Twixmas in Devon: Things to do between Christmas and New Year 2025-26

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 2025-26.

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 Wallace and Gromit Trail and the Stickman 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 – selected dates until 28 December 2025

Exeter’s winter wonderland will be open for a few days after Christmas with an ice rink, Christmas Market, fairground rides and live entertainment.

Keep an eye on Facebook and the website for more information as it is released.

Check the Exeter Winter Wonderland website.

Bubblicious family raves with the Soapbox Theatre, Plymouth – 31 December 2025

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

Zooluminate at Dartmoor Zoo – until 28 December 2025

Dartmoor Zoo’s illuminated light trail around the enclosures returns this winter with the added bonus of a free hot drink and a mince pie to enjoy while you wander around the wintery walk.

The light installations from JHAV, the incredible team that brought you The Atlantic Project and Illuminate Festival of Light include a whole host of new and exciting displays. the zoo can’t guarantee the animals will be outside, but the lights have been specifically researched and chosen to illuminate without causing any harm or disruption.

Find out more about Zooluminate 2025.

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. 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.

Here’s what’s open and where you’ll find winter trails to entertain the kids:

Greenway near Galmpton – 27 to 31 December 2025

The team at Agatha Christie’s former holiday home is taking inspiration from her short story collection, and its enigmatic character the Mysterious Mr Quinn for this year’s the decorations and family friendly festive trail.

The house and gardens are open weekends in the run up to Christmas and then from the 27 December until New Year.

Admission to Greenway is free for National Trust members. Parking is limited and must be booked online in advance.

Find out more about visiting Greenway this Twixmas.

Coleton Fishacre near Brixham – 27 December 2025 to 1 January plus 3 and 4 January 2026

Coleton Fishacre is marking its centenary in 2025 so what better way to celebrate Christmas than with a festive party reminiscent of the Roaring Twenties. There’ll be glitz, glamour and a hint of gin as we all end the year with a bang. 

Outside take a bracing walk around the coastal garden with its wonderful sea views and warm up with a treat at the cafe.

Admission is free for National Trust members.

Find out more about Twixmas at Coleton Fishacre.

Buckland Abbey near Plymouth – 27 December 2025 to 4 January 2026

Step into the Great Barn and into a forest of trees which will transport you into the story of King Arthur.

You’ll be surrounded by beautiful twinkling trees where you can listen to the story of Gawain and the Green Knight before you step forward to see a wicker sculpture of the battle itself,

Be sure not to miss the tallest tree at the end of the Barn where you will see the mythical Excalibur surrounded by stars.

The Abbey has been filled with more legendary Christmas delights from Merlin’s Apothecary to Guinevere’s chamber, each room will be filled with festive sparkle and an opportunity to acquaint yourself with characters from the mythical stories of King Arthur.

Find out more about the Christmas at Buckland Abbey near Yelverton.

Killerton near Exeter – 27 December 2025 to 4 January 2026

Visit Killerton this winter to see the house decorated for a traditional Christmas with handmade ornaments, festive music, games and trees dressed by local groups.

You can also see the Res Dress Project, which is collaborative embroidery project begun by British artist Kirstie Macleod in 2009. The stunning Red Dress has travelled to 51 countries and features work by 380 embroiderers many of whom are vulnerable and living in poverty.

Outdoors there’s a festive activity trail including games from around the world.

Don’t miss the Chapel where there are 12 Christmas trees decorated by local community groups.

Find out more about winter visits to Killerton.

Knightshayes near Tiverton – 27 December 2025 to 4 January 2026

Experience a Victorian Christmas at Knightshayes. Explore the ground floor of the decorated house, discover different Victorian traditions and create wonderful festive memories.

Find out more about visiting Knightshayes.

The Gruffalo’s Child at Saltram in Plymouth – until 2 February 2026

The Gruffalo’s Child will be taking over Saltram this winter. The magic of this beloved story will be brought to life within Saltram’s garden. Follow along on the journey through the deep dark wood with games, challenges and plenty of festive photo moments along the way.

Please note: the house will be closed this Christmas season while work happens to make Saltram more accessible for the future.

The parkland is open daily.

Find out more about winter opening at Saltram.

Get ready for 2026!

Can you believe that 2026 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 2026.

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!