What’s Included:
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12pm - 4pm
Sunday 7th December
£29.95 per adult | £15 per child
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!
Where's Santa in Devon 2025
Read on for more on Santa's grottos, Santa by Steam and Santa's workshops in Devon in 2025
At this time of year Father Christmas becomes an incredibly busy man, but as he’s so friendly and thoughtful he will always find time to listen to your wish lists.
There’s nothing that Santa loves more than talking to children, so he uses his super magical powers to whizz all over the county and can be in many places often at the same time!
You’ll find Father Christmas in cosy cabins, in sparkly grottos, on festive trains and on horse-drawn sleighs in town centres, shopping centres, garden centres and family attractions. As Santa gets exceedingly hungry on his travels he even turns up for breakfast and lunch at some places!
So, along with his many helpers, do look out for Santa at the following locations in Devon this festive season…
PS. Don’t forget to leave out a treat or two for Santa and his reindeer on Christmas Eve. The cheeky elves have told us he likes smelly socks, but we think he would rather tuck into a tasty mince pie!
**Don't forget to mention Primary Times Devon when making an enquiry or booking***
Places to See Santa in Devon in 2025
Featured Santa/Father Christmas events in Devon 2025
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23rd November and 7th December 2025 Affinity Devon, Bideford. Enjoy a visit to Santa's Grotto alongside a full schedule of Christmas and festive themed activities. |
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7th, 14th and 21st December Breakfast with Santa at The Box Plymouth The Box, Tavistock Place, Plymouth, PL4 8AX. https://www.theboxplymouth.com/events/special-events/breakfast-with-santa-7-december The hugely popular festive event returns for another year. Meet Father Christmas while you enjoy a tasty breakfast in The Box Kitchen and Bar on selected dates. Tickets include a sausage/vegan sausage bap, bacon bap or pancakes with tea, coffee, hot chocolate, apple and orange juice. All tickets include unlmited tea/coffee. All child tickets include a gift |
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Dates from 6th December 2025 From 12-5pm on December 6th, 7th, 13th & 14th and 11am-6pm on the 20th-23rd, children can pay a special visit to Santa in his grotto, and receive a gift to take home. They'll be able to let Father Christmas know all about what they'd like for Christmas this year, and take special photos to remember the visit by. |
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Dates from 6th December 2025 Santa’s Christmas Grotto at the House of Marbles House of Marbles, Near Bovey Tracey, TQ13 9DS Santa’s Grotto is returning to House of Marbles, and this year, it’s more magical than ever! Step into a world of festive fun where twinkling lights, friendly elves, and the spirit of Christmas fill the air. Children will be welcomed into a cosy, enchanting grotto, where they’ll enjoy an exclusive one-on-one moment with Father Christmas himself and leave with a special gift to remember the day. But that’s not all. This year’s theme is a closely guarded secret known only to Santa and his elves, and it will all be revealed when you visit. This experience is designed with families in mind, perfect for children and those young at heart. They also offer dedicated sessions for gorup with more than five children, SEND-friendly visits and families needing extra time adn space
29th and 30th November 2025 Santa Paws at House of Marbles 2025 House of Marbles, Near Bovey Tracey, TQ13 9DS Get ready to make this Christmas unforgettable for your beloved pets! Santa Paws is back at House of Marbles; this time, it’s bigger and better. Calling all animal lovers, your four-legged and pawed companions are invited to join Santa and his merry Elves on a whimsical journey through our enchanting winter wonderland. As the festive spirit fills the air, your furry friends will have the chance to meet Santa himself, tails wagging in excitement! Capture the moment with a paw-some photo with Santa and let your furry family’s joy shine brighter than Rudolph’s nose.
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Dates from 29th November 2025 Santa's Grotto Bernaville Nurseries Experience the magic of the Christmas wonderland and walk through the snow covered forest to find the friendly animals and photo opportunities until you reach Santas Grotto. Their grotto experience is suitable for all children up to age 11. Don’t forget to bring your letter for Santa! |
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Dates from 6th December 2025 Christmas at Crealy It's the most wonderful time of the year with Christmas at Crealy Theme Park & Resort. See the Park transform into a Winter Wonderland - from sparkling lights to Christmas attractions including a NEW family pantomime, Aladdin - there's something for the whole family to enjoy this December in Devon. Meet & Greet with Santa: Step into the magic of Christmas with the enchanting Santa’s Grotto experience! Meet Santa himself in an exclusive meet & greet, and every child will receive a FREE high-quality toy straight from Santa’s Magical Toy Shop. |
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From 21st November 2025 Plymouth Winter Wonderland 2025 Central Park, Plymouth, PL2 3DG. https://plymouthwinterwonderland.co.uk/santas-enchanted-grotto/ Take a walk through the North Pole and see the Northern Lights, meet Polar Bears and Penguins before entering The Enchanted Forest where Reindeer, birds and Fury Woodland Friends await you. Move on to the Elves’ Workshop and meet the cheeky Elves who are busy having fun making and wrapping presents in time for the big day! Then it is time to enter Santa’s cosy festive Grotto and meet the Big Man Himself amongst brightly wrapped presents, a warm fire place and plenty of festive cheer. Bring the little ones to meet Santa in Plymouth’s Biggest Grotto experience this holiday season for just £10.50 per child & 1 x Adult, your visit includes: • North Pole, Enchanted Forest & Elve’s Workshop • A personal meeting with Santa himself in his cosy Grotto • A special gift chosen by Santa for each child • Santa has his own Professional photographer to capture those precious memories available to purchase on the day Come and join us to create memories that will last a lifetime and make this Christmas truly magical |
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Dates from 28th November 2025 The Polar Express™ on Seaton Tramway Seaton Tramway, Seaton, Devon EX12 2NQ www.tram.co.uk/events/view/the-polar-express-tram-ride THE POLAR EXPRESS™ is coming to Seaton Tramway in Devon on selected dates through November & December! Families will enjoy the magical tram ride to Santa's home at the North Pole in one of the specially decorated single-deck tramcars, enjoy a cup of hot chocolate, a delicious treat, speak to Santa and admire the awesome lights whilst you walk around the North Pole. All guests will receive their first gift of Christmas - A Silver Sleigh Bell - from Santa himself. Upon the return journey, you will be able to enjoy singing along to Christmas carols. For the grown-up kids too, this is a trip down memory lane to a traditional Christmas of old. A round trip lasts approximately 1.5 hours. There are only a limited number of seats on our snug single-deck tramcars for THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Tram Ride. |
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Dates from 6th December 2025 Santa at Paignton Zoo Paignton Zoo https://paigntonzoo.org.uk/events/christmas-at-the-zoo/ Santa will be visiting the Zoo throughout December, so secure your tickets to visit him in his grotto now! |
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Dates from 30th November 2025 Santa Sundays at Princesshay Princesshay Santa will be joining Princesshay again in his Golden Sleigh under the glass canopy within the mall outside Space NK. Charity partner Vranch House will be accepting donations (£2.50) from families queuing up to meet Father Christmas |
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6th to 24th December 2025 (selected dates) - further details Santa in The Caves at Kents Cavern Kents Cavern, Ilsham Road, Torquay, TQ1 2JF https://www.kents-cavern.co.uk/events/detail/santa-in-the-caves Looking for one of the most enchanting Santa's grottos in Devon? Deep beneath the surface in Torquay, join us this festive season for Santa in the Caves, a truly unforgettable Christmas experience set inside one of the UK’s most spectacular prehistoric caves. Perfect for Christmas days out in Devon, this immersive, pantomime-style adventure blends storytelling, theatre and festive fun as families journey through the caves on a quest to help save Christmas! |
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Dates from 13th December Father Christmas Grotto at Saltram 2025 Saltram www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/saltram Come and join Father Christmas in his woodland grotto and share your festive wishes before receiving a wrapped Christmas book as a gift. These grotto sessions are perfect for families who wish to meet Father Christmas and have a photo opportunity with the main man |
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21st to 23rd December Storytime with Father Christmas at Knightshayes Knightshayes Father Christmas returns to Knightshayes this December. Dressed in traditional green, Father Christmas will be telling stories and chatting with all good children. After your visit, explore the house decorated for a traditional Victorian Christmas.
Dates from 21st December Meet and Greet with Father Christmas at Knightsayes Knightshayes Have a photo, tell him your wish list or simply come to say hello, Father Christmas will be meeting good children at Knightshayes this year. After your visit, explore the house decorated for a traditional Victorian Christmas. |
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Dates from 6th to 20th December 2025 Father and Mother Christmas Festive Experience Torre Abbey https://www.torre-abbey.org.uk/whats-on/father-and-mother-christmas-festive-experience/ Following the overwhelming popularity of last year’s event, Torre Abbey have added an extra weekend to ensure more families can enjoy this heart-warming tradition. Each family will enjoy exclusive time with Father and Mother Christmas, and every paying child will receive a specially wrapped, age-appropriate gift. In addition to meeting the festive couple, families can take part in a range of festive activities, including:
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7th December Sunday Lunch with Santa Crowne Plaza Plymouth https://www.facebook.com/plymouthwaterfrontpartnership/photos/sunday-lunch-with-santa-in-crowne-plaza-plymouth-make-your-family-christmas-fest/1140007545002901/ Make your family Christmas festivities even more memorable with a special lunch with Santa! Enjoy a delicious two-course Christmas lunch, followed by an afternoon of fun and entertainment with the man himself. |
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3rd December Victorian Evening Newton Abbot https://www.newtonabbot-tc.gov.uk/events/2025/12/03/victorian-evening-and-late-night-shopping Charity Stalls selling Christmas items, free visit to Father Christmas live music, street food, Fireside selfies, live music.
10th December 2025 Lantern Parade Newton Abbot https://www.newtonabbot-tc.gov.uk/events/2025/12/10/lantern-parade-10th-december-2025 Lantern Parade & Late Night Shopping, live music, free visit to Father Christmas, street food in Courtenay Street. Lanterns will parade from Bearnes Primary School at 6.30 p.m. to St. Leonard's Clock Tower |
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Dates from 5th to 21st December Cofton's Christmas Wonderland Cofton https://coftonholidays.co.uk/christmas-at-cofton/ Join Santa and his team of cheerful elves for a truly enchanting festive journey. Little ones will enjoy a personalised visit with Santa in his cosy grotto where they will get to meet and get a photo with the big man himself. You’ll also receive a special gift, and sign Santa’s Good List before heading to the activity stations to write and post a postcard to the North Pole and make their own magical reindeer food to take home before finishing with a delicious hot chocolate and cookie. |
Other Santa events in Devon 2025
Dates from 29th November 2025
Meet Santa at Marldon Christmas Tree Farm!
Marldon Christmas Tree Farm, Totnes Road
https://shop.beyonk.com/vzj8rk1b/experiences/7q89651b?theme=32B0A2
Discover the Magic of Christmas at Marldon Christmas Tree Farm
This year, step into a storybook world where Christmas dreams come alive. Wander through twinkling lights, breathe in the scent of fresh pine, and let the joyful carols carry you straight into the heart of the season.
Your journey begins the moment you arrive, where our mischievous Chief Elf will guide you through a shimmering Winter Wonderland to Santa’s brand new Tree House Grotto; a magical hideaway where the jolly man in red awaits.
Every child will have the chance to whisper their Christmas wishes, receive a handpicked gift from Santa himself, and create treasured memories to last a lifetime. Along the way, our playful elves will enchant you with festive tales, cheerful songs, and plenty of holiday sparkle. And the wonder doesn’t stop there! Stroll through our charming Christmas shop, find your perfect tree to take home, and warm up with irresistible treats in our cosy log cabin café. Don’t forget to say hello to our gentle reindeer—and if you’re lucky, you might even meet the huskies too!
✨ Spaces are limited. Book now and unwrap the magic of Christmas at Marldo
From 5th to 7th December 2025
Santa Claus at Westpoint - Christmas Shopping Fayre 2025
Westpoint, Clyst St Mary, Exeter, Devon, EX5 1DJ
www.christmasshoppingfayre.com
Do all your Christmas shopping under one huge roof at Westpoint. Whilst there, take the children to the free grotto to see the great man in red.
Dates from 6th December 2025
Saxon Grotto at Wildwood Escot
Wildwood Escot, Escot Park, Ottery St Mary, EX11 1LU
Come and celebrate the most magical time of the year with a visit to Santa, visit him in his enchanting world surrounded by elves busily preparing for the big day before getting the opportunity to meet Santa himself.
13th or 20th December 2025
Breakfast With Santa at Lady's Mile Holiday Park
Lady's Mile Holiday Park, Dawlish, EX7 0LX.
https://ladysmile.co.uk/on-site-events/breakfast-carvery-with-santa
Start your festive mornings with a sprinkle of magic on Saturday 13th or Saturday 20th December, between 9:30 am and 11:00 am.
Every child will receive a free ticket to the enchanting Santa experience, where they’ll meet the man in red himself and take home a special little gift – all included with a hearty breakfast (valid with a full-paying adult).
Dates from 22nd November 2024
Father Christmas visits Pennywell Farm
Pennywell Farm, Buckfastleigh, TQ11 0LT
https://pennywellfarm.co.uk/pages/buy-christmas-nativity-tickets
See the website for details
Dates from 30th November 2025
Santa's Grotto at Boringdon Hall 2025
Boringdon Hall Hotel, Boringdon Hill, Colebrook, Plymouth, PL7 4DP.
www.boringdonhall.co.uk/house-of-christmas
Feel the magic of Christmas at Boringdon Hall with the enchanting Santa's Grotto, a delightful experience for the whole family.
Nestled in the historic charm of our magnificent hall, the grotto becomes a winter wonderland, bringing the festive spirit to life. Arrive and be dazzled by a dance performance, enjoy a divine Festive Afternoon Tea, get creative with Christmas activities including gingerbread decorating and meet Santa Claus himself to receive a Christmas present.
6th December 2025
Kingsbridge Celebrates Christmas
Kingsbridge.
www.kingsbridgecelebratechristmas.com
Date confirmed but details for 2024 are still to be confirmed - visit the website for details
Dates from 29th November 2025
Christmas Magic with Santa and his Elves at Ullacombe Farm
Ullacombe Farm, Newton Abbot
https://www.facebook.com/events/1249211966976745
Santa and his magical elves are returning to Ullacombe Farm this Christmas
One of Santa’s favourite festive stops, Ullacombe’s beautiful barn will be transformed into a cosy, Christmassy haven filled with magic and cheer.Families are invited to join Santa’s elves for fun, festive activities before meeting Santa himself to share Christmas wishes. Every child will also receive a special treat from Santa
Dates from 22nd November 2025
Fleet Walk Santa's Grotto 2025
Fleet Walk, Torquay.
www.facebook.com/fleetwalkgrotto
SANTA will be back in town this festive season in a stunning ‘Toy Grotto’ at Fleet Walk in Torquay.
This year, Santa’s grotto is all about the toys. Step into a magical world where favourite playroom characters spark children’s imaginations — from brave cowboys and daring space explorers to cuddly teddies, friendly dinosaurs and more. The elves have selected some exciting toys which will be gift wrapped and ready for children who are listed on Santa’s “good list”. Once again, visitors will be able to take away a souvenir photo with Santa, included in the ticket price.
This popular event is hosted by the Rotary Clubs of Sunrise and Tormohun with volunteers from Torquay Ladies Circle. As usual, all proceeds from the event will go to Rotary charities including the Children’s Hospice South West.
29th November 2025
Santa Visits Dawlish Christmas Market
The Strand, Dawlish, EX7 9PS
https://www.dawlish.gov.uk/council_events/christmas-in-dawlish/
Saturday evening we will be welcoming Father Christmas, his Elves and other celebrity guests to help light up the town with our magical Lantern Parade (everyone is welcome to participate) and our BIG Christmas Light Switch On! There might even be a chance of snow that evening!
Dates from 6th December 2025
The Magic of Christmas at the Milky Way Adventure Park 2024
Milky Way Adventure Park, Higher Clovelly, Bideford, EX39 5RY
Treat the family to a truly memorable Christmas experience this December! Journey through the magical snowy forest to Buzzlewick’s Elf Emporium to meet Buzzlewick the Elf and friends, have a go at gingerbread decorating, write a letter to Santa, sit in Santa's sleigh and make reindeer food. Plus, those with special tickets can visit Santa in his cosy Christmas Cottage for a jolly chat and then choose a fabulous festive gift from Buzzlewick's Toy Shop.
And there's more … all visitors to The Milky Way at Christmas can look forward to visiting the garland-festooned train station made merry with festive music and giant Christmas tree for a hot chocolate to enjoy on the Festive Train ride. Plus, keep an eye out for Santa’s naughty elves as you make your way around the park - their mischievous antics are bound to give you a chuckle! Then sit back and take in a special themed show created by Merlin just for the season.
Of course, there’s also lots of other all-weather rides, shows and attractions which will ensure you have a wonderfully festive family day out this December!
Dates from 29th November
Enchanting Christmas Grotto 2025
Woodlands Leisure Park, A3122, Totnes, TQ9 7DQ
https://www.woodlandspark.com/events/enchanting-christmas-grotto-2025/
This festive season, experience the wonder of Christmas like never before at Woodlands’ enchanting Christmas Grotto.
Begin a magical journey where twinkling lights, merry elves, and enchanting characters guide you closer to the heart of Christmas. Along the way, surprises await, from secret workshops to festive journeys that carry you deeper into the magic. To complete this magical adventure, you’ll find yourself in the presence of Santa himself, ready to share a truly special moment.
There is also a Magical Christmas Nights Grotto event - find out more here - https://www.woodlandspark.com/events/magical-christmas-nights-2025/
Dates to be confirmed for 2025 - details below refer to a previous event
Musson Room, Dartington Trust, Dartington.
https://www.dartington.org/event/santas-grotto/
Father Christmas will be parking his sleigh and settling into a magical Grotto in Dartington’s historic Courtyard. He cannot wait to meet little ones and tell them all about life in the North Pole, how Rudolph and friends are, and about all the hard work his helper elves are doing to get ready for the “big night”. Santa will of course be giving out little gifts too!
Details for 2025 to be announced/confirmed - information below refers to previous event
Christmas event at Dartington Crystal
Dartington Crystal
www.visitdartington.co.uk
Frozen themed Santa's grotto, Jiggly Wrigglers, creative Christmas activities, live music and festive treats
Details for 2024 to be announced - information below refers to previous event
Santa's Grotto at Darts Farm
Darts Farm, nr Topsham.
https://www.dartsfarm.co.uk/events/santas-grotto
A special outing for the whole family. Children can meet the man in red himself, share their Christmas wishes, and receive a special gift from his elves (for those who have been good this year!)