Exeter Christmas Lights 2025

Discover 21 verified christmas lights in Exeter and nearby areas.

Welcome to my guide for Exeter Christmas lights and holiday displays. If you're looking for festive cheer in the city, you'll find plenty of places where the Exeter Christmas lights shine bright each season.

Some of my favorite spots include the twinkling displays in Princesshay Square and the atmospheric light trails around Exeter Cathedral. Beloved neighborhood favorites also bring extra sparkle to the winter nights.

Here, I’ll share free displays, ticketed events, drive-through lights, and walkable trails near Exeter. Whether you’re exploring solo or with family, there’s something for everyone to enjoy and make the most of the season.

All Christmas Lights Around Exeter

Christmas at Crealy

Clyst St Mary 5 mi from Exeter
$$

Winter Wonderland transformation with Santa meet-and-greet.

Crealy Theme Park & Resort transforms into a magical Winter Wonderland for Christmas at Crealy. Families can enjoy festive shows, entertainment, and the chance to meet Santa Claus himself in his grotto, where each child receives a free toy. The...

Holiday Light DisplaysFamily FriendlySanta Visits

Winter Twilight Fest

Clyst St Mary 5 mi from Exeter
$$

Enchanting light displays and rides in the dark

Experience the magic of Winter Twilight Fest at Crealy Theme Park & Resort. As dusk settles, the park transforms into a dazzling spectacle of light, featuring new enchanting displays and an expanded light tunnel. Enjoy thrilling rides in the dark,...

Holiday Light DisplaysFamily FriendlySeasonal Activities

Christmas at Killerton

$$

Festive house, Red Dress Project, community trees, outdoor games trail.

Experience a heartwarming Christmas at Killerton, where festive cheer fills the air. Explore the traditionally decorated Georgian house, adorned with garlands and twinkling lights. Discover the globally acclaimed 'Red Dress Project' and enjoy an outdoor trail with games inspired by...

Christmas MarketFestive DecorationsFamily Friendly

Christmas at the Castle

$$

Historic castle transformed for Christmas with festive displays and workshops.

Step into a festive wonderland at Christmas at the Castle, where Powderham transforms into a magical holiday destination. Wander through the castle and grounds adorned with twinkling lights and enchanting displays, set to the sound of Christmas music. Discover the...

Christmas MarketHoliday Light DisplaysSanta Visits

Babbacombe Model Village Christmas Illuminations

Babbacombe 17 mi from Exeter
$$

Enchanting miniature village illuminated by thousands of tiny lights.

Step into a world of enchantment at Babbacombe Model Village's Christmas Illuminations. Thousands of miniature lights and special effects transform the detailed village into a magical spectacle. Experience the charm of the miniature world by day and then witness its...

Holiday Light DisplaysChristmas VillageFamily Friendly

Bay of Lights Illumination Trail 2025

Torquay 18 mi from Exeter
$$

1.5-mile illumination trail with 19 light installations.

Experience the magic of the Bay of Lights Illumination Trail, returning bigger and brighter for 2025. This spectacular event transforms the English Riviera into a winter wonderland with a 1.5-mile trail of stunning light installations. Complementing the trail are the...

Holiday Light DisplaysChristmas MarketIce Skating

THE POLAR EXPRESSβ„’ Tram Ride

Seaton, Devon 20 mi from Exeter
$$$

Magical tram ride to the North Pole with Santa.

All aboard for a magical journey to the North Pole with THE POLAR EXPRESSβ„’ Tram Ride! Families will be enchanted by this festive experience, featuring a specially decorated tramcar, hot chocolate, and a treat. Meet Santa Claus at the North...

Polar ExpressChristmas ShowFamily Friendly

Christmas Train of Lights

Paignton 20 mi from Exeter
$$

UK's first steam train of lights

All aboard for the multi-award-winning Christmas Train of Lights, the South West's must-see festive event! This unique steam train journey from Paignton to Kingswear is transformed into a dazzling spectacle with thousands of lights. Travel through an enchanted forest and...

Holiday Light DisplaysTrain RidesFamily Friendly

Christmas Grotto & Park Admission 2025 at Woodlands Family Theme Park

Newton Abbot 26 mi from Exeter
$$

10-room interactive North Pole walkthrough and Santa visit.

Step into a winter wonderland at Woodlands Family Theme Park for their enchanting Christmas Grotto experience. Journey through a 10-room interactive walkthrough of the North Pole, featuring snowy landscapes and cozy cabins, before boarding the Woodlands Express for a magical...

Santa VisitsFamily FriendlyChildrens Activities

Enchanting Christmas Grotto 2025

Totnes 26 mi from Exeter
$$

Magical Christmas Grotto with Santa Claus

Step into a world of Christmas magic at Woodlands' enchanting grotto. Follow twinkling lights and festive characters on a journey to meet Santa himself. This immersive experience offers surprises and a truly special moment for families to create cherished memories.

Christmas VillageSanta VisitsFamily Friendly

RHS Glow 2025 at RHS Rosemoor

Devon 30 mi from Exeter
$$

Magical winter light trail with a redesigned Winter Garden.

Step into a world of enchantment at RHS Rosemoor's Glow 2025. This spectacular winter light trail transforms the gardens into a magical wonderland with thousands of twinkling lights and festive music. Discover a brand-new redesigned Winter Garden, illuminated sculptures, and...

Holiday Light DisplaysFestive DecorationsFestive Atmosphere

Christmas at Arlington Court

Barnstaple 35 mi from Exeter
$$

House transformed into a 'Nutcracker Christmas' wonderland

Step into a magical 'Nutcracker Christmas' at Arlington Court in 2025. The house will be transformed into enchanting realms of sweets, flowers, and snow, illuminated by twinkling lights. Enjoy festive trails, family activities, and special evening openings with firepits. Discover...

Christmas MarketFamily FriendlyArtisanal Goods

RNLI Christmas Lights Switch-On

Clovelly, Devon 36 mi from Exeter
$

RNLI Christmas Lights switch-on in a historic fishing village.

Experience the enchanting RNLI Christmas Lights switch-on in the picturesque village of Clovelly. A local brass band leads a carol-filled procession to the harbour, where festive treats and Christmas grog await. Father Christmas makes a special appearance before a heartwarming...

Holiday Light DisplaysCommunity CelebrationCarols

Illuminate 2025 – Winter Lights at the Gardens

Abbotsbury 40 mi from Exeter
$$

Enchanted winter lights display in historic subtropical gardens.

Step into an enchanted winter wonderland at Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens for Illuminate 2025. This outdoor light display transforms the historic 18th-century gardens into a magical spectacle with colorful lights, textures, and shapes. Follow a new route for a unique perspective...

Holiday Light DisplaysFestive DecorationsWinter Activities

Weymouth Christmas Maritime Light Trail

Weymouth, Dorset 48 mi from Exeter
Free

Maritime-themed light trail along the waterfront

Embark on a magical journey along Weymouth's waterfront with the Christmas Maritime Light Trail. This enchanting event transforms the seaside into a festive wonderland, showcasing dazzling light installations inspired by the town's rich maritime heritage. It's a perfect way to...

Holiday Light DisplaysFestive DecorationsFestive Atmosphere

Wookey Hole Winter Wonderland

Wookey Hole 51 mi from Exeter
$$

Underground Christmas light experience

Step into a magical Winter Wonderland at Wookey Hole, featuring a breathtaking underground light experience with over 100,000 fairy lights. Meet Santa Claus in his traditional grotto and receive a special gift. Enjoy a festive circus show with dazzling performances...

Holiday Light DisplaysSanta VisitsFamily Friendly

Sparkle - Christmas Garden Illuminations

Wells, Somerset 51 mi from Exeter
$$

Enchanting Christmas light trail through historic gardens and Palace.

Step into a magical Christmas wonderland at The Bishop's Palace and Gardens for their 'Sparkle' event. This enchanting light trail transforms the historic grounds into a dazzling spectacle of color and festive joy. New for 2025, expect improved and extended...

Holiday Light DisplaysChristmas MarketFamily Friendly

Christmas at Bute Park

Cardiff 55 mi from Exeter
$$

Enchanted mile-long light trail with 15 unique light zones.

Embark on a magical mile-long journey through Bute Park, illuminated by spectacular light installations. Discover 15 distinct zones, each a masterpiece by leading designers, creating an enchanted world. The event culminates in a festive Christmas Village, offering delicious local food...

Holiday Light DisplaysChristmas VillageFamily Friendly

Luminate Wales - Margam Country Park Winter Light Trail

Port Talbot 58 mi from Exeter
$$

Mile-long illuminated light trail with interactive displays.

Step into a world of wonder at Luminate Wales, an enchanting illuminated light trail winding through the historic Margam Country Park and Castle. This mesmerizing mile-long journey features dazzling new light installations set to music, interactive displays for all ages,...

Holiday Light DisplaysFamily FriendlyFestive Food

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top Christmas light displays in or around Exeter?

The main displays include the festive lights in Princesshay Square and the Cathedral area, plus seasonal light trails in Northernhay Gardens. Many neighborhoods also feature their own holiday lights and decorations.

Are there drive-through or walkable Christmas light options in Exeter?

Most Christmas light displays in Exeter are walkable, especially in the city center and around the Cathedral. There are currently no major drive-through light displays, but walking trails and neighborhood displays are popular.

When do the Christmas lights typically start in Exeter?

The Exeter Christmas lights usually switch on in mid-November, with displays running through December. Most major lights are lit by the second week of November and stay up until early January.

Are there any free Christmas light displays in Exeter?

Yes, many of the city’s Christmas light displaysβ€”including those in Princesshay, Cathedral Green, and Northernhay Gardensβ€”are free to view. Neighborhood streets and public areas also feature festive decorations at no cost.

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