It’s almost time to dust off those elves and find shelves to hide them on, so it’s no wonder that Santa is making a couple of pit stops in Devon this month to get ahead of the rush!

Why not kick start your Christmas festivities by taking the kids (and the dogs!) to Santa’s grotto so he can get a better idea on who has been naughty and who has been nice this year.

North Devon

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National Trust Arlington Court
Arlington, Barnstaple EX31 4LP

This intriguing Regency house and collection of horse drawn vehicles and picturesque gardens offers a lovely place for a bracing winter walk and at Christmas there are several themed activities taking place. The house will be decorated as a Victorian family Christmas, Arlington after dark walks, Christmas tree trails and a chance to visit Father Christmas in his grotto.

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Milky Way Adventure Park
Bideford, EX39 5RY

After winning TripAdvisor’s Traveller’s Choice Award multiple years in a row, a day out at Milky Way is always worth the trip but especially at Christmas when you have Santa in his snowy cottage, an Elf Emporium to explore and a train ride on offer!

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RHS Rosemoor
Great Torrington EX38 8PH

You might not think that a garden is the place to go for Christmas fun but you’d be wrong! RHS Rosemoor’s Children’s Christmas Party is on 21st and 22nd December and promises to be an afternoon of fun! Make sure to come in your sparkliest outfit!

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The Mole Resort
Umberleigh EX37 9HD

There are a host of activities taking place at the Mole Resort. Meet and Greet with Santa, join in with carol singing and enjoy some festive entertainment. 

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South Devon

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House of Marbles
Old Pottery, Pottery Road, Bovey Tracey TQ13 9DS

A trip to House of Marbles is exciting whatever the occasion but at Christmas the team go all out providing festive fun for the whole family, including the four legged members! This Christmas, grab some unique gifts from the shop, stop by the café for some festive treats and visit Santa himself. All children that visit the grotto will receive a festive goody bag and after last year’s success, Santa Paws is back too! That means your pets can come meet Santa too! 
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Pennywell Farm
Lower Dean, Buckfastleigh TQ11 0LT

As an award winning farm, Pennywell Farm provides a great day out for the whole family and at this time of year there are a host of fun, festive events taking place. The Pennywell Christmas experience gives you a chance to meet Father Christmas, visit the elf’s shop, cuddle some cute animals, see a nativity and much more!
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South Devon Railway
The Station, Buckfastleigh TQ11 0DZ

With picturesque views and plenty of family friendly events, South Devon Railway is a wonderful way to experience a trip down memory lane. Every Christmas, you can enjoy their Polar Express Train Ride, which is running from 24th November onwards. Santa and his elves will be on board, to take your Christmas lists.
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Boringdon Hall
Plympton, Plymouth PL7 4DP

It isn’t just Devon’s top attractions getting in on the action, Boringdon Hall Hotel and Spa are also giving you a chance to meet Father Christmas. Feel the magic of the season with entertainment, festive Afternoon Tea, Christmas crafts and a gift from the man himself.
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Woodlands Family Theme Park
Dartmouth TQ9 7DQ

With 10 play zones full of rides, attractions and animals, there is always something to explore at Woodlands, even without the additional stuff for Christmas. Starting on 25th November, they are opening up their Christmas Grotto which will run every year up until 17th December. And don’t forget to head to Woodlands after dark for another special festive event!
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The Box
Tavistock Place, Plymouth PL4 8AX

One of the UK’s most exciting cultural attractions, there’s a host of activities taking place for young children and their parents all year around, on top of nine permanent galleries and temporary exhibitions. During December, you can enjoy Breakfast with Santa at their kitchen and bar – it’s a great way to get the day off to a festive start!
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Dartmoor Zoo
Sparkwell, PL7 5DG

Hidden within the Dartmoor National Park, you’ll find Dartmoor Zoo, made famous by We Bought a Zoo, which was made into a Hollywood film. This Christmas season, you can join Father Christmas for breakfast before the zoo opens properly – if you’re good you might even get a special gift!
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Dartmoor Zoo

Dartmoor Zoo

Dartmoor Zoo, connecting people and wildlife. Join us for a fun packed, animal filled day, on the…

East Devon

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Seaton Tramway
Harbour Road, Seaton EX12 2WD

Seaton Tramway has been providing unique days out for generations and you can expect nothing less with their Polar Express tram rides. Jump on board for a trip to Santa’s home in the North Pole, with treats and a gift from Santa himself!
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Crealy Theme Park & Resort
Sidmouth Road, Exeter EX5 1DR

Home to over 60 rides, Crealy has everything you need for the ultimate family day out, whatever the weather! Throughout December on selected dates, you can enjoy the park’s Christmas celebrations, which includes Santa’s Magical Ice Show, Sooty’s Christmas Show, Buddy and Blossom’s Jingle Bell Show and chances to meet Santa himself!
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Stuart Line Cruises
Exmouth Marina, Exmouth EX8 1FE

A multi award winning, family run passenger boat company based in Exmouth and offering cruises around the Jurassic Coast. This year their popular Sail with Santa cruises are back – with festive treats, a chance to meet Santa and even gifts for the kids, this is a Santa’s Grotto experience you won’t forget in a hurry.
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Bicton Park
East Budleigh, Budleigh Salterton EX9 7BJ

Steeped in history, Bicton Park is atmospheric enough at the best of times, so you can expect something truly wonderful at Christmas time! There are several Christmas themed activities taking place throughout December, including a chance to meet Santa in his grotto, make sure to  book your tickets early to avoid disappointment!
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Mid Devon

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Bear Town
Cullompton, EX15 1RZ

With 12 different role play areas, there’s always something fun going on a Bear Town. This year, the Christmas Grotto experience gives you a chance to meet a cheerful elf for crafts before meeting Santa himself. Plus there are a host of festive play sessions going on too!
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National Trust Castle Drogo
Drewsteignton, nr Exeter EX6 6PB

Did you know that Castle Drogo is the youngest castle in England? Discover this and loads more with a trip to Castle Drogo this festive season. Father Christmas will be popping in throughout December, so join him for a story by the fireside.
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Powderham Castle
Kenton, nr Exeter EX6 8JQ

The family home of the Courteney family for over 600 years, this is a great way to learn about how times have changed in Devon and they even offer free return visits because there is just so much to do! This year’s Christmas at the Castle event features an illuminated trail and a chance to visit Santa’s Grotto!
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Bear Town

Bear Town

Bear Town is a unique role play experience for children set in an immersive town setting, unlike…

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Events in Devon this Christmas