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Winter on the English Riviera: Events & Activities

The English Riviera is a magical place during the winter months. As the summer crowds disappear, get outdoors and enjoy our almost uninhabited award-winning beaches, magical woodland walks, beautifully landscaped parks, rugged cliffs and striking coastline which form part of the South West Coast Path. Winter is also a perfect time to visit and experience the festive activities and events surrounding winter and Christmas. There are loads of festive family friendly events to get you in that holiday spirit.

Outdoor Winter Activites

The English Riviera has designated UNESCO Global Geopark status, one of only ten in the UK . The area’s extraordinary landscape and unique natural habitat attracts a colourful variety of protected wildlife and rare plants and is the perfect setting for stunning walks, nature spotting and cycling. The English Riviera is the perfect spot to take in the blustery coastal air, to stretch your legs and reconnect with nature.

Christmas Markets, Fairs and Shows

At Christmas time, the english riviera comes alive with lights, festive fairs, performances, shows and Christmas markets. Make sure you book in advance to experience one of the many magical christmas attractions - from santa on the train, to visiting elves, magical light trails and so much more. Discover one of our magical Christmas Events perfect to get you in the holiday spirit.

Mild Microclimate

The shelter provided by towering Dartmoor to the northwest means that this part of South Devon benefits from a milder microclimate. That’s why we can grow the palm trees that the English Riviera is so well known for! As well as being great for tender plants, it also makes it uniquely appealing to us humans all year round as generally you can expect better weather on the English Riviera than in the rest of the UK.

Seasonal Dining Experiences

The English Riviera is a food lover's dream destination. As one of the UK’s top year-round holiday resorts there’s been a renaissance in the number of world class places to eat and drink in recent years. The English Riviera is also known as England’s Seafood Coast for the finest quality seafood landed locally in the fishing town of Brixham. A fleet of 70 fishing boats land over 40 varieties of world-class fresh fish and seafood. The fish is caught early in the morning and served on your plate the very same day – you can’t get any fresher than that!

Winter Escape in Devon

Escape the Everyday with your visit to the English Riviera. Many of our award-winning accommodation options, from five star luxury hotels to traditional Devon cottages can be booked at great value for money prices during the winter months. Search our website for more details on availability and booking details and experience for yourself a winter break you’ll never forget!

Explore Our

Winter Wonderland

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.
The Christmas Train of Lights

The Devon Train of Lights is an illuminated festive spectacle guaranteed to wow new and returning visitors of all ages.
What's On at Christmas

Christmas and New Year are a great time to visit the English Riviera. The attractions in Torquay, Paignton and Brixham put on a glittering selection…
Winter Accommodation

Snuggling up in front of a roaring log fire with a loved one. Exploring the stunning, wild winter landscape. Or Christmas shopping in the vibrant…
Christmas Breaks

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…
Fireworks & Bonfire Night on the English Riviera

There are bonfire and firework displays all year round on The English Riviera. Your short trip or holiday in Torbay, Devon is sure to go off with a…

Winter Events on the English Riviera

Number of results: 81

, currently showing 73 to 81.

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Dates

From:

19 Dec 2026to20 Dec 2026

Quaywest Christmas Market Weekends

Address

Splashdown Quaywest, Goodrington Sands, Paignton, DEVON, TQ4 6LN

Telephone
01803 555550

info@splashdownquaywest.co.uk

Price
Free

Paignton

Dates

From:

19 Dec 2026to20 Dec 2026

Splashdown Quaywest comes alive this Christmas as the Paignton waterpark is set to feature two Christmas Market weekends.
Instead of slides and swimsuits think snowflakes and sparkly things as local stallholders will be bringing their Christmas…

Type

Type:

Christmas Markets

Price
Free

More Details

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

From:
20 Dec 2026

Christmas Fayre at The Cary Arms

Address

The Cary Arms, Babbacombe, Torquay, Devon, TQ1 3LX

Telephone
01803 327110

enquiries@caryarms.co.uk

Torquay

Dates

From:
20 Dec 2026

Christmas Fayre 2026
Get into the Christmas spirit at the Cary Arms & Spa with our festive Fayre by the sea - featuring lunch, Santa’s Grotto, live music, crafts and coastal cheer.
Sunday 20th December 12-5pm

Type

Type:

Christmas

More Details

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

From:
18 Dec 2026

12 Days of Christmas - A Festive Farce From Operation Moonlight

Address

Brixham Theatre, New Road, Brixham, Devon, TQ5 8TA

Telephone
01803 415987

Brixham

Dates

From:
18 Dec 2026

12 Days of Christmas - A festive Farce from Operation Moonlight
The hapless Sir Edward is head over heels for the beautiful Miss Elizabeth. But how to show his affection? Why through gifts of course!
And as the presents stack up, so does the…

Type

Type:

Performance

More Details

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

From:

1 Apr 2026to31 Dec 2026

The Story of Agatha Christie's Extraordinary Life - English Riviera Walking Tours

Address

English Riviera Visitor Information Centre, Vaughan Parade, Torquay, Devon, TQ2 5JG

Telephone
07414 777606

grahamkerr1963@gmail.com

Torquay

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

From:

1 Apr 2026to31 Dec 2026

Even if you've never read an Agatha Christie novel or watched one of her plays, it doesn't matter!
This fascinating walking tour tells the story of her extraordinary life, which is as interesting as any of her novels. Whilst following the stunning…

Type

Type:

Event

More Details

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

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19 Dec 2026
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20 Dec 2026
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21 Dec 2026
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22 Dec 2026
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23 Dec 2026
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26 Dec 2026
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27 Dec 2026
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28 Dec 2026
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29 Dec 2026
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30 Dec 2026
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1 Jan 2027
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2 Jan 2027

Mother Goose Christmas Pantomime

Address

Palace Theatre, Palace Avenue, Paignton, Devon, TQ3 3HF

Telephone
01803 665800

Paignton

Dates

From:
19 Dec 2026
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20 Dec 2026
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21 Dec 2026
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22 Dec 2026
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23 Dec 2026
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26 Dec 2026
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27 Dec 2026
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28 Dec 2026
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29 Dec 2026
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30 Dec 2026
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1 Jan 2027
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2 Jan 2027

Join Paignton Pantomime Productions this Christmas for a whimsical journey in Mother Goose: The Pantomime, a delightful retelling of the classic tale infused with music, laughter, and plenty of audience participation!
Follow Mother Goose, a…

Type

Type:

Christmas

More Details

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

From:
12 Feb 2027

Country Superstars *2027*

Address

Palace Theatre, Palace Avenue, Paignton, Devon, TQ3 3HF

Telephone
01803 665800

info@palacetheatrepaignton.co.uk

Paignton

Dates

From:
12 Feb 2027

** 2027 **
Endorsed by Dolly Parton on BBC’ The One Show stating “I wish them the best and I appreciate them doing Dolly and Kenny so well for so long”.
The world’s biggest Country Music Tribute Touring Show is coming with an award-winning cast,…

Type

Type:

Theatre

More Details

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

From:
21 Feb 2027Open 19:30 - 21:30

Dirty Dusting

Address

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

Telephone
01803328385

info@matpro-show.biz

Price
Price £27.00 Per Ticket

Torquay

Dates

From:
21 Feb 2027Open 19:30 - 21:30

THIS IS AN EVENING OF PURE THEATRICAL VIAGRA
Our 2027 production stars Crissy Rock (Benidorm) and Leah Bell (Stage Award Winner): Vanessa Karon and Paul Dunn. Gladys, Olive and Elsie are three "vintage style" cleaning ladies who, threatened with…

Type

Type:

Performance

Price
Price £27.00 Per Ticket

More Details

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

From:

5 Dec 2026to20 Dec 2026Various Opening Times

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 2026to20 Dec 2026Various Opening Times

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:

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:

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

Visit Website

Web Site

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I like the winter in the English Riviera when it is quieter.

I like the mix of sea, countryside, history and great food and drink.

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The official tourism website for the English Riviera

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

Company number 10237792

Registered address 5 Vaughan Parade, Torquay, Devon, England, TQ2 5JG.

Telephone 01803 211211 enquiries@englishrivierabid.co.uk

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Winter on the English Riviera: Events & Activities

Outdoor Winter Activites

Christmas Markets, Fairs and Shows

Mild Microclimate

Seasonal Dining Experiences

Winter Escape in Devon

Featured

Winter Events on the English Riviera

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