Christmas and New Year Breaks

Sometimes it’s nice to get away for the festive period and spend Christmas and New Year with family and friends by the sea! Whether you’re looking for a cosy cottage for two or a large house for 20, you’ll find there’s a great choice of award winning accommodation in The English Riviera. And there are lots of festive things to see and do when you get here too.

Christmas and New Year events and attractions on the English Riviera

It may be the epitome of an English seaside resort in the summer months, but in winter the English Riviera exchanges its beach towels and sun cream for sleigh-bells and baubles.

In Torquay many restaurants serve traditional Christmas dinner and lunch menus, while the town’s pubs and clubs have no shortage of festive themed entertainment for people enjoying Christmas and New Year breaks on the English Riviera. There’s also traditional family pantomimes at the Princess Theatre in Torquay and the Palace Theatre in Paignton – Oh yes they are!

Brixham Christmas Carnival is another fun family event, with dozens of floats and people in costume parading from the harbour around town. Or if you want to catch the Torquay Christmas Carnival and see the Christmas lights being switched on, be sure to book your Christmas break in late November.

For younger members of the family, organise a visit to see Father Christmas that they will remember forever. Every year the Dartmouth Steam Railway transforms itself into the Santa Express. Departing from Paignton on dates throughout December, this magical trip includes gifts for the kids and mulled wine and mince pies for the adults.

A Devon Winter Wonderland

Due to the sheltered location of its three main towns – Torquay, Paignton and Brixham – this part of South Devon has an unseasonably mild climate even in winter. But if you’re looking for snow, head inland to the wilds of Dartmoor, where you may be lucky to see a sprinkling.

One of South Devon’s most popular attractions, Babbacombe Model Village is transformed during the month of December into a stunning ‘Winter Wonderland’. Using highly realistic snow effects to cover the thousands of model buildings and miniature people, a white Christmas in Babbacombe is virtually guaranteed, if only for a very small part of it.

Christmas shopping in Devon

If you’re looking to buy some unique presents this Christmas, you’ll find all manner of special gifts on sale at Brixham Christmas market and at the quirky craft and gift shops in the town. From food to frocks, you can pick up something different at the independent shops and delis in Babbacombe. Or head to the busy streets of Torquay to buy everything from a new designer handbag to toys and games for the kids in a great selection of your favourite high-street stores.

Places to stay for your Christmas and New Year break

Whether you’re dreaming of rural Christmas in front of a roaring log fire or want somewhere chic, modern, and close to the party action, you’ll find your perfect place to stay in Torbay. From hotels and guesthouses to self-catering cottages and holiday apartments, search our site and book today.