Christmas is a magical time and, in the run, up to the main event there is so much to see and do, but don’t just take our word for it read our ‘Best of Guide’ below to get some festive inspiration and make some memories to last a lifetime.
Polar Express Train Ride, South Devon Railway
Your journey begins just like the 2004 motion picture when THE POLAR EXPRESS™ will pick you up at South Devon Railway to take you to the North Pole! You will get to meet the characters from the film including the main man himself Father Christmas. Dress in your pyjamas and experience a fun filled theatrical adventure as you make your way to the North Pole. There is cookies and of course hot chocolate. You will get to speak with Santa and he may even sign your THE POLAR EXPRESS™ book which is available to purchase with your Polar Express Tickets. Once you arrive back at the station your journey is not at its end. Next you can write a letter to Santa, check if you are on the naughty and nice list and buy a little souvenir of your experience. THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride at South Devon Railway is truly the most magical Christmas experience.
Tickets are from £33.95 per person. Booking is essential
https://southdevonrailwaythepolarexpressride.com/the-experience/
The Christmas Experience at Pennywell Farm
Arrive at the North Pole where you will be greeted by the friendly Elves and check-in! Collect your Christmas passport and get the stamps as you journey through the Christmas experience. Travel to Bethlehem to find an inn for the night and after finding a vacancy in our cosy main barn experience a real manger with all the Pennywell animals looking on. The scene is set and the story of the first Christmas comes to life.
After the Nativity, head to Noah’s Barn for Christmas Cheer with delicious mince pies and warming drinks for the adults, plus Christmas biscuits and cold drinks for the children. Enjoy a visit to the Elves Sweet Shop for a bag of yummy sweets for every child!
Jump on the Tractor and trailer ride to see if you can spot the gingerbread men hiding along the way! Next, you’ll experience Christmas close encounters with some of our amazing animals. Tickle, touch, cuddle and stroke our Pennywell Miniature piglets, pygmy goat kids and other furry friends.
Finally, enter our sparkly enchanted forest where Father Christmas will be waiting in his grotto with a special gift for every child. The perfect way to start your Christmas!
https://www.pennywellfarm.co.uk/buy-christmas-nativity-tickets
Exeter Christmas Market
Friday 17th November to Sunday 17th December 2023
Set on the iconic Cathedral Green, the Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market attracts an estimated 600k visitors each year. It is the biggest market in Devon with over a hundred twinkling festive chalets, local gifts and produce, themed bars, global street food, seasonal entertainment and free entry into the awesome Exeter Cathedral.
https://www.exeter-cathedral.org.uk/events/exeter-cathedral-christmas-market/
Christmas at Coleton Fishacre
Embrace the chill of a winter’s day by the coast with a magical experience this Christmas at Coleton Fishacre. Inspired by the coastline in winter, gather loved ones and wrap up warm to explore the ground floor of the house as it’s dressed for ‘Winter Tide and Time’. With the sparkle of the lights, interactive elements and seasonal selfie stations, there’s moments of magic everywhere you look.
Walk around the stunning grounds, admiring the show stopping coastal views and don’t forget the café to warm up with hot drinks and tempting treats.
The National Trust Shop has plenty to offer, from tasty biscuits to handmade jams, indulgent chocolates and tipples a plenty. You can also transform your home into a winter wonderland with a range of decorations available, from festive garlands to handmade ornaments.
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/coleton-fishacre/christmas-at-coleton-fishacre
Bay of Lights Illumination Trail Torquay
1st December 2023 to 2nd January 2024
Following on from its success last year, the light trail is back! The installation will guide people along the route between Torre Abbey, Torquay Sea Front and the town centre. Highlights include a light tunnel along Torquay seafront that works in co-ordination with the digital festoon lighting and a series of 16 prisms lighting up the ‘Banjo’ area. There will also be a 12-metre-high pixel mappable Christmas Tree that will provide a spectacular digital sound and light show.
The Illumination Trail forms part of the Bay of Lights initiative that incorporates everything from the Brixham Lanterns, Lights & Luminations, the Christmas Train of Lights from Paignton, as well as seasonal events at local attractions including Torre Abbey, Kents Cavern and the Model Village. More events to explore!
https://www.englishriviera.co.uk/whats-on/bay-of-lights-illumination-trail-p3188773
Train of Lights Dartmouth Steam Railway
2nd December 2023 to 23rd December 2023
The extremely popular Train of Lights is back better than ever for 2023. When you book a Train of Lights and Santa ticket you will travel on the fantastic Train of Lights service enjoying all this wonderful experience has to offer with the added bonus of a trip from Santa with a present for all those that have been good – adults we’re talking about you to!!!
You will enjoy the full Train of Lights service on your outward journey from Paignton to Kingswear, then on the return journey Santa and his helper will visit each person at their seat.
Cost: Adult (aged 15+) £32.00, Child (aged 19 months to 14years) £22.00
Children between 0-18 months old travel for free but no seat is provided.
https://www.dartmouthrailriver.co.uk/tickets/train-of-lights-santa
Plymouth Winter City & Christmas Market
24th November to 24th December Treeby Court, Plymouth
All your favourite features to make the perfect winter wonderland including, Plymouth’s biggest real ice rink, festival food, Christmas fairground & Christmas market.
Santa can also be found in his grotto and his naughty elves also have a workshop for you before you see the big man himself. Tickets will need to be booked for Santa.
Take a trip to The Moose Lodge where you can take in the Christmas atmosphere with delicious mulled wine, cider & German beer.
Waltz around our Christmas market with over twenty traders selling all things Christmassy!
For that truly magical Christmas experience, grab your skates and join us on our undercover real ice rink. Suitable for all ages and abilities, book your timeslot here for a cool activity that everyone can enjoy.
With plenty of exciting fairground rides and an abundance of locally-sourced festive food his Winter City is not to be missed.
Free but need tickets for ice skating.
https://www.plymouthwintercity.com/
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