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Christmas and New Year Breaks

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

Christmas on the English Riviera

Twinkly lights reflecting on the water. Brisk walks along the beach. And cosy log fires to cuddle up in front of in the pub. Christmas and New Year are a great time to visit the English Riviera. The wide range of tourist attractions in Torquay, Paignton and Brixham put on a glittering selection of seasonal events in the lead up to holiday season - perfect for all the family. As well as Christmas lights being switched on across the Bay, there’s a Christmas carnival in Torquay and Lanterns, Lamps and ‘Luminations in Brixham. Meanwhile Santa is kept very busy at a variety of unique grottos across the Bay.

Christmas in Devon

If you’re planning to spend Christmas in Devon you’re in for a treat. You’ll experience Winter woodland and South West Coastal Path walks, breathtaking scenery, a wealth of award winning country pubs and fine dining restaurants, excellent high street shopping and independent traders selling splendid locally produced goods and top quality accommodation and attractions pulling out all the stops and adding those little extra touches to make your Christmas in Devon special. Families, groups, couples and dog lovers are all catered for.

12 Days of Christmas in Devon

Take a look at our festive cracker of a countdown:

Step back in time with Bygones’ Victorian Christmas
Torquay’s Christmas Lights Switch-on and Carnival Procession
A Winter Wonderland at Coleton Aglow
Torre Abbey Museum’s Winter Fest
Puttin’ on the Glitz at The Holly Ball
The Rotary Christmas Grotto at Fleet Walk, Torquay
Panto comes to town - oh yes it does!
Travel on the Train of Lights and Santa Express
Brixham Lanterns, Lights and Luminations
Artisan Crafts Christmas Shopping at Cockington Court
Getting Christmas Crafty at Occombe Farm
Boxing Day Walk in to the Sea

Christmas breaks in Torquay

If you’re looking for a festive getaway during the winter season the English Riviera has lots to offer. There’s an impressive range of accommodation available in the resort with first-class hotels and B&Bs, self-catering and holiday parks offering adult only, family friendly and dog friendly options, all within close proximity of the resort’s amenities and within easy access to public transport. Many of the larger hotel groups such as the Templestowe and TLH Leisure Resort hotels host the hugely popular fun-filled ‘Tinsel and Turkey’ themed holiday breaks with nightly entertainment featuring dancing, cabaret, bingo, traditional carol singing and other firm festive favourites.

The microclimate on the English Riviera means that the winters are generally mild so spending a Christmas break could even involve a stroll on the beach to walk off all those delicious festive indulgences.

Christmas breaks in Brixham

The picturesque setting of Brixham Harbour adorned with sparkling lights and ‘lluminations as the locals say, creates the perfect festive break by the sea. This charming coastal town has lots going on with some award winning B&B’s and hotels providing guest rooms with wonderful sea views of Brixham and across the Bay. After the delicious helpings of Christmas Pudding and glass or two of sherry take a refreshing walk to nearby Berry Head Nature Reserve and let the fresh Devon air blow off the cobwebs and the stunning coastal scenery stimulate your appetite for another visit to the English Riviera.

Christmas breaks in Paignton

Book a Christmas break in Paignton and you’ll find plenty of seaside seasonal treats and festive celebrations. Many hotels and B&Bs have fantastic central locations, are within easy walking distance of Paignton seafront and provide fantastic evening entertainment including yuletide quizzes, games and bingo. Pantomime season at Paignton’s Palace Theatre is a firm favourite with visitors, families and groups returning each year. Many local holiday parks also provide festive packages during the winter season. Board a steam train from Paignton station for some extra sparkle and festive fun on Dartmouth Steam Railway’s Train of Lights or the Santa Express with some spectacular sights along the way.

Santa in the Caves

Kents Cavern is a wonderfully atmospheric place to visit any time of the year, but their Santa in the Caves experience is something extra magical. Tickets include an hour-long show, a personal visit with Santa, fantastic Christmas presents and even some mulled wine and mince pies for the adults.

Christmas at the Model Village

The team at Babbacombe Model Village work their little socks off to create one of the most enchanting Christmas experiences this side of the North Pole. Expect snowy miniature Christmas scenes, 'Alpine' Skiing for the young kids, a Christmas character hunt, Christmas lights in the small houses, roaming panto characters, a special Christmas film in the 4D Cinema, and the chance to meet Santa in a very special grotto.

Lights and Parades

Torquay's annual Christmas lights switch-on in November is proceeded by a carnival procession down through the main shopping areas. Meanwhile over in Brixham they host a Lanterns, Lights and 'Luminations event, with a street market, entertainment and free lantern making workshops in the daytime and then a lantern parade at dusk. The evening comes to a dazzling climax with a firework display and light switch on.

Christmas at Cockington Court

Cockington Country Park is a beautiful place to visit over the winter months, while in the lead up to Christmas you can expect seasonal fun and activities every weekend. Enjoy pop-up family activities, Christmas trails, and resident artists and makers selling unique handmade gifts including jewellery, chocolate, slate gifts, traditional wooden toys, hand crafted leather goods, ceramics, mosaics and much more. And don't forget to enjoy some indulgent treats in the tea-rooms.

Pantomimes and Seasonal Shows

South Devon's beautiful Bay is spoilt for choice when it comes to Christmas shows. Oh yes, we are. The Princess Theatre in Torquay is the home to the biggest panto in town, with famous faces and fantastic sets. Meanwhile Palace Theatre in Paignton welcomes the very best in locally-produced pantomimes and touring Christmas shows. The Little Theatre hosts their annual Celebration of Christmas in Words and Music, while Babbacombe Theatre produce their incredibly popular Christmas variety show.

Coleton Aglow

Wrap up warm and explore the grounds at Coleton Fishacre during their annual Coleton Aglow spectacle. This National Trust garden takes on a truly magical air that will delight family members young and old thanks to hundreds of pretty lights illuminating the trees. The house is also transformed, welcoming you with 1920s party style. Following your walk, enjoy a mulled wine to ensure that your cheeks are also aglow. Dogs are welcome in the garden on short leads.

For lots more Christmas and New Year events in Torbay, keep an eye on our events page.

Number of results:

Number of results: 21

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Featured Events

Torquay Christmas Carnival Procession

Torquay

The Carnival Procession leaves Lymington Rd coach station, arriving at Castle Circus times to be confirmed.
Please support, all monies collected go to local charities and groups.
ADVANCED ROAD CLOSURE WARNING FOR TORQUAY CHRISTMAS CARNIVAL 16TH...

Dates

From:
16 Nov 2019
From:
14 Nov 2020
Lanterns, Lights and ‘luminations

Brixham

Brixham will celebrate its Christmas Lights Switch on with a ‘Lanterns, Lights and ‘luminations’ parade.
Venue: The Quay, Middle Street, Fore Street, Strand, Kings Street.
Brixham Christmas Lights Switch On Event.
10 am to 1 pm - A FREE Lantern...

Dates

From:
23 Nov 2019
From:
28 Nov 2020

Ongoing Events

Grey Cars Coach Trips

Newton Abbot

Our day trips and short breaks run throughout the year and vary from picturesque drives over Dartmoor to shopping trips in Bristol and Cardiff; two night breaks in London to longer holidays in Cornwall, Wales and all parts of England.
We are...

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27 May 2019
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30 May 2019
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14 June 2019
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28 June 2019
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26 July 2019
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9 Oct 2019
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29 Oct 2019
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12 Nov 2019
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23 Nov 2019
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4 Dec 2019
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17 Dec 2019
Winter Wonderland Grotto

Torquay

Winter Wonderland Grotto
ROTARY’S grotto welcomes visitors of all ages to Fleet Walk Shopping Centre for a spectacular sparkling festive wonderland.
Experience this amazing display which every year welcomes thousands of visitors through its door...

Dates

From:

16 Nov 2019to24 Dec 2019
Christmas Market

TORQUAY

For the 6th year we will be hosting the two day Christmas Market at The Livermead Cliff Hotel. With over 40 unique exhibitors, live music throughout the day, mince pies and mulled wine to get you in the Christmas spirit.
A great kick start to...

Dates

From:

23 Nov 2019to24 Nov 2019Open 10:30 - 15:30
Train of Lights 2019

PAIGNTON

In 2018 we proudly presented the world's first steam Train of Lights - and it was a huge success!! A total sell out with extra dates and services added to meet the demand. Plans for our 2019 Train of Lights are well underway and we promise you will...

Dates

From:

29 Nov 2019to1 Dec 2019

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6 Dec 2019to8 Dec 2019

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10 Dec 2019
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14 Dec 2019
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16 Dec 2019
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18 Dec 2019to23 Dec 2019

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27 Dec 2019to30 Dec 2019
Santa’s Elves and the Shoemaker

Paignton

Ideal for age 2+ from CBBC TV writer and children’s author, Ian Billings. The show includes original songs by Richard Lamming.
With only three days left before Christmas, Mr.Klopp, the penniless shoemaker, has only enough leather left to make one...

Venue

Palace Theatre Paignton, Paignton

Dates

From:

30 Nov 2019to1 Dec 2019
Winter Fest - Torre Abbey

Torquay

This Christmas, Torre Abbey will be hosting its third Winter Fest event in the historic setting of the museum. We are now looking for local artists and makers to join us, selling some truly unique Christmas gifts. This promises to be charming event...

Venue

Torre Abbey, Torquay

Dates

From:

30 Nov 2019to1 Dec 2019
Santa In the Caves - Kents Cavern

Torquay

Come and spend Christmas with us, you won't be disappointed! Join the fun this year for another incredible Santa Show with all our favourite friends.
Join Santa and his friends in a magical underground adventure - more than just a Grotto! Tickets...

Venue

Kents Cavern Torquay, Torquay

Dates

From:
1 Dec 2019
From:

7 Dec 2019to8 Dec 2019

From:

14 Dec 2019to15 Dec 2019

From:

21 Dec 2019to24 Dec 2019
Victorian Christmas - Bygones

St Marychurch, Torquay

From December 1st Bygones is transformed for a traditional Victorian Christmas, with a real 12ft Christmas tree, St Nicholas’ workshop and the man himself will be making an appearance on special dates (please see our website for further information)...

Venue

Bygones Torquay, Torquay

Dates

From:

1 Dec 2019to24 Dec 2019

From:

26 Dec 2019to31 Dec 2019
Santa Express

Paignton

Santa Express 2019 - Featuring Cinderella
Tickets go on sale in September
We are offering a 25% discount on our Santa Express service when you purchase Train of Lights tickets.
Calling all children - both young and old! You will arrive at...

Dates

From:

7 Dec 2019to8 Dec 2019

From:

14 Dec 2019to15 Dec 2019

From:

20 Dec 2019to24 Dec 2019
Christmas. Time.

Paignton

Charlie and Toby are feeling low, and why wouldn’t they? It’s Christmas Day and they’re serving time at Her Majesty’s pleasure. But why shouldn’t they be having a Merry Christmas in spite of their incarceration? What’s stopping them from creating...

Venue

Palace Theatre Paignton, Paignton

Dates

From:
8 Dec 2019
Sing a Song O'Scrooge

Paignton

A musical show by the Gilbert and Sullivan Society (Torbay) – a brand new adaption of ‘A Christmas Carol’ by Charles Dickens using music from the Gilbert and Sullivan Operas.
The Palace Theatre is set in the heart of Paignton and is really has a...

Venue

Palace Theatre Paignton, Paignton

Dates

From:

11 Dec 2019to14 Dec 2019
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

Torquay

Mirror, mirror on the wall this panto is the best of all!
Hi ho, hi ho, it’s off to the Princess Theatre we go for a traditional family pantomime at it’s best.
Boo the evil Queen as she tries to poison poor Snow White. Let’s hope her dwarf friends...

Venue

Princess Theatre Torquay, Torquay

Dates

From:

13 Dec 2019to16 Dec 2019

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17 Dec 2019to24 Dec 2019

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26 Dec 2019to31 Dec 2019

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2 Jan 2020to5 Jan 2020
Words 4 Voices

Torquay

An entertaining evening of delightful words and music including some of the well loved poems, readings and carols capturing the moods, feelings and true spirit of the festive season.
Words 4 Voices: A Celebration of Christmas in Words &...

Venue

The Little Theatre Torquay, Torquay

Dates

From:
16 Dec 2019
Christmas at the Model Village

Torquay

Dec 21st to 24th & December 26th to January 2nd
The Christmas Experience -
* Enjoy a visit to the Model Village with some magical miniature Christmas scenes
* A Christmas character hunt - find all the hidden mini Santa figures & other Christmas...

Venue

Babbacombe Model Village, Torquay

A World of Miniature Marvels - Babbacombe Model Village, Torquay

Enchanting illuminations at Babbacombe Model Village, Torquay

Torquay's Beautiful Gardens - Babbacombe Model Village, Torquay

Dates

From:

21 Dec 2019to24 Dec 2019

From:

26 Dec 2019to2 Jan 2020
Sleeping Beauty

Paignton

Panto is back at the Palace this Christmas! .
Saturday 21 December at 2.30
Sunday 22 December at 2.30
Monday 23 December at 7.30
Thursday 26 December at 2.30
Friday 27 December at 7.30
Saturday 28 December at 2.30
Sunday 29 December at 2.30
Monday...

Venue

Palace Theatre Paignton, Paignton

Dates

From:

21 Dec 2019to23 Dec 2019

From:

26 Dec 2019to30 Dec 2019

From:

1 Jan 2020to5 Jan 2020
Santa Claws Christmas Special - Torquay Dinosaur World

Torquay

Santa Claws Christmas Special
Every day from 21st December to 5th January, 2019 – except Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day.
From 11am – with last entry at 3.30pm – close at 5pm.
Visit the dinosaurs in their winter...

Venue

Torquay's Dinosaur World, Torquay

Dates

From:
23 Dec 2019
From:

27 Dec 2019to31 Dec 2019

From:

2 Jan 2020to5 Jan 2020
Boxing Day Dip

Torquay

The Boxing Day Dip is an annual event organized by No. 200 (Torquay) Squadron Air Training Corps and is enjoyed by both its members and the general public. Participants are sponsored to take part in aid of raising funds for the unit as well as an...

Dates

From:
26 Dec 2019
Paignton Lions Club Walk into the Sea

Paignton

Our Boxing Day "Walk in to the Sea" started 26th December, 1976 and from what was a "one-off" it has been a major Christmas Holiday attraction ever since. Numerous charities benefit from the events and only once have we had to cancel due to weather...

Dates

From:
26 Dec 2019

This Official Tourism Website is managed by the English Riviera BID Company Ltd.
Company number 10237792.
Registered address 5 Vaughan Parade, Torquay, Devon, England, TQ2 5JG.
Telephone 01803 211211 enquiries@englishrivierabid.co.uk

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Christmas on the English Riviera

Christmas in Devon

12 Days of Christmas in Devon

Christmas breaks in Torquay

Christmas breaks in Brixham

Christmas breaks in Paignton

Santa in the Caves

Christmas at the Model Village

Lights and Parades

Pantomimes and Seasonal Shows

Coleton Aglow

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