Festive sparkle heads to the coast this winter as the Bay of Lights transforms the South West’s leading destination into a magical coastal escape.

From a larger Illumination Trail and new interactive experiences to Christmas markets and live entertainment along the coast, the English Riviera’s annual festive celebration, Bay of Lights, is set to be the most magical one yet.

A packed programme of winter experiences across the destination means visitors can turn their festive trip into a sparkling overnight stay by the sea, with multiple events taking place throughout the Bay this winter.

The jewel in the crown this year is the Bay of Lights Illumination Trail in Torquay, a 1.5-mile light display along Torquay seafront, which returns with 19 main features and 11 additional light displays, alongside a host of new illuminating experiences.

Among this year’s new trail additions are interactive smoke bubbles in the Rainbow Maze at Abbey Gardens and a new interactive sound and light display, giving visitors even more opportunities to explore and immerse themselves in the spectacle at The Banjo’s - the popular sunken garden feature along the town's scenic Torquay Seafront. 

Another destination favourite, the Alive with Light projection show onto the walls of Torre Abbey (an ancient scheduled monument dating back to 1196), will also make a return to this year’s Bay of Lights. Visitors can enjoy the show from a new teepee bar, providing the perfect spot to warm up with a hot chocolate while watching the illuminated projection unfold across the historic monument.

A larger Christmas market featuring indoor and outdoor stalls, offering food, drinks and crafts alongside fairground rides including a ferris wheel on The Strand, will be the showcase of this year’s Bay of Lights. The ice rink has further expanded this year, adding even more festive fun for those visiting the English Riviera.

In Brixham, Lanterns, Lights and Luminations will bring its own dose of sparkle to the harbour, whilst the iconic Train of Lights,  the multi-award-winning Christmas experience and the UK's first-ever steam train of lights, will take passengers on a magical illuminated journey from Paignton to Kingswear.

During their stay, visitors can also experience A Very Miniature Christmas, a model village transformed into a magical evening of illuminations, at Babbacombe Model Village.  Or they can step back in time with a 1940s Christmas at Greenway, Agatha Christie’s former holiday home, or experience a Roaring Twenties Christmas at Coleton Fishacre.

For those looking for traditional festive entertainment, the English Riviera’s theatres will also be getting into the Christmas spirit, with productions including Snow White at Princess Theatre, A Christmas Celebration at Babbacombe Theatre and Mother Goose at the Palace Theatre in Paignton.

Carolyn Custeron, CEO of the English Riviera BID Company, said: "The Bay of Lights showcases the English Riviera at its most magical, transforming our coastline into a vibrant winter destination. 

“From breathtaking light installations and festive entertainment to local food, shopping and attractions, there’s plenty to see and do across the whole region. We want visitors to make a real stay of it and explore the coast by day, enjoy the festive atmosphere by night and, most importantly, stay for the magic.”

With so much to see and do, visitors are encouraged to book accommodation early to avoid disappointment, with options ranging from stylish seafront hotels to a welcoming B&B, an activity-packed holiday park, and a self-catering retreat.

The Bay of Lights officially launches on Saturday 28 November, with music from 6pm on The Strand before a spectacular opening-night fireworks display at 8pm.

For a full schedule of activities, event details, and ticket information, please visit Bay of Lights.