What's on in Devon this weekend

Hooray for Friday and the start of Devon’s most sparkly season! If you’re looking for family-friendly things to do in Devon you have come to the best place for events and special activities. Read on to find out what’s on in Devon this weekend!

Please check event organisers’ websites and social media channels for up-to-date information about opening, particularly during bad weather.

Know of an event I can add to this guide? Submit a listing! I’ll add it as soon as I’m able.

*This post contains affiliate links. If you click and buy something, I may earn some commission. This is at no extra cost to you but helps me cover the costs of running this website. See my privacy policy and disclosure policy for more information.*

Things to do in Devon this weekend

Below I’ve picked out some of the most family-friendly things to do in this guide to what’s on this weekend:

Stranger Folk interactive adventure at Kingshayes National Trust in Tiverton – until 30 November 2025

Worm charming challenge shown on a smart phone screen at a National Trust property

Step into a world of folklore, mischief and old magic this autumn, as the National Trust launches Stranger Folk, an immersive Halloween-inspired adventure game, available now on the Apple App Store and Google Play.

Using a mobile phone, players are drawn into a spirited tale of ancient folklore where sneaky goblins, cunning boggarts, and mysterious Stranger Folk as they explore the gardens and woodlands of Knighthayes in a whole new way.

Find out more about Stranger Folk.

A Forever Home trail at the Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth – daily until 9 February 2026

Donkeys in their barn at The Donkey Sanctuary Sidmouth — Picture credit: The Donkey Sanctuary Sidmouth

In this winter season’s fun family trail at the Donkey Sanctuary you are tasked with finding all the things that make their shelter a forever home. Complete the puzzle on your trail sheet as you explore and meet the sanctuary’s lucky residents.

Trail sheets cost £5 each and can be bought in the gift shop. Entry to the sanctuary is free and dogs on leads are welcome.

Find out more about what’s on at the Donkey Sanctuary this winter.

Earth Photo exhibition at Forestry England Haldon – daily until 19 March 2026

A photograph take by Kazuaki Koseki that was shortlisted for the Earth Photo competition. It shows a woodland scene with etherial lights in the twilight — Photo credit: Kazuaki Koseki. Title: Solitary tree

Forestry England’s outdoor exhibition showing images from Earth Photo shortlisted works is coming to Devon.

Created in 2018 by Forestry England, the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) and Parker Harris, Earth Photo is a world-leading programme engaging with still and moving image makers to showcase the issues affecting the climate and life on our planet.

The outdoor exhibition is free to explore will display a selection of the images submitted by photographers from around the world including the melting sea ice of Greenland and the vanishing oases of Morocco.

Find out more about Earth Photo at Haldon Forest.

Free storytelling for toddlers at The Box, Plymouth – 14 November 2025

Join students from the University of Plymouth for a free storytelling and craft session under the figureheads at The Box every Friday this month.

The session takes place between 10.30am and 11am.

You can also find these storytelling sessions happening on 21 and 28 November.

Find out more on The Box website.

Barbican Christmas lights – 15 November 2025

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.

Winter Twilight Trail at Crealy near Exeter – selected dates from 15 to 30 November 2025

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

Explore the park’s rides in the dark alongside new winter light displays, illuminated rides and an even bigger light tunnel.

Find out more about Winter Twilight Trail at Crealy.

Winter sculpture exhibition at RHS Rosemoor – 15 November 2025 to 31 January 2026

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.

A Fairytale for Christmas at Princess Theatre in Torquay – 16 November 2025

Immerse yourself in the spirit of Christmas as talented singers, musicians and dancers perform dashing renditions of Yuletide favourites including ‘Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town’, ‘Step into Christmas’, ‘O Holy Night’ and ‘The Fairytale of New York’.

Find out more and buy tickets.

The Strange Case of Jekyll & Hyde at various locations – selected dates until 29 November 2025

In a steampunk (Victorian science-fiction) re-imagining of this chilling 19th Century tale, the brilliant doctor, Dr Jekyll, becomes fascinated with researching the nature of the human psyche, and the duality of good and evil, using forbidden experiments, leading to disaster.

This show is suitable for all aged and performed by a team of professional actors aged 11 to 65 from around South Devon.

In November the show is being performed at Brixham Theatre, Kingskerswell Village Hall, The Muse Theatre in Plymouth and Torquay Royal Lyceum Theatre.

For more information and tickets visit the South Devon Players box office.

What’s on next weekend in Devon?

Christmas events start here! Below you’ll find what’s coming up on the weekend of 21 to 23 November 2025:

Lanterns, Lights and Luminations in Brixham – 21 to 22 November 2025

This popular event in South Devon returns in 2025 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.

Christmas Nativity at Pennywell Farm – selected dates from 21 November to 24 December 2025

Fern the Donkey in stable at Pennywell Farm

Pennywell Farm’s magical Christmas event begins with a welcome from the elves before you are transported back 2,000 years to a nativity scene starring animals from the farm.

There will be plenty of treats for young and old as well as a visit to meet Father Christmas in an enchanted forest. Every child will receive a special present.

If you are interested in going this year, read our review of Christmas at Pennywell Farm.

Find out more about Christmas at Pennywell Farm.

Exeter Winter Wonderland – 21 November to 28 December 2025

Exeter’s winter wonderland returns this winter with an ice rink, Santa’s Grotto, Christmas Market, fairground rides and live entertainment.

This year’s wonderland will also include a naughty elves workshop as part of the grotto experience. You can also meet The Grinch on the ice every Sunday at 3pm.

The Winter Wonderland is free entry with tickets available to pre-book online for Santa’s Grotto and the ice rink now.

Find out more and book tickets on the Exeter Winter Wonderland website.

Glow at RHS Rosemoor, Great Torrington – selected dates from 21 November to 30 December 2025

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

RHS Rosemoor will be celebrating the tenth anniversary of 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.

Plymouth Winter Wonderland – 21 November 2025 to 4 January 2026

Ariel view of the winter wonderland at night with festive lights

Plymouth, get ready to deck the halls with boughs of holly and lace up your skates, because Plymouth’s Winter Wonderland is back.

Following the resounding success of last year’s event, the magical winter festival is set to return to Central Park.

This year’s Winter Wonderland promises to be even more enchanting, with a host of festive delights for all ages. Step into a Winter Wonderland of twinkling lights, festive music, and Christmas cheer. There’s also a pop up ice rink.

Find out more about Plymouth Winter Wonderland.

Christmas Baking Workshop in Exeter – 22 November 2025

Join Ground Up Cookery School in Crockernwell for a day of festive fun and learn how to make a variety of festive sweet treats.

On the menu this year is Yule log, mince pies and a chow centrepiece.

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

Newton Abbot’s Christmas lights switch on – 22 November 2025

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 – 22 November 2025

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

Find out more about Christmas in Sidmouth.

Christmas Wonderland Illuminations at Babbacombe Model Village – selected dates from 22 November 2025 to 4 January 2026

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.

Christmas Folk Art Printmaking with Luna North in Barnstaple – 23 November 2025

A print made with a rubber stamp. The print is a mushroom design

Join artist and printmaker Luna North for a festive and hands-on Christmas stamp-making workshop at Studio KIND at the Corn Store in the Pannier Market.

Learn how to carve your own rubber stamps and use them to create a variety of beautifully printed cards and gift tags.

All materials are included in the workshop price, so you can simply arrive ready to create and leave with a set of handmade festive prints.

Find out more and book your space on Eventbrite.

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