As the Christmas cheer slowly spreads across South Devon, have a scroll and discover what Dartmouth has to offer this time of year. Perfectly situated on the banks of the River Dart, Dartmouth always has plenty to explore in December, whether that be events, Christmas shopping or watching your favourite Christmas ballet, Dartmouth is the place to visit.
Christmas at Pennywell Farm, Buckfastleigh (Selected dates between 18th November – 24th December)
This Christmas enjoy a magical time at Pennywell Farm with their festive experience. The farmyard will be transformed into an enchanting winter wonderland filled with Christmas trees and decorated with twinkling lights. Tickets to Pennywell Farm during these dates will include entry to their iconic nativity scene complete with real animals. You can also pay a visit to Noah’s Barn for some Christmas biscuits and mince pies, there’s also a chance to meet Father Christmas, tucked away in his grotto ready with a gift for every child. We advise you to book online in advance for this experience as it’s a very popular event that will likely sell out.
The Polar Express at South Devon Railway, Buckfastleigh (Selected dates between 20th November – 23rd December)
All aboard The Polar Express at South Devon Railway! This winter enjoy an enchanting ride on the Polar Express to the North Pole! Based off the much-loved Christmas film, here you’ll ride the mesmerising steam train with the singing chefs and the Polar Express conductor to meet Santa. Before you board the train why not explore the Christmas stalls and watch an exciting pre-show. Afterwards, you can visit Santa’s workshop too.
Train of Lights, Dartmouth Steam Railway and River Boat Company, Paignton (25th – 27th, 30th November & 1st – 4th, 6th – 11th, 13th – 23rd, 27th – 30th December)
The Christmas Train of Lights is a fun and festive Christmas experience and the UK’s first steam train of lights. Starting your journey in Paignton, the vintage steam train awaits you decorated with thousands of sparkling lights. The train will journey through Churston and the enchanted forest near Greenway before stopping at Kingswear and returning to Paignton. It’s a truly magical experience that everyone, regardless of age, will absolutely love so bring along your little ones, parents and grandparents for this festive treat!
Kids Club: The Muppets Christmas Carol, The Flavel Arts Centre, Dartmouth (3rd December 2022)
The iconic Muppets rendition of A Christmas Carol will be showcased at The Flavel Arts Centre on Saturday 3rd December. If you’d like to make a day of it, why not treat yourself and your little ones to The Flavel’s Movie Meal Deal. They’ve partnered up with The George and Dragon to offer you a great meal deal where you can choose from a main meal, a toasted sandwich or a jacket potato to enjoy before your film screening.
Christmas at Coleton Fishacre: ‘A Winter’s Tide,’ Kingswear (3rd & 4th, 10th & 11th, 17th & 18th, 27th – 31st December 7th & 8th January)
Pay a visit Coleton Fishacre this December if you’re looking for a magical and immersive festive experience. The estate will be decorated with hundreds of dazzling lights, soundscapes, and festive displays all inspired by South Devon’s stunning and dramatic coastline. Your little ones can explore the house with Coleton Fishacre’s indoor spotter trail to discover all the different festive traditions from around the globe.
Britannia Royal Naval College Christmas Concert, The Flavel Arts Centre, Dartmouth (9th December)
This year the Britannia Royal Naval College Big Band will be delighted to showcase a selection of festive and winter favourites at The Flavel Arts Centre on 9th December. The evening will be packed full of Christmas music to sing along to and help you tap into the festive spirit. Free mince pies will be on offer during the interval. If this doesn’t get you feeling Christmassy, we’re not sure what will!
Christmas Illuminations at Babbacombe Model Village, Torquay (10th & 11th, 17th – 24th, 27th – 31st December & 2nd January)
During the Christmas season, Babbacombe Model Village is transformed into a magical and enchanted place. With lots of Christmas sparkle and festive lighting, enjoy the delightful seasonal scenes as their little folk begin to celebrate Christmas. The illuminations take place on selected evenings in December, but make sure to take advantage of all they have to offer by visiting during the daytime too and taking part in their crazy golf!
ROH LIVE: Nutcracker, The Flavel Arts Centre, Dartmouth (10th December)
Catch the screening of Royal Opera House’s rendition of The Nutcracker at The Flavel Arts Centre on Saturday 10th December. Marvel at the brilliance of Tchaikovsky’s score, as Clara and her enchanted Nutcracker fight the Mouse King and visit the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Prince in the glittering Kingdom of Sweets.
Christmas Films & Fizz: The Holiday, The Flavel Arts Centre, Dartmouth (12th December)
Another festive film screening at The Flavel is The Holiday, the fantastic, feel-good Christmas film directed by Nancy Meyers and starring Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law and Jack Black. Browse The Foxx Exchange’s fabulous latest clothing collection and gift ideas whilst enjoying a complimentary glass of Festive Fizz, followed by a screening of this Christmas classic. There will also be the opportunity to have your photograph taken with Father Christmas!
Christmas Wreath Making Workshop, The Flavel Arts Centre, Dartmouth (13th December)
Get creative this Christmas by hand crafting your own unique Christmas Wreath. The workshop doesn’t require any previous experience so why not come along and tap into your festive, creative side! The session will be run by local gardener and florist Emma Louise Hutchinson who will be able to guide and assist you to create a truly unique Christmas decoration. All the materials are included in the workshop, and you’ll even receive a complimentary glass of mulled wine of arrival!
Festive Family Film, The Flavel Arts Centre, Dartmouth (20th December)
Enjoy a fest family film at The Flavel with a very special surprise guest! On Tuesday 20th December they will be showcasing Arthur Christmas, a fun and fantastic animated Christmas film that the whole family will enjoy. The film stars some big names such as James McAvoy, Bill Nighy, Jim Broadbent and plenty more.
White Christmas, The Favel Arts Centre, Dartmouth (23rd December)
If you have a penchant for the older Christmas films, why not visit The Flavel on the 23rd of December for the festive favourite White Christmas. This film is a 1954 American musical directed by Michael Curtiz and starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen. It’s the perfect film to get you in the Christmas spirit just a couple of days before the big day!
If you’re staying in Dartmouth this Christmas, we hope you have a fabulous, festive time! You can check out our Christmas Shopping in Dartmouth blog post here for even more Christmas inspiration. Stay up to date with all the festivities happening in and around Dartmouth by following us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also sign up to our e-newsletter here too.
