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.