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Things to do in Devon in November 2023

Things to do in Devon in November 2023

The season of steaming hot chocolates, misty mornings and warm winter woollies has arrived. To accompany these autumnal vibes is my guide to things to do in Devon in November in 2023.

I’ve included lots of seasonal fun, where to find firework displays and, if you fancy getting in the festive mood early, Christmas events kicking off this month.

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What’s open in November?

With a lot of Devon attractions going into hibernation for the winter, or at least until their Christmas events kick off, you may be wondering what you can do in Devon in November.

Read my post about things to do in Devon this winter to find out which attractions are open and when.

What’s on in Devon in November

Here’s some place to find seasonal events and fun happening around Devon:

Devon firework displays in 2023

Fireworks at night over dark blue sky

Firework displays are back with a bang in 2023! I’ve been compiling a full list in my post about bonfire nights and firework displays in Devon.

Earth Photo at Haldon Forest near Exeter – every day until 14 January 2024

Burning trees during a night fire. When an olive tree burns, due to its hollow trunk, the so-called "chimney effect" occurs, which causes the tree to burn very quickly from the inside.
Presicce, Southern Salento, Italy, July 25, 2022.
Picture credit: Filippo Ferraro

Haldon Forest has been chosen as one of five locations around the country to host 31 shortlisted images from the Earth Photo competition.

Earth Photo is an international competition and exhibition created by Forestry England and the Royal Geographical Society (with the Institute of British Geographers) to showcase photographs and videos that document the natural world.

These will include the winning image for ‘Forest Ecosystem’ by Filippo Ferraro, who tells the story of the olive tree epidemic in Southern Italy.

The exhibition opened on 30 October and runs until 14 January 2024.

Find out more about the exhibition at Haldon Forest on the Forestry England website.

Ultimate Dinosaurs at Exeter Northcott Theatre – 3 November 2023

Pitting the knowledge of unwitting parents against their all-knowing kids, dinosaur aficionado Dr Ben Garrod presents an interactive, educational and highly entertaining show.

So come and test your knowledge against Dr Ben in this hit interactive show, which is bigger and better than ever.

Find out more and book tickets on the Exeter Northcott Theatre website.

Winter Fair at Buckland Abbey near Plymouth – 4 to 5 November 2023

Buckland Abbey’s Winter Fair is happening all weekend and will feature crafts, food and drink from local businesses, as well as festive music.

There is limited parking at the Abbey so a park and ride bus service will be running from Harrowbeer Air Field. Please follow event signage.  

Check the National Trust website for admission and parking charges.

Find out more about visiting Buckland Abbey.

Story Time for the ‘Mini Zoo Crew’ at Paignton Zoo – 9 November 2023

Paignton Zoo has teamed up with Libraries Unlimited to offer young visitors fun story sessions, songs and activities based on animals and conservation.

These activities will take place in the Sunbird Room at the end of the restaurant from 10.30am to 11.30am and are aimed at pre-school children aged two and a half to four years.

Pre-booking is not required. Normal zoo admission prices apply.

Find out more on the Paignton Zoo website.

Christmas Pudding Workshop in Exeter – 11 November 2023

Christmas pudding on a plate with a large slice taken out of it
Picture credit: Ground Up Cookery School

Join Ground Up Cookery School in Crockernwell for two hours of festive fun and go home with a delicious twist on a Christmas classic; Chocolate and Cardamom Christmas Pudding.

You will learn how to make your own pudding and how to look after it in the run up to Christmas.

Find out more and book you place on the Ground Up Cookery School website.

Plymouth Eco Market – 11 November 2023

Plymouth Eco Market is returning to the historic Devonport Guildhall with festive workshops, kid activities, sustainable market stalls, delicious local food and live music.

From painting your own Christmas decorations and bookable massage treatments to kids crafts and having your portrait done, it’s set to be a fun day out to celebrate living eco-consciously, wellness and happiness.

All proceeds are going toward helping local food security charities and initiatives in time for the festive season.

Find out more on the Plymouth Eco Market Facebook page.

Hatherleigh Carnival – 11 November 2023

The town of Hatherleigh in North Devon is hosting its annual carnival with a procession of floats, decorated houses and a tar barrel pull.

Find out more about the programme of events across the weekend.

Affinity Christmas Market – 11 to 12 November 2023

Head to Affinity Devon Shopping Centre in Bideford for a traditional Christmas Market alongside big name brand outlets.

At the market you’ll find Christmas-themed stalls, music and entertainment.

Find out more about Affinity Christmas Market.

Winter sculpture exhibition at RHS Rosemoor – 11 November 2023 to 31 January 2024

Explore the breathtaking colour, tone and texture of RHS Garden Rosemoor in winter as it provides the perfect backdrop a Winter Sculpture Exhibition.

Each year, a number of sculptors are asked to create inspirational pieces to help add to the beauty of our landscape. Pull on your woolies and enjoy some fresh air exploring at this award-winning North Devon garden.

Get more information at the RHS Rosemoor website.

Exeter Christmas lights switch on – 16 November 2023

Exeter’s Christmas lights will be switched on around switch-on alongside a stunning new Christmas Tree in Princesshay Square, photo opportunities and a live show from the SPARK WorldBeaters street theatre troupe.

See them perform three times during the evening.

Find out more about Christmas in Exeter.

Plymouth City Centre Christmas lights switch on – 16 November 2023

The City Centre’s Christmas lights switch-on will takes place between 6pm and 6.30pm and includes family-friendly entertainment on the Piazza stage. Santa will also be making an appearance.

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

Winter-Fest Light Trail at Crealy near Exeter – 16 November to 23 December 2023

A brand new light trail is happening as part of Crealy Theme Park & Resort’s festive events.

Explore the park’s rides in the dark alongside magical winter light displays.

Find out more about Winter-Fest Light Trail at Crealy

Glow at RHS Rosemoor – 16 November to 30 December 2023

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.

Barbican Christmas lights switch on – 18 November 2023

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.

Disney on Ice at Westpoint Exeter – 23 to 26 November 2023

Celebrate 100 years of Disney with this anniversary edition of Disney on Ice.

Find out more and book tickets for Disney on Ice.

Topsham Christmas lights switch on – 24 November 2023

Head to Topsham for an evening of entertainment as the Christmas lights are switched on. There will be a samba band, puppetry to entertain the children and a festive procession.

Find out more about Topsham’s event timings.

Christmas lights switch on in Crediton – 24 November 2023

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

Find out more about Crediton’s Christmas lights.

Christmas block printing workshop in Holberton – 25 November 2023

Child's hands using block to print colourful Christmas motifs onto cloth

Join Linnet Workshops at Mothecombe Gardens for a family-friendly workshop doing festive block printing.

During the session Grace Coombes from Linnet Workshops will show you how to block print a sheet of decorative paper to take home and wrap up loved ones gifts this Christmas.

This workshop is suitable for ages five and up. All children must be supervised by an adult through out the workshop.

Find out more and book your place on Eventbrite.

Newton Abbot’s Christmas lights switch on – 25 November 2023

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.

Lanterns, Lights and Luminations in Brixham – 25 November 2023

This popular event in South Devon returns in 2023 with a magical lantern parade, a firework display, live music, street entertainment, and a market.

Market stalls and entertainment start in the morning, the lantern parade takes place from early evening, followed by the Christmas light switch on, arrival of Santa and fireworks.

This event is free to attend.

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

Christmas at Crealy Theme Park & Resort – 25 November to 23 December 2023

Crealy Mascots Buddy and Blossom Bear on ice skates

Crealy’s Christmas celebrations are set to return this winter. Expect a glittering show, Christmas activities and Santa’s toy shop.

Here’s a taster of what this great Devon Christmas day out has involved in previous years. This year’s event details are yet to be released but the dates have been confirmed. To find out more get on the Crealy mailing list.

Take a look at our full guide to days out at Crealy Adventure Park.

Find out more about Christmas at Crealy, Exeter.

Barnstaple Christmas lights switch on – 30 November 2023

Barnstaple will be combining its annual light switch on with its Christmas fayre. There will be an appearance by Father Christmas and his elves as well as carolling and more live music.

Find out more about the event in Barnstaple.

Dick Whittington at the Northcott Theatre, Exeter – 30 November 2023 – 7 January 2024

Dick Whittington written in gold on a Burgundy background

Following the record-breaking smash-hit Robin HoodExeter Northcott and Le Navet Bete are teaming up once again to bring you an unmissable family panto for Christmas 2023 – Dick Whittington!

Expect plenty of laughs, great music, amazing special effects and full-on-fun for every generation with this fabulous rags-to-riches tale.

Book tickets on the Northcott Theatre website.

There’s even more days out and activities in my guide to Christmas events in Devon.

Know of an event I can add to my monthly guides? Submit a listing!

Christmas and Santa trains in Devon

Polar Express train travelling through snow storm at twilight

All aboard! Christmas is rolling into Devon with a series of Christmas trains and even the Polar Express starting this month.

Expect plenty of festive cheer and maybe even Santa himself in my guide to Christmas trains in Devon.

Christmas markets in Devon

Child eating sweet treat at Christmas market in Devon

Pick up the perfect gift and soak up the festive atmosphere at one of the markets starting this month. Here’s were to find Christmas markets happening in Devon this year.

Christmas light switch ons

Crowds in front of stage at Christmas light switch on in Plymouth city centre
Picture credit: Scott Grenney One Plymouth

Want to take the kids to see your nearest town of city lit up for the festive season? Take a look at my full guide to where to see Devon’s Christmas light switch ons.

You can also take a look at my round up of Christmas events, pantomimes and markets in my big guide to Christmas in Devon.

More things to do in Devon in November

If you’re looking for more ideas for things to do in November then here’s some ideas for entertaining the kids:

What’s your favourite things to do in Devon in November?

Know of an event I can add to my monthly guides? Submit a listing!

Planning your days out in Devon this autumn? Use Pinterest to save this post about things to do in Devon in November.

Wondering what's on and how to entertain the kids this month? Here's my guide to things to do in Devon in November 2020 including fireworks and events #familyfun #Devon #SouthWest #VisitDevon #events #fireworks #displays #travelblog #Devonwithkids #November #bonfire

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