Christmas is fast approaching, read on to see what seasonal delights Devon and Cornwall have to offer at this festive time of year.
Please check out the links for the most up-to-date information.
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.”
A Magical Christmas Market at Bodmin Railway – 10th December (4-7.30pm)
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
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)
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.”
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.”
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.
Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market – 20th November – 19th December 2025
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.
Tavistock Christmas Festival – 7 December 10:30 – 15:30
Tavistock Christmas Markets – 11 December – 23 December
Christmas Lights
Liskeard Lights up and lantern parade – 29 November
“Get ready for a magical day as Liskeard comes alive with festive cheer!”
Looe Lantern Parade and Christmas Lights Switch-on – 28th November.
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”
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.” Also check out their concerts and events including – The Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines – 7th December 2025
“By day, explore our iconic biomes, enjoy a luxury Cornish Christmas Lunch, then glide across our ice rink before meeting Father Christmas. As night falls on selected dates the Biomes will transform into a tropical wonderland of twinkling lights and rainbow colour.”
Penzance
Watch the Humphry Davy lantern parade. Sticklers might tell you this lovely little parade isn’t about Christmas at all. True, but Davy was born on 17th December and the event celebrating Penzance’s most famous son is held plonk in the middle of the festive build-up. With the town wrapped in glittering festive lights and beautiful Davy-inspired lanterns on show, we defy you to not feel a cinnamony warmth from head to toe. Some lanterns are created by local schools following workshops with Golowan which runs the famous summer festival. The event also includes a Christmas market and street entertainment (weather permitting)
National Trust
There is a plethora of National Trust properties to visit in Devon and Cornwall which will be transformed for Christmas.
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/christmas
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/cornwall/christmas
Only a few miles away from St Germans is Cotehele, famous for the fabulous Christmas garland.
Cotehele’s Christmas Garland – Work on the garland starts on 10th November
