Christmas & New Year

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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.

Get that

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.
Christmas Accommodation

Sometimes it’s nice to get away for the festive period and spend Christmas and New Year with family and friends by the sea! Whether you’re looking…
Traditional Carvery

Can there be anything more British than a delicious hearty, homecooked roast dinner or a carvery on a Sunday afternoon any time of year? Of course,…
Festive Food & Drink

Eating out on the English Riviera, South Devon’s beautiful bay, will guarantee you some memorable gastronomic experiences. Named England’s Seafood…
Cocktail Bars

Just like our French cousins, the English Riviera is well accustomed to glamour and glitz. We have superyachts lined up in Torquay harbour that…
English Riviera Attractions

There's a huge choice of attractions in the Bay including renowned caverns, a model village, a steam train, a zoo, a huge waterpark, Agatha…

Christmas Events across Torquay, Paignton and Brixham

Number of results: 51

, currently showing 19 to 27.

Sort By Price - Lowest Price - Highest Grading: Highest A-Z Lowest A-Z Highest

Dates

From:

28 Nov 2026to29 Nov 2026

From:

5 Dec 2026to6 Dec 2026

From:

11 Dec 2026to13 Dec 2026

From:
17 Dec 2026
From:

19 Dec 2026to24 Dec 2026

Santa in the Caves

Address

Kents Cavern Prehistoric Caves, Ilsham Road, Wellswood, Torquay, Devon, TQ1 2JF

Telephone
01803 215136

caves@kents-cavern.co.uk

Price
Price £17.50 Per Ticket

Wellswood, Torquay

Dates

From:

28 Nov 2026to29 Nov 2026

From:

5 Dec 2026to6 Dec 2026

From:

11 Dec 2026to13 Dec 2026

From:
17 Dec 2026
From:

19 Dec 2026to24 Dec 2026

Looking for one of the most enchanting Santa's grottos in Devon? Deep beneath the surface in Torquay, join us this festive season for Santa in the Caves, a truly unforgettable Christmas experience set inside one of the UK’s most spectacular…

Type

Type:

Christmas

Price
Price £17.50 Per Ticket

More Details

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Web Site
Dates

From:

28 Nov 2026to3 Jan 2027

Torquay Ice Rink

Address

Torre Abbey Gardens, The Kings Drive, Torquay, Devon, TQ2 5JE

events@torbay.gov.uk

Torquay

Dates

From:

28 Nov 2026to3 Jan 2027

Glide into the magic
Get ready to lace up your skates and experience the sparkle of winter on the English Riviera.
The Torquay Ice Rink returns to the heart of the Bay of Lights, bringing a little extra winter magic to the coast. Step onto the real…

Type

Type:

Christmas

More Details

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Web Site
Dates

From:
28 Nov 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00

Newton Abbot Christmas Fayre

Address

Newton Abbot Racecourse & Conference Centre, Newton Road, Kingsteignton, NEWTON ABBOT, Devon, TQ12 3AF

Telephone
01626 353235

enquiries@newtonabbotracing.com

Price
Price Free to £3.00 Per Ticket

Kingsteignton, NEWTON ABBOT

Dates

From:
28 Nov 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00

Get into the festive spirit at the Newton Abbot Christmas Fayre, a popular and vibrant Christmas market packed with gifts, festive treats and plenty of seasonal cheer.
Browse over 70 stalls offering everything from unique gifts and handmade crafts…

Type

Type:

Christmas

Price
Price Free to £3.00 Per Ticket

More Details

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

From:

28 Nov 2026to3 Jan 2027

Bay of Lights - The Illumination Trail, Torquay

Address

Various locations, TORQUAY, Devon, TQ2 5JG

TORQUAY

Dates

From:

28 Nov 2026to3 Jan 2027

The Bay of Lights Illumination Trail returns, bringing a sparkle of seasonal spirit to the English Riviera.
At the heart of the Bay of Lights programme is the free and fully accessible Illumination Trail which will run every evening from 28…

Type

Type:

Christmas

More Details

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Web Site
Dates

From:

28 Nov 2026to3 Jan 2027

Bay of Lights

Address

Various locations throughout the English Riviera, Devon, TQ2 5JG

Dates

From:

28 Nov 2026to3 Jan 2027

At its heart is the spectacular 1.5-mile Illumination Trail, stretching along Torquay seafront and featuring eye-catching light installations, interactive displays and unforgettable photo moments. The trail is free, fully accessible, and designed…

Type

Type:

Christmas

More Details
Dates

From:

28 Nov 2026to20 Dec 2026

Christmas Market at Torre Abbey

Address

Torre Abbey, The Kings Drive, Torquay, Devon, TQ2 5JE

Telephone
07546 034617

info@greentopmarkets.com

Torquay

Dates

From:

28 Nov 2026to20 Dec 2026

Torre Abbey Christmas Market is back as part of the magical Bay of Lights! Explore over 30 local stalls brimming with artisan gifts, seasonal treats, and delicious food and drink. Whether you’re starting or ending your Illumination Trail adventure,…

Type

Type:

Christmas Markets

More Details

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

From:

28 Nov 2026to29 Nov 2026

Christmas Fayre - Lupton House

Address

Lupton House, Churston Ferrers, Brixham, Devon, TQ5 0LD

Telephone
01803 845800

janet@discoverlupton.com

Brixham

Dates

From:

28 Nov 2026to29 Nov 2026

Lupton House Christmas Fayre
28th & 29th November 2026
10am – 4pm
£1 cash entry
Free parking on site
Get into the Christmas spirit at Lupton House with stalls galore, delicious coffees, mulled wine and cakes, and festive fun for all the…

Type

Type:

Christmas

More Details

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Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Dec 2026to18 Dec 2026Open 12:00 - 15:00
Christmas Party Lunches

Address

Belgrave Sands Hotel, 2 Belgrave Road, Torquay, Devon, TQ2 5HF

Telephone
01803 226366

info@belgravesands.com

Torquay

Dates

From:

1 Dec 2026to18 Dec 2026Open 12:00 - 15:00

Join us for a festive lunch with your friends, family or colleagues this year surrounded by our magical decorations and festive cheer!
Enjoy a sit down two or three course festive meal prepared by our talented team of Chefs followed by tea or…

Type

Type:

Christmas
Parking & Transport

Parking On Site

Parking On-site or Valet Parking
More Details

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Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Dec 2026to23 Dec 2026

From:

27 Dec 2026to31 Dec 2026

Shared Christmas Party Nights

Address

Riviera International Centre, Chestnut Avenue, Torquay, Devon, TQ2 5LZ

Telephone
01803 206311

christmas@ricc.co.uk

Torquay

Dates

From:

1 Dec 2026to23 Dec 2026

From:

27 Dec 2026to31 Dec 2026

Join us once again for our infamous Christmas party nights!
Whether you are organising your works festive ‘do’ or simply want to celebrate with friends or family, then our Christmas Party Nights may just be what you are looking for!

Type

Type:

Christmas

More Details

Visit Website

Web Site

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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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?

Are there Christmas markets in Torbay?

Can I book accommodation for Christmas or New Year?

Are restaurants open over Christmas and New Year?