Twixmas in Devon: Things to do between Christmas and New Year 2026-27

Twixmas – that most awkward time of year. Christmas has come and gone with a bang and you’ve now got a whole week or more to fill before the kids go back to school. What is a family to do? Well, let me be your slightly off season fairy godmother as I share a few ideas for transforming these lacklustre days into something special. Here’s my guide to things to do in Devon between Christmas and New Year 2026-27.

Please check full details with organisers and venues as some may not be open on bank holidays or have reduced opening hours.

Cheap and FREE things to do between Christmas and New Year

Christmas is expensive – fact! That’s why Ive put together a guide of free things to do this Christmas.

But if you are watching the pennies after the big day here’s some ideas for cheap and free ways to entertain the kids and work off some of that Christmas pudding:

• See the Train of Lights in South Devon – find out more about the best view points in my post about the Train of Lights
• Walk and play at Decoy Country Park in Newton Abbot
• Walk and play at Stover Country Park
• Walk or cycle the Tarka Trail in North Devon
• Walk or cycle Drakes Trail on Dartmoor
• Visit a Devon beach or walk the coast path
• Haldon Forest near Exeter has the Room on the Broom trail
• Visit the House of Marbles in Bovey Tracey
• Visit one of these adventure playgrounds in Devon
• Try one of these walks on Dartmoor or waterfall walks.

Here’s some more outdoor activities to check out and, of course, my big round up of free things to do in Devon.

Please check what’s open before you travel as some places have seasonal opening times and may require booking in advance.

Exeter Winter Wonderland – until 3 January 2027

Exeter’s winter wonderland returns this winter with an ice rink, Santa’s Grotto, Christmas Market, fairground rides and live entertainment.

This year’s wonderland will also include a naughty elves workshop as part of the grotto experience.

The Winter Wonderland is free entry with tickets available to pre-book online for Santa’s Grotto and the ice rink now.

Find out more and book tickets on the Exeter Winter Wonderland website.

Bubblicious family raves with the Soapbox Theatre, Plymouth – 31 December 2026

Join The Soapbox Theatre for one of two special family-friendly dance parties to celebrate New Year’s Eve.

There will be a session for families with babies (1pm to 3pm) and one for older kids (4pm to 6pm) with music lowered for little ears. Both events take place earlier in the day with the clocks reset so children can see in the New Year at their own ‘midnight’!

Guest DJ’s will play an eclectic mix of dance music from old skool to new skool. There will also be glow sticks, UV face painting, bubbles, walkabout performers, an arts and crafts chill-out area and lots more to keep everyone entertained.

For adults there will be a licensed bar.

Bubblicious, The Soapbox Theatre, Devonport

Glow at RHS Rosemoor, Great Torrington – selected dates from until 30 December 2026

RHS Rosemoor, Glow with a redesigned Winter Garden, where trees shimmer in ethereal blues and greens, and light installations create a wonderland perfect for families and festive photos.

There will also be food, drinks and gift shopping.

Find out more about Glow at RHS Rosemoor.

Powderham Castle Christmas Lights – until 30 December 2026

Christmas at the Castle is back this winter, offering dazzling lights and festive displays, Christmas music, and indulge in delicious seasonal treats in the new festive marquee.

At the heart of the event is the Christmas Light Walk, a lit route through the grounds, along the lakeside and past the illuminated castle facade.

From there, visitors can build their evening exactly as they wish. The Castle Experience opens the doors of one of the oldest family homes in the country, its halls and staircases decorated for Christmas with trees lit and fires laid.

Father Christmas can also be found in the Great Barn Grotto. Meet him and his elves for a seasonal photo opportunity and to receive a gift. Bookings for the grotto need to be made separately to the Castle experience.

For more information see the Powerham Castle website.

Illuminations at Babbacombe Model Village in South Devon – until 1 January 2027

Enter a magical miniature wonderland of festive lights at Babbacombe Model Village this Christmas.

There will be miniature seasonal scenes, a spot the elves and Santa challenge and crazy golf. The Christmas lights are on from 3.30pm. Last entry is 4.30pm but the lights continue until 6.30pm.

Find out more about Christmas at Babbacombe Model Village in Torquay.

Bay of Lights illuminated trail, Torquay – until 3 January 2027

The Bay of Lights free light trail is returning to Torbay this winter.

Enjoy a 1.5 mile route along Torquay seafront with 18 glittering installations. You’ll also find eight metre tall pixel trees in Paignton and Brixham. These will put on digital light shows between after dark.

Find out more about Bay of Lights in Torquay.

Exeter Winter Wonderland – until 3 January 2027

Exeter’s winter wonderland returns this winter with an ice rink, Santa’s Grotto, Christmas Market, fairground rides and live entertainment.

This year’s wonderland will also include a naughty elves workshop as part of the grotto experience.

The Winter Wonderland is free entry with tickets available to pre-book online for Santa’s Grotto and the ice rink now.

Find out more and book tickets on the Exeter Winter Wonderland website.

Winter trail at the Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth – daily until February 2027

In this winter season’s fun family trail at the Donkey Sanctuary you are tasked with finding all the things that make their shelter a forever home. Complete the puzzle on your trail sheet as you explore and meet the sanctuary’s lucky residents.

Trail sheets cost £5 each and can be bought in the gift shop. Entry to the sanctuary is free and dogs on leads are welcome.

Find out more about what’s on at the Donkey Sanctuary this winter.

Devon National Trust places to visit this Twixmas

Festivities continue at Devon’s National Trust places which always make a great place for a wintery walk. Here’s my round up of National Trust events happening this winter.

Please note that properties routinely close on Christmas Day and may be closed on Christmas Eve and Boxing Day. Check the National Trust website before you travel.

Get ready for 2026!

Can you believe that 2027 is just around the corner?! I know from experience that January can be a tough time to find things to do. But don’t worry! I’ve got your back with my guide to what’s on in Devon in January 2027.

If you know of an event or activity not in this guide to things to do between Christmas and New year or my guide to Winter in Devon, get in touch. It’s free to be listed!