Christmas is fast approaching, read on to see what seasonal delights Devon and Cornwall have to offer at this festive time of year.
We will endeavour to update this page regularly but please click on the links to check out the most up-to-date information and booking requirements before you travel.
On our Doorstep:
Dickensian Christmas in Port Eliot, with music by Lizzy and Geoff.
Railway themed fun:
Friday 27th November to Wednesday 23rd December 2026 – The South Devon Railway
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.”
Friday 27th November to Wednesday 30th December 2026 – Christmas Train of Lights
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 2026 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.”
From Friday 27th November – Bodmin Railway “Feel the magic of traditional Christmas as brass bands fill the platforms with festive music.”
“Kicking of the festive season, with a Christmas Evening Market on Friday 27th November, where the railway comes alive after dark with festive stalls, seasonal treats and plenty of Christmas spirit, a great place to start your Christmas shopping.”
From Saturday 28th November (Selected days) – Father Christmas at Lappa Valley ” Christmas at Lappa Valley is much more than a visit to a grotto. From the moment you board the train at Benny Halt, your Father Christmas booking includes your festive journey into Lappa Valley, admission to the park, a special visit to Father Christmas, a present for every child, festive refreshments and plenty of time to enjoy the attractions that are open throughout your visit. There’s no separate Lappa Valley admission ticket to buy – it’s all part of your Christmas booking.”
Saturday 5th December – Thursday 24th December 2026 – Santa by Steam: “Meet Santa, soak up the festive atmosphere and make wonderful family memories aboard our heritage railway.”
Wednesday 9th and Tuesday 15th December 2026 – Winter Warmer Express: “Settle into your seat, soak up the nostalgic atmosphere of our heritage railway and enjoy a warming mulled drink accompanied by a delicious mince pie.”
Christmas Markets
Friday 27th November – Saturday 28th November – St Germans Priory Christmas Market
“Local craft and produce stalls, mulled wine, soup and cakes, carol singing, music and so much more.”
Saturday 21st November – Thursday 24th December 2026 – Truro Christmas Market Lemon Quay
Thursday 26th November – Sunday 20th December 2026 – Plymouth Christmas Market – City Centre
“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.”
- Friday 13th November – Sunday 13th December 2026 – Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market
“Bigger, brighter and more magical than ever. Step into the warmth and wonder of Exeter’s most iconic winter tradition. Set against the awe-inspiring backdrop of Exeter Cathedral, the Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market 2026 brings together festive cheer, artisan craftsmanship, and gourmet treats in an enchanting experience that delights all the senses.”
Wednesday 2nd December to Sunday 20th December 2026 (Selected Dates) – Christmas at the Yard – Royal William Yard, Plymouth Including Festive Good Food and Craft Market and so much more. Sunday 6 December: “Adding a touch of festive magic to the season, a life-sized polar bear puppet from Above Bounds Theatre Company will roam the Yard during the market.”
Wednesday 2, 9, 16 December: “Plymouth City Brass will be performing at each of the Wednesday evening markets from 6.30pm, filling the air with seasonal carols and adding to the festive atmosphere.”
Friday 4th December 2026 – 17:00 – 21:00 – Tavistock Dickensian Evening Late night shopping event with a difference… be transported back in time as shop keepers embrace the spirit and dress up in traditional costumes.
Saturday 5th December: Christmas Fayre Makers Market at Saltash Studios
Sunday 6th December 2026 10:30 – 15:30 – Tavistock Christmas Festival “Experience the magic of the festive season at the Tavistock Christmas Festival, a much-loved annual celebration bringing Christmas markets, live entertainment, festive food and family activities to the heart of Tavistock, Devon.
Saturday & Sunday, 12th & 13th December | 10:00 – 15:30 – Mount Edgcumbe’s Christmas Fair
“Get ready for one of the most magical Christmas shopping events in Cornwall and Devon – the Mount Edgcumbe Christmas Fair, brought to you by Miss Ivy Events in partnership with Mount Edgcumbe Country Park
This festive weekend is the perfect opportunity to embrace the spirit of Christmas, treat yourself to a joyful day out, and tick off your gift list in style.”
Friday 11th December – Wednesday 23rd December 2026 – Tavistock Christmas Markets
Friday 11th – Sunday 13th December 2026 – Cornwall Christmas Market – Royal Cornwall Showground
Tuesdays in December (8th, 15th and 22nd December 2026) from 3pm to 9pm – Totnes Christmas Markets and Late-Night Shopping events – The Totnes Carnival Lantern Parade will be held on the final market night.
“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.”
Saturday 19th December: Christmas Makers Market at Saltash Studios.
Christmas Craft Workshops
Saltash Studios are hosting several craft workshops, including wreath making and macrame, clay and felt decoration workshops.
Wednesday 4th November: Workshop – Macrame Christmas Decorations
Tuesday 10th November: Workshop – Air Dry Clay Christmas Decorations and Metal Embossed Cards
Tuesday 10th November: Workshop – Felt Decorations
Wednesday 25th November: Workshop – Christmas Tree Macrame
Saturday 28th November: Workshop – Christmas Wreath Making (note: 2 different timed sessions available)
Monday 30th November: Workshop – Arm Knitted Wreaths
Wednesday 2nd December: Workshop – Eco Festive Decorations
Friday 4th December: Workshop – Macrame Christmas Tree
Monday 7th December: Workshop – Wire Christmas Decorations
Christmas Lights
Friday 13th November 2026 to Saturday 2nd January 2027 – Selected Dates Only Heligan Night Garden
“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”
28th November 2026 – Liskeard Lights up and lantern parade
“Get ready for a magical day as Liskeard comes alive with festive cheer!”
Friday 20th November – Saturday 2nd January (Selected Days) – The Eden Project
“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.”
Friday 27th November 2026 – Looe Lantern Parade and Christmas Lights Switch-on click on the link for other festive activities in Looe.
Saturday 28th November – Wednesday 30th December 2026 (Selected Dates)- 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 – 6th December 2026
Thursday 10th December 2026 – 3rd January 2027 – Mousehole Harbour Lights
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.
Penzance – TBC
Watch the Humphry Davy lantern parade (TBC). 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 – 70 years of the garland – Work on the garland starts on 10th November
Sleep in a railway carriage!
Thank you for reading this article. If you would like to receive occasional newsletters and details of special deals, please sign up here to receive our emails.
To view our website before booking a stay in one of our unique holiday carriages, please visit www.railholiday.co.uk where you will see the full range of holiday accommodation on offer.
We can contacted by phone on 01503 230783 or Lizzy’s mobile on 07776 261192. You can also follow this link to our booking page.
