Where to meet Santa in Devon 2026

Candlelit Dartmouth – 27 to 28 November 2026

This community event kicks off Christmas in Dartmouth with Father Christmas arriving in town by Fire Engine on the Friday night. There’s also a market and live entertainment in Royal Avenue Gardens.

On Saturday expect a spectacular procession with hundreds of beautiful, hand-made paper lanterns through the town.

More details are still to be released about this year’s event.

Santa’s Grotto at Boringdon Hall – selected dates from 29 November 2026

Santa will be visiting Boringdon Hall on three dates in the run up to Christmas. As well as the grotto this experience includes a festive afternoon tea and Christmas activities for the whole family.

Book in advance to meet Santa at Boringdon Hall.

Find out more about Santa’s Grotto at Boringdon Hall, Plymouth

Powderham Castle Christmas Lights and Grotto – 1 December to 31 December 2026

Christmas at the Castle is back this winter, with two experiences, day and night, as well as a Santa’s grotto.

By day enjoy Christmas shows and circus themed fun and by night see the gardens and grounds illuminated. You can tailor your visit by adding on entrance to the castle, a ride on the ferris wheel or the grotto whatever time of day you visit.

Father Christmas can 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 about all the ticket and experience options see the Powerham Castle website.

Meet Santa at Newton Abbot’s Lantern Parade – 9 December 2026

See Newton Abbot illuminated by a lantern parade. There will also be live music, a market and a chance to meet Santa for free.

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

Santa’s Grotto at Woodlands near Dartmouth – TBC

Details of this year’s event had not been released when this guide was published. Organising the event? Get in touch to be listed here.

For further information visit the Woodlands website.

Plymouth Winter Wonderland grotto – TBC

Details of this year’s event had not been released when this guide was published. Organising the event? Get in touch to be listed here.

Find out more about Plymouth Winter Wonderland.

Santa at Paignton Zoo – TBC

Details of this year’s event had not been released when this guide was published. Organising the event? Get in touch to be listed here.

Find out more about what’s on at Paignton Zoo this Christmas.

Zooluminate at Dartmoor Zoo – TBC

Details of this year’s event had not been released when this guide was published. Organising the event? Get in touch to be listed here.

Find out more about Zooluminate 2025.

Where to meet Santa in East Devon

Find Father Christmas making an appearance at these Devon businesses:

Grotto at Exeter Winter Wonderland – selected dates from 28 November to 24 December 2026

Step into a glittering grotto, follow the elves who will show you their workshop and help you post a letter to Santa before your own meeting with the big man.

Entry to the Winter Wonderland for the food stalls and festive light installations is free but Santa’s grotto and ice skating should be bought in advance to secure the spot you want.

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

Sail with Santa and Stuart Line Cruises in East Devon – selected dates from 5 December to 22 December 2026

Meet Santa on the River Exe this Christmas by hopping onboard a Stuart Line Cruises.

There will be a Punch and Judy Show, as well as all the usual festive fun on this very special ride including a visit to Santas grotto. For adults there will be commentary about the river, mulled wine and mince pies.

Sail with Santa, Exmouth.

Christmas at Crealy near Exeter – TBC

Details of this year’s event had not been released when this guide was published. Organising the event? Get in touch to be listed here.

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

Find out more about Christmas at Crealy, Exeter.

Santa’s Grotto at Wildwood Devon in Ottery St Mary – TBC

Details of this year’s event had not been released when this guide was published. Organising the event? Get in touch to be listed here.

Find out more and book Santa\’s Grotto at Wildwood.

Santa’s grottos in West Devon

Here’s where to find Father Christmas and his elves in West Devon:

Christmas Farm Trail at Strawberry Fields at Lifton Farm – Selected dates from 28 November to 23 December 2026

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Father Christmas and his merry elves will be spreading festive cheer throughout the farm this year with magic shows, tractor rides, photo opportunities and a chance to meet the big man himself.

Find out more and book the Christmas experience at Strawberry Fields.

Santa at Made-well CIC in Hatherleigh, West Devon – TBC

Details of this year’s event had not been released when this guide was published. Organising the event? Get in touch to be listed here.

Find out more and book online.

Santa’s experiences in North Devon

Get these North Devon grottos and Santa experiences in your festive calendar:

Santa’s Grotto and Ice Skating rink at St John’s Garden Centre in Barnstaple – from 28 November 2026

Children will embark on an enchanting journey through Winter JungleLand, transformed into a sparkling wonderland of festive animals, lush greenery, and twinkling lights, all leading to a log-cabin style grotto.

When their moment arrives, little ones will step inside to meet Santa himself, share their Christmas wishes, and take home a very special gift picked by the man himself. After your hot chocolate, why not try your skills at Ice skating.

Find out more on the garden centre’s website.

Meet Santa at Stacey’s Christmas Trees in Holsworthy – selected dates from 28 November to 6 December 2026

Meet Santa for free in his lodge at the farm while you are there picking your tree. Every child will get a small gift.

Santa will be at the farm over two weekends only so check dates and times before you visit.

Find out more about Stacey’s Christmas Tree Farm.

Santa’s Gingerbread Grotto Experience at Woolley Animals, North Devon – selected dates from 5 to 20 December 2026

Visit Santa’s grotto at the farm to receive a special gift. Tickets include entry to the farm, the festive Winter Wonderland animal barn and market.

For more information visit the Woolley Farm website.

The Magic of Christmas at Milky Way Adventure Park – selected dates from 5 to 23 December 2026

Santa’s Christmas Cottage returns to the Milky Way this festive season. Walk through an enchanted wood, get creative in the Elf Emporium and ride the festive train. The park’s all-weather attractions will also be open making this a full winter day out.

Your timed visit to the cottage grotto is booked at the same time as your park tickets.

For more information and to book visit the The Milky Way website.

Clovelly Christmas Lights and Santa in North Devon – 6 December 2026

Head to Clovelly to see the Christmas Lights switched on. The local brass band will 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.

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

Find out more about Clovelly Christmas Lights at Clovelly Village.

Santa’s Mistletoe Lodge Grotto at Green Lanes shopping centre in Barnstaple – TBC

Details of this year’s event had not been released when this guide was published. Organising the event? Get in touch to be listed here.

Find out more about this grotto.