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Christmas & New Year on the English Riviera

The English Riviera is the perfect place to celebrate Christmas and New Year’s by the sea. Throughout December, the English Riviera glows with festive lights, Christmas markets, and charm that really makes the season special. From harbour towns like Torquay, Paignton, and Brixham to the beaches and coastal walks, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re here for a winter getaway, a family celebration, or to welcome New Year’s in style. The English Riviera offers the perfect blend of seaside and Christmas spirit.

Christmas on the English Riviera

As well as Christmas lights being switched on across the Bay, there’s the Bay of Light Illumiunation Trail in Torquay, featuring glittering surprises and a 12ft musical Christmas tree. And over in Brixham, there's the wonderful Lanterns, Lights and ‘Luminations, a wonderful festival and market celebrating the annual Christmas light switch on in the traditional fishing village. Meanwhile Santa is kept very busy at a variety of unique grottos across the Bay.

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.

Christmas Events and Where to Meet Santa

You are spoilt for choice when it comes to Christmas events across Torquay, Paignton and Brixham. Every year attractions and restaurants host an array of Christmas events that will get you in the Christmas Spirit. Below you will find a list of all Christmas events happening throughout the festive season - from the Train of Lights, pantomimes, Father Christmas visits and more.

Christmas Markets

Throughout November and December you will find a huge array of Christmas markets across Paignton, Torquay and Brixham. Explore local stalls and gifts, try some delicious food and drink and make a start on your Christmas shopping! A new Christmas Market this year is the Quaywest Christmas Market and Festive Friday running 28th November - 20th December. In Torquay, there is the Winter Fest in the Barn which is a beautiful gift and craft fair in the Spanish Barn in Torre Abbey. As part of the Bay of Lights festival, the Christmas Market at Torre Abbey has over 30 local stalls to browse as you walk through the Trail of Lights. In Brixham, explore the Christmas Craft Fayre - Lupton House hosted over 2 weekends at the end of november and beginning of December. Discover all Christmas markets in our event list below.

Where to Celebrate New Year’s Eve

Come and celebrate the New Year in style with friends and family. New Year’s Eve on the English Riviera will be one to remember, bring in the new year right on the coast at one of our restaurants, bars or hotels. Known for its stunning location and charming nightlife - is there a better combination that New Year’s Eve on The English Riviera!?

There is something suave and sophisticated about dressing up and treating yourself to a stunning dining experience at New Year. Get dressed up, enjoy some amazing food and have a dance until the clocks strike (and beyond!). There will be plenty of venues who offer such a place. Please do keep checking our website for updates on New Year’s Eve events in Torquay, Paignton or Brixham.

There are lots of stunning places to stay for New Year’s Eve in Torquay, Paignton or Brixham. Many of the hotels offer accommodation packages for the festive season so its always worth checking their own websites for the best deals.

Winter Breaks and Coastal Stays

Winter is a great time to Visit the English Riviera. The coastal scenery in winter is stunning - rolling waves, dramatic skies - nothing blows away the cobwebs more than a blustery walk followed by a fireside local pub lunch. A winters break on the English Riviera lets you slow down, relax and enjoy some much needed relaxation. Many accommodation providers do some great Winter Escapes packages so you can be sure to get a bargain. Discover our special Winter Breaks on the English Riviera.

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Festive Feeling

Featured

Experience the Bay of Lights on the English Riviera

During winter, the English Riviera plays host to an exciting event: The Bay of Lights! Taking place throughout Torquay, Paignton and Brixham, the whole Bay will come alive with a flurry of illuminated events.
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Christmas Events across Torquay, Paignton and Brixham

Frequently Asked Questions

When do Christmas events start on the English Riviera?

Christmas events throughout Torbay start from mid-late november and run right through until early January. Its never too early to get into the Christmas spirit! We have all the local events on throughout the festival period for you to discover.

Are there Christmas markets in Torbay?

Yes there are Christmas markets in torquay and throughout the English Riviera. Torre Abbey hosts a large Christmas Market as part of the Bay of Lights. There is also the Winter Fest in the Barn, Christmas Fairs, Artisan Markets and more.

Can I book accommodation for Christmas or New Year?

Yes of course! Christmas is a great time of year to visit the English Riviera - many hotels have fantastic Christmas and New Year packages, as well as self caterting cottages and B&B's. Celebrate Christmas by the sea!

Are restaurants open over Christmas and New Year?

Many restaurants are open over the Christmas period, and for Christmas Lunch - however it is recommended to book early. Take a look at our restaurants page for some inspiration. Many restaurants have Christmas themed specials and Christmas parties too.

Is the English Riviera suitable for winter visits?

Absolutely - Blustery walks on the beach, fireside dinners, Winter is a great time to visit the English Riviera. Restaurants and attractions are in full christmas mode and everything is glittering. Nothing beats a winter walk followed by a local pub lunch by the fire.

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This Official Tourism Website is managed by the English Riviera BID Company Ltd.

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Christmas & New Year on the English Riviera

Christmas on the English Riviera

Christmas Events and Where to Meet Santa

Christmas Markets

Where to Celebrate New Year’s Eve

Winter Breaks and Coastal Stays

Featured

Christmas Events across Torquay, Paignton and Brixham

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Frequently Asked Questions

When do Christmas events start on the English Riviera?