So here we are, well into autumn, and winter on its way. Time to get out the chunky jumpers, thick socks, and hats and scarves, time to wrap up and embrace the season because there’s plenty going on in our little corner of the world. Whether you’ve already got a stay at Stonehayes Farm booked, or it’s something you’re thinking about, check out our round up of what’s on in East Devon.
There’s nothing like a festive event to bring you good cheer in the colder weather. The twinkly lights, the smiles, the sparkles; the mince pies, the mulled wine, the Christmas music (even if it is a little cheesey!). It all makes you happy, it makes you appreciate the magic of the season, especially if you’re sharing it with people who mean the world to you. It’s up to you what you do with those moments, but we’re firm believers in ‘take them, turn them into memories’.
So if you’re down here in East Devon this time of year, here’s where to go to fill up on festive fun…
Ottery St Mary Tar Barrels
Things kick off on bonfire night with this unique event held in the small town of Ottery St Mary. The townsfolk and visitors by the coachload come to line the streets and watch blazing tar barrels carried aloft by fearless locals. Sounds madcap? Well, yes, it is, but it’s fun and the sense of camaraderie and community atmosphere is huge – everyone is just there to watch this crazy spectacle and enjoy the night.
There are event stewards and barrel marshals to help with crowd monitoring and control, and while it is a family event, it’s not for younger children after 7pm and pushchairs are not allowed.
Paulo’s Christmas Circus, Exeter
Paulo’s Christmas Circus sets up at Greendale Farm Shop on the edge of Exeter from 15th December 2025 to 3 January 2026, and what enormous fun this is! Think all the festive feels, the thrills and the magic all beneath the heated big top; there are acrobats, clowns, stunts and lots of laughter, so it’s very much an event that the whole family can enjoy. Tuck into popcorn, candy floss and hot dogs and make amazing memories!
The live show lasts an hour and 15 minutes, there’s a parking area for prams and buggies, spaces that can be reserved for wheelchair users, and there are loos on site. Get your tickets online and look forward to this seasonal extravaganza.
Greendale Farm Shop, Exeter
As well as the Christmas Circus, there’s loads more going on at Greendale Farm Shop, with a calendar of regular events throughout autumn and winter 2025. Rock up for Christmas Tasting Evening on 20th November, book for Christmas Wine Tasting on 24th, or a Christmas Wreath Workshop with all the materials supplied. Go to the Love Local Christmas Market, running from 29th November – 24 December, don your festive fancy dress and join in the Jingle Jog in aid of Hospicecare on 30th November, and then, best of all, on weekends throughout December, Santa will be in residence at his grotto. Take the kids to see him, fill your baskets with goodies in the Farm Shop, fill your bellies in the café/restaurant, grab a Fish & Chip Takeaway or something from the Drive-Thru.
Killerton (NT), Broadclyst, Exeter
Christmas is a very special time at Killerton, all very much in keeping with the 18th century house that stands at the heart of a sprawling estate with formal gardens and a chapel. Go and see the house in its festive splendour, with an enormous tree twinkling with lights, lush garlands of natural greenery, and hand-crafted decorations. Join in with the seasonal music and games, go for a stroll around the gardens, let the kids have fun on the Outdoor Children’s Trail, experience the hush when you see the Community Christmas Trees in the chapel, so very atmospheric.
And what else? Go to the Stables Coffee Shop or Killerton Kitchen Café for mince pies of course.
Open from 29th November 2025 – 4th January 2-26 from 10am-4:30pm, closing at 2pm on Xmas Eve, and closed Xmas Day and Boxing Day.
Knightshayes, Bolham, Tiverton (NT)
All the traditions of the festive season come to life at Knightshayes this time of year; for 2025 it’s going to be a proper Victorian Christmas with a huge tree, decorations of the era, and aptly themed activities. Come wrapped up for the festive late nights at weekends throughout December, follow the magical Candy Cane Trail around the gardens, solve Christmas puzzles, warm up with hot chocolate and freshly baked mince pies, or a bowl of soup in the Stables Café. From 21st-23rd December Father Christmas will be here for story telling and you have to agree, it doesn’t get much more magical than that.
Open from 22nd November 2025 – 4th January 2026, closed Xmas Eve, Xmas Day and Boxing Day.
Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market, Exeter
From 10am on Thursday 20th November to 9pm on Friday 19th December 2025, Cathedral Green in the heart of Exeter comes alive with the annual Christmas Market. Weave your way through twinkling alpine chalets, savour seasonal delights, sip mulled wine, and shop from local traders. With the backdrop of the beautiful Gothic cathedral, the atmosphere is wonderful.
The cathedral is hosting several seasonal events, including a Christingle service on 29th November, an Advent Procession on the 30th, and the Lord Mayors Carol Service on the 1st December.
Exeter Winter Wonderland, Exeter
Get yourselves down to Northernhay Gardens from 21st November – 28th December 2025 and you’re in for a fabulous festive treat. The gardens are transformed into a wonderful Winter Wonderland with so much going on! Book ahead for ice skating on a real ice rink, take the younger folk to Santa’s Grotto and the traditional Funfair, soak up the magic of the Light Trail, and of course, tuck into festive food & drink.
Seaton Tramway, Seaton
Every year Seaton Tramway brings its Polar Express to Jurassic Coast, for selected dates throughout November and December, and what a joy it is. Ride the decorated Polar Express tram through the wetlands of Seaton on the Exe estuary to Santa’s Grotto in the illuminated North Pole. There’s hot chocolate and treats onboard and kids get a gift from Santa. On the way back you can join in the carol singing. Check dates online.
Stuart Line Cruises, Exmouth
Embark from Exmouth with Stuart Line Cruises for a leisurely cruise on the peaceful waters of the Exe estuary – but with a difference. This is the Sail With Santa Cruise, starting on 6th December 2025, and how lovely and Christmassy it is, with the boat all decorated, cosy blankets to keep you warm, and covered and heated lower decks. The kids get gifts and can go say hello to the man himself in his onboard grotto; for the grown ups there’s secret recipe mulled wine and homemade mince pies.
Check out the programme of events on the website because they also run Festive Specials, Christmas Boat Parties, Winter River Exe Cruises and for the twitchers, Guided Bird Watching Cruises.
So get out there, get a whole load of that lovely festive vibe, feel a part of the community, love your stay in East Devon.
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