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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 28 to 36.

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

Dates

From:

1 Dec 2026to23 Dec 2026

Carols 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 £22.50 Per Ticket

Wellswood, Torquay

Dates

From:

1 Dec 2026to23 Dec 2026

Carols in the cave - a festive underground concert in torquay
Experience the magic of live music like never before with Carols in the Cave - an atmospheric evening of festive cheer, mulled wine & merriment, and just one of the many magical events we…

Type

Type:

Christmas

Price
Price £22.50 Per Ticket

More Details

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

From:

4 Dec 2026to5 Dec 2026

Neon Nights

Address

Various locations throughout Paignton TBC, Paignton, Devon, TQ4 5DE

info@toniccreatives.co.uk

, Paignton

Dates

From:

4 Dec 2026to5 Dec 2026

Neon Nights - we are waiting for details of this event.
To find out more, visit www.toniccreatives.co.uk

Type

Type:

Family

More Details

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

From:

5 Dec 2026to6 Dec 2026

From:

12 Dec 2026to13 Dec 2026

From:

19 Dec 2026to20 Dec 2026

Father and Mother Christmas

Address

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

Telephone
01803 293593

torre.abbey@torbay.gov.uk

Price
Price £14.50 Per Ticket

Torquay

Dates

From:

5 Dec 2026to6 Dec 2026

From:

12 Dec 2026to13 Dec 2026

From:

19 Dec 2026to20 Dec 2026

Celebrate Christmas at Torre Abbey with Father and Mother Christmas
We are delighted to announce the return of Father and Mother Christmas to Torre Abbey this December, bringing festive cheer to our beautifully transformed Undercroft Winter…

Type

Type:

Christmas

Price
Price £14.50 Per Ticket

More Details

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

From:
6 Dec 2026

Seaside Santa Run

Address

The Quay, BRIXHAM, Devon, TQ5 8AW

Telephone
07886 991647

janemoreyclan@sky.com

BRIXHAM

Dates

From:
6 Dec 2026

This year's Brixham Seaside Santa Run will take place on Sunday, December 6th.
Enter Here
11am start from Brixham Harbour
Entry fee just £15 adults
£9 child includes Santa suit
(Under 11yrs must be accompanied)

Type

Type:

Christmas

More Details

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

From:

7 Dec 2026to12 Dec 2026

A Christmas Carol 2026

Address

Little Theatre, St Marks Road, Torquay, Devon, TQ1 2EL

Telephone
01803 299330

boxoffice@littletheatretorquay.co.uk

Torquay

Dates

From:

7 Dec 2026to12 Dec 2026

Christmas, the most wonderful time of the year! Well, it is for everyone except the miserable Scrooge. He prefers to spend Christmas all alone in his large house, instead of celebrating with mistletoe and merriment, Bah, humbug! But one cold, dark…

Type

Type:

Performance

More Details

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

From:
11 Dec 2026

Christmas Centrepiece Workshop at Greenway

Address

Greenway House and Garden, Greenway Road, Galmpton, Brixham, Devon, TQ5 0ES

Telephone
0344 800 1895

Galmpton, Brixham

Dates

From:
11 Dec 2026

Using fresh foliage and natural materials straight from Agatha's garden at Greenway, learn how to craft your own natural Christmas centrepiece from start to finish.
Led by our Cut Flower Volunteer, you'll be guided with tips, inspiration and…

Type

Type:

Participatory Event

More Details

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

From:

11 Dec 2026to2 Jan 2027

From:
27 Dec 2026

Snow White

Address

The Princess Theatre, Torbay Road, Torquay, Devon, TQ2 5EZ

Torquay

Dates

From:

11 Dec 2026to2 Jan 2027

From:
27 Dec 2026

EastEnders star and Strictly Come Dancing finalist, Emma Barton stars as the wickedly enchanting Carabosse, the witch who is craving revenge.
Emma will be joined by Torquay’s favourite dame Michael Neilson, who returns for his third year, this time…

Type

Type:

Christmas

More Details

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

From:
11 Dec 2026

Festive Wreath Workshop at Greenway

Address

Greenway, Brixham, Devon, TQ5 0ES

Telephone
01803 842382

enquiries@nationaltrust.org.uk

Brixham

Dates

From:
11 Dec 2026

Join Greenway's Cut Flower Volunteer on a festive workshop, learning how to decorate a natural Christmas wreath using fresh foliage and natural materials from Agatha's garden at Greenway.
Guided with tips, inspiration and hands-on support, it's…

Type

Type:

Christmas

More Details

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

From:
11 Dec 2026Various Opening Times
From:
12 Dec 2026Various Opening Times

Jim Davidson's Christmas Cracker

Address

Babbacombe Theatre, Babbacombe Downs, Torquay, Devon, TQ1 3LU

Telephone
01803 328385

info@babbacombe-theatre.com

Price
Price £28.00 Per Ticket

Torquay

Dates

From:
11 Dec 2026Various Opening Times
From:
12 Dec 2026Various Opening Times

Jim Davidson OBE returns with Last Man Standing … Just!, a brand-new tour packed with no-nonsense laughs, razor-sharp wit, and classic British satire.
Shadow-banned, cancelled, and still going strong, Jim remains defiant in a world of…

Type

Type:

Comedy

Price
Price £28.00 Per Ticket

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?