Exeter and Devon’s 2025 Christmas calendar: markets, lights and family events

Exeter is set to mark the start of the festive season with new city centre lights, the return of Devon’s biggest Christmas market, and a full line-up of events across the city and nearby towns. 

From the new city centre lights to community celebrations across Devon, this year’s festive calendar offers a wide range of events for all ages. 

Exeter’s Christmas season officially begins on 14 November, with markets, performances, and activities continuing right through to mid-December.

READ NEXT: Exeter trains overcrowded as 'line can't run longer trains'

Exeter City Centre 

Exeter’s Christmas lights will switch on from Thursday 14 November, bringing a new look to the city centre this year. The display includes star-themed illuminations along the High Street, ground-level light installations, and projections on historic buildings.

A new Star Arch outside Exeter Central Station will form part of the display, designed to guide visitors towards the city’s festive attractions. The theme, “Follow the Stars to Exeter,” will run throughout the season.

Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market Returns

The Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market opens on 20 November and runs until 19 December on Cathedral Green. It will feature more than 100 wooden chalets offering handmade gifts, food, and drink.

The Cathedral will also host a programme of seasonal events, including Christmas by Candlelight, The Exeter Nativity, and traditional carol services. The market remains one of the city’s busiest winter attractions, drawing thousands of visitors each year.

Princesshay’s “Christmashay Village” and Late-Night Shopping

Princesshay will also mark the start of the season on 14 November with the launch of its Christmashay Village, featuring 17 gift cabins from local makers and small businesses, and six food stalls serving festive favourites.

A new Mistletoe Bar with covered seating will open as part of the setup. The SPARK! drummers will perform on Thursday 20 November, kicking off late-night shopping, which will run every Thursday until Christmas.

Families can visit on Santa Sundays, when Father Christmas will appear on his golden sleigh. A £2.50 donation to Vranch House, Princesshay’s charity partner, includes a festive photo and small gift.

Christmas Light Switch-Ons Across Mid DevonTiverton – Saturday 22 November

Tiverton’s light switch-on will take place in the town centre with entertainment, live music, reindeer, and food stalls. The headline act, Joey the Lips, will perform before the lights are switched on at 6pm.

Bampton – Friday 28 November

Bampton’s Countdown to Christmas begins from 3pm, featuring music, art, family activities, a Christmas tree festival and festive window trail. The evening includes performances from local groups, food stalls, and the annual light switch-on.

Cullompton – Saturday 29 November

Cullompton’s Community Celebration and Festive Fun event will run from 2pm to 6pm, with markets, entertainment, and a visit from Father Christmas at The Walronds. The lights will be switched on at 6pm.

Crediton – Saturday 29 November

Crediton Town Square will host the town’s annual event from 1pm to 6pm, featuring local choirs, food stalls, and seasonal performances, leading up to the light switch-on.

Exmouth Winter Festival – Saturday 29 November

The Exmouth Winter Festival returns to The Strand from 3pm to 7.15pm. The event includes live performances from local choirs, youth theatre groups, and entertainers, followed by a lantern parade leaving Holy Trinity Church at 5.20pm.

The parade will move through the town centre before the Christmas tree light switch-on at around 7pm, led by the Mayor of Exmouth.

Event organiser Jess Magill, from Exmouth Town Council, said the festival is about celebrating community spirit: “It’s that moment when the festive feeling really begins to sparkle, with lights, lanterns, and a great sense of community.”

Crealy’s Winter Twilight Fest

Crealy Theme Park & Resort will host its Winter Twilight Fest on 22–23 November and 29–30 November, opening rides and attractions into the evening.

Visitors can experience rides in the dark, light tunnels, and seasonal displays, with entertainment and food available across the park.