Last updated: November 11, 2024
Here's your ultimate guide to the holidays in Barnstaple! Find all the best festive events and activities. Whether you're a Barnstaple insider or an outsider looking in, this guide reveals the city's festive soul.
One highlight of the festive season is the enchanting "Beauty and the Beast" at the Queens Theatre, a delightful performance that brings the classic tale to life. Another notable attraction is the Plymouth Winter Wonderland, where you can enjoy ice skating, a Christmas market, and festive stalls. And the "Lanterns, Lights and Luminations" is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering a stunning display of lights set against a beautiful backdrop. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Contact information and details below.
Rides and light displays in the evening.
Explore Crealy Theme Park & Resort at night with Winter Twilight Fest, featuring rides in the dark and stunning winter light displays.
Where: Exeter | More Info: Winter-Fest Light Trail at Crealy
Holiday lights and seasonal decor in a historic castle setting.
Powderham Castle transforms into a vibrant spectacle with its Christmas Illuminated Light Walk and Festive House Experience. The event features beautifully decorated rooms, live music performances, and a variety of food and beverage options from vendors on the grounds.
Where: Exeter | More Info: Powderham Castle – Christmas Lights and Grotto
Interactive light installations along a scenic waterfront route.
The Bay of Lights illuminated trail is a 1.5-mile route along Torquay's iconic waterfront, featuring 18 large light installations, including an LED light fountain, 3,000 colour-changing flowers, and a giant walk-through Christmas present. The trail starts at Abbey Park, winds through the Tunnel of Lights, and ends at the harbourside, offering stunning digital light shows and interactive fun.
Where: Torquay | More Info: Bay of Lights illuminated trail
Miniature Christmas lights and scenes in a model village setting.
Babbacombe Model Village presents a spectacular display of miniature lights and festive scenes, featuring intricate Christmas decorations and immersive indoor attractions.
Where: Torquay | More Info: Christmas Wonderland Illuminations at Babbacombe Model Village
Local brass band procession and festive carols leading to the village and harbour lighting.
Clovelly Christmas Lights feature a local brass band procession, festive carols, hog roast, hot dogs, and Christmas grog. The event culminates with the lighting of the village and harbour, followed by fireworks.
Where: Clovelly | More Info: Clovelly Christmas Lights
Community-driven festive light switch-on with local choir performance.
Join us in The Square, Barnstaple, for a night of community celebration as the town lights up with festive cheer. The local choir will perform at 5:30 PM, followed by the Christmas light switch-on at 6:00 PM. The event coincides with the Christmas Fayre, offering a range of activities including carol singing, late-night shopping, and visits to the Guildhall Grotto.
Where: Barnstaple | More Info: Barnstaple Christmas lights switch-on and Fayre
Unique pop-up opportunities in the Cloister Garden.
Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market features over a hundred festive chalets offering local gifts, global street food, and seasonal entertainment, set against the backdrop of Exeter Cathedral's historic architecture.
Where: Exeter | More Info: Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market
Traditional market with local crafts and seasonal goods.
Ilfracombe Christmas Market is a vibrant event featuring local artisans, crafts, and seasonal goods. Enjoy the festive atmosphere and explore the variety of stalls offering unique gifts and treats.
Where: Ilfracombe | More Info: Ilfracombe Christmas Market
Unique handmade local items and alpaca meet-and-greets.
Torre Abbey's WinterFest Christmas Fair features handmade local items, including Christmas decorations, toys, and jewellery, along with the opportunity to meet alpacas and enjoy festive tunes and mulled wine.
Where: Torquay | More Info: Torre Abbey WinterFest Christmas Fair
Classic tale with modern twists and musical numbers.
Beauty and the Beast at Queens Theatre is a vibrant pantomime featuring Belle, Gaston, and the enchanting Fairy, with show-stopping musical numbers and heartwarming moments for all ages.
Where: Barnstaple | More Info: Beauty and the Beast at Queens Theatre
Lovable characters and spectacular special effects.
Join Jack, Dame Trott, and Clarabelle the Cow on an unforgettable adventure filled with live music, vibrant costumes, and stunning sets. This year's GIANT pantomime features a walking, talking Giant and promises thrills and laughter for the whole family.
Where: Torquay | More Info: Jack and the Beanstalk, Princess Theatre
Interactive family activities at a zoo setting.
Join Paignton Zoo for a variety of exciting events, including the Whitley Blue Cider Launch, Jungle Cubs Member mornings, and Library Sessions with FREE storytelling and arts and crafts.
Where: Torquay | More Info: Zooluminate
Real ice rink and Santa's Enchanted Forest Grotto.
Plymouth Winter Wonderland is a festive event in Central Park featuring a real ice rink, Santa's Enchanted Forest Grotto, live music, rides, and festive food stalls.
Where: Plymouth | More Info: Plymouth Winter Wonderland
Traditional village festivities with local crafts and entertainment.
Combe Christmas Festival is a vibrant celebration featuring festive decorations, seasonal activities, and community events in the picturesque village of Combe.
Where: Ilfracombe | More Info: Combe Christmas Festival
Themed Victorian Christmas carols in each room.
Celebrate Christmas at Arlington Court with beautifully decorated rooms, festive family activities, and traditional Father Christmas visits. Enjoy wintery walks, carriage rides, and themed weekends with brass bands and choir performances.
Where: Barnstaple | More Info: Arlington Court Christmas craft fair