What’s on this Christmas in South Devon 2021
You deserve a very special Christmas this year so why not head to Devon where there will be plenty of festive cheer. We look forward to welcoming you to stay in one of our cosy cottages and sharing some of the wonderful events happening this Christmas in South Devon.
Here’s what’s on in South Devon in 2021:
Christmas days out in South Devon
Here’s the Christmas events happening at South Devon attractions this winter:
The Polar Express™ at South Devon Railway
If you have fans of this popular Christmas film in your family they’ll love seeing the story come to life during a ride on South Devon Railway.
Join the Conductor and his crew as they recreate scenes from The Polar Express in the carriages as you journey between Buckfastleigh and Totnes. There will also be a visit to Santa’s workshop for all the good children onboard.
The Polar Express runs from 20 November to 23 December 2021. Buy tickets on the South Devon Railway website.
Train of Lights at Dartmouth Steam Railway
This illuminated journey through the South Devon countryside is a special Christmas treat that all ages will enjoy.
Board the vintage train carriages decked with thousands of fairy lights at Paignton and take a round trip to Kingswear. Along the way there will be a festive show at Churston Station.
The Train of Lights runs from 24 November to 30 December 2021. Buy tickets from the Dartmouth Stream Railway website.
Pennywell Farm Nativity
Pennywell Farm’s magical nativity returns in 2021. You’ll be greeted by elves and transported back 2,000 years for a nativity scene with real farm animals.
There will be plenty of treats for young and old as well as a visit to meet Father Christmas in an enchanted forest. The event runs from 19 November to 24 December 2021.
Find more and book on the Pennywell Farm website.
Christmas at Babbacombe Model Village
Experience a mini Christmas adventure at Babbacombe Model Village this December.
The lights will be turned on between 4pm and 7pm from 18 to 31 December, excluding Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Find out more on the Babbacombe Model Village website.
Carols in the Caves at Kents Cavern
Carols in the Caves is coming back in December 2021! Get into the festive spirit with this magical Christmas concert in Kents Cavener’s Vestibule Chamber before walking around the cave system singing carols by candlelight.
Carols take place on 7, 9 and 16 December 2021.
Find out more and book on the Kents Cavern website.
Illuminations at Powderham Castle
Powderham Castle’s light walk returns this Christmas along with extra indoor festive displays from 29 November to 31 December 2021
The castle doors will be thrown open to visitors so they can explore the decorated state rooms and experience a Victorian Christmas below stairs.
The light walk has grown to over a mile and the light maze makes a return. There will also be music, food and a bar.
Find out more and book tickets on the Powderham Castle website.
Santa’s Grotto at The House of Marbles
The House of Marbles’ festive winter wonderland returns this year with Santa and his Elves will be waiting to greet you into his cosy Grotto.
Share your Christmas wishes and receive a lovely gift and goody bag, filled with seasonal treats to enjoy. Tickets for timed sessions between 10 November and 22 December can be bought via Eventbrite for timed sessions.
Find out more on the House of Marbles website.
Christmas shows in South Devon
Here’s where to find pantomimes, festive family shows and Christmas theatre in South Devon this year:
White Christmas the Musical at The Theatre Royal Plymouth
This spectacular brand-new production of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas is coming to Plymouth direct from the West End. It runs from 7 to 11 December 2021
This timeless romantic comedy will warm the hearts of all ages with classic songs Blue Skies, Sisters, and the most famous festive song of all White Christmas.
Buy tickets from the Theatre Royal website.
Christmas Mouse at The Soapbox Theatre, Plymouth
Christmas Mouse is an enchanting, heart-warming tale for under fives about a mouse who sets out in search of a new home and makes some unusual friends along the way.
Expect snowy scenes, colourful characters and enthralling puppets in the Soapbox Theatre’s auditorium at Devonport Park.
The performance is on from 8 to 24 December. Buy tickets from The Soapbox Theatre website.
Jack and the Beanstalk at The Palace Theatre
Jack’s back to deliver another fabulous pantomime at the Palace Theatre, Paignton from 18 December 2021 to 2 January 2022.
Jack’s task is to scale the beanstalk and rescue the Princess from the scary giant with the help or hindrance of the usual pantomime characters both good and bad. Will he succeed? A professional script, five professional musicians, dazzling costumes, wonderful dancing and humour brought to you by the best of local talent and a few surprises.
Buy tickets for Jack and the Beanstalk from the The Palace Theatre website.
The Magic of Christmas at The Palace Theatre
Torbay’s ultimate Christmas show is guaranteed to get you in the Christmas spirit. With singing, dancing and laughs all round, this show will take you on a sleigh ride through classic, pop and rock Christmas hits to fill you full of festive cheer.
Sit back and enjoy beautiful harmony, toe-tapping routines and sketches that will have you laughing to the North Pole and back. The show runs from 1 to 3 December 2021.
Buy tickets for The Magic of Christmas from The Palace Theatre website.
Devon Christmas markets and fairs
Want to know where to find unique gifts and enjoy a warm glass of spiced wine? Take a look at our guide to Christmas markets in South Devon.
Here’s more ideas for things to do in Devon in the winter.
Where to stay this Christmas in South Devon
Whether you plan to spend the festive season with your nearest and dearest or are looking for somewhere for a small family celebration, we have lots of cottages in South Devon for you to choose from.
Either browse our holiday cottages in Dartmouth and nearby or call us to discuss your dream Christmas getaway.
