Christmas days out in South Devon 2019

Christmas is a wonderful time to have a holiday or a pre-party season break before the festivities begin. But you don’t have to fly off to Finland to immerse yourself in yuletide spirit. There’s plenty of Christmas days out in South Devon to entertain the kids and add some magic to the end of 2019.

Looking for what’s on in 2020? Read our post about Christmas in South Devon 2020.

Here’s our top recommendations for festive things to do in South Devon this Christmas 2019:

Festive fun at South Devon attractions

South Devon’s family attractions pull out all the stops at Christmas. Here are some of the best Christmas days out in South Devon in 2019.

Hop on one of South Devon’s steam railways to be transported into the festive season. Both Dartmouth Steam Railway and South Devon Railway run Santa trains on selected dates from the end of November until the end of December.

If you are a locomotive enthusiast looking for something a bit different then check out Dartmouth Steam Railway’s Train of Lights.

Step back in time at Bygones in Torquay where you can see what Christmas would have looked like in the Victorian era. There will be a 12ft Christmas tree and a festive treasure hunt for kids.

Another fun attraction to visit with kids this Christmas is Babbacombe Model Village. Children will be able to meet Santa, see the village illuminated for the festive season, see a ‘mini-panto’ and visit the 4D Cinema for festive film, ‘A Dream of Christmas’.

If you are looking for Devon’s best Santa’s grotto then head to Woodlands Family Theme Park near Dartmouth. And if you want a day full of festive activities as well as theme park fun then book tickets for Crealy’s Christmas Spectacular where kids can make snacks for Rudolph, bake cookies with Mary Christmas, see a Christmas show, and pick up a gift from Santa’s toy shop.

For a truly magical Christmas treat visit Pennywell Farm, which is hosting nativity plays with an authentic manger in a barn full of animals! Santa will also be there to share presents with young farmers.

South Devon’s National Trust properties will be overflowing with Christmas spirit in December. Kids can take part in a puddling trail and meet Father Christmas at Greenway, and see the Great Barn at Buckland Abbey decked for the season.

Where to meet Santa in South Devon

A well as meeting Santa at the South Devon attractions above, there are special audiences with the Big Man planned elsewhere in the area.

Have breakfast with Santa at Living Coasts or meet him in this grotto at Paignton Zoo. 

Father Christmas will also be venturing underground at Kents Cavern for a special hour-long pantomime with some of his friends.

Christmas lights and illuminations in South Devon

South Devon will be washed in a festive glow from the end of November as Christmas lights and illuminations are switched on around the area.

Candlelit Dartmouth kicks things off at the end of November with a weekend of events and a lantern procession. 

In Plymouth, head to Illuminate Festival in Royal William Yard where there will be projections, light art installations, and street performers. 

Candlelit Dartmouth and Illuminate are among the first events celebrating the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower’s Atlantic crossing to America. Find out more about Mayflower 400 events in Devon.

You can also see the South Devon National Trust properties of Coleton Fishacre and Saltram lit up along with their formal gardens. The houses will also be dressed for Christmas in their own unique styles.

Christmas markets in South Devon

Whether you want to indulge in festive Devon produce or buy unique handmade and organic Christmas gifts, there’s plenty of Christmas markets happening locally.

Read all about the wonderful array of South Devon Christmas markets.

Holiday cottages in South Devon for Christmas

Come to South Devon at Christmas for a family holiday to remember.

Get in touch with us to chat through our holiday cottages in South Devon, from dog-friendly holiday homes to cottages for larger families, and Dartmouth accommodation with parking. Or search our Devon self-catering accommodation for yourself.