Christmas on the English Riviera

Twinkly lights reflecting on the crystal-clear waters. Brisk walks along the award-winning beaches. And cosy country and waterside pub settings with roaring log fires to cuddle up in front of. 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 parties, events and festivities in the lead up to the 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, Lights 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 woodlands and 22 miles of stunning coastline, forming part of the South West Coast Path, for brisk and refreshing walks. You’ll find breath-taking scenery, a wealth of award-winning country pubs and fine dining restaurants, excellent high street shopping and independent traders selling splendid locally produced goods. Top quality accommodation and attractions pull out all the stops and add those little extra touches to make your Christmas in Devon extra special. Families, groups, couples and dog lovers are all catered for here.

12 Days of Christmas in Devon

Take a look at our festive countdown to the big day:

• Torquay’s Christmas Lights Switch On and Carnival Procession
• Christmas Lights Switch On and Parade with Brixham Lanterns, Lights and ‘luminations
• Travel on the world’s first Train of Lights steam train
• Santa Claws Christmas Special at Dinosaur World, Torquay
• A Victorian Christmas at Bygones, Torquay
• Coleton Aglow, enchanting illuminations at Coleton Fishacre
• Carols in the Caves at Kents Cavern, Torquay
• Indoor Christmas craft and gift fair at Torre Abbey Museum’s Winter Fest
• Christmas Craft Fayre at Lupton House, Brixham
• Panto comes to town - oh yes it does! Sleeping Beauty at the Palace Theatre, Paignton
• Breakfast with Santa and friends at Living Coasts, Torquay
• Winter Wonderland Grotto at Fleet Walk Shopping Centre, Torquay

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 ‘luminations 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 magical miniatures, wonderland illuminations, Christmas scenes and an indoor animated elves workshop. Look out for Santa who makes a surprise appearance.

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. 

Christmas and New Year Party Nights

The party season gets in to full swing throughout November and December on the English Riviera. Award-winning hotels and holiday parks, top visitor attractions, fine dining restaurants and bars offer themed party nights in glitzy and stylish surroundings and unique, waterfront settings. Whether you’re planning an office party with work colleagues, a yuletide celebration with a group of friends or an extended family gathering there’s festive cocktails and fizz aplenty, sumptuous seasonal feasts and lively entertainment to dance the night away and ring in the New Year. Take a look at Beverley Park, Imperial Hotel and Cary Arms events for a sample of just some of the Christmas and New Year Party Nights and House Parties taking place across the resort this year.   

For lots more Christmas and New Year themed events visit our events page.