Christmas lights in Devon 2024

Want to see the switch on of Christmas lights in Devon or maybe wander through a glittering light trail? This post rounds up all the most sparkling events happening this Christmas.

Don’t forget it is now the winter season, so some events are weather dependant. Please check the organisers’ websites and social media for up-to-the-minute information.

Looking for more Christmas events in Devon? Check out my big Christmas guide, where to find Christmas Markets in Devon and my round up of festive experiences that are free.

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Christmas light switch ons in Devon

Many of Devon’s shopping areas are set to light up during November and December offering a fun way to start the festive season and often free or cheap family entertainment.

You might also spot Santa! Please be aware that where grottos are planned you may need to pre-book, so start planning which events you’re going to attend now!

Here’s where to find Christmas lights being switched on in Devon in date order:

Plymouth City Centre Christmas lights switch on – 14 November 2024

The City Centre’s Christmas lights switch-on will include family-friendly entertainment on the Piazza stage. Santa may also be making an appearance.

Find out more about what’s happening during the evening.

Barbican Christmas lights – 16 November 2024

The Barbican Christmas lights sign — Picture credit: Plymouth City Council

There will be an afternoon of family fun ahead of the switching on of the Barbican Christmas lights in Plymouth.

Enjoy free entertainment and activities between midday and 6pm.

Find out more about what’s on at the Barbican.

Dawlish Christmas lights switch on – 22 November 2024

There will be a Christmas light switch on event and Christmas markets on the Lawn and Strand in Dawlish.

Visit the market from 2pm and see a live Nativity, Father Christmas and a lantern parade from 5pm. The town’s Christmas lights will be officially switched on at 6pm, followed by live music.

Check the Dawlish Town Council Facebook page for the latest information about this year’s Christmas lights.

Lanterns, Lights and Luminations in Brixham – 22 to 23 November 2024

This popular event in South Devon returns in 2024 with a magical lantern parade, a firework display, live music, street entertainment, and a market.

This event is free to attend.

Find out more about Lanterns, Lights and Luminations in Brixham Harbour.

Light Up Axminster parade and light switch on – 23 November 2024

Axminster’s Christmas lights switch on is a lovely community event for which funds are raised all year round.

Find out more on the Light Up Axminster Facebook page.

Newton Abbot’s Christmas lights switch on – 23 November 2024

There will be daytime entertainment and street food in Courtenay Street before Father Christmas does the honours sitting on the town’s lights.

Find out more about the Christmas lights in Newton Abbot.

Barnstaple Christmas lights switch on – 28 November 2024

See Barnstaple’s Christmas light switched on alongside free entertainment in The Guildhall Square. the fun starts at 5pm and the lights will be switched on at 6pm.

Find out more about the event in Barnstaple.

Combe Christmas lights switch on in Ilfracombe – 29 November 2024

Expect music, entertainment and stalls around the War Memorial and High Street in Ilfracombe as the town prepares to turn on its Christmas lights.

Find out more on the Combe Christmas Facebook page.

Crediton Christmas lights event – 30 November 2024

Expect live music and entertainment as part of Crediton’s event to kick off Christmas.

Find out more about Crediton’s Christmas lights.

Bideford lights switch on – 1 December 2024

Head to Bideford Quay for an afternoon of festive fun before the lights are switched on.

The event with fairground rides, stalls and music starts at 12pm.

Find out more about what’s planned in Bideford.

Tavistock Christmas lights – 6 December 2024

A very Victorian Christmas lights switch on awaits visitors to Tavistock. Expect Dickensian costumes and roasted chestnuts as well as vintage entertainment throughout the evening.

The event begins at 5pm and the lights are due to be switched on at 5.45pm.

Find out more about what’s planned for Tavistock’s Lights switch on.

Clovelly Village Christmas lights – 8 December 2024

Head to Clovelly to see the local brass band procession down to the harbour where there will be carols, a hog roast and other festive refreshments.

Don’t miss a visit from Father Christmas himself and seeing the entire village and harbour lit up.

The grand finale is a firework display to add even more sparkle to this opening event to the Clovelly Christmas season.

Entrance fee: £10 per car at the Visitor Centre after 2pm. All proceeds to RNLI.

Clovelly Christmas Lights, Clovelly Village, 8 December 2024.

Christmas light trails in Devon

Visiting a light trail is a favourite Christmas tradition for my family. Here’s where you can find them around Devon this year:

Salcombe Field of Light – daily until 5 January 2025

This is winter light installation is not just for Christmas but is lighting up Salcombe until the new year.

See artist Bruce Munro’s Field of Light in Salcombe Harbour this winter. The installation has been exhibited in the UK, USA and Australia and is coming to Devon to mark the 200th anniversary of the RNLI.

Here’s a video of Field of Light in Bath to give you an idea of what the 20,000 individual light stems can look like.

There will be viewing points around Salcombe Harbour. The installation is free to see.

Find out more about the Field of Light in Salcombe.

Glow at RHS Rosemoor – selected dates from 15 November to 28 December 2024

Glow illuminations at RHS garden Rosemoor — Picture credit: RHS Garden Rosemoor

Make memories this festive season by exploring RHS Rosemoor’s magical trail of light and colour with six uplifting soundscapes to guide you through the garden rooms, woodlands and open spaces.

There will also be family entertainment every night.

Find out more and book tickets for Glow at RHS Rosemoor.

Winter Twilight Fest at Crealy near Exeter – selected dates from 22 November 2024

Visit Crealy Theme Park & Resort and explore the park’s rides in the dark alongside magical winter light displays.

More details are coming soon.

Find out more about Winter Twilight Fest at Crealy.

Christmas light trail at Powderham Castle – 25 November to 31 December 2024

Illuminated Powderham sign in front of Powderham Castle at night

Christmas at the Castle is back this winter, offering a festive experience for everyone.

Wander through the mesmerising light displays and let the kids visit Santa in his grotto, where he’ll have special gifts for those on the nice list.

Treat yourself to delicious seasonal goodies and warm beverages as you explore the decorated castle and grounds.

Enhance your visit with a luxurious Festive Afternoon Tea in the Music Room. Choose from a glass of bubbles, a gin and tonic, or a non-alcoholic drink, and enjoy a selection of scrumptious holiday treats in a beautifully festive setting.

There is an option to book the Santa’s Grotto from 30 November to 24 December.

For more information see the Powerham Castle website.

Bay of Lights illuminated trail, Torquay – 29 November 2024 to 2 January 2025

Torquay waterfront during Bay of Lights illuminated light trail

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

Enjoy a 1.5 mile route along Torquay seafront with glittering and unexpected surprises along the way including a light tunnel, prisms of light and a 12m high Christmas tree.

Find out more about the Bay of Lights.