During the winter Christmas period, the English Riviera plays host to an exciting event: The Bay of Lights! Taking place throughout Torquay, Paignton and Brixham, the whole Bay comes alive with a flurry of illuminated events to form the Bay of Lights. From lantern parades to a steam train covered in lights, to carols by candlelight, the English Riviera is truly magical over winter. And don't forget the star of the show: The Illumination Trail along Torquay seafront. You can enjoy a 1.5-mile route along Torquay seafront with glittering and unexpected surprises along the way.
What is the Bay of Lights?
The Bay of Lights is a fantastic winter event that lights up the towns of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham across December each year. Below are some details about the 2024 Bay of Lights, so you can get a flavour of the types of events, festivals and things to do around this time of year. As soon as the details of the 2025 Bay of Lights events are released, we will update this page to include all the new and exciting Bay of Lights events for 2025.
2024 Bay of Lights Events
In Torquay's town centre, festive lighting will be put up through Union Street and Fleet Street, courtesy of the Torquay Town Centre Partnership. In Paignton along the seafront, and at Brixham harbour, residents and visitors will get to enjoy a magnificent 8-meter-high pixel Christmas Tree, that offers a digital light show.
Following the remarkable success of last year's event, which welcomed over a million visitors, the Bay of Lights will take place from 28 November to 2 January.
This year’s Bay of Lights promises to be even bigger and brighter, featuring new attractions and stunning light displays. The event will illuminate the beautiful seafronts of Torquay, Paignton, and Brixham. Visitors can enjoy lantern parades, a steam train covered in lights, illuminated trails, carols by candlelight, and Christmas craft fairs. The Bay of Lights is a must-see experience, bringing the whole area to life with a flurry of illuminated events.
Last year's Bay of Lights attracted 1.2 million visitors, a 37% increase in footfall, solidifying its status as a must-visit Christmas spectacle. Feedback from attendees and local businesses was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the event's positive impact on the community and local economy.
A standout feature is the 1.5-mile Illumination Trail in Torquay, funded by Torbay Council, SWISCo, and the English Riviera BID Company. The 2024 trail was also supported by generous organisations and businesses, including Big Wave Marketing, Torre Abbey, Exeter Bar Company, and FTS. Visitors were captivated by the illuminated features along the route, such as a large light-up octopus and a giant glowing snowflake.
Additionally, Torre Abbey will once again host the special show "Alive with Light." The abbey will be transformed into a breathtaking blend of light, history, and festive joy. Audiences will embark on a magical journey through the abbey's rich history, from its 12th-century origins to today. "Alive with Light" is a stunning visual spectacle with an evocative historical soundtrack that should not be missed.
This year's Bay of Lights Illumination Trail has more installations than ever before and included an LED light fountain, 1,000 colour changing hand placed flowers, pixel pads and a giant walk-through Christmas present, as well as some of the original favourites. The 1.5-mile accessible trail will have 18 large light installations, offering stunning digital light shows, Christmas music, interactive fun and memory making photographic opportunities. There will also be pixel tree installations in Paignton and Brixham.
Christmas Market in the grounds of historic Torre Abbey. The market will form the perfect space for visitors to do some Christmas shopping or to start or end the Bay of Lights Illumination Trail with plenty of food traders serving delicious food. Expect great local food traders, fun family activities and two atmospheric bars offering the best of the South West.
Celebrate 800 years of Christmas
This winter, Torre Abbey will transform into a breathtaking canvas of light and history with an innovative projection event, celebrating the rich heritage of the abbey and the festive spirit of Christmas. This spectacular display was designed by renowned artists Ross Ashton and Karen Monid from The Projection Studio.
The projection took attendees on a visual journey through Torre Abbey's storied past, from its establishment by the Premonstratensians in the 12th century to the present day. Spectators will witness the evolution of Christmas celebrations across the ages, accompanied by a carefully curated soundtrack featuring music from the Medieval, Tudor, Georgian, and Victorian periods. Beautifully mapping images inspired by the different eras will be projected onto the abbey's historic architecture.
This event promises to engage audiences of all ages, offering a unique opportunity to experience the holiday season in a captivating and immersive way.
Train of Lights
TICKET CHARGE APPLIES - Most famously of all, is the Train of Lights! The vintage Steam Train carriages await you - decorated with thousands of lights, both inside and out! Once you're on board, the journey begins as the steam whistle blows and you are surrounded by thousands of twinkly lights. You'll continue on through the Greenway tunnel and onto the enchanted forest, filled with magical illuminated beasts. The stunning show ends as you leave the forest only to be greeted by the twinkling lights of Dartmouth reflected on the river Dart. This multi-award-winning event sells out each year, so we advise getting your tickets early for a train journey you'll remember forever.
Lanterns Lights and 'Lluminations in Brixham
FREE EVENT - Every year, Brixham comes alight with Lanterns, Lights and 'Lluminations! Lanterns, Lights & ‘Luminations was first launched in 2007 and has grown in popularity in recent years. The event includes a magical lantern parade, an incredible firework display held in the Harbour Bowl, live music, street entertainment, and a street market. It has a real community feel, with many locals venturing out to take part in the magical festivities. It's definitely not one to miss, and is sure to get you feeling festive as the picturesque fishing town lights up with twinkly Christmas lights.
Santa in the Caves at Kents Cavern
ADMISSION FEE APPLIES - For a true family-friendly illuminated event where you can also meet Santa, visit Kents Cavern. The popular “Santa in the Caves” returns with a new story and even more illuminations. An interactive pantomime guided by festive-themed actors, you’ll go on a quest through the caves to discover the ‘true meaning of Christmas’.
At the beginning of the journey, the children will be given a light wand which magically switches on Christmas lights throughout the grotto. The adventure finishes with meeting Santa where each child will receive a wrapped gift, and adults can enjoy mulled wine and festive treats.
A Very Miniature Christmas - Babbacombe Model Village Christmas Illuminations
ADMISSION FEE APPLIES - The Babbacombe Model Village Christmas Illuminations is the perfect family day out this Winter. Enjoy some delightful miniature seasonal scenes as the little folk celebrate Christmas. A Christmas character spotter sheet will add some extra fun during daylight.
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