Candlelit Dartmouth

Candlelit Dartmouth 2026: Christmas Markets & Events

Friday 27 and Saturday 28 November 2026

Dartmouth gets ready for Christmas with Candlelit Dartmouth, a community celebration bringing festive activities, Christmas markets and entertainment to the town. Friday sees the Christmas lights switch-on, followed by Saturday’s lantern parade, where handmade lanterns illuminate the streets.

There’s plenty to enjoy along the way, from browsing local market stalls and watching live performances to getting involved in festive activities with the family. You can also take part in the Great Dartmouth Christmas Song Hunt, searching for hidden words from Christmas songs in shops around the town and seeing if you can work out the songs.

Christmas Markets

• Royal Avenue Gardens: 10am–8pm
• Dartmouth Old Market: 10am–4pm

Entertainment in Royal Avenue Gardens

• 10am–3pm: Face painting
• 12.15pm–1pm: Dartmouth Rock Choir
• 1.15pm–2pm: Comedy juggling with Elphick
• 2pm: Best Dressed Christmas Dog Competition
• 3pm–4pm: Live music from Vicki Philip
• 4pm–4.30pm: Comedy juggling with Elphick
• 4.30pm–5pm: Saxophone music from James Harris
• 6.15pm: Lantern procession arrives in Royal Avenue Gardens
• 6.30pm–8pm: Evening music

Lantern Parade – Saturday 28 November

The lantern parade is a highlight of the weekend, with handmade lanterns bringing a festive glow to Dartmouth.

• 5pm: Assemble inside Dartmouth Old Market Square
• 5.30pm: The lantern procession sets off from Old Market Square
• 6.15pm: The procession arrives in Royal Avenue Gardens

Families can also get involved before the event by making or decorating their own lanterns for the parade.

The Great Dartmouth Christmas Song Hunt

Keep an eye out for hidden words from Christmas songs in shops around Dartmouth. Find the words and see if you can piece them together to identify the songs.

Parking

Free parking is available at Mayors Avenue.