The Best Christmas Events & Markets in South Devon 2025

If you're dreaming of a cosy, Christmassy escape beside the sea, South Devon is the perfect place to feel festive. From dazzling light trails to historic houses dressed for the season, our corner of the coast transforms into a winter wonderland every year.

Whether you’re staying in beautiful Brixham (hello!) or exploring nearby towns and villages, here’s your guide to the very best Christmas events and markets for 2025 — all with handy notes on how close they are to Brixham.

Brixham Christmas Market

The Scala, Brixham Town Hall, TQ5 8TA
Right in the heart of Brixham

A lovely, community-centred Christmas market just minutes from your door if you're staying locally. Expect handmade gifts, local artisan crafts, warm drinks and a free mince pie to enjoy as you browse. Small, friendly, and totally Brixham.

The Christmas Train of Lights

Dartmouth Steam Railway (Paignton Station), Queens Park Rd, Paignton
~15 minutes from Brixham

An award-winning, must-do South Devon experience. Board the illuminated heritage steam train in Paignton and journey through an enchanted forest glowing with colour and storytelling. The reflections along the River Dart are nothing short of spectacular. This is one festive activity the whole family will adore — and it’s right on Brixham’s doorstep.

Christmas at Paignton Zoo

Totnes Road, Paignton, TQ4 7EU
~15 minutes from Brixham

Paignton Zoo always pulls out the stops at Christmas, and 2025 is no exception. Expect after-dark illuminations, animal encounters with a seasonal twist, and visits from Santa himself. It’s a brilliant family day out — part festive adventure, part wildlife wonderland.

English Riviera Bay of Lights

Across Torquay, Paignton & Brixham
Starts in Torquay (20 mins from Brixham)

One of the South West’s most-loved seasonal events returns for another year. The English Riviera Bay of Lights features a stunning trail of illuminations stretching from Torre Abbey to Torquay Harbour, plus displays across Paignton and Brixham. Expect around 19 installations, including towering pixel Christmas trees and interactive displays. It’s free, family-friendly, and practically home turf if you're staying in Brixham!

Festive Fun at National Trust Coleton Fishacre

Brownstone Rd, Kingswear, Dartmouth, TQ6 0EQ
~20 minutes from Brixham

Celebrating its 100th birthday in 2025, Coleton Fishacre is going full Roaring Twenties for Christmas. Wander through the house decorated in Gatsby-esque festive glamour, try your hand (or feet!) at the Charleston, browse their seasonal markets and enjoy crisp coastal walks with sea views. It’s a truly magical way to step back in time while soaking up some festive cheer.

Totnes Late Night Shopping & Christmas Market

Totnes High Street
~30 minutes from Brixham
Tuesdays 2nd, 9th & 16th December 2025 | 3pm – 9pm

Totnes knows how to do Christmas — and these late-night markets prove it. Wander the historic high street under twinkling lights, marvel at artisan crafts, tuck into mulled wine or spiced hot chocolate, and enjoy music and entertainment throughout the evening. It’s one of the most atmospheric festive events in the region.

Kingsbridge Celebrates Christmas

Fore Street, Kingsbridge, TQ7 1PP
~35 minutes from Brixham
Saturday 6th December 2025 | 9am – late

This vibrant Christmas festival takes over Fore Street with live music, street performances, magical light displays, and of course — a bustling market full of gifts and festive treats. With an ice-skating rink and visits from Santa, it’s a full day of cheer in a lovely South Devon market town.

Christmas at the Castle – Powderham Castle

Kenton, Exeter, EX6 8JQ
~45 minutes from Brixham

One of Devon’s most enchanting Christmas settings, Powderham Castle transforms each year into a warm, glittering world of festive displays. Explore the beautifully lit grounds, take part in seasonal workshops, sip mulled drinks, and soak in the Christmas atmosphere both inside and out. It’s well worth the short trip from the coast.

Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market

Cathedral Green, Exeter
~45 minutes from Brixham
20th November – 19th December 2025

One of the South West’s most famous Christmas markets returns, inspired by classic German markets. Enjoy sparkling lights beneath Exeter Cathedral, sip mulled wine, sample festive street food, and browse an array of stalls selling everything from handmade gifts to fine local produce. A perfect evening out for anyone who loves a traditional Christmas feel.

Ready to Make Brixham Your Christmas Base?

South Devon sparkles at Christmas — and Brixham makes the perfect cosy home to soak it all in. After a day of festive exploring, return to Bay Dream Believer, relax by the sea, and wrap yourself in the slower, magical pace of the English Riviera in winter.

✨ Book your festive stay at Bay Dream today — and start planning your South Devon Christmas adventure.