Have a Devonly good Christmas with these events

See some spectacular Christmas lights with a trip to Clovelly Court Gardens. After hours, explore the historic gardens as they are illuminated and enjoy some live music and mulled wine.

RHS Rosemoor is also all a-glow over the next few weeks with their Glow Illuminations event. Follow moving snowflake lights, and marvel at Christmas trees and shimmering mirror balls as you explore and take in the family entertainment.

Father Christmas will be stopping off at the Milky Way Adventure Park throughout December and he’ll be bringing some friends with him, including Buzzlewick the Elf, who will help you write out your Christmas lists and decorate some gingerbread.

Image: Milky Way Adventure Park 

Head to the Big Sheep to pick up some treats and last minute gifts with their Christmas markets – you can even win a selection of goodies, perfect for Christmas dinner in the prize draw!

Celebrate like a Viking at Buckland Abbey’s Viking Yule Event, running throughout the month, you’ll get a chance to explore how the Vikings celebrated at this time of year.

The Magical Christmas Experience at Pennywell Farm is the ultimate festive day out. The whole farm will be transformed into a magical winter wonderland, with twinkling lights, trees and plenty of sparkle!

Image: Pennywell Farm

In the English Riviera, head to Torre Abbey for one last chance to tell Father Christmas about this year’s wishes. As part of their festive celebrations, each family will have time with Father and Mother Christmas and will receive a special gift, just don’t forget to explore the rest of the Abbey and gardens!

Babbacombe Model Village will be illuminated throughout the month, giving you a whole new experience! Plus, the village will feature festive scenes and you can test yourself by searching for all the miniature Santas and elves that are dotted around the place!

At Coleton Fishacre, you can experience what Christmas would have been like 100 years ago with their 1920s themed décor. If you’re visiting with kids, make sure to take part in the festive outdoor trail, where you can find new characters on their search for Father Christmas!

If you’re visiting Dartmoor, stop off at Dartmoor Zoo for breakfast with Santa. Taking place before the zoo opens for the public, you’ll be able to enjoy a brilliant breakfast buffet, meet Santa and receive a special gift. After, why not take a trip around the Zoo and see what the animals are getting up to over the winter months. 

If you’re in Exeter, stop by Northernhay Gardens for Exeter’s Winter Wonderland. Running until Christmas Eve, there’s plenty of time to get into the spirit with visits to Santa and ice skating at Winter Wonderland. Of course, we can’t not mention the Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market – one of the best loved Christmas markets in the region. Not only can you discover the chalets and bars, but you can also explore the Cathedral, with their entry by donation scheme.

On the outskirts of Exeter is Powderham Castle who are hosting Christmas at the Castle, a bright and festive event for the whole family! Running until New Year’s Eve, you have the chance to explore a winter wonderland full of seasonal treats and a visit to Santa in his Grotto!

Somewhere else you can catch up with Santa is at Bear Town. This year’s Christmas Grotto Experience is running on certain dates through December, so don’t miss out on your chance to visit the magical Elf Workshop and speak to Father Christmas.

Why not do something a bit different to get into the spirit this Christmas with Stuart Line Cruises. Their Festive Special River Cruises take you on a voyage along the River Exe, where you can be surrounded by decorations, enjoy a festive tipple and take in the sights.

Image: Stuart Line Cruises

On the outskirts of Exeter is the National Trust’s Killerton estate, where you can enjoy traditional Christmas decorations and take in the sounds of the season with the local choirs singing in the Chapel.

Another National Trust site to add to your lists is Knightshayes, which can be found in Tiverton. The garden will be lit up on selected gates and the ground floor of the house will be decorated with traditional Victorian decorations – perfect for getting you in the mood for cheer!