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 activities in Devon
That, sometimes, exhaustive list of things to do in the run up to Christmas can seem overwhelming – even when there’s only a few weeks to go! A lot of the stress will dissipate by making a rolling list; breaking activities, duties and events into manageable chunks.
There’s always more choice with early reservations, so by prioritising actions such as buying pantomime tickets or booking a Santa visit, will give you first pickings of times and dates.
Don’t leave it to chance – those most desired dates get filled very quickly! Here’s a taste of things to come and to help you begin your list…
Top Tips for a smooth festive season
Stock up on frozen food: Head to the supermarkets before everyone else! Frozen food or pre-cooked food can come in handy as quick easy meals during the busy days running up to Christmas.
Get the children to write to Santa: As we get closer to Christmas, children are likely to be beside themselves with excitement. Encourage them to write a letter to the white bearded chap and who knows, if they are lucky, Santa may send a letter back!
Buy the small gifts: Don’t forget to stock up on small gifts for teachers, classroom assistants, neighbours, your child’s best friend and so on. You may wish to buy an emergency supply of gifts in case someone arrives unexpectedly with a present for you.
Spread out the shopping: Aim to do your shopping over several weeks. Not only will this spread the cost; it will allow you more time later on when things start getting really busy.
Go late night shopping: Don’t miss out on the magic of ‘Late night shopping’ as it can really lift the spirits. But not if it’s all a rush. Rather than frantically rushing around to buy gifts, aim to amble along at your own pace and soak up the festive atmosphere.
Buy those Panto Tickets: Remember to book your tickets for your favourite show on your preferred date before they sell out!
Festive Things to look forward to...
Christmas Markets 
Enter a Christmas market and instantly, you’ll be immersed into an inviting festive scene filled with cosy cabins, soft illuminations and an array of traders selling all sorts of unique craft items and tasty world food.
It’s an ideal environment to pick up slightly quirky gifts and sample authentic food from different parts of the world. Take a look through our what's on events to find a Christmas market near you.
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Christingle is a celebratory event, taking place every year in the run up to Christmas. Now in its 49th year, this vibrant event is hugely popular for churches and schools, raising millions to help change the lives of disadvantaged children. All it takes is an orange, a candle and a few dolly mixtures.
The themes of Christingle include serving other people, thinking about children in needy situations, celebrating light in the darkness, creativity and redemption. You can find out more about Christingle at www.christingle.org or visit www.messychurch.org.uk for an event near you.
Google Santa Tracker 2018
Google has launched Santa Tracker, a fun, educational and interactive way for children to experience more about the festive season. The experience starts with the opening of Santa’s Village on 1 December.
Then, not only does the countdown to Santa’s departure start, but each day until 24 December, visitors can learn basic coding skills, exercise their geography knowledge and create printable ornaments while learning about charitable organisations. Visit https://santatracker.google.com/village.html
Buy Tickets now for the Crealy Christmas Spectacular
This Christmas is going to be truly magical at Crealy Adventure Park and Resort. With something for the whole family to enjoy, the Crealy Christmas Spectacular, from Saturday 1 to Sunday 23 December, is Devon’s must-see event.
Tickets to the Crealy Christmas Spectacular include a seat in the heated Big Top Arena to see the sensational Christmas Ice Show. Watch as a team of international ice skaters and aerial artistes perform in this truly magical festive family show. Tickets also include entry to Santa’s Magical Toy Store where you’ll be surrounded by giant Christmas decorations and you’ll get to choose anything you want from over 30,000 fabulous toys and gifts.
Santa and his helpers will be on hand to help children choose their perfect present – and don’t miss the chance to win a Christmas lodge holiday for all the family.
In addition, there will be a fantastically festive Indoor Christmas Market in
a heated marquee. Find a selection of wonderful gift ideas, great value stocking fillers and other Christmas goodies. Tickets are only available online and in advance – book now at www.crealy.co.uk/events/crealy-christmas-spectacular
Stock up on the Latest Christmas Toys at Thomas Moore
Thomas Moore Toymaster is the number one toy outlet in the Exeter area and is the largest Lego stockist in the South West. It’s a treasure trove of a store packed with a huge variety of toys. Children simply love the shop as they can physically look at the toys and play on the interactive displays.
The store has huge buying power and passes on good competitive prices to customers. It offers a price promise and will price match other shops in Exeter (excluding sale prices/promotions and online prices). It’s a great example of shopping made easy - see exactly what you want and get it instantly at a great price!
Packed shelves include seasonal sets, special offers, exclusive and hard to find sets and much more. Whilst you’re at the shop, check out this season’s showstopper – a life size Lego Santa. For news and offers see www.thomasmooretoymaster.co.uk
All Aboard, Next Stop Christmas Town!
Kick start your family’s festive celebration with singing, dancing and all-round crazy Christmas fun with the Dartmoor Railway. Centring around the beloved children’s book The Train to Christmas Town, the family friendly train ride recreates the story of Janice and her brother on their annual ride to Christmas Town. Onboard, passengers will meet a host of interactive characters including a troupe of cheeky dancing elves who will serve up delicious cookies and cups of yummy hot chocolate.
Along with storytelling, singing and dancing with the elves, passengers will meet a very special guest when the train stops at Christmas Town. Santa Claus will be waiting to climb on board to meet each child and hand them a special gift!
This Christmas spectacle, expertly designed to bring the spirit of Christmas to families, will operate from Dartmoor Railway with train rides running from the 30 November right through to 23 December. Tickets start at £11.40 with standard and premium class tickets available. Tickets will be selling fast, so book early to avoid disappointment – visit www.dartmoorrailway.com or call 08000 232383.
All-day Sunday Christmas Lights Switch On Event: Sunday 18 November 2018
This year Exeter will be illuminated with the biggest display of Christmas lights it has ever seen. For the third year, InExeter will host and celebrate the city’s Christmas lights switch on event with a new festival for all the family culminating in the lights being switched on at a new time of 5pm on Sunday 18 November in close partnership with Stagecoach and sponsor Crealy.
The city will host a full day of family friendly, festive events including crafting activities, face painting and live music from local musicians. The city-wide festive illuminations will signal the start of the five late night shopping evenings leading up to Christmas, the first of which is on Thursday 22 November, when many of Exeter’s shops will stay open until 9pm. Read more at https://www.inexeter.com
All Aboard the Santa Express featuring Snow White
This year, Dartmouth Steam Railway’s famous and festive onboard mini-pantomime features Snow White. Father Christmas will also visit everyone at their seat with his band of merry helpers with gifts for all children aged up to 14 years. Adults are served a glass of mulled wine and a festive mince pie, whilst the close-up magic and lineside I-Spy will ensure that every member of the family is involved in this truly magical experience.
Also, there are a couple of new surprises this year so check online for details and make your plans now. Pre-booking is essential. For details call 01803 752370 or see www.dartmouthrailriver.co.uk
Festive Magic with Santa at Bernaville Nurseries
Experience the festive magic at Bernaville Nurseries by visiting Santa's grotto this December. Santa will be at the nursery on Saturday 8, Sunday 9, Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 December. Children will be able to join Santa for a home-cooked breakfast and visit his Christmas grotto to receive a gift or just visit him in his grotto. Booking is essential and is available via the website - www.bernaville.co.uk
Sleeping Beauty takes a nap at the Princess Theatre
Everyone likes a lie-in, but Sleeping Beauty takes it to a whole new level! Cursed by an evil fairy she is doomed to slumber forever until she is awoken by true love’s kiss. Sleeping Beauty will be at the Princess Theatre in Torquay, so set your alarm clocks for this year’s fun-filled pantomime. It’s the perfect festive family treat starring Melinda Messenger as Fairy Sparkle, Luke Friend as Prince Valentine, Aiden J Harvey as King Eggbert The Oval and Phil Randall as Queen Gertie the Gorgeous.
Plus, children will have the chance to watch the pantomime in their pyjamas at one of the special Pyjama Fridays. For tickets call 01803 206360 or see www.atgtickets.com/venues/princess-theatre-torquay
Join Santa in the Caves
Join Santa and his friends in a magical underground adventure on 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23 and 24 December at Kents Cavern. Get caught up in the magic as another exciting Christmas adventure ensues full of Christmas spirit, fun and laughter for all the family. It’s a truly wonderful experience that brings out the child in everyone and puts the joy and wonder back into Christmas.
This hour-long Panto style adventure takes families around the caves with some Christmas characters. Tickets include an hour-long promenade performance, a personal visit with Santa, fantastic Christmas present, mulled wine for the parents and mince pies. Every child, aged 2 to 12 years, will get to meet Santa and will receive a wrapped quality present. Tickets sell fast and booking is essential – book online at www.kents-cavern.co.uk
Honiton Pottery Shop is Gearing up for Christmas
Honiton Pottery Shop and Milkshake Bar is already gearing up for Christmas. It has received its Christmas stock ready for painting - such as Christmas tree decorations from baubles to hanging Santas, Christmas themed plates, bowls and table decorations.
Indulge in a mince pie flavour Christmassy milkshake, whilst enjoying painting with your children and friends. As a special offer to Primary Times readers, Honiton Pottery is offering 3 for the price of 2 on Christmas themed or Christmas present pottery painting during October. Prices start from £6 with no studio fees. See www.honitonpottery.co.uk
Exeter Children’s Orchestra present The Snowman
The animated film of The Snowman, featuring Howard Blake’s memorable music score, has become a great Christmas tradition. This December, Exeter Children’s Orchestra will be performing Devon’s only screenings of the animated film with live orchestral accompaniment at Belmont Chapel in Exeter on Saturday 8 December.
A matinee at 4pm is aimed at primary school-aged children and will include a children’s tea-party with Snowman-themed activities, whilst a second performance at 6.30pm will be followed by a programme of Christmas music guaranteed to get everyone in the festive mood. To book tickets, visit www.ticketsource.co.uk/eco
Book your Pantomime Tickets at the Queen’s Theatre now
Let your dreams take flight and don't miss Queen’s Theatre’s spectacular family pantomime this December. Peter Pan is an adventurous family pantomime and in 2018 will burst onto the Queen's Theatre stage in spectacular fashion. So, hop aboard the Jolly Roger on a first-class flight to Neverland, and see Peter Pan do battle with Captain Hook.
With all your favourite characters, stunning scenery, sparkling costumes, dazzling special effects, breath taking flying sequences and enough laughs to sink a pirate ship. Starring infamous Eastenders villain 'Nasty' Nick Cotton - John Altman as Captain Hook. Call 01271 316063.
Be Immersed in a Magical Journey with Bedtime Stories
Celebrate the magical time of the day when stresses and strains of life melt away and enter a world of imagination and dreams with Bedtime Stories at Dartington from 6 December to 6 January. Take the chance to unwind and be dazzled with circus, theatre, dance and projections from circus pioneers Upswing, tucked up with your family in a bedroom installation. This beautiful production is suitable for ages 3 years+. Call 01803 847070 or go to www.dartington.org/live
Santa arrives at the House of Marbles on 17 November
Be amazed and amused at House of Marbles in Bovey Tracey, where there are lots of wonderful sights to behold for all ages with family friendly dining and shopping experiences.
Discover a working glassworks, museums of games, pottery and marbles, bespoke interactive marble runs - plus Santa will be arriving at his Grotto at House of Marbles from 17 November again this year.
Open 7 days a week throughout the year. See www.houseofmarbles.com or call 01626 835285.
Choose your real Christmas Tree at Cotley Farm
Cotley Farm will be hosting two of their popular 'Choose a Tree' weekends on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 November and Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 November. Be transported to the Christmas tree fields by tractor and trailer where you can choose a Christmas tree which will be cut later for collection in December. Booking opens via Eventbrite in mid-October. For further information see www.cotleychristmas.co.uk or facebook @cotleyfarmchristmasshop
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Join the gang this Christmas as Exeter Little Theatre Company heads to Sherwood Forest for their retelling of Robin Hood. Meet Robin, his Merry Men, Maid Marian and her Girlpower Gang as they join forces to take on the bad guys at the Barnfield Theatre from 20 December until 5 January.
Tickets cost £14 for adults and £12 for the under 16s. Special £10 tickets will be available on 20 December and 3 January. Call the box office on 01392 271808 to get your tickets now. See #InTheHoodExeter
October Christmas Extravaganza at Lady’s Mile
This autumn, Lady’s Mile promises bags of cheer at its two-day Christmas Extravaganza on 20 and 21 October. This wonderfully celebratory event will feature a host of festive activities, a Santa's grotto and several special appearances from the world-famous polar bear Bjorn - who has performed at the Olympics and Cirque du Soleil - with the chance to meet the animatronic star up close. For details call 01626 863411 or see www.ladysmile.co.uk
Christmas at Killerton 
From Saturday 24 November to Sunday 6 January 2019, journey through Killerton’s rooms that have been transformed into scenes from Hans Christian Andersen’s much-loved tale, The Snow Queen. Outside continue your trip to the icy North in the outdoor trail with activities themed on the classic story. No trip visit to Killerton at Christmas would be complete without a visit to Father Christmas in his magical grotto. For full opening times or to book tickets for the house and Father Christmas visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/christmas-at-killerton or call 01392 881345
Capture the Magic at Princesshay
As Christmas approaches, Princesshay will be sparkling with lights, entertainment, live performances plus festive food and drink. It’s the place to tick your way through your Christmas shopping list and immerse yourself in the magic of the season.
Here’s a sneak preview of what Princesshay has in store for this season:
- Thursday 22 November: Charity Christmas light switch on, Roman Walk, Princesshay. If you’ve not seen this magical display before then make sure take a stroll through this sparkling walkway of trees, each dedicated to and decorated by a charity. This kicks off the first Thursday of late-night shopping.
Each and every late-night Thursday Princesshay has fabulous family entertainment lined up. Here’s a preview of what to expect:
- 22 Nov – Heliosphere, a spectacular aerial display featuring a giant balloon
- 29 Nov – Halo, a stunning visual act featuring super bright, glowing LEDs
- 6 Dec – Spark, incredible light up drummers, back for a second year.
- 13 Dec - Light walkers and a magical living snow globe
- 20 Dec – Giant, roller-skating illuminated presents
Santa by Steam – a Magical Christmas Journey! 
Every year, Father Christmas visits the South Devon Railway where he keeps his very special grotto train. All the children who visit him in his on-board grotto will receive a present, as the train goes from Buckfastleigh to Staverton and back, while mums and dads enjoy the ride and a delicious festive drink for the journey.
Santa’s steam train runs on 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16 and from 18 to 24 December. To book, follow the Book Online link on the website at www.southdevonrailway.co.uk, or call the booking office on 01364 644370.
A Magical Carpet Ride Pantomime Comes to Exmouth Pavilion
This year’s panto at the Exmouth Pavilion sees the welcome return of Total Entertainment Ltd and their magical Christmas production of ‘Aladdin’, from Monday 24 December to Tuesday 1 January 2019. Join Eastenders and Strictly Come Dancing star, Ricky Groves, as the evil Abanazer along with rising comedy star Stuart Earp as the hilarious Aladdin and Britain’s Got Talent finalist Steven Hall who plays wacky washerwoman Widow Twankey in this uproarious and enchanting family pantomime. Performances run from Christmas Eve through to New Year’s Day and early booking is highly recommended. For tickets call the Box Office on 01395 222477 or see www.ledleisure.co.uk/exmouth-pavilion