The festive season is nearly here, and Santa will soon be making appearances across Devon. From Christmas grottos and winter wonderlands to illuminated parades and a festive cruise, there are plenty of ways to add a little magic to your visit.

Here are some of the places to meet Santa in Devon in 2026. Some events run on selected dates, so check with the organiser for availability and booking details before you travel.

Santa grottos and Christmas events in South Devon

  • Lanterns, Lights and Luminations, Brixham – 20 November 2026
  • Plymouth Winter Wonderland grotto – 20 November to 24 December 2026
  • Christmas Nativity and Santa at Pennywell Farm – selected dates from 22 November to 24 December 2026
  • Candlelit Dartmouth – 27 November 2026
  • Santa’s Grotto at Boringdon Hall – selected dates from 29 November 2026
  • Powderham Castle Christmas Lights and Grotto – 1 to 31 December 2026
  • Magical Grotto at The House of Marbles, Bovey Tracey – selected dates from 5 to 23 December 2026
  • Santa’s Grotto at Woodlands, near Dartmouth – selected dates from 5 to 23 December 2026
  • Meet Santa at Newton Abbot’s Lantern Parade – 9 December 2026
  • Santa’s Grotto at Dartmoor Zoo – selected dates from 12 to 23 December 2026
  • Santa in the Caves at Kents Cavern, Torquay – 28–29 November; 5–6, 11–13, 17, 19–20 and 21–24 December 2026. This immersive grotto experience takes families through the caves to meet Santa.
  • Father and Mother Christmas at Torre Abbey, Torquay – 5–6, 12–13 and 19–20 December 2026. Booking is essential.
  • Christmas Fayre at Cary Arms & Spa, Babbacombe – 20 December 2026, 12–5pm. The seaside fayre includes Santa’s Grotto, lunch, live music and crafts.

Santa grottos and Christmas events in East Devon

  • Grotto at Exeter Winter Wonderland – selected dates from 28 November to 24 December 2026
  • Sail with Santa with Stuart Line Cruises – selected dates from 5 to 22 December 2026
  • Christmas at Crealy, near Exeter – selected dates from 5 to 23 December 2026
  • Santa’s Grotto at Wildwood Devon, Ottery St Mary – selected dates from 5 to 23 December 2026

Santa grottos and Christmas events in North Devon

  • The Magic of Christmas at Milky Way Adventure Park – selected dates from 5 to 23 December 2026
  • Clovelly Christmas Lights and Santa – 6 December 2026
  • Santas on a Bike, South Molton – 12 December 2026

·  The Father Christmas Experience at The Big Sheep, near Bideford – 28–29 November; 5–6, 12–13 and 19–24 December 2026. The experience includes a festive tour and a meeting with Father Christmas.

  • Meet Father Christmas at Arlington Court, near Barnstaple – 5 and 6 December 2026. The National Trust is also offering Father Christmas storytelling sessions on selected dates.
  • The Saunton Christmas Experience at Saunton Sands Hotel – 6, 13 and 20 December 2026. Families can enjoy a two-course lunch, with children able to visit Santa in his grotto and receive a small gift.

Whether you’re visiting a traditional grotto, watching a festive parade or enjoying Christmas lights, Devon has plenty of seasonal events to look forward to. Check event details before setting off, as dates and availability may vary.