Christmas lights in Devon 2026

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!

Know of an event I can add to my what’s on guides? Submit a listing!

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

Plymouth City Centre Christmas lights switch on – 14 November 2026

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 2026

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.

Lanterns, Lights and Luminations in Brixham – 20 November to 21 November 2026

This popular event in South Devon returns in 2026 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.

Newton Abbot’s Christmas lights switch on – 21 November 2026

There will be daytime entertainment and street food in Courtenay Street before Father Christmas does the honours sitting on the town’s lights at 5.30pm.

Find out more about the Christmas lights in Newton Abbot.

Dartmouth Christmas lights – 27 to 28 November 2026

The Christmas light in Dartmouth’s Royal Avenue gardens will be switched on at 5.50pm followed by the arrival of Santa by boat. There will be a Christmas market in the gardens all day.

Find out more about Dartmouth’s Christmas lights event.

Bideford lights switch on – 29 November 2026

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 with the lights switch on at about 6pm.

Find out more about what’s planned in Bideford.

Clovelly Village Christmas lights – 6 December 2026

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: £5 per adult at the Visitor Centre after 2pm. All proceeds to RNLI.

Find out more about Clovelly’s Christmas Lights.

Sidmouth Christmas lights switch on – TBC

Sidmouth’s lights will be turned on at 5.30pm with activities either side of the illuminations.

Find out more about Christmas in Sidmouth.

Barnstaple Christmas lights switch on – TBC

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 – TBC

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 –TBC

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

Find out more about Crediton’s Christmas lights as details are announced.

Dawlish Christmas lights switch on – TBC

Join in a two day Christmas celebration in Dawlish with a Christmas light switch on event and Christmas markets on the Lawn and Strand in Dawlish.

The lights will be turned on Saturday 29 November and the fun continues on the Sunday.

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

Exmouth Winter Festival – TBC

See the Christmas lights switched on alongside an afternoon of music, walkabout entertainment, mulled wine and a lantern parade on The Strand.

Find out more about what’s on in Exmouth this Christmas.

Light Up Axminster parade and light switch on – TBC

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

Planning is underway for this year’s event but details are still to be released as I hit publish on this guide.

Find out more on the Light Up Axminster Facebook page.

Tavistock Christmas lights – TBC

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.

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:

Winter Twilight Trail at Crealy near Exeter – weekends from 14 to 29 November 2026

This after-dark light experience is back on Crealy’s festive calendar for a third year.

Explore the theme park after dark alongside new winter light displays, illuminated rides and an even bigger light tunnel.

Find out more about Winter Twilight Trail at Crealy.

Christmas Wonderland Illuminations at Babbacombe Model Village – selected dates from 22 November 2026 to 1 January 2027

Illuminated small town models at Babbacombe Model Village — Illuminations at Babbacombe Model Village

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.

Glow at RHS Rosemoor, Great Torrington – selected dates from 27 November to 30 December 2026

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

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.

Bay of Lights illuminated trail, Torquay – 28 November 2026 to 3 January 2027

Family walking under tree wrapped in fairy lights at Bay of Lights illuminated trail event

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.

Powderham Castle Christmas Lights – 29 to 30 December 2026

An overhead view of the castle and grounds at Powderham illuminated at night

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

Zooluminate at Dartmoor Zoo – TBC

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.

There’s also a Santa’s Grotto, from 12 to 23 December, which is ticketed separately to Zooluminate.

Find out more about Zooluminate.

That’s all the Christmas light events I’ve spotted in Devon.