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 and boxing day BBQ’s – Clovelly
A magical day to spend in one of the most romantic harbour-side villages in North Devon. See the Clovelly Court Gardens like never before. Explore the historic gardens after dark as twinkling lights and seasonal cheer fills the air. They will be serving mulled wine and hot food. There will be also be live music. November dates: 29th, 30th December dates: 1st, 13th. 14th, 15th. Head down to the harbor on boxing day for free entrance into the village all day, it should make the perfect follow-up to your Christmas Day with all your family and friends. Enjoy a BBQ with live music on the quay. Cooking starts at 11am and the live music runs from 1pm to 3pm. The Red Lion serves some great mulled cider.



4. 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.
5. 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.



6. 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.
We recommend enjoying Christmas carols in The Ancient Mariner for an old-worldly sense of festive cheer or just perusing the multitude of botique shops and cafes perfect for stocking fillers and crafted gifts.
7. 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!
8. Christmas at Woolley Animals, WINKLEIGH
Christmas at Woolley Animals is always very special with alpaca walking, visits to Santa in his grotto and market traders in the festive Winter Wonderland animal barn. Book online to visit Santa in his gingerbread grotto or just visit the market traders in the festive Winter Wonderland animal barn. Entry to the farm in December is FREE for everyone. PLUS 50% off alpaca walking in December!



9. 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.
10. 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!
11. New Years day swim – woolacombe
What better way to kick off the New Year than with a bracing swim in the stunning waters of Woolacombe? Join locals and visitors alike for the New Year’s Day Swim, a refreshing tradition that’s guaranteed to leave you feeling invigorated and inspired for the year ahead.
Whether you’re taking the plunge yourself or cheering from the shore with a hot drink in hand, this is a moment to celebrate new beginnings and the beauty of our coastal community.
When: January 1st
Where: Woolacombe Beach
Bring your friends, your courage, and maybe even your wildest fancy dress!



Looking for the perfect Christmas market? Check out our Best North Devon Christmas Markets blog.
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!
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!
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