things to do in north Devon at Christmas
North Devon is a magical place to be at any time of year but with sparkling lights and festive merriment in the air it really is one of the best places to soak up the magic of the festive season!
With more than a sack full of events, attractions and places of special interest putting on their best festive display for your enjoyment, whether you’re a Devon local or a ‘blow-in’ (excuse the local dialect) the run-up to Christmas in North Devon is sure to put a festive sparkle in your eye!
Here’s our guide to some of our favourite things to do in North Devon in the run-up to Christmas.
1. take a trip to the Pantomime – Queens Theatre Barnstaple
Oh no we didn’t – ow yes, we did – we must include a pantomime in the mix of Christmas-themed days out! There is nothing like getting family or friends together for some good old back-and-forth hilarity, always full of surprises, suspense and excitement the Queen’s Theatre put on a selection of shows throughout the Christmas period to entertain all ages.
Our recommendation – look out for their Christmas Pantomime with special guests!
2. visit Christmas marketS – Braunton
Officially the biggest market of its kind in North Devon, this unique market event grows each year. Expect to see local crafters excel by providing the very best shopping experience you will see in the whole southwest. Stalls with handmade jewellery, sweet treats, bespoke clothing, and amazing handmade gifts are the standard here!
There will also be street food offering foods from every corner of the world, also pockets of entertainment throughout the day, including choirs, dance groups and acoustic music, not to mention inflatables and rides for the kids – and of course Father Christmas and his sleigh.
So, whether you are searching for the perfect stocking fillers or looking to find some meaningful gifts this is the perfect place to explore and ensure your little ones are entertained whilst you can shop!
3. Christmas lights in aid of the R.N.L.I – Clovelly
A magical day to spend in one of the most romantic harbour-side villages in North Devon. Head down the cobbled streets and watch the brass band procession following behind and joining in with the Christmas carols along the way, enjoy food and festive refreshments from the many stalls along route, look out for Father Christmas and then settle beach-side at the harbour for the main event – the big light switch on!
The evening ends with a firework display over the harbour with lights reflecting and bouncing upon the waves – dreamy!
All proceeds go towards the RNLI. Look out for a rather special Christmas tree display!
4. Christmas selfie land – exeter
Devon’s newest Christmas selfie opportunity is offering play sessions for children on Mondays in the run up to Christmas.
Find toys, games and fun activities around 20 festive themed photo booths including a giant gingerbread house, a Kitsch forest and Toy Town. These special sessions are aimed at children aged five and under but there’s plenty for older children to enjoy too.
Christmas Selfie land is located in The Prop Factory on Marsh Green Road North. Why not enjoy a beautiful one hour train journey from Barnstaple station to Exeter Central and make the most of a day with some Christmas shopping too!
Every Monday from 13 November to 11 December 2023.
5. Santa’s Grotto Mistletoe Lodge – Green Lanes, Barnstaple – North Devon
Visit Santa to let him know what you are hoping for this Christmas and find out how preparations are going at the North Pole for the big day.
Each child will receive an environmentally friendly keepsake and the chance to have a photo with Santa. Don’t forget your camera.
This is a turn up and take your turn grotto. No advance sales are available.
6. take a ride on the christmas train – Woody Bay
Lynton and Barnstaple railway offers a unique Christmas train experience within their steam-hauled Victorian carriages, along this beautiful Exmoor valley.
Mince pies and warm drinks are included in the price and the carriages are dressed for Christmas – if you are lucky Father Christmas may even make a special appearance, definitely one not to be missed.
7. Christmas Lights and late night shopping – Lynton and Lynmouth
Every December these twinned villages nestled within the dramatic Lyn valley put on a festive display like no other. These unique villages often described as ‘mini-Switzerland’ due to their alpine appearance really are the perfect place to come and enjoy the festive ambience!
Lynton provides a Christmas late-night shopping event each year supporting local shops within the area and providing family entertainment, food and music.
Lynmouth follows with a separate Christmas market, light switch on – complete with sparkling harbour lights, Santa’s grotto, children’s activities, and of course more food!
We recommend enjoying Christmas carols in The Ancient Mariner for an old-worldly sense of festive cheer!
Saturday, December 9th 2023 and Sunday, December 10th 2023!
8. The Magic of Christmas at the Milky way – Bideford
The Magic of Christmas comes to the Milky Way each December. With cheeky elves causing mischief on every corner, festive activities including gingerbread decorating and reindeer food making in preparation for Christmas eve this is a great way to enjoy a Christmas-themed day whilst also enjoying the bigger attractions, rides and shows that the Milkyway offers.
A great addition to the Milkyway is the garland festooned train station with festive music, receive a hot chocolate and enjoy a festive train ride looking out for more naughty elves on the way!
And of course, not day would be complete without a trip to see Father Christmas in his cosy cottage!
9. Peter Pan a Magical pop up panto – The Big Sheep, Bideford
Fly away on the adventure of a lifetime this Christmas as Peter Pan swoops into town! Join the Lost Boys in a battle against Captain Hook, and escape on an awfully big adventure from the team behind Hercules, Sleeping Beauty and Jack and the Beanstalk.
Featuring a motley crew of professional actors playing all the characters you know and love, some spectacular swashbuckling, and a whole host of songs to sing along to, this is a fabulous Christmas feast for all ages.
If that doesn’t get the gang excited the Ewetopia indoor playzone is still open from 10-4pm! Panto selected dates only.
10. Combe Christmas FESTIVAL – Ilfracombe
This three-day festival extravaganza promises to have something for everyone to enjoy on the lead up to Christmas – held at the end of November it is regarded as North Devon’s biggest Christmas lights switch on!
Watch this Victorian harbour town buzz with festive entertainment, with Christmas carols, community entertainment, an artisan market, craft stools and a variety of delicious food and drinks available it is perfect for stocking up all your Christmas essentials.
You can also enjoy live music from local bands and artists throughout the event and entertainment is provided for children, watch out for Father Christmas will also be making a guest appearance!
11. RHS Gardens Rosemoor Glow – Torrington
Get outside and immerse yourself in light and sound in this enchanted illuminated garden trail. The RHS Rosemoor winter Glow trail offers a new lighting display this year with the longest route yet, explore your favourite areas and see new areas including the Lake and Woodland all lit up in the night with festive colours and sparkles!
Warm drinks and festive treats aplenty available along the trail.
12. Arlington Court – Barnstaple
Arlington court is the perfect place to let little legs (and four legs) run free, with acres of gardens and woodland walks to explore and with themed Christmas tree and carol trails running throughout most of November and December, we would highly recommend this as a go to for any outdoorsy families!
Arlington court also hosts an annual Christmas craft fair, with everything from local jams to home furnishings, toys to decorations and jewellery it’s the perfect place to start or complete your Christmas shopping in decadent surroundings.
Keep an eye on the national trust website for updated Christmas and seasonal events!
Feeling jo-ho-ovial and inspired to explore the many delights of North Devon this festive season? Then why not secure your coastal getaway this Christmas with one of our wonderful Christmas breaks in Devon.
Want to extend your stay? Enjoy fantastic New Year holidays at Byron and start off 2024 in the best way possible!
TAKE PART IN THE News Years Day Swim – Woolacombe.
Some call it brave, some call it stupid, we call it a tradition! Meet you by the shoreline, 11am, no wetsuits…In all seriousness, do bring warm clothes for afterwards, a warm drink and do head to The Red Barn for a traditional festive drink to warm the cockles! This event is organised by the local surf life-saving club ensuring everyone stays safe.
Whether you are looking to book for a multigeneration get together or escape and relax with just you and your special someone Byron Woolacombe holidays has a selection of larger family friendly abodes, romantic boltholes, and dog friendly retreats to ensure all tastes are catered for. Read our blogs below!
No posts
BOok your stay in the best luxury self-catering apartments in North Devon!
Byron Woolacombe Holidays, launched in July 2019, is an independent holiday letting agency designed specifically for Byron Woolacombe Holiday Apartments.
We aim to provide the highest standard of luxury self-catering accommodation and facilities in Woolacombe.
The apartments all have access to exclusive communal leisure facilities, such as indoor pool, sauna and games room.