the start of the Christmas season in style at Plymouth’s City Centre Christmas Lights Switch-On. Taking place on the Piazza, the event kicks off at 4pm with a line-up of live music and entertainment. Santa Claus will make a special appearance at 6pm, joined by special guests, to officially light up the city.
November 14
Rosemoor Glow (PIC)
The RHS Glow illuminations transform the impeccably curated horticultural landscape at RHS Garden Rosemoor into a dazzling winter wonderland. Explore the garden near Great Torrington and make memories with friends and family on an after-dark trail of kaleidoscopic light and colour. For the first time, the twinkling route with atmospheric light and sound installations reaches the majestic arboretum where you can admire a carpet of colour and harlequin trees. With family entertainment also scheduled every evening, it’s the perfect night out for all ages.
Book early to secure your preferred time.
November 15 - December 28 (selected dates)
Make it a day out to remember at Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market. You’ll discover something for everyone, with over a hundred twinkling festive chalets, local gifts and produce, bars, global street food and seasonal entertainment. This year’s event will be extended even further to include Exeter Cathedral’s historic Cloister Garden, where you can discover more pop-up traders, festive fun for all the family, sample the menu of the cathedral’s brand new Chapter House Refectory and browse unique gift collections in the new Exeter Cathedral Shop.
November 15 to December 15
exeter-cathedral.org.uk
Plymouth’s Winter Wonderland
Plymouth’s Central Park transforms into a winter paradise as Plymouth's Winter Wonderland returns! Featuring an ice rink, festive grottos, rides, an après ski bar and more, it’s a wonderland filled with twinkling lights and holiday magic.
November 15 - January 1
Barbican Christmas Lights Switch On
Experience the charm of Christmas in the historic streets of Plymouth's Barbican.The streets will come alive with festive family fun, leading up to the lights switch on at 6pm. Santa, along with this year’s community hero and other special guests, will light up the night with a celebration you won’t want to miss.
November 16
Babbacombe Model Village
A Very Miniature Christmas. Enjoy festive scenes during the day & night, magical illuminations with lots of Christmas sparkle and festive lighting, plus find the miniature Santas and Elves.
November 16 to January 4 2025 –
model-village.co.uk
The Perfect Christmas Experience. The Farm is transformed into a magical winter wonderland with twinkling lights, hundreds of Christmas trees and plenty of Christmas sparkle.
November 22 to December 24
pennywellfarm.co.uk
A Jurassic Christmas!
This winter, experience Jurassic Discovery in Seaton as the dinosaurs of the popular The Last Day of the Dinosaurs exhibition get a festive makeover! Visitors will have the chance to witness the awe-inspiring creatures of the past celebrating winter with a Christmas twist. The dinosaurs will be dressed in festive attire, featuring Santa hats, scarves, and other wintery accessories. This unique seasonal transformation promises to bring joy to the whole family, adding a fun and whimsical element to the immersive prehistoric adventure.
November 23 to January 5
Woodlands Christmas Grotto
Join elf tour guides for an adventure through the North Pole in an interactive walkthrough experience featuring snowy forests, cosy cabins and the amazing Elf Toy Factory.
November 23 to December 23
woodlandspark.com
Santa Cycle & Cruise
Stuart Line Cruises are supporting FORCE Cancer Care. Cycle six miles along the Exe Estuary Trail then join a Stuart Line Cruises boat for a trip along the River Exe and back.
November 24
stuartlinecruises.co.uk
'Christmas at the Castle' is back, offering a festive experience for everyone. Wander through the Christmas Illuminated Light Walk, where the castle and its grounds are adorned with holiday lights for a striking display. Inside, the Festive House Experience features rooms decorated in seasonal decor.
Enjoy a variety of food and beverage options from vendors on the grounds, all adding to the festive atmosphere. For those looking for something extra special, a Festive Afternoon Tea is available to book, featuring a selection of holiday-themed delicacies and a glass of bubbles.
November 25-December 31
powderham.co.uk/christmas/
Dive into the festive magic at Plymouth Christmas Market, making its grand return to the city centre. Wander through stalls filled with unique gifts, handmade crafts, and mouth-watering food. Enjoy live music and sip on mulled wine
November 28 to December 15.
Buckfast Abbey Christmas Market.
Experience the magic of the season at this enchanting Christmas market, where you can discover a delightful array of local artisan crafts, perfect for unique gifts.
November 28-30.
buckfast.org.uk
South Devon Railway
The Polar Express returns. Ride the train as it steams towards the North Pole! Here you’ll meet Santa and one of his friendly elves. He’ll climb on board the train to meet everyone.
From November 29
southdevonrailway.co.uk
Bay of Lights
The English Riviera is set to dazzle residents and visitors alike with the return of the highly anticipated Bay of Lights this Christmas, a series of sparkling events transforming the stunning coastline into a winter wonderland of festive cheer.
highlights include: Train of Lights: This magical festive illuminated train journey starts at Dartmouth Steam Railway’s station in Paignton. A steam train with vintage carriages awaits, decorated with thousands of lights, both inside and out. Attendees will be propelled through the 450-metre Greenway tunnel that leads to an enchanted forest which will be transformed by a multitude of lights. Illumination Trail: Visit the 1.5mile long trail and see Holly the 7-foot light up Octopus.
Santa In the Caves: Experience an interactive pantomime performance throughout the prehistoric Kents Cavern caves which will be festively decorated.
November 29 to January 02
englishriviera.co.uk
Christingle Service
All are welcome to Exeter Cathedral’s Christingle Service where we look to Christmas and use the Christingle to tell the story of Jesus. Find out more at
Saturday November 30 at 4pm
exeter-cathedral.org.uk
Christmas at Crealy. Join Sooty and Co. in Sooty’s Christmas Show. See the winter Christmas Light displays and rides in the dark, visit Santa and post your Christmas List to the North Pole!
November 30 to December 23
crealy.co.uk
