Things to do in Devon in November 2026

What’s on in Devon in November

The winter events calendar does a quick flip from Halloween and half term to Christmas this month. But there’s also bonfire night, theatre shows and other family-friendly activities happening.

Devon firework displays in 2026

Firework displays will be back with a bang in 2026! Keep an eye on my list of bonfire nights and firework displays in Devon for information about local events.

Mrs Doubtfire the Musical at The Lyric in Plymouth – until 7 November 2026

Mrs Doubtfire, the West End’s hit comedy musical based on the beloved film, is heading to Plymouth.

This “genuinely funny” (Time Out) show features all the iconic moments you love, plus fabulous new songs and dazzling dance numbers! Put it all together, and you’ve got a “surefire hit” (The Telegraph, Daily Express) that can’t be missed.

Find out more and book tickets for Mrs Doubtfire.

Spirit of Autumn at Knightshayes in Tiverton – daily until 8 November 2026

Step into the Knightshayes National Trust garden for a fun, family trail and discover how plants and animals respond to the changing season.

As temperatures fall and daylight shortens, many species become especially active – gathering food, establishing new territories, and changing their behaviour to survive the colder months ahead. 

Visit between 23 October and 3 November and you can also pick your own pumpkin.

Find out more about what’s on at Knightshayes.

Guardians of the garden autumn tree trail  at Coleton Fishacre in Kingswear – daily until 15 November 2026

This autumn follow the path of ‘The Green Man’ at Coleton Fishacre National Trust in South Devon. Along the way discover fascinating facts and spellbinding folklore about ancient woodlands on a free trail in the garden. 

Find out more about what’s on at Coleton Fishacre.

Room on the Broom Christmas activity trail at Haldon Forest near Exeter – open daily until 3 January 2027

The Room on the Broom trail haas been given a festive glow-up for the final months of 2026. Join Witch and her friends on a magical Christmas adventure to decorate here tree. Discover seven enchanted baubles and lots of winter forest facts along the trail.

Trail packs cost £4 each and are available from the Info Pod in the car park.

Find out mort about the Room on the Broom trail.

Insects Uncovered at Newton Abbot Museum – daily until 1 March 2027

See a collection of butterfly specimens and take part in The Great Butterfly & Moth Hunt to find
eight insects hiding around the museum and learn some amazing facts along the way.

When you’ve found them, go to the front desk to collect a special sticker for your Pastport and some wildflower seeds to plant at home.

Find out more about what’s on at Newton Abbot Museum.

Winter Warmer Trail at The Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth – 3 November 2026 to 3 February 2027

Discover how donkeys are cared for in winter by taking part in The Donkey Sanctuary’s latest activity trail.

Using your map, follow Waffles around the sanctuary and discover how the team keeps the donkeys happy and healthy all winter long. To win your prize, place the matching sticker in the correct space on your trail sheet.

Trail sheets cost £5 each. Sanctuary entry and parking are free. Dogs on leads are welcome.

Find out more about this seasonal trail at The Donkey Sanctuary.

Bayeux Around Britain at RAMM in Exeter – Tuesday to Sunday until 11 July 2027

Can’t get to London to admire the Bayeux Tapestry? Visiting RAMM in Exeter is the next best thing!

It’s part of a nation-wide programme to bring the the story of the tapestry alive with objects from RAMM’s collection, alongside digital assets from the British Museum and a trail about the history surrounding the Norman invasion.

See the Bayeux Around Britain exhibits and experiences at RAMM for free Tuesday to Sunday.

Find out more about visiting RAMM and Bayeux Around Britain.

Argifest at Westpoint in Exeter – 4 November 2026

This free event allows you to explore the sheep and cattle lines, watch top-tier livestock being prepped for the competition rings, or witness the crowning of champions as they receive their decorative sashes

Following its hugely successful debut, the West Country Food Village will be back for its second year featuring artisan producers from Devon, each offering a tempting array of locally crafted treats to sample and purchase.

Graze your way through the food village and tick off some early Christmas shopping while you’re at it. Entry and parking are free.

Find out more about what’s on at Agrifest.

Noisy Accessories Workshop at Studio KIND in Barnstaple – 7 November 2026

Join artist Jessica Akerman for a free workshop making accessories at Studio KIND in Barnstaple Pannier Market. This is a drop in event.

Find out more about family workshops at Studio KIND.

Santa Escape Christmas Themed Escape Room in Bovey Tracey – 7 November 2026 to 4 January 2027

Deep within the snowy Christmas forest, nestled among the twinkling lights and frosted trees, lies Mrs Claus’ cosy little bakery. Every Christmas she lovingly bakes her delicious festive cookie, but this year someone has stolen it!

Tackle this festive family-friendly escape room to find out who stole the Christmas Cookie. Can you and your team follow the clues, solve the puzzles and find out who stole the Christmas

This experience is suitable for adults and children aged seven and over.

Reader offer: get £2.50 off per person if booked before 31 October. Use the discount code DWKXMAS.

Find out more and book on the Escape the Game website.

South Devon Railway Diesel Gala in Buckfastleigh – 7 to 8 November 2026

A locomotive which has not hauled a passenger train for 20 years is set to make its comeback as the star visitor at the South Devon Railway’s Diesel Gala.

Class 60 locomotive No. 60022 Ingleborough will make its first ever appearance hauling passenger trains on a heritage railway when the popular two-day event.

Find out more and get gala tickets on the South Devon Railway website.

Olaf Falafel’s Stupidest Super Stupid Show at Teignmouth Pavilions – 8 November 2026

After a sell out run at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe, award-winning comedian and children’s author Olaf Falafel is dishing up another frying pan full of family-friendly comedy.

Expect jokes, poos on pogo sticks, more jokes and truth-telling cheese. There will definitely be a time-travelling portal to the future and a live draw-along.

Find out more and book your tickets on the Teignmouth Pavilions website.

Dear Zoo at Palace Theatre in Paignton – 8 November 2026

See Rod Campbell’s best-selling lift the flap book brought to life on stage.

This production will delight all those who have read the book (both young and old) as it unfolds with child-engaging puppets, music and lots of audience interaction.

Find out more and get tickets on the Palace Theatre website.

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.

Flowers & Friendship Bracelets concert at Princess Theatre Torquay – 14 November 2026

Get your tickets for the ultimate pop concert and celebrate the biggest hits from the hottest artistes of the moment.

Tributes to Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, Chappell Roan, and Sabrina Carpenter will be performing all their top hits.

Find out more and get tickets.

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.

Barbican Christmas light switch on – 16 November 2026

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.

Sidmouth Christmas lights switch on – 21 November 2026

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

Find out more about Christmas in Sidmouth.

Dawlish Christmas lights switch on – 21 November 2026

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 21 November and the fun continues on the Sunday.

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

The Beggar’s Opera play day at Studio KIND in Barnstaple – 22 November 2026

Join actor, dancer and story-teller Samantha Remnant for a family workshop perfect for children age eight to 16. This event at Barnstaple Pannier Market is free but must be booked in advance.

Find out more and book on the Studio KIND website.

Christmas Wonderland Illuminations at Babbacombe Model Village – selected dates from 22 November 2026 to 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.

Combe Christmas lights switch on in Ilfracombe – 27 November 2026

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.

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.

Glow at RHS Rosemoor, Great Torrington – selected dates from 27 November to 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.

Crediton Christmas lights event – 28 November 2026

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.

Exmouth Winter Festival – 28 November 2026

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.

Salcombe Lantern Parade – 28 November 2026

See Salcombe’s Christmas celebrations begin with a new lantern parade through the town centre.

For more information and updates see Instagram.

Christmas at Tiverton Museum – 28 November to 23 December 2026

Father Christmas’ helpers are causing mischief. See the museum transformed for Christmas and help find all the cheeky helpers.

Father Christmas’s busy workshop will also be welcoming visitors in December. Book this unique grotto experience on 12 and 18 December.

Find out more and book your tickets to see Santa.

Bay of Lights illuminated trail, Torquay – 28 November 2026 to 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.

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.

Christmas Clay Ornament Workshop at Studio KIND in Barnstaple – 29 November 2026

Bring along your little crafty people and join Tara Knight of Creative Crafting Devon for a magical Christmas Clay Ornament Workshop.

Get creative, get messy and make some beautiful handmade Christmas ornaments to hang proudly on your tree or give as special homemade gifts.

Find out more and book your places on Eventbrite.

Silent disco beach cleans at Woolacombe – 29 November 2026

Join the National Trust’s Woolacombe rangers for their monthly beach clean with the added bonus of a silent disco. 

All equipment is provided. Meet at Mill Rock at 10.30am.

Find out more about silent disco beach cleans at Woolacombe.

Powderham Castle Christmas Lights – 29 November to 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.