For 2023 Christmas markets, events, lights switch-on's and late night shopping times click here.
Where to see Father Christmas in Devon 2023
We have compiled a list of places that Santa will be appearing in Devon this festive season. These events are always popular and often sell-out quickly so be sure to book well in advance.
House of Marbles, Pottery Rd, Bovey Tracey, Devon, TQ13 9DS
https://visit.houseofmarbles.com/christmas-at-house-of-marbles/
Santa and his Elves will be returning to House of Marbles this Christmas. He will be at House of Marbles every Saturday and Sunday from the 25th November, as well as the 18th, 19th, 20th, 21st and 22nd December. Share all your Christmas wishes and receive a lovely gift and goody bag, filled with seasonal treats and a festive Christmas balloon to enjoy. Tickets cost £12.99 per child. Tickets are available to purchase on their website, and it's advisable to book early as this is very popular.
This year, the House of Marbles are also holding a 'Santa Paws' version of their Grotto! This takes place on 18th and 19th November. Tickets are £12.99. This is the opportunity for you to take your pet to meet Santa and take a photo.
Bow Garden Centre, Crediton, EX17 6LA
https://www.bowgardencentre.co.uk/pages/visit-santa-in-his-grotto
Visit Santa at Bow Garden Centre, Crediton. From 25th & 26th November 2023 and every weekend in December up until Christmas. Only pre-booked tickets are permitted. Tickets are £10.99 per child including a gift, craft activity and treasure trail.
Pennywell Farm, Buckfastleigh, Devon, TQ11 0LT
https://www.pennywellfarm.co.uk/buy-christmas-nativity-tickets
Arrive at the magical North Pole where you will be greeted by Pennywell’s friendly Elves to check-in. Collect your Christmas passport and get the stamps as you journey through the Christmas experience. Experience the story of the nativity with a real manger and all the Pennywell animals looking on. Afterwards, head to Noah’s Barn for delicious mince pies and warming drinks for the adults and homemade Christmas biscuits and cold drinks for the children.Visit the Elves Sweetshop with a bag of yummy sweets for every child and then jump onto the festive tractor & trailer ride. There is also the opportunity to have Christmas cuddles with some of the Pennywell animals. Finally, enter the sparkly enchanted forest where Father Christmas will be waiting in his grotto with a special gift for every child.
Greendale Farm Shop, Sidmouth Road, Exeter, EX5 2JU
https://www.greendale.com/events
The big man himself will be in residence here at Greendale Farm Shop this Christmas! From 12-4pm on December 9th-12th, and again on the 17th-19th, children can pay a special visit to Santa in his grotto and receive a gift to take home. Please book to confirm your 5-minute slot; tickets are £15 for each child. We will provide a queuing area with Christmassy activities (colouring, singalong and glitter wishes) to help make sure that everyone is ready to take their turn.
Woolley Animals, Winkleigh, EX19 8AN
https://www.woolleyanimals.co.uk/christmas-2023
Woolley Animals Farm Park will be celebrating Christmas in style again this year with a chance to visit Santa in his Grotto in a decorated festive barn, festive animals, Winter wonderland snow themes, photo opportunities, animal handling & feeding, a festive market with stallholders selling crafts, refreshments and festive food. Everything festive under one roof! Hot food, speciality drinks, yummy cakes and festive treats for sale in our café. Entry to the farm is just £4 per person. Visit to Santa’s grotto to be booked online for an additional fee (Information to be confirmed online when announced).
Kents Cavern, Ilsham Rd, Torquay, Devon, TQ1 2JF.
https://www.kents-cavern.co.uk/events/detail/santa-in-the-caves
Santa in the Caves is back for 2023 with an interactive pantomime performance throughout the caves finishing in Santa's Grotto. Children will receive a beautifully wrapped gift and adults will be able to indulge in mulled wine & mince pies. Adult tickets include a complementary return to the caves for 2024.
Children - £17.50, Adults - £17.50 with discounts for annual members.
Seaton Tramway, Harbour Rd, Seaton, Devon, EX12 2NQ.
https://www.tram.co.uk/events/view/the-polar-express-tram-ride
Starting from 24th November 2023. Prices vary so please visit the website for details and to book.
Join Seaton Tramway for THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Tram Ride. Families will enjoy a magical tram ride to Santa’s home at the North Pole in one of the specially decorated single deck tramcars, enjoy a cup of hot chocolate, a delicious treat, speak to Santa and admire the awesome lights whilst you walk around the North Pole. Children will also receive the first gift of Christmas from Santa himself. Upon the return journey, enjoy singing along to Christmas carols.
Westpoint, Clyst St Mary, Exeter, EX5 1DJ.
https://westpointexeter.co.uk/whats-on/christmas-shopping-fayre-2
Friday 1st, Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd December 2023.
The Christmas Shopping Fayre at Westpoint boasts 3 days of festive shopping, all under one roof. Admission costs £5 for adults (16 and under are free) and includes the free Santa’s grotto.
Endsleigh Garden Centre, Ivybridge, Devon, PL21 9JL.
https://bluediamond.smart-tickets.co.uk/
This Christmas, Endsleigh (part of the Blue Diamond group) are offering the chance to see Santa in his Grotto, or to have Breakfast or Tea with Santa.
The Grotto is £12 per child, including a Christmas gift.
The Breakfast or Tea with Santa options are £14.95 per person (including adults) with a choice of food options and a gift for children.
South Devon Railway, Buckfastleigh, Devon, TQ11 0DZ.
https://southdevonrailwaythepolarexpressride.com/2023-dates-and-times/
Dates throughout November & December, price varies by date.
The Polar Express in returning to South Devon Railway for 2023. Trains leave Buckfastleigh Station after which they theatrically recreate the film for passengers. Throughout your train ride you’ll be entertained, meeting the Conductor and his crew. At the North Pole you’ll meet Santa and one of his friendly elves who will climb aboard the train. The Conductor will even clip your Polar Express tickets just like in the film. After the show, there’ll be a magical photo opportunity where the whole family can pose with the Polar Express train. Booking essential. See website for prices and availability.
Crealy Adventure Park, Sidmouth Rd, Exeter, Devon, EX5 1DR.
https://www.crealy.co.uk/events/crealy-christmas-spectacular
Selected dates from 22nd December to 23rd December. Crealy has loads going on during their Christmas spectacular event including: The Elves and the Toymaker Ice Show, Santa’s Meet & Greet Experience, Toy Shop, Sounds of the Wilderness Immersive Adventure, Mary's Christmas Bakery, Sooty's Christmas Show & Santa's Post Office. See the website for full details. Tickets must be booked in advance and are very popular so be sure to book early.
Arlington Court, Arlington, Barnstaple, Devon, EX31 4LP.
Information for 2023 to be confirmed when announced.
Father Christmas will be visiting Arlington Court for one weekend only on Saturday 17th & Sunday 18th December. A festive Grotto will be set up in the stables and children will receive a present. £6 per child.
Whilst visiting Arlington Court you can enjoy the Victorian Christmas house decorations, and take part in the Christmas Carol children's trail (£2/trail).
Stuart Line Cruises, Marina, Pier Head, Exmouth EX8 1FE
https://www.stuartlinecruises.co.uk/sail-with-santa/
Sail with Santa from 2nd December 2023. Tickets must be purchased online, and this is always very popular and does sell out.
Set sail on the calm waters of the River Exe taking some well-deserved time out to enjoy Christmas together. Meet Santa in his enchanting on-board grotto where the children will receive an amazing handpicked gift whilst the grown ups can enjoy a glass of secret recipe mulled wine and a locally baked mince pie.
Bicton Park Botanical Gardens, Bicton Park, East Budleigh, Budleigh Salterton, Exeter EX9 7BJ
https://www.bictongardens.co.uk/index.php?route=product/category&path=59_70
Bicton Park have the traditional Santa in his lounge along with his little helpers to make a special visit to remember.
Santa's lounge is available Saturday 16th, Sunday 17th and Saturday 23rd December. Tickets must be pre-booked via their website.
Boringdon Hall, Plymouth, PL7 4DP
https://www.boringdonhall.co.uk/house-of-christmas/festive-events/santas-grotto/
Arrive and be dazzled by a dance performance, enjoy a divine Festive Afternoon Tea, get creative with Christmas activities including gingerbread decorating and meet Santa Claus himself to receive a Christmas present; it’s a delightful day out for the whole family. £39 for adults, £23.95 for children. Sunday 3rd December, Sunday 10th December and Sunday 17th December. Book in advance.
Exeter, Whipton Community Hall
https://www.whiptonhall.com/events/
Information for 2023 to be confirmed when announced.
Santa will be visiting Whipton Hall on Saturday 10 December 2022. Details to be confirmed.
Plymouth Boat Trips, Barbican Landing Stage
https://www.plymouthboattrips.co.uk/cruising/special-themed-cruises/special-themed-cruises/
Christmas Party Cruise, Saturday 16th December
A fun and festive party and cruise for the whole family. Ticket price includes tea/coffee and a mince pie for adults, plus a soft drink and seasonal selection box for each child. With festive music and face painting it’s the best Christmas party in town! Trips last for 3 hours..
Saunton Sands Hotel, Saunton, Near Braunton EX33 1LQ
https://sauntonsands.co.uk/events/festive-family-day-2023
Saunton Sands Hotel have a full days worth of festive activities for all the family to enjoy. On 3rd, 10th, 17th and 18th of December. Th families can arrive from 11am to use the facilities followed by a 3-course festive lunch. For the afternoon there is a children's entertainer before the visit to Santa's Grotto where children will receive a small gift.
Tickets are £40 per adult & £20 per child. Booking essential.
The Milky Way Adventure Park, Bideford, EX39 5RY.
https://www.themilkyway.co.uk/events/view/magical-christmas-fun
9th -10th December and 16th-23rd December 2023.
Journey through the magical snowy forest to Buzzlewicks Elf Emporium in The Old Barn, where all children will get to meet Buzzlewick the Elf and friends, have a go a gingerbread decorating, write a letter to Santa and make reindeer food. Then there’ll be the chance to be invited into Santa’s cosy Christmas Cottage to chat to the jolly fella himself and then collect your special festive gift.
Ullacombe Farm, Haytor Rd, Bovey Tracey, Newton Abbot TQ13 9LL
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/ullacombe-farm-cafe-amp-shop-14229465864
Information for 2023 to be confirmed when announced.
Saturday 19th & Sunday 20th November 2022.
Ullacombe Farm are once again hosting their Big Breakfast with Father Christmas. Families are able to pre-order their food ahead of the occasion and all children will receive a gift and some time with Father Christmas.
Saturday 26th & Sunday 27th November 2022.
Also at Ullacombe this year, is their Christmas market which includes the polar post office, Buzzlewicks elf emporium & Father Christmas experience.
Tickets are available from the cafe, advance booking required.
Bear Town, Cullompton, EX15 1RZ.
Between Saturday 2nd December and Sunday 24th December 2023.
Visit Bear Town this Christmas for a special festive experience. Children will enjoy a 2-hour play session and families will be given their own buzzer which will magically activate when Santa is ready to see you in his Grotto.
Prices vary and tickets can be booked online.
Woodland Cafe, Staplehill Road, Liverton TQ12 6FU
The Woodland Cafe have confirmed that their Winter Wonderland is returning for 2023. There is Santa for the little ones, boozy hot chocolates for the adults and live music for the whole family to enjoy.
Tickets to see Santa can be booked in advance and include a child's pizza, drink and present.
Woodlands Theme Park, Totnes, TQ9 7DQ.
https://www.woodlandspark.com/events/
Visit Woodlands this year for an authentic Christmas grotto experience. Wander through 10 unique rooms within the grotto, and receive a gift from Santa.
Tickets must be booked in advance.
Bygones, Fore Street, St Marychurch, Torquay, Devon, TQ1 4PR.
http://bygones.co.uk/pages/whats-on
Information for 2023 to be confirmed when announced.
Friday 23rd & Saturday 24th December 2022. 11am - 3pm.
Bygones are offering the chance to see a traditional Victorian Santa this Christmas. Children will receive a present, drink and sweet treat, and adults can enjoy a complementary drink and mince pie.
Tickets are £15 for children aged 4-14 years, £5 for under 4's. Includes entry into Bygones and a children's Christmas hunt.
Paignton Zoo, Totnes Rd, Paignton, Devon, TQ4 7EU.
https://www.paigntonzoo.org.uk/
Information for 2023 to be confirmed when announced.
3rd, 4th, 10th, 11th, 17th & 24th Dec 2022.
Santa will be resident at his magical grotto in Paignton Zoo again this year, and Mrs Claus will be there too!
Tickets are £12.50 per child and include a present and storytelling from Mrs Claus. Normal admission to the zoo also needs to be paid.
Knightshayes National Trust, Tiverton, EX16 7RG.
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/knightshayes/features/christmas-at-knightshayes-2022
Weekends 2nd-17th December, then daily 18th-23rd December.
Father Christmas returns to Knightshayes this December. Our traditional green suited Father Christmas will be telling stories of the North Pole and giving gifts to all good children.
Booking essential via the National Trust website.
Lynton & Barnstaple Railway, Woody Bay Station, Martinhoe Cross, Parracombe, Barnstaple, EX31 4RA.
Lynton & Barnstaple Railway have confirmed that they will be running some Christmas Specials again this year. All trains are steam-hauled using Victorian carriages. Santa and friends will be at Woody Bay Station each day from 16th - 24th December 2023, where Woody Bay Station will be festively decorated.
Morwellham Quay, Nr Tavistock, Devon, PL19 8JL.
In previous years, Morwellham Quay have held a special Christmas event, but at present it has not been advertised as returning for 2023.
Drakes Circus, Plymouth, Devon, PL1 2AA.
From 19th November dance with the Nutcracker, help train a rookie reindeer, marvel at Inka the Polar Bear, have your portrait painted by a princess, say cheese with the Merry Christmas Mice and get caught in a festive flurry!
Escot Estate, Ottery St Mary, Devon, EX11 1LU.
https://devon.wildwoodtrust.org/whats-on/
No details yet for 2023.
Otter Nurseries, Ottery St Mary, Devon, EX11 1LZ
Otter Nurseries have confirmed that here will not be a Santa's Grotto for 2023.
For Christmas gifts by post this year see our Christmas Food Hampers.