Your Railholiday Guide to the Region’s Best Festive Events

I know… Christmas may seem a long way off, but it’s certainly worth taking some time to see what seasonal delights Devon and Cornwall have to offer at this festive time of year.

From Christmas Markets, full of local crafts, gifts and produce, to magical train rides, music and lights galore! There really is something for everyone. Then, after a full day of exploring, you can get warm and cosy in front of the log burner in one of our carriages. Below you will find just some of the wonderful events for this year.

Make sure you click on the links to get the most up-to-date information, and do return as we will update this page as further details become available.

Railway themed fun:

The South Devon Railway – 28th November to 23rd December
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ TRAIN RIDE AT SOUTH DEVON RAILWAY
“This is more than just a train ride — it’s a full theatrical experience designed to create lasting memories for the whole family. From the moment you arrive, the world of The Polar Express™ surrounds you with music, lights, and beloved characters.”

Christmas Train of Lights – 28th November to 30th December.
Departing from Queen’s Park Station, Paignton – Kingswear and back.
“The Christmas Train of Lights is now the must-see event in the South West festive calendar and of course the 2025 show will capture the magic of our previous shows and will also feature new lineside displays and surprises that can only be viewed from the train on your journey.”
https://www.dartmouthrailriver.co.uk/tickets/christmas-train-of-lights
A Magical Christmas Market at Bodmin Railway – 10th December (4-7.30pm)
https://bodminrailway.co.uk/magical-christmas-market-at-bodmin-railway/

Christmas Markets:

St Germans Priory Christmas Market – 28th and 29th November 2025.
“Local craft and produce stalls, mulled wine, soup and cakes, carol singing, music and so much more.”

Plymouth Christmas Market – City Centre 27th November -21st December
https://www.visitplymouth.co.uk/visitor-information/news/2025/6/17/a-new-era-for-festive-fun-plymouth-christmas-market-set-to-sparkle-this-november-a4307
Christmas at the Yard – Royal William Yard, Plymouth – Festive Good Food and Craft Market
15th December (10am – 3pm), 18th December (5-9pm) and 22nd December (10am – 3pm)
https://royalwilliamyard.com/christmas

Truro Christmas Market – Lemon Quay 21st November – 24th December
“Discover a delightful range of local crafts, unique gifts, and seasonal treats, all lovingly created by skilled artisans from the region. The charming cabins are back, transforming Lemon Quay into a cozy festive village. Stroll through twinkling lights, take in the sounds of the season, and enjoy the warm atmosphere. Whether you’re searching for the perfect gift or simply want to embrace the festive magic, the Truro Christmas Market has something for everyone.”
https://www.trurochristmas.co.uk

Cornwall Christmas Market – Royal Cornwall Showground 12-14 December
“A feast of Christmas food and drink, artisan gifts, a giant Christmas tree, reindeer, carol singers, street performers, and even a visit from Santa himself, there’s so much for the entire family to enjoy.”
https://cornwallchristmasmarket.co.uk

Totnes Christmas Markets and Late-Night Shopping events – take place on the first 3 Tuesdays of December (2nd, 9th and 16th December 2025) from 3pm to 9pm. The Totnes Carnival Lantern Parade will be held on the final market night.
https://www.totnestowncouncil.gov.uk/book-your-space-now-for-totnes-christmas-markets-2025/

Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market – 20th November – 19th December 2025
https://www.exeter-cathedral.org.uk/events/exeter-cathedral-christmas-market/

Tavistock Dickensian Evening – 5 December – 17:00 – 21:00
Late night shopping event with a difference… be transported back in time as shop keepers embrace the spirit and dress up in traditional costumes.
https://www.visit-tavistock.co.uk/dickensian-evening

Tavistock Christmas Festival – 7 December 10:30 – 15:30
https://www.visit-tavistock.co.uk/event-details/tavistock-christmas-festival-3

Tavistock Christmas Markets – 11 December – 23 December
https://www.tavistock.gov.uk/events/butchers-hall-christmas-markets-6

Christmas Lights

Looe Lantern Parade and Christmas Lights Switch-on – 28th November.
https://www.visitlooe.co.uk/events/2025-11-28/

Mousehole Harbour Lights switch on 11th December switch off 3rd January
Started in 1963, Mousehole is famous for is magical display of Christmas lights, which line the harbour walls and float in the harbour.
You can travel to Penzance by train and catch a bus to Mousehole from there.

Heligan Night Garden – 15th November to 3rd January

“Illuminate your winter with a season of wonder at Heligan Night Garden. Join us for an enchanting lantern experience amidst the atmospheric Lost Gardens on select dates in November, December and January”
https://www.heligan.com/events/events-at-heligan/heligan-night-garden/

Carnglaze Caverns – St Neot – Man-made caverns in a former slate mine with an underground lake & area for concerts/events.
“Celebrate Christmas here at Carnglaze. Come to the Carnglaze Christmas craft market, have a mulled wine, visit Santa and tour the lower caverns, especially lit up for the festive season.”
https://www.carnglaze.com/christmas-at-carnglaze/
Also check out their concerts and events including – The Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines – 7th December 2025
https://carnglaze.digitickets.co.uk/category/33281