Christmas Breaks in Torquay And The English Riviera

Christmas in Torquay on The English Riviera

Another year is rattling by and before we know it Christmas will be upon us which is why it worth planning ahead. Over the Christmas and throughout December there is a lot to do and see on The English Riviera so whether you are wanting a pre Christmas break or a Christmas break or whether you are visting friends or family, it's worth making those plans now.

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Muntham Holiday Apartments

1st September, 2023

English Riviera - Train of Lights - Christmas

The English Riviera - A Bay Of Lights Throughout December And Christmas

Last years Bay of Lights was such a success that it is back for 2023 and is bigger with an expanded Trail of Lights in Torquay and with attractions joining in with their own Christmas lights events and expading on their previous offerings..

Torquay's Bay of Lights Trail was hugely popular in 2022 and this year it can be seen from 1st December to 2nd January. It now reaches all the way to Torquay harbour.

Over at Paignton Zoo they are completing their centenary year with their Glo Wild event running from 17th November to 2nd January. Described as an "immersive event" this is sure to add an extra magical dimension to a fanatstic visit.

And of course there is the massively popular Christmas Train of Lights from the Dartmouth Steam Railway Company which is also back bigger and better than ever with more surprises along the way.

Torquay and The English Riviera over The Christmas period

Christmas shows and Entertainment

There is a varied entertainment offering over the Christmas period which means there is sure to be something to appeal to everyone.

Torquay's traditional way of kicking off Christmas entertainment is with the Royal Marines Christmas Spectacular which takes place on 3rd December at The Princess Theatre. Two days before this concert, on 1st December, the Concert band of Dartmouth Royal Naval College have their Christmas Radio Hits Concert at the Palace Theatre in Paignton.

And of course the Christmas period wouldn't be complete without a panto. The Palace Theatre has a local production of Aladdin running from 16th December to 1st January whilst over at The Princess Theatre in Torquay there is a new and panto style re-telling of the tale of Beauty and The Beast. This goes from 9th December to 31st December,

The Little Theatre in Torquay have a thriller Who Killed Santa Claus? from 13th to 18th November and is then staging a comedy drama Cranford at Christmas. This runs from 11th to 16th December.

English Riviera Christmas Trail of Lights - Torquay seafront.

Christmas Attractions and Events

Many of the key attractions have special Christmas events. Kents Cavern have their Carols in the Caves running from 28th November through to 14th December. Here you get to experience choirs performing by candlelight with the unique acoustics of the caves.

At The Babbacombe Model Village there is A very Miniature Christmas with a whole lot of new illuminations for 2023. This open on select dates between 2nd December and 31st December.

National Trust Properties open up for the Christmas Period. Agatha Christie's holiday home Greenway is open for select dates between 25th November and 31st December. These dates are also when Coleton Fishacre is open too.

Totnes Street Market is a well established and busy event which really gets you in the mood for the festive period. It takes place every Tuesday evening from 5th December to 19th December. This is just a five minute walk from Muntham.

Our local Wellswood neighbourhood sees the return of the massively popular Wellswood Christmas steet party and Fayre. This event will takeplace on 14th December between 4pm and 9pm.

Christmas and Pre Christmas breaks in Torquay and The English Riviera.

Christmas Sporting Fixtures and Events

And of course for sports fans there is a whole host of fixtures and events. For fans of football, Torquay United has festive fixtures on 23rd December as well as on Boxing Day 26th December.

For rugby enthusiasts there are fixtures at Sandy park for the Exeter Chiefs on 17th December and 23rd December.

Exeter Racecourse meanwhile, has a packed programme of festive racing starting on 8th December and including 21st December and 1st January.

And for the daring, there is of course the Boxing Day Swim event. These now take place in Torquay as well as Paignton and Teignmouth,.