Celebrate the Season in Devon: Best Christmas Lights, Markets, and Festivities (2024)
As the festive season approaches, Devon transforms into a winter wonderland filled with twinkling lights, bustling Christmas markets, and a host of seasonal celebrations.
Whether you're a local or visiting this beautiful region, Devon offers a variety of enchanting Christmas experiences to get you into the holiday spirit. From the coastal towns to historic cities, this guide will take you through the best Christmas lights, markets, and festivities Devon has to offer in 2024.
Exeter Christmas Market
Nestled in the heart of Devon’s capital city, the Exeter Christmas Market is one of the region’s most popular festive events. Held on the Cathedral Green, the market brings together local artisans and food producers in a picturesque setting. Explore the wooden chalets offering handcrafted gifts, seasonal treats, and mulled wine, all while enjoying live music and the stunning backdrop of Exeter Cathedral.
Dates: November 16 – December 20, 2024
Location: Exeter Cathedral Green, Cathedral Close, Exeter, Devon, EX1 1HS
Highlights: Over 100 stalls, local crafts, and Exeter Cathedral’s festive lights.
Totnes Christmas Market and Late-Night Shopping
The Totnes Christmas Market is a unique and lively event that captures the town’s bohemian spirit. Held on three consecutive Tuesdays in December, this market offers a vibrant mix of local produce, handmade gifts, and street entertainment. Totnes also hosts late-night shopping, allowing visitors to browse the town’s independent shops while soaking up the festive atmosphere.
Dates: 2024 December 3, 10, and 17, 3pm-9pm
Location: Totnes High Street, TQ9 5PB
Highlights: Artisan crafts, live performances, and festive shopping under the stars.
Clovelly Christmas Lights and Carol Service
Step into a postcard-perfect scene at Clovelly, a quaint fishing village on the North Devon coast. The annual Christmas Lights Switch-On is a magical event that transforms the village's cobbled streets into a twinkling wonderland. Visitors can enjoy a traditional carol service in the harbour, followed by fireworks illuminating the sky. The proceeds from the event go to charity, making it a heartwarming way to celebrate the season.
Dates: December 8 @ 4:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Location: Clovelly Village, North Devon
Highlights: Christmas light switch-on, carols by the harbour, and fireworks display.
Dartington Hall Christmas Fair
For a more rustic and community-driven Christmas experience, the Dartington Hall Christmas Fair is the place to be. Located in the stunning countryside of South Devon, this fair brings together local artisans, food stalls, and festive entertainment in the historic setting of Dartington Hall. The Christmas Light Trail through the estate’s gardens adds an extra magical touch to the evening.
Dates: December 7 – 8, 2024
Location: Dartington Hall, Totnes, Devon, TQ9 6EL
Highlights: Local crafts, festive food stalls, and a magical light trail.
Plymouth Christmas Market
Located in the heart of the city, the Plymouth Christmas Market is a festive highlight on the south coast. Visitors can wander through the wooden chalets, picking up unique gifts, decorations, and local delicacies. The market sits alongside Plymouth’s winter ice rink, offering the perfect day out for families looking to combine shopping and festive fun.
Dates: November 30 – December 21, 2024
Location: Armada Way, Plymouth, PL1 1HH
Highlights: Christmas market stalls, festive food, and Plymouth’s outdoor ice rink.
Killerton House Christmas Lights
Experience the magic of Killerton House at Christmas, where the National Trust property is transformed into a festive wonderland. Visitors can enjoy the Christmas Lights Trail through the estate’s gardens, which are illuminated with creative light displays. Inside the house, each room is decorated in a different festive theme, offering a glimpse into Christmas past.
Dates: Select dates from November 30 – December 23, 2024
Location: Killerton House, Broadclyst, EX5 4PX
Highlights: Light trail, themed decorations, and festive workshops.
Brixham Christmas Market and Lanterns, Lights & 'Luminations
The picturesque fishing town of Brixham comes alive during the holiday season with its Christmas Market and the annual Lanterns, Lights & ‘Luminations event.
The picturesque fishing town of Brixham comes alive during the holiday season with its Christmas Market and the annual Lanterns, Lights & ‘Luminations event. Visitors can browse through local craft stalls while enjoying live music and street entertainment. The main event is the lantern parade through the town, followed by the Christmas light switch-on and a spectacular fireworks display over the harbor.
Dates: November 23, 2024 (Lantern Parade and Lights), Market on select dates in December
Location: Brixham Harbour, TQ5 9BW
Highlights: Lantern parade, Christmas light switch-on, and fireworks.
Plan Your Devon Christmas Adventure
With its blend of coastal charm, historic market towns, and festive celebrations, Devon offers something for everyone this holiday season. Whether you're browsing the stalls at a Christmas market, strolling through a festive light trail, or enjoying seasonal music and carols, the magic of Christmas is never far away. Make sure to check official event websites for ticket information, dates, and any special activities to ensure a truly unforgettable Christmas in Devon 2024.
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