Exmouth Winter Festival
Experience the enchantment of the Exmouth Winter Festival on Saturday 2nd December, starting at 3pm as The Strand comes alive with a dazzling array of activities.
The festivities kick off with walkabout performers, choirs, and a mesmerising fire show. The highlight of the evening is the annual Christmas Tree Lights switch-on at 7:30 pm, a moment filled with magic and joy.
The performances in The Strand, hosted by the lively compere Maggie Irving, feature a lineup that includes the East Devon Rock Choir, Exmouth ACapella, Exmouth Youth Theatre, The Deaf Academy, La La Choirs, Street Heat Samba, and Centre Stage. Don’t miss the spectacular Fire Show at 6:40 pm. Additionally, join the Lantern Parade led by Street Heat Samba, starting at Holy Trinity Church at 5:45 pm and winding its way to The Strand. For those seeking an adrenaline rush, Centre Stage is organising a fundraising Firewalk at 5 pm. For entry details, contact david.wellbeloved@sky.com.
Holy Trinity Church will also host a Christmas Tree Festival from 5th to 7th December, displaying beautifully decorated trees by Exmouth Primary Schools.
Immerse yourself in the festive spirit and make lasting memories at the Exmouth Winter Festival!
Christmas Lights Spectacular
One of the most magical aspects of Christmas in Exmouth is the dazzling display of Christmas lights that adorn the town. Thousands of twinkling lights illuminate the town centre and seafront, transforming Exmouth into a winter wonderland. This enchanting sight is sure to fill you with the spirit of the season as you take a stroll along the Esplanade or through the streets, basking in the warm and inviting glow of the holiday lights.
Festive Markets
Exmouth and its surrounding areas host a range of festive markets, providing you with the perfect opportunity to find unique gifts, indulge in delicious seasonal treats, and immerse yourself in the local Christmas spirit. From handmade crafts and decorations to delectable homemade jams and chutneys, you’ll find a wide variety of items to tick off your holiday shopping list. The markets also offer a delightful selection of street food, mulled wine, and other festive treats to warm you up on those chilly winter days.
FRI 15TH DEC -31ST DEC: EXMOUTH CHRISTMAS MARKET & EVENTS, STRAND, MARKET, EVENTS, CAROLS
This year, be sure to visit the official Exmouth Christmas village and enjoy a festive day out for all the family all under one roof. With more than a hundred local vendors, regional produce and gifts, bars, street food, and seasonal entertainment, there’ll be something for everyone!
TUES 21ST NOV: EXMOUTH RUGBY CLUB CHRISTMAS MARKET
Join Exmouth Rugby Club for some early Christmas shopping on the 21st of November! Entry is free for everyone to enjoy lots of lovely local stalls, a Christmas raffle and drinks at the bar.
17TH NOV – 17TH DEC: EXETER CATHEDRAL CHRISTMAS MARKET
Make it a day out to remember at Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market. You’ll discover something for everyone, with over a hundred twinkling festive chalets, local gifts and produce, bars, global street food, seasonal entertainment and free entry into the awesome Exeter Cathedral, including the
Light of Hope Star installation by artist, Peter Walker.
Stuart Line Cruises
Exmouth’s coastal location makes it the perfect spot for several nautical festive events! Stuart Line Cruises offer a wide range of cruises during winter (November – March), including Winter River Exe Cruises, Festive Special Cruises, Sail with Santa and a selection of exciting Special Events.
A boat trip with Stuart Line Cruises is much more than just a boat trip and during winter, the trips include something extra special, to ensure your comfort and warmth. Throughout the winter months, their Festive Special Cruises include homemade mulled wine and warm, locally produced mince pies, all served by their friendly crew!
2ND – 22ND DEC (SELECT DATES) : SAIL WITH SANTA, STUART LINE CRUISES (VARIOUS TIMES)
Join Stuart Line Cruises for their Sail with Santa trip as they set sail on the calm waters of the River Exe, taking some well-deserved time out to enjoy the Christmas spirit! Meet Santa in his enchanting on-board grotto where children will receive an amazing, handpicked gift whilst the grown-ups can enjoy a glass of homemade mulled wine and locally baked mince pies!
This cruise is packed full of fun from the moment you get aboard and is a fabulously festive way to kick-start Christmas! Advanced booking for these trips is essential and each present is handpicked and age specific for each child.
SAT 9TH DEC: CHRISTMAS BOAT PARTY, STUART LINE CRUISES (19.30)
This 3-hour Christmas Boat Party Cruise has everything you need to get Christmas started! With a welcome drink as you board the boat, locally produced food and classic disco all included – this will be a Christmas party to remember!
24TH-31ST DEC: FESTIVE SPECIAL, STUART LINE CRUISES (VARIOUS TIMES)
Take time out of the busy festive season to sit back, relax and enjoy Christmas in Devon on the calm and sheltered waters of the River Exe. The festively decorated boats have covered and heated lower decks, with cosy blankets, plenty of fresh air and great views on their upper outside deck.
MON 25: CHRISTMAS DAY SWIM, STUART LINE CRUISES (10.45)
From the comfort of a covered and heated boat, watch as hundreds of festive friends and family rush down the beach and into the sea for the traditional Christmas Day Swim!
Christmas Panto and Shows
The Exmouth Pavilion, a prominent entertainment venue, hosts a variety of Christmas shows, including pantomimes and live performances, suitable for all ages. These shows are a wonderful opportunity to laugh, cheer, and immerse yourself in the joy and merriment of the season. Whether it’s a classic tale like “A Christmas Carol” or a unique local production, the Christmas shows in Exmouth promise to be entertaining and memorable.
SUN 12TH NOV: CROWN BALLET PRESENT-SWAN LAKE, PAVILION (14.30)
Crown Ballet presents to you the most famous Ballet of all time at Exmouth Pavilion. A wonderful evening out and memories which you will cherish long after the final curtain falls!
SUN 26TH NOV: TENNESSEE COUNTRY CHRISTMAS, PAVILION (19.30)
A Tennessee Country Christmas celebrates renditions of Christmas favourites in a country style, combined with some of the biggest selling hits and colourful country costumes.
SUN 3RD DEC: THE SANTA SHOW, PAVILION (14.00)
The Santa Show – Santa’s Christmas Wish is a festive, song-filled, interactive family show, particularly suitable for 2–8-year-olds. It lasts 45 minutes and is followed by a special meet, greet and treat with Father Christmas himself!
WED 6TH DEC: A CHRISTMAS CAROL, PAVILION (19.30)
Join Chapterhouse Theatre Company and celebrate winter 2023 with the most heart-warming production imaginable to melt the hearts of even the sternest of Scrooges.
THU 7TH DEC: THE LAST NOEL, MURDER MYSTERY DINNER, PAVILION (19.30)
Exmouth Pavilion and Moonstone Theatre presents an evening of murder mystery… can you be the one to solve it?
SUN 10TH DEC: CHRISTMAS AT THE MUSICALS, EXMOUTH YOUTH THEATRE, PAVILION (15.30 & 19.30)
Don’t miss this family friendly show packed full of Broadway hits and festive favourites. Featuring songs from Wicked, Waitress, The Prom, Les Misérables, Oliver, Elf and White Christmas & many more!
FRI 22-31ST DEC: BEAUTY & THE BEAST PANTOMIME, PAVILION (TIMES VARY)
Trio Entertainment return to Exmouth Pavilion for this year’s Magical Christmas Pantomime Beauty & the Beast – A Brand New Enchanting Family Pantomime!
*WIN two tickets to Beauty & The Beast at Exmouth Pavillion here!*
Christmas Parties and other Events
In addition to the markets and shows, Exmouth comes alive with various Christmas parties and events. Local pubs, clubs, and community centres often host themed parties and gatherings, giving you the chance to celebrate the season with friends and fellow visitors. From dance parties to themed costume gatherings, you’ll find a diverse range of events to suit your style and preferences.
FRI 24TH NOV – 24TH DEC: THE POLAR EXPRESS TRAM RIDE, SEATON TRAMWAY
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ is coming to Seaton Tramway on selected dates through November & December! Families will enjoy the magical tram ride to Santa’s home at the North Pole in one of the specially decorated single deck tramcars, enjoy a cup of hot chocolate, a delicious treat, speak to Santa and admire the awesome lights whilst you walk around the North Pole.
SAT 9: UGLY JUMPER CHRISTMAS PARTY, OCEAN EXMOUTH
Get ready to throw on your most hideous Christmas jumper and join Ocean for a festive party like no other! Expect festive treats and seasonal favourites, all taking place on their top floor Ocean Suite, providing the perfect seafront backdrop for a night of holiday hilarity.
FRI 15: GLITZ N GLAM XMAS PARTY FRIDAY, OCEAN EXMOUTH (19.45)
Join Ocean for a glass of bubbly and a lavish three course dinner where the spirit of the season meets the fabulous world of drag entertainment! Drag Queen, Fonda Cox, will be delivering a performance that blends outrageous comedy, music and lots of audience participation, making this a Christmas party unlike any other!
SAT 16TH DEC: SOUL TRADERS CHRISTMAS PARTY NIGHT, PAVILION (19.30)
Keeping soul music alive in the South West, Soul Traders will be hosting a fun night of authentic soul and blues music and dance. Covering hits by Sam and Dave, Wilson Pickett, Smokey Robinson and The Miracles, Martha Reeves and The Vandellas, Otis Redding, Aretha Franklin and other legends of the Soul and Motown Era.
SUN 17TH DEC: STEP INTO CHRISTMAS, CENTRE STAGE, PAVILION (14.30 & 19.30)
Multi award winning Centre Stage bring you their Christmas spectacular, ‘STEP INTO CHRISTMAS’. Don your best Christmas jumper and enjoy all your favourite Christmas music (and new tunes) under one roof to celebrate the festive season!
Christmas Events in & Around Exmouth, At a Glance
Thu 2 Nov: Michaelmas Fair, Powderham Castle (10.00-15.00)
Sun 12 Nov: Crown Ballet Present-Swan Lake, Pavilion (14.30)
Thu 16 Nov:The Elvis Years At Christmas (19.30)
Sun 26 Nov: Tennessee Country Christmas, Pavilion (19.30)
Mon 27-31 Dec: Christmas At The Castle, Powderham (times vary)
Sat 2 & 3 Dec: Sail With Santa, Stuart Line Cruises (various times)
Sun 3: The Santa Show, Pavilion (14.00)
Wed 6: A Christmas Carol, Pavilion (19.30)
Thu 7: The Last Noel, Murder Mystery Dinner, Pavilion (19.30)
Sat 9: Christmas Boat Party, Stuart Line Cruises (19.30)
Sat 9: Ugly Jumper Christmas Party, Ocean Exmouth
Sun 10: Christmas At The Musicals, Exmouth Youth Theatre, Pavilion (15.30 & 19.30)
Fri 15-1: Exmouth Christmas Market & Events, Strand, market, events, carols
Fri 15: Glitz N Glam Xmas Party Friday, Ocean Exmouth (19.45)
Sat 16: Soul Traders Christmas Party Night, Pavilion (19.30)
Sun 17: Step Into Christmas, Centre Stage, Pavilion (14.30 & 19.30)
Fri 22-31: Beauty & The Beast Pantomime, Pavilion (times vary)
Sun 24-31: Festive Special, Stuart Line Cruises (various times)
Mon 25: Christmas Day Swim, Stuart Line (10.45)
Exmouth is a truly enchanting destination for celebrating Christmas. The combination of beautiful coastal scenery, traditional holiday festivities, and the added flair of parties and events creates a unique and magical atmosphere that will leave you with cherished memories. So, if you’re looking for a place to experience the warmth and wonder of the season, consider making Exmouth your Christmas destination this year. The town’s Christmas lights, festive markets, boat trips, live shows, parties, and breathtaking coastal beauty all come together to create a holiday experience like no other.
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