Christmas in Dawlish – A Two-Day Celebration of Festive Fun

Guest Blog Post - Dawlish Town Council

The charming seaside town of Dawlish is set to sparkle this winter as Christmas in Dawlish returns for an exciting two-day celebration filled with festive cheer, community spirit, and plenty of Christmas magic.

Taking place on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 November 2025, the event is organised by Dawlish Town Council in partnership with the Dawlish Chamber of Trade and promises to kickstart the festive season in true South Devon style.

Festivities Begin – Saturday 29 November

From 10am on Saturday, the town will come alive with live music performed throughout the day by talented local musicians inside businesses around the town centre, creating the perfect atmosphere for some relaxed Christmas shopping among Dawlish’s independent shops.

At the same time, The Strand Centre will open its doors for an indoor Christmas Fair, complete with stalls, crafts, a tombola, and a special visit from Father Christmas himself.

New for this year is the Dawlish Celebration Wall, where visitors can purchase a clear, fillable bauble from Presents of Dawlish, The Strand Centre or Crafters. Each bauble can be filled with a wish or message to a loved one and hung on the Bowling Green railings. For every bauble sold, 50p will be donated to the Dawlish Mayoral Charities of 2025/26.

At 12pm, the main market opens along The Strand, featuring a variety of stalls from local suppliers, charities, and artisans. Visitors can enjoy mulled wine, mince pies, and the warm community atmosphere while finding unique gifts and festive treats.

Throughout the day there will be free family entertainment, including face painting, surprise festive performers, and a special choral performance from a local Teignbridge school.

The Magical Lights Switch-On

As dusk falls, Dawlish will light up with festive sparkle. The evening begins at 4.30pm with a Lantern Parade led by the Dawlish Town Crier, his Consort, the Mayor, dignitaries, and local residents carrying their colourful handmade lanterns.

The parade will also include a live nativity, a festively decorated tractor and trailer, and a special arrival from Father Christmas, travelling in a vintage Bedford delivery van provided by Gay’s Creamery, who are celebrating their 100th year in Dawlish this year.

The Christmas lights switch-on will take place at 5pm in front of the Bowling Green, followed by a brass band Christmas singalong. Expect a sweet surprise in this year’s display, and perhaps even a gentle dusting of snow.

Late-night shopping, Christmas market stalls and live music will continue into the evening until 7pm.

Sunday 30 November – More Music, Markets and Magic

The festivities continue on Sunday from 10am, beginning with an unmissable performance by the newly formed Dawlish Town Band. Market stalls will once again line The Strand, alongside Dawlish’s independent shops, offering everything from handmade gifts and clothing to local crafts and seasonal produce.

Children can enjoy a free visit to Father Christmas in his grotto, while across The Brook, Annie’s The Salon will host a Winter’s Elegance Charity Bazaar from 10am to 4pm, with festive stalls, hair tinsel, treatments, toasted marshmallows and more.

Live music will fill the streets once again, with performances from a range of local artists and groups including Monday’s Chyld, Poppy Eliza, Frank O’Friel, Bay Brass, Dawlish Rockwaves, Fireside Rebellion, and Dawlish Town Band.

The weekend will close at 4pm on Sunday, but the festive spirit continues throughout December with more events taking place around the town, including the St Gregory’s Church Christmas Tree Festival (10–21 December), the EAT Festival Christmas Market (13 December), and Cofton Holidays’ Enchanting Santa’s Grotto Experience (5–21 December).

Dawlish Dressed for Christmas

Visitors can enjoy Dawlish’s beautiful Christmas lights throughout November and December, including up to 98 illuminated Christmas trees above the independent shops and along Jubilee Bridge, thanks to the Dawlish Chamber of Trade and Commerce.

A huge amount of volunteer effort goes into lighting the town each year, and locals are always encouraged to join in with the festive tree-wrapping activity in mid-November. Special thanks go to SM Engineering for their continued support.

Getting There

Visitors are encouraged to use public transport where possible, as parking in the town centre can be limited during this popular event. Additional parking will be available at Dawlish Warren, which is regularly served by buses and trains into Dawlish.

Join the Festivities

If you are looking for a charming seaside setting filled with festive cheer, community warmth, and unique Christmas shopping, Dawlish is the place to be this winter.

As the Mayor of Dawlish, Councillor Anthony James, says:
"This year’s lead up to Christmas celebrations have got to be the best yet. Both the Traders and the Town Council have been working together for months to bring something new and exciting to Dawlish. Come and join us for two days of markets, live music, and festive fun."

Neil Salter, Chairman of Dawlish Chamber of Trade, adds:
"We’ve got two fantastic days of Christmas markets, music and community spirit, something for all the family to enjoy and a brilliant boost for our local shops."

Wrap up warm, bring your lantern, and discover Dawlish this Christmas, where festive memories are made by the sea.