Exeter Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025

Your complete guide to the best christmas events in Exeter and surrounding areas

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Christmas Markets (23 events) Christmas Lights (21 events) Christmas Shows (11 events) Other Christmas Activities (33 events)

Exeter welcomes the holiday season with the Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market and Christmas at Princesshay drawing visitors to the Cathedral Green and the city centre. The city offers festive events, winter festivals and a variety of things to do including family shows like Cinderella at Barnfield Theatre. Enjoy Christmas lights across historic lanes, artisan stalls and seasonal activities that make Exeter’s festive season warm and inviting for visitors and locals alike.

Find the best Exeter Christmas happenings this year!

Exeter Christmas Events

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Christmas Markets

23 events
Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market • Nov 20 – Dec 19

Christmas market set against Exeter Cathedral

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Christmas Lights

21 events
Bay of Lights Illumination Trail 2025 • Nov 28 – Jan 2, 2026

1.5-mile illumination trail with 19 light installations.

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Christmas Shows

11 events
Cardiff Christmas Festival • Dec 1 – Dec 31

Diverse live entertainment in the Spiegel Theatre

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Other Christmas Activities

33 events
Visit Santa at the Castle • Nov 29 – Dec 22

Meet Santa in the historic Cardiff Castle Nursery

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Editor's Picks (6)

  1. Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market
    Christmas market set against Exeter Cathedral
  2. Bay of Lights Illumination Trail 2025 (Torquay)
    1.5-mile illumination trail with 19 light installations.
  3. Cardiff Christmas Festival (Cardiff)
    Diverse live entertainment in the Spiegel Theatre
  4. Visit Santa at the Castle (Cardiff)
    Meet Santa in the historic Cardiff Castle Nursery
  5. Christmas at Bute Park (Cardiff)
    Enchanted mile-long light trail with 15 unique light zones.
  6. Plymouth's Winter Wonderland (Plymouth)
    Festive winter wonderland with ice skating and Santa's Grotto.

This Week / Coming Up (6)

Christmas at Princesshay 2025 Fri, Nov 14
Fused Glass Christmas Decorations Workshop Wed, Nov 19
The Royal Mint Christmas Experience Sat, Nov 22
Plymouth Christmas Market Thu, Nov 27
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Tram Ride Fri, Nov 28
Enchanting Christmas Grotto 2025 Sat, Nov 29

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Also Near Exeter

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Paignton

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Taunton

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Exeter Christmas FAQ

What are the biggest annual Christmas events in Exeter?

The Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market, Christmashay Village, and Exeter’s Winter Wonderland in Northernhay Gardens are among the city’s largest annual events.

What holiday traditions are unique to Exeter?

Exeter celebrates with a festive light switch-on, the Cathedral’s Christmas by Candlelight services, and a Charity Christmas Trees Festival in Bedford Street.

Which neighborhoods are best for Christmas lights in Exeter?

Princesshay, Cathedral Green, and Northernhay Gardens are especially festive, with many residential streets also decorated throughout the city.

Where can I find Christmas markets and local makers in Exeter?

The Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market and Christmashay Village feature local artisans and makers, with additional stalls in the city center during the season.

What are the best free or budget-friendly holiday activities in Exeter?

Viewing the Christmas lights, exploring the Cathedral (by donation), and visiting the free areas of the Christmas markets are great budget-friendly options.

What are good picks for families with kids in Exeter?

Exeter’s Winter Wonderland offers skating, Santa’s Grotto, and a funfair, while the Christmas markets and light displays provide plenty of family-friendly entertainment.