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 2024-25.
Please check full details with organisers and venues as some may not be open on bank holidays or have reduced opening hours.
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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 Gruffalo 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.
Pantomimes: what’s on between Christmas and New Year
Pantomimes are still putting on a show around the county. Oh yes thy are!
Cinderella at the Northcott Theatre, Exeter – until 5 January 2025
After year-on-year record-breaking success, Exeter Northcott and Le Navet Bete team up once again to bring you this fabulous modern take on a classic story.
Expect plenty of laughs, great music, amazing special effects and full-on-fun for every generation with this fabulous rags-to-riches tale.
Paulos presents Ho Ho Ho Holiday Hoopla at Greendale Farm – until 4 January 2025
Paulos Circus is returning to Greendale Farm this winter with its Ho Ho Ho Holiday Hoopla show.
This family friendly circus event promises a delightful blend of traditional circus acts and holiday themed entertainment, perfect for getting into the Christmas spirit.
Find out more and book tickets on the Christmas Circus website.
Beauty and the Beast at Queens Theatre, Barnstaple – until 31 December 2024
This Christmas the Queen’s Theatre brings you a Tale as old as time – Beauty and the Beast!
This production promises to be a feast for the senses, a celebration of love, and a guaranteed rollercoaster of emotions, sprinkled with side-splitting humour and heartwarming moments for the whole family.
Find out more and book tickets for Beauty and the Beast
Jack and the Beanstalk, at Princess Theatre, Torquay – until 4 January 2025
This Festive season panto magic will be sprinkled in abundance at the Princess Theatre in Torquay as it welcomes a new, multi-award-winning pantomime production Jack and the Bean Stalk.
Join Jack, Dame Trott, and the lovable Clarabelle the Cow for an unforgettable escapade filled with FE-FI-FO-FUN!
Find out more and book tickets for Jack and the Beanstalk.
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at Theatre Royal Plymouth – until 11 January 2025
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs will be spectacularly brought to life with an abundance of comedy, sensational song and dance numbers, fabulous costumes and stunning scenery at the Theatre Royal Plymouth this winter.
With amazing special effects, stunning sets and beautiful costumes direct from The London Palladium, this retelling of a fairytale favourite will take your whole family on a magical panto adventure like never before.
Find out more and book tickets for Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
Peter Pan at Exeter Corn Exchange – until 1 January 2025
This year the Exeter Corn Exchange presents the high-flying pantomime, Peter Pan.
This festive tale is told with merriment and melody – plus a big dollop of slapstick fun and silly sing-alongs!
Will Peter Pan fly high over Neverland? Or will the villainous Captain Hook bring him down to Earth with a bump? You’ll have to book tickets to find out.
There’s an early bird ticket offer until 30 September 2024.
Find out more and book tickets on the Exeter Corn Exchange website.
Dayzee and the World of Tomorrow at Exeter Phoenix Theatre – until 28 December 2024
This festive season, join Dayzee and her dad in the not-so-far-off-future, a magical future where bicycles fly, flies talk and mangrove forests sing.
Find out more and buy tickets on the Exeter Phoenix website.
Cinderella Pantomime at Exmouth Pavilion – until 1 January 2025
Trio Entertainment return this Christmas to follow the rags to riches tale where dreams come true with a special invitation to the Ball.
Cinderella is doomed to live un-happily ever after with her two horrible Ugly Sisters, but she manages with the help of her ‘silly’ friend Buttons and a ‘magical’ Fairy Godmother to make all her dreams come true!
Find out more and book tickets.
Cinderella the Panto at Teignmouth Pavilions – until 1 January 2025
Teignmouth Players present this age old fairy tale with toe-tapping songs, lots of laughs, and plenty of opportunities to boo, hiss, cheer, and clap.
Find out more and buy tickets on the Teignmouth Pavilions website.
Sleeping Beauty at the Palace Theatre, Paignton – until 5 January 2025
Paignton Pantomime Productions will be back on stage with Sleeping Beauty this Christmas.
It’s set to be a spectacular traditional pantomime full of colour, song, dance, wit and audience participation.
For more information and to book tickets, see The Palace Theatre Paignton website.
Beauty and the Beast at Barnfield Theatre in Exeter – 30 December 2024 to 2 January 2025
This Christmas enjoy a tale as old as time with Wonder Pantomimes as they bring the story of Beauty and the Beast to the Barnfield as part of a six-week national tour.
Join bookworm Belle who lives a quiet provincial life, but it quickly turns to danger when she finds herself imprisoned by a hideous Beast. Will the Beast learn how to love and be loved in return? Will Belle melt the Beast’s frosty heart? Will the spell be broken before the last rose petal falls?
Find out more and book tickets on the Exeter Northcott website.
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Events happening between Christmas and New Year in Devon
Wondering what’s on in Devon between Christmas and New Year?
Here’s some festive events that continue over Twixmas:
Bubblicious family raves with the Soapbox Theatre, Plymouth – 31 December 2024
Join The Soapbox Theatre for a special family-friendly dance party to celebrate New Year’s Eve.
There will be a session for families with babies and for older kids 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, 31 December 2024.
Plymouth Winter Wonderland – until 1 January 2025
Plymouth’s winter wonderland will continue into the New Year.
This event in Central Park has a real ice rink, fairground rides, food stalls and live entertainment.
Find out more about Plymouth Winter Wonderland in Central Park.
Bay of Lights – daily until 2 January 2025
This free winter trail continues into the New Year.
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.
Here’s a snapshot of what to expect at the Bay of Lights illuminated trail:
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Attractions open this Twixmas in Devon
Check out my full guide to Devon attraction winter open times and things to do. Lots of places are ready to welcome you for walks, family fun and indoor activities to help you work off some of your Christmas indulgences.
And here’s some attractions that have special events running between Christmas and New Year too:
Train of Lights at Dartmouth Steam Railway – selected dates until 30 December 2024
This magical illuminated journey through the South Devon countryside is a special Twixmas treat that all ages will enjoy.
Board the vintage train carriages decked with thousands of fairy lights at Paignton and take a round trip to Kingswear. Along the way there will be a festive show at Churston Station and plenty of sparkle along the track.
Tickets must be bought in advance.
Read about our experience of the Train of Lights.
Find out more about the Train of Lights at Dartmouth Steam Railway, Paignton.
Glow at RHS Rosemoor, Great Torrington – selected dates until 30 December 2024
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 about Glow at RHS Rosemoor near Great Torrington.
Christmas at Powderham Castle – until 31 December 2024
Powderham Castles light walk continues between Christmas and New Year along with indoor festive displays.
See the Castle’s state rooms transformed for Christmas and wander the light trail around the grounds.
Find out more about Christmas at the Castle, Powderham Castle, near Exeter.
Christmas Wonderland Illuminations at Babbacombe Model Village – selected dates until 31 December 2024
Enter a magical miniature wonderland of festive lights at Babbacombe Model Village which opens between Christmas and New Year.
There will be miniature seasonal scenes, a Christmas character spotter sheet and crazy golf. The Christmas lights are on from 3.30pm.
Find out more about visiting Babbacombe Model Village in Torquay.
Zooluminate light trail at Dartmoor Zoo – selected dates until 4 January 2025
Experience a magical, wintery and festive walk around this gorgeous site, taking in a series of beautiful light installations (from JHAV, the incredible team that brought you The Atlantic Project and Illuminate Festival of Light), which bring the zoo to life after dark in the most enchanting way possible.
The Jaguar Restaurant is open throughout the event, offering a whole host of delicious food, drink and snack options to refuel your Zoo adventure, including some festive specials.
Find out more about Christmas at Zooluminate Dartmoor Zoo.
Mini Winter Wonderland Trail at Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary – daily until 3 February 2025
Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary’s winter trail promises to be a mini winter wonderland giving visitors the chance to find out about the adoption donkeys while enjoying a seasonal walk.
Trail sheets cost £5 each and include a prize on completion.
Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary is free to visit and also has a play area, daily talks, engaging hands-on exhibits, a maze to explore and miles of walkways.
Find out more about the trail on the Donkey sanctuary website.
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:
Saltram in Plymouth – open from 22 November to 31 December 2024
Saltram’s 18th century pleasure garden will be brought to life within the walls of its luxurious house this Christmas as the National Trust brings the outside in.
Each room will transport you into a beautiful festive landscape, with wow moments around every corner and some woodland friends to lead you on your Christmas adventure.
There’s also a Christmas family trail for kids.
The house open days exclude 25 and 26 December 2024.
Find out more about winter opening at Saltram.
Greenway near Galmpton – 27 to 31 December 2024
Agatha Christie’s former holiday home will be hosting an outdoor trail with the theme ‘The Twelve Wreaths of Christmas’.
The house will also be decorated in a traditional Christmas style and there will be free festive crafts.
Admission to Greenway is free for National Trust members.
Find out more about visiting Greenway this Twixmas.
Coleton Fishacre near Brixham – 27 December 2024 to 1 January 2025
Embrace a chilly winter’s day with a magical experience at Coleton Fishacre this Christmas.
Inspired by the South Devon coastline in winter, the house is being dressed for ‘Winter Tide and Time’. There will be sparkling lights, interactive features and seasonal selfie stations.
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
Knightshayes near Tiverton – 27 to 31 December 2024
Discover Victorian Christmas traditions as you explore the ground floor of Knightshayes house this Twixmas.
Each room will celebrate a different Christmas tradition from gift giving to ghost stories.
On selected nights the gardens are being lit up for a light trail.
General admission is free for National Trust members.
Find our more about visiting Knightshayes.
Buckland Abbey near Plymouth – 27 to 31 December 2024
Step back in time at Buckland Abbey at its Viking Yule event. The barn will be filled transformed into a Viking Longhall with decorations to create a beautiful seasonal display.
Admission is free for National Trust members.
Find out more about the Viking Yule event at Buckland Abbey near Yelverton.
Winter visits to Killerton near Exeter – open daily until 31 December 2024
Visit Killerton this winter to see the house decorated for a traditional Christmas. Outdoors there’s a festive activity trail as well as games in the garden.
In the Chapel you’ll find Christmas trees decorated by the local community.
Find out more about winter visits to Killerton.
Get ready for 2025!
Can you believe that 2025 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 2025.
Know of an event I can add to my monthly guides? Submit a listing!
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!
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