Primary Times - the definitive what’s on and where to go family guide of activities and events for children of primary school age. Things to do with your kids during the school holidays including arts and craft activities, music and theatre for children, parties, competitions, days out, and family attractions along with term time drama schools, dance classes, after school clubs and sports activities. Things to do at a place near you!
Christmas light trails, light switch-ons and other light events in Devon 2025
Welcome to our guide to the stunning light trails, mesmerizing light displays, and enchanting light-themed events across Cornwall! Whether you’re a local resident or visiting this beautiful region, Devon offers a truly unique experience when it comes to celebrating the magic of light. From glittering winter festivals to immersive light art installations and dazzling illuminated trails, there's something for everyone. Let us take you on a journey through the best light events that will brighten your day and leave you in awe. Explore, enjoy, and get ready to be inspired by the vibrant and captivating world of light in Devon!
Light Switch Ons in Devon 2025
- Plymouth City Centre Christmas lights - 13th November 2025
- Plymouth Barbican Christmas lights - 15th November 2025
- Dawlish - 29th November 2025
- Axminster - 29th November 2025
- Newton Abbot - 22nd November 2025
- Barnstaple - 27th November 2025
- Aaron's Charity Light Switch On, 16 Furze Hill Road, Ilfracombe - 29th November 2025
- Bideford - 7th December 2025
- Tavistock - 5th December 2025
- Clovelly - 30th November 2025
- Holsworthy - 29th November 2025
- Totnes - 25th November 2025
- Torquay - 28th November 2025
- Topsham - 28th November 2025
- Ashburton - 15th November 2025
- Dartmouth (part of Candleit Dartmouth) - 28th November
- Dawlish - 29th November (part of Christmas in Dawlish)
- Sidmouth Christmas Lights - 22nd November 2025
- Combe Christmas Lights (Ilfracombe) - 28th November 2025
- Crediton Christmas Lights - 29th November 2025
- Exmouth (Exmouth Winter Festival) - 29th November 2025
- Tiverton Light Switch On - 22nd November 2025
- Cullompton - 29th November 2025
- Bampton - 28th November 2025
|
Selected dates from 21st November to 30th December 2025 RHS Glow 2025 RHS Rosemoor www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/rosemoor Return of the much-loved light event. New for 2025, discover the redsigned Winter Garden, where trees shimmer in ethereal blues and greens and light installations create a wonderland perfrect for families and festive photos. Delicious food and drink and Christmas shopping options are available |
|
28th November to 2nd January 2026 Bay of Lights Illumination Trail Torquay At the heart of the Bay of Lights is the 1.5-mile Illumination Trail along Torquay seafront. This free and fully accessible trail features 18 large-scale light installations that stretch from Torre Abbey to Torquay’s harbour side. Expect stunning digital light shows, festive music, and countless photo opportunities to make magical memories with friends and family. New For 2025! This year’s biggest new attraction is sure to excite. For the first time in years, Torbay will welcome a real ice rink, bringing a dazzling new dimension to the Bay of Lights festivities! Nestled in the heart of Abbey Park, this sparkling 39m x 12m rink invites residents and visitors of all ages to glide across the ice in a truly magical setting. It will open daily from Saturday 6 December 2025 to Friday 2 January 2026, offering hourly sessions for up to 80 skaters, all under a beautifully lit canopy to ensure the fun continues regardless of the weather. So, whether you're a seasoned skater or stepping onto the ice for the first time, this enchanting experience promises festive fun and laughter. Back by popular demand, Torre Abbey will once again host the spectacular "Alive with Light" show. This immersive experience transforms the historic abbey into a canvas of light and sound, taking audiences on a visual journey through its rich history—from its 12th-century origins to the present day. Through beautifully mapped projections and a soundtrack featuring music from the Medieval, Tudor, Georgian, and Victorian eras, visitors will witness the evolution of Christmas celebrations across the centuries. Also returning to Torquay is the Torre Abbey Christmas Market, which will be open from Friday 28 November to Sunday 21 December, and is a festive haven for seasonal shopping and delicious local food. Whether you're starting or ending your Illumination Trail adventure, the market offers artisan gifts and crafts, fabulous local food offerings and an atmospheric bar serving the best of the South West. This year, Torre Abbey is certainly at the heart of the festive magic! |
|
Dates from 6th December 2025 Late night Victorian Christmas at Knightshayes Knightshayes Discover the twinkling lights and decorations bringing a festive glow to the house and stables. Stop by the cafe for a hot drink or sweet treat and explore the shop for those festive presents |
Dates from 6th December 2025
Late night Victorian Christmas at Knightshayes
Knightshayes
Discover the twinkling lights and decorations bringing a festive glow to the house and stables. Stop by the cafe for a hot drink or sweet treat and explore the shop for those festive presents
Dates from 22nd November
A Very Miniature Christmas 2025
Babbacombe Model Village and Gardens
https://model-village.co.uk/a-very-miniature-christmas/
Thousands of miniature lights, along with special fire and lighting effects
21st to 22nd November 2025
Lanterns, Lights and ‘Luminations
Brixham
https://www.brixhamtowncouncil.gov.uk/
Event including an enchanting lantern parade, a firework display, live music, captivating street entertainment and a bustling street market. See the website for the schedule of lights
1st to 31st December 2025
Christmas at the Castle
Powderham Castle
Illuminated light walk where the castle and its grounds are adorned with holiday lights for a striking display. Inside see the Festive House experience which features rooms decorated in seasonal décor. Also enjoy live music performances and a variety of food and beverage options.
Selected dates from 4th December 2025
Magical Christmas Nights at Woodlands
Woodlands
Chance to see dazzling lights in the dark with Christmas light trails before touring Santa’s Grotto
Edwardian Evening and Light Switch On - Okehampton
Okehampton
35 gift and food stalls, bubble show, live music, late night shopping rides – light switch on at 6pm.
6th to 15th December
Christmas Festival – Tavistock
Pannier Market, Butchers Hall and Bedford Square
Artisan and gift market, local choirs, festive rides
15th November to 28th December
RHS Glow 2024 – Rosemoor
RHS Rosemoor
www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/rosemoor
New route geaturing different garden areas with spectacular light installations and enjoy delicious food and Christmas shopping
Selected dates from 22nd November
Winter Twilight Fest
Crealy
www.crealy.co.uk
See the Park lit up with festive illuminations including a magical light tunnel.
23rd November
Christmas Lights Switch On – Newton Abbot
Daytime entertainment, street food, free children’s entertainment. Father Christmas switches on the Lights at St Leonards Clock Tower
26th November
Totnes Town Council Christmas Light Switch On
Market Square and Civic Hall
Free, family-friendly community event with entertainment and children’s crafts before the lights are officially switched on at 5:30pm
29th November to 30th December
Christmas Train of Lights
Dartmouth Steam Railway
Festive illuminated train journey
Dates from 29th November
Winter Lights at Knightshayes 2024
Knightshayes
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/knightshayes
Discover the Formal Garden lit up on selected dates in December. Explore some of the most special places in the Formal Garden via an illuminated route
29th November to 2nd January
Bay of Lights
Torquay
Illumination trail with 18 large light installations and a Christmas market
800 Years of Christmas
Torre Abbey
Projection event celebrating the rich heritage of the abbey and the festive spirit of Christmas
1st December
A Big Merry Yule Market
Bideford Pannier Market
Over 50 traders as well as carol singers and more
1st December and 13th to 15th December
Clovelly Court Garden – Christmas Illuminations
Clovelly Court Garden
Explore the historic gardens after dark
6th December
Dickensian Evening
Tavistock
Themed late night shopping event with Christmas light switch-on, entertainment, fairground ride, festive craft, food and drink and gift stalls
8th December
Christmas Lights in aid of the RNLI
Clovelly
Christmas light switch on with entertainment, carols, refreshments and fireworks. Proceeds go to the RNLI
13th December to 4th January
Zooluminate
Dartmoor Zoo
www.dartmoorzoo.co.uk
Experience a magical, wintery and festive walk around the site taking in a series of beautiful light installations