Ultimate Christmas Guide: Experience the Magic of Christmas in Exeter

Guest Blog Post - In Exeter

Exeter is ready to shine this festive season with brand-new city lights, Devon’s biggest Christmas Market, and a wonderful programme of events that make it the must-visit destination in the South West this Christmas.

Follow the Stars to Exeter

This year, visitors can expect a spectacular new light display illuminating the city’s streets. From 14 November, Exeter’s Christmas lights will begin to sparkle, with starry cascades along the High Street, stunning ground installations perfect for festive selfies, and star-themed projections lighting up the city’s historic buildings.

Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market

From 20 November to 19 December, Exeter Cathedral’s Christmas Market returns to the iconic Cathedral Green. With over 100 festive chalets, it’s the biggest in Devon and one of the most loved in the South West. Visitors can browse for artisan gifts, enjoy gourmet street food, sip mulled wine, and soak up the atmosphere beneath the cathedral’s soaring spires. Inside the Cathedral, a full programme of festive performances awaits, including carol services, Christmas by Candlelight, and the much-anticipated Exeter Nativity.

Princesshay’s Christmashay Village

Launching on 14 November, Christmashay Village transforms Princesshay into a festive wonderland. Seventeen cabins will showcase local makers and small businesses, alongside six food stalls serving Christmas classics such as Bratwurst and Churros. The new Mistletoe Bar offers festive drinks and covered seating, perfect for taking a break from shopping.

On Thursday 20 November, SPARK! Drummers will return to celebrate the start of late-night shopping, which continues every Thursday until Christmas. Families can also visit on Sundays for Santa Sundays, where little ones can meet Father Christmas on his golden sleigh and take home a keepsake for a small charity donation to Vranch House.

Festive Fun at Guildhall Shopping Centre

The Guildhall Shopping Centre will be full of festive fun this season, with a snowy winter wonderland play area, visits from Santa and Mrs Claus, and even mischievous appearances from The Grinch throughout December.

Winter Wonderland at Northernhay Gardens

From 22 November to 24 December, Northernhay Gardens becomes home to Exeter’s Winter Wonderland. Families can enjoy a real ice rink, Santa’s Grotto, a light trail, a vintage carousel, and festive food stalls – a must-visit for a magical winter day out.

Late-Night Shopping

Exeter’s shops will stay open late until 8pm on Thursdays throughout the festive season, giving you more time to find that perfect Christmas gift.

Late-Night Shopping dates: 20 November, 27 November, 4 December, 11 December, and 18 December.

Festive Theatre Magic

Exeter’s theatres are bringing the magic of Christmas to life with an exciting line-up of shows. Highlights include The Wizard of Oz at the Corn Exchange, Cinderella at the Barnfield Theatre, The Jolly Postman for younger audiences, and Ernie and the Sea of Ice at Exeter Phoenix – a heartwarming retelling of Shackleton’s legendary expedition.

Christmas Highlights Across the City

There’s something happening every week in Exeter this Christmas. Some of the festive highlights include:

• 14 November: Christmas lights switch-on and Christmashay Village opens

• 20 November: Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market opens and SPARK! performance in Princesshay

• 23 November: Festive Fore Street Flea and Winter Wonderland opens

• 30 November: Advent Procession at Exeter Cathedral and Santa Sundays begin

• 5 December: Library Lates at Exeter Central Library

• 6 December: Magdalen Road Christmas Fair

• 7 December: Exeter Santa Run

• 11 December: Sacred Winter Fayre and Night at the Museum – Winter Wonders at RAMM

• 14 December: The Exeter Nativity

• 20 December: Santa and Mrs Claus Storytelling at Guildhall Shopping Centre

Make it Exeter This Christmas

“Christmas in Exeter is always something to look forward to,” says Nicola Wheeler, CEO of InExeter. “We’re proud to bring a new Christmas light scheme to the city this year on behalf of the businesses who fund it through the Business Improvement District Levy. Every detail has been designed to make the experience as joyful and memorable as possible.”

Exeter has so much to offer this Christmas – from beautiful light displays and pop-up performances to the iconic Christmas Market and a fantastic range of independent shops across the city’s quarters.

Follow @in_exeter on Instagram and @InExeter on Facebook for all the latest festive updates.

For full listings and Christmas event details, visit www.visitexeter.com/Christmas.