Festive dates for your diary: all the Christmas events happening in Exeter, listed
Exeter's festive events calendar is packed with Christmas markets, late-night shopping and more, with something for all the family to enjoy.
Christmas is nearly here and Exeter is already getting into the festive spirit.
From family pantos to visits with a Signing Santa, here’s a list of all the Christmas events happening this year in Exeter:
November
Friday, November 13 - Exeter Cathedral Market and Princesshay Festive Market opens.
Thursday, November 19 - Exeter’s first late-night shopping event, including Princesshay, High Street, and John Lewis. Further late-night shopping events will take place on November 26, and December 3, 10, and 17.
Thursday, November 19 - SPARK! Drummers will perform live in Princesshay at 5pm, 6pm, and 7pm.
Friday, November 20 - Winter Wonderland opens in Northernhay Gardens, running until January 3. It brings rides, seasonal food, and a real-ice rink to the city. You can book tickets here.
Sunday, November 22 - The final Fore Street Flea market of 2026 runs from 12pm to 4pm - with a festive twist.
Saturday, November 28 - All are welcome to Exeter Cathedral’s Christingle Service at 4pm.
Sunday, November 29 - Santa Sundays start in Princesshay and run until Monday, December 21. You can meet Santa at the shopping centre from 10:30am to 4:30pm, no booking necessary, but you can learn more here.
December
Thursday, December 3 - Festive First Thursday - a new event for Exeter - will bring live music, late-night shopping, and street performances to Gandy Street from 5pm.
Thursday, December 3 – The Sacred Winter Fayre takes place at Sacred Grounds Cafe from 6:30pm-9pm. You can expect beautifully curated art and live music. Tickets are available here.
Saturday, December 5 – Magdalen Road Christmas Fair takes place from 2pm to 6pm.
Saturday, December 5 - Santa Saturdays start in Princesshay. December 5 and December 12 feature special appearances from a Signing Santa and his interpreter thanks to a partnership with the Deaf Academy.
Sunday, December 6 - The Exeter Santa Run will take place through Exeter City Centre from 9am to 10:30am. If you fancy dressing up as Santa to run 2.5 or 5 kilometres and raise funds for charity, there’s still time to sign up here.
Monday, December 7 - The Lord Mayor and Dean will hold a carol service at Exeter Cathedral at 2pm. The service is free and there’s no booking required.
Friday, December 11 - From 5:30pm to 7:30pm, the Royal Albert Memorial Museum is hosting a Winter Night at the Museum. Tickets can be booked here and include a walkthrough of the museum, Christmas storytelling, and festive crafts.
Saturday, December 12 - Exeter Corn Exchange’s Pinocchio Panto opens, running until Saturday, January 2.
Sunday, December 13 - Exeter Cathedral will hold their Nativity at 3pm.
Sunday, December 13 - Yeti, a family Christmas show, opens at Exeter Phoenix. The show runs until December 27 and there are discounts on tickets for families. You can book here.
Thursday, December 17 - A (little) Christmas Carol opens at the Barnfield Theatre with performances for families with children aged 3 to 8. The show runs until December 29. You can book tickets here.
Monday, December 21 - Guildhall Shopping Centre hosts a Christmas storytelling session with Santa and Mrs Claus.