Christmas Events in Dartmouth & the Surrounding Area

As the festive season draws near, Dartmouth transforms into a winter wonderland filled with joy, lights, and merriment. Dartmouth’s Christmas events are a delightful blend of tradition, community spirit, and holiday cheer, making it an ideal destination for locals and visitors alike.  

Let’s explore the enchanting Christmas events that await visitors in and around Dartmouth this year. 

Dartmouth Christmas Light Switch On 

24th November, from 5pm 

Wrap up warm and head along to celebrate lighting up the Christmas Tree with Dartmouth Town Council & Dartmouth Rotary at Royal Avenue Gardens! Town Mayor David Wells will be switching on this year’s lights to the tune of classic Christmas Carols and there will be complementary mulled wine and mince pies for attendees. In addition to all the fun, there will be late night shopping until 7pm and a collection in aid of local charities. 

Dartmouth Steam Railway Train of Lights 

24th November – 30th December 

Enjoy the multi award-winning Christmas experience and the UK’s first ever steam train of lights with Dartmouth Steam Railway!  

The festive illuminated journey starts at Queen’s Park Station, Paignton, where a steam train with vintage carriages awaits you – decorated with thousands of lights, both inside and out. Fifteen minutes later, once you’ve had time to settle back into your seat, you will arrive at Churston Station where the show begins. As the anticipation builds after leaving Churston, you will be propelled through the 450-metre Greenway tunnel that leads you to the enchanted forest which will be transformed by a multitude of lights with brand new feature displays – plus some old favourites!  

Christmas at Coleton Fishacre 

25th November – 17th December, weekends 

20th December – 31st December, daily (excluding Christmas) 

Embrace the chill of a winter’s day by the coast with a magical experience this Christmas at Coleton Fishacre. Inspired by the coastline in winter, gather the family and wrap up warm to explore the ground floor of the house as it’s dressed for ‘Winter Tide and Time’. With the sparkle of lights, interactive elements and seasonal selfie stations, there’s moments of magic everywhere you look. 

Christmas at Greenway House 

25th November – 31st December 

This Christmas, soak up the seasonal cheer as the ground floor of Greenway House twinkles and sparkles with traditional decorations, vintage carols play softly on the wireless and visitors try their hands at festive wreath crafts in the House Kitchen. 

Outside, explore the winter garden and follow the trail of ‘The twelve wreaths of Christmas’. Each one designed and created with different materials, themes and ideas in mind. Why not pose for a family Christmas photo at one of the selfie stations? 

Christmas at Woodlands 

25th November – 23rd December 

The Woodlands Christmas Grotto Experience is back – bigger and more magical than ever before! 

Meet your elf guides and adventure through the magical forest meeting all of Santa’s festive friends before arriving at his toy workshop. Sneak a peek of where magical Christmas toys and gifts are made. 

Cherish the family memories you make from the exclusive Santa experience with a special souvenir photograph to take home AND an early Christmas present for the little ones. Look out for lots of magical surprises hidden inside! 

Christmas Market at The Sail Loft 

27th November, 5pm-9pm  

The Sail Loft are so excited to be hosting their popular Annual Christmas Market again this year! If you’re looking for Christmas gifts and want to shop local this year, join them on Monday 27th November from 5pm-9pm to support some wonderful, creative local Devon businesses. Drinks and Mince Pies will be available! 

The Dartmouth Hotel, Golf & Spa Christmas Party 

1st, 8th, 15th & 16th December 

Dust off those party dresses and polish up those dancing shoes to join The Dartmouth Hotel, Golf & Spa for a night of festivities. Guests can expect a delicious three course meal, followed by a DJ playing all the best tunes well into the night! 

Kingsbridge Celebrates Christmas 

2nd December 

Kickstart your Christmas shopping at Kingsbridge’s annual festive event – now bigger and better than ever before! Visitors can expect a delightful Farmers Market set up in the town square with a variety of stalls lining Fore Street. Plus, Father Christmas will be dropping by for his annual visit alongside lots of other live entertainment – including an ice rink! 

Christmas Illuminations at Babbacombe Model Village 

2nd – 31st December 

Enjoy all that the Model Village has to offer along with some delightful miniature seasonal scenes as the little folk celebrate Christmas. A Christmas character spotter sheet will add some extra fun during the daylight – will you be able to find all the miniature Santas? 

Children’s Hospice South West Christmas Fair 

2nd December, 10am-3pm 

Join Children’s Hospice South West in The Old Market in Dartmouth from 10am to 3pm on Saturday 2nd December for a Christmas Fair in aid of Children’s Hospice South West. There’ll be lots of stalls selling all sorts of desirables, including cards, crafts, art, alpaca wear, jewellery, driftwood gifts, books, cakes, candles and more, plus Dartmouth Rock singing Christmas Carols and a raffle with very impressive prizes!  

Whether you’re searching for that perfect gift for a loved one or seeking inspiration for your own wish list, Dartmouth and its surrounding areas are offering a delightful array of Christmas shopping events this year. Have a read of our latest blogpost to discover the best spots for some seriously festive shopping in Dartmouth. 

Totnes Christmas Market 

5th, 12th and 19th  December 

Miss Ivy Events, in partnership with Totnes Town Council, present three very special days of festive fun this Christmas! There’ll be a treasure trove of artisan gifts and yuletide treats to browse and buy thanks to more than 80 stalls at the delightful Christmas market. 

Don’t miss the array of delicious street food, with two dedicated food courts with everything from BBQ’s, wraps and nachos to paella. There’ll also be plenty of free live music and entertainment to add to the festive atmosphere! 

Festive Film, Fashion and Fizz: Love Actually 

7th December, 7pm-6.15pm 

The perfect evening at The Flavel to get you in the festive spirit! Browse The Foxx Exchange’s fabulous latest collection and gift ideas whilst enjoying a glass of fizz, followed by a screening of the classic feel-good festive film, Love Actually.   

BRNC Christmas Concert with the Band of Britannia Royal Navy College 

8th November, from 7.30pm 

The Concert Band of Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth thought it would be great fun to play a selection of Christmas hHits live! 

They’ll perform Slade’s ‘Merry Christmas Everybody’, The Pogues and Kirsty McCall’s ‘Fairytale of New York’ and Jona Lewie’s ‘Stop the Cavalry’ and even include some from other channels like Classic FM such as ‘Troika’, Sleigh Ride. The Band has a few surprises up their sleeves this year, so why not join the fun and bring along a Christmas hat to wear and have a Christmas party! 

The Nutcracker, ROH Live – From the Royal Ballet 

12th December, 7.15pm & 23rd September, 2pm 

The Flavel will be screening Peter Wright’s much-loved production of the Christmas classic, ‘The Nutcracker’ for The Royal Ballet this December!  

Join Clara at a delightful Christmas Eve party that becomes a magical adventure once everyone else is tucked up in bed. Marvel at the brilliance of Tchaikovsky’s score, as Clara and her enchanted Nutcracker fight the Mouse King and visit the Sugar Plum Fairy in the glittering Kingdom of Sweets.   

Staircase Opera at Christmas 

14th December, from 7.30pm 

The Flavel and Dart Music Festival are proud to present a Christmas concert with Staircase Opera. Staircase Opera at Christmas features scenes and arias from Puccini’s La Boheme, Johan Strauss’s Die Fledermaus, Mozart’s Magic Flute, Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel – and many others! 

Dartmouth Christmas Market & Late-Night Shopping 

15th December, 3pm-9pm 

Make shopping small easy this Christmas, by joining in with a festive evening of shopping, music & entertainment! Head to the magical Foss Street & Union Street for gorgeous lights, entertainment, and independent shops open until late, then venture over to Dartmouth Market Square & Car Park for a Christmas market full of local artisan traders, food and live music! 

A Very Flavel Christmas Fair 

16th December, 11am-6pm 

Enjoy a whole day of festive fun at The Flavel this December! 

Expect a host of beautiful craft stalls from local makers and artisans across the South Hams, children’s storytelling, a drop-in Christmas wreath-making workshop, a host of great children’s craft activities, a Christmas choir, a Tombola and of course Splat the Sprout! 

The café and bar will also be open throughout, so you can enjoy delicious food and drink in between all your lovely shopping and crafting. 

The Dartmouth Hotel, Golf & Spa Christmas Day Lunch 

25th December, 12.30pm – 3pm 

Celebrate Christmas Day in style with lunch at the Best Western Dartmouth Hotel & Golf Club. Enjoy a mouthwatering four course meal with all the trimmings.  

The Hotel’s Bar & Bistro is the perfect setting with views looking over the rolling countryside. On arrival, you’ll be welcomed with a glass of mulled wine or prosecco before being shown to your table. 

If you’re on the lookout for more Christmas events in Dartmouth, check out our other blog post here. And remember to follow us on Facebook, X (Twitter), and Instagram for updates on events, competitions, and our latest blog posts!