As winter settles over the hills and estuaries of South Devon, the landscape seems to take a deep breath; soft light, crisp mornings, and the glow of festive anticipation drifting from town to town. Christmas here isn’t just a season; it’s a feeling. A gentle pulling back to tradition, to community, to that timeless comfort found in candlelit markets and the distant whistle of a steam train. With lively events, magical evenings, and a few wonderfully nostalgic must-dos, these are the highlights that make winter in South Devon so very special.
Exeter Christmas Market
20th November – 19th December
Set before the soaring architecture of Exeter Cathedral, this market is a festive cornerstone for the region. Rows of illuminated wooden chalets wrap the cathedral green in a warm glow, while the fragrance of mulled wine and roasting chestnuts drifts into the air like an invitation you can’t refuse.
Over a hundred traders offer a curated blend of artisan crafts, seasonal food, global street flavours, and West Country favourites. Whether your eye is on a hand-turned ornament, a locally distilled spirit, or just your next cup of something steaming, this is Christmas at its most atmospheric.
Find out more here.
Totnes Christmas Market
2nd, 9th and 16th December
Totnes has a personality all of its own; creative, spirited, and just a touch eccentric, and all of that individuality gathers in full festive force for three magical Tuesday evenings.
Fore Street becomes a twinkling promenade of artists, makers, musicians, and food stalls, each bringing a slice of the town’s trademark charm. Expect everything from handmade ceramics and textiles to irresistible seasonal treats. Local shops stay open late, music spills from doorways, and the whole atmosphere feels delightfully bohemian in the best possible way.
The final evening is crowned by the Lantern Procession, a glowing, meandering parade that brings the community together before ending with carols sung beneath the winter sky.
Find out more here.
Dartmouth Steam Railway: Train of Lights
28th November – 30th December
A spectacle unlike anything else in the region, the Train of Lights turns the Dartmouth Steam Railway into a travelling festival of colour. As the train snakes along the coast from Paignton and along the River Dart to Kingswear, thousands of lights shimmer across the river and fields, painting the night with reflections and shadows that feel straight out of a storybook.
Inside the carriages, the magic continues, an immersive glow, cosy ambience, and views that invite you to press your face to the glass like a child again. This is winter escapism at its finest, and one of the most enchanting experiences you’ll find anywhere in Devon.
Find out more here.
Kingsbridge Celebrates Christmas
6th December
Kingsbridge’s much-loved festive celebration returns, thankfully, after last year’s weather disruption, and anticipation is running high. The town centre becomes a hub of festive energy, with market stalls lining the streets, live music, delicious hot food, and the ever-popular ice rink making its comeback.
The Farmers Market is ideal for picking up Christmas goodies, and the aroma of mulled drinks and street food drifts down Fore Street. Children can visit Santa in his grotto, where gifts and wish-lists are very much on the agenda. With local shops offering late-night opening and special promotions, it’s an excellent way to ease the Christmas shopping load, with plenty of seasonal atmosphere thrown in
South Devon Railway: The Polar Express
28th November – 23rd December
There’s something undeniably magical about stepping onto a steam train at Christmas, and the Polar Express experience captures that feeling perfectly. Inspired by the beloved story, this immersive journey offers singing chefs, hot chocolate, storytelling and a chance for children to meet Santa himself, all wrapped up in the nostalgic romance of heritage rail travel.
It’s hugely popular with families and tickets sell out quickly, so it’s well worth checking availability early. For those who love tradition, wonder, and a little old-fashioned theatre, it’s an incomparable festive treat.
Find out more here.
Coleton Fishacre: Roaring Twenties Christmas Parties
22nd November – 4th January (selected dates)
Step back a century and into the glamour of the Jazz Age at Coleton Fishacre, where the National Trust recreates a 1920s Christmas with style. In celebration of turning 100 years old in 2025, the house is dressed for an elegant seasonal gathering, complete with period decorations, soft jazz, and that crisp sense of old-world celebration.
It’s a unique, more graceful Christmas experience, perfect for anyone who prefers something a little more refined than the usual bustle.
Find out more here.
South Devon truly shines at Christmastime. Whether your ideal December evening involves browsing market stalls with something warm in hand, watching a steam train illuminate the coastline, or simply soaking in the atmosphere of a historic home, the region offers winter moments that remind us why these traditions matter and why we return to them, year after year.