Christmas in East Devon 2025
There is something special about Christmas events that bring out the crowds and puts a smile on our faces. For most of us Christmas is not just about one day of the year, but as the saying goes “tis the season to be jolly”.
So why not join in with the celebrations this year and support your local town with it’s independent shops, cafes and talented crafts people. Here’s a round up of what you can expect for Christmas in East Devon featuring Sidmouth, Seaton and Axminster this year, where locals come together to enjoy and support these well loved East Devon towns.
Axminster Christmas Events 2025
Axminster Christmas Lights
On Saturday 29th November 2025 there will be a festive celebration taking place in Axminster.
Head along to enjoy the Christmas Lights switch-on as well as a Christmas Market. The festivities will take place in Trinity Square and Minster Green – food and drink stalls, arts, crafts and Christmas gifts, carols, children’s entertainment, live music and a visit from Axminster Lions Father Christmas Float.
Light up Axminster
The Christmas lights will be switched-on at approximately 7pm. So head along to Axminster and help celebrate as Axminster Lights Up.
Axminster Lions – Santa Sleigh
Axminster Lions Club hope you can visit Santa and Rudolf and support the Club generously. Local route and times tbc.
Axminster Christmas Markets
Perfect for gift buying, head along to the Axminster Guildhall on Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th November from 11am-3pm. Over 40 stalls full of lovely gifts and hand crafts. Free entry.
Axminster Guildhall Entertainment
Enjoy a free Christmas concert on 21st December performed by Lyme Regis Town band and Axe Valley community choir. Christmas Movie night Wednesday 24th December will be How the Grinch Stole Christmas.
Do your best to support this great venue. Tickets and details here Axminster Guildhall.
Christmas Crafts at Ria’s Workshop
Head along to the lovely Ria’s based at Millers Farm Shop over the festive season and immerse yourself in the relaxing scents and essential oils that surround you.
Join in with wreath making or festive candles made to your own personal scent choices. More details at Love-Ria.
Millers Farm Shop
Millers Farm Shop in Kilmington is well know for selling lovely food, wine and its excellent Christmas shop. Enjoy the festive winter wreath workshop on 28th November (tickets from the shop).
Late Night Shopping event – Wednesday 4th December, 5.30pm – 8.30pm includes local traders and crafters, hot food, mobile bar and carol singing with The Jurassic Coasters Swing Dance Band.
Seaton Festive Illuminations
Christmas officially starts in Seaton on Saturday 29th November 2025.
Christmas Lights
Lovely Christmas lights are being switched on at the Town Square and for those that are keen to carry on shopping, many of the independent retailers will be staying open until 7pm.
Events will start around 4pm with entertainment in the Square including live music from Jurassic Crocks, Seaton Accapella, Santas Grotto, Pet Santa (at Animal Botanical) and food stalls. Lights switched on in the Square at 5pm.
Seaton WI Christmas Craft Fair
Held at the Methodist Church Hall, Saturday 15th November from 11am – 3pm
Seaton Wetlands
Escape the hustle and bustle of Christmas with a walk around Seaton Wetlands. Take a stroll, join in the bird watching sessions or even volunteer.
Check out the range of crafty activities and walks running at Seaton Wetlands this year including the reindeer making session on 7th December and more into the Spring. From spoon carving, walks to willow weaving and Christmas wreath making there are some lovely events. More details and to book check Wild East Devon .
Wetlands Winter Trail 12th Dec – 31st Dec
Follow the magical self-guided Winter Trail! Enjoy the seasonal Robin Trail, a fun and FREE activity for all ages. See if you can spot 12 adorable wooden robins hidden around the beautiful nature reserve. Starts mid December until 31st January. Hot drinks and snacks available from the volunteer run Discovery Hut open from 11am (check variable closing times)
Colyton Christmas Fayre
Wednesday 3rd December
This annual event is one of the highlights of the Colyton year with Christmas Lights switch on.
There will be lovely local crafts and food stalls at various locations in town from 4pm. There’s late night shopping, hot mince pies, mulled wine and a Santa’s grotto. Enjoy the church choir singing carols in the market square, Honiton Town Band will be playing, and majorettes performing and Colyton Primary School Choir will be singing.
Children can visit Father Christmas in Colyton Social Club and the brilliant Colyton Christmas lights will be turning on around 17.30. Event 5pm – 7pm
Sidmouth Christmas Events
Saturday 22nd November
Christmas Lights and Late night Shopping in the town centre.
The Lighten Up Market – Sidmouth Christmas Craft Fair at Kennaway House from 3pm
Christmas Craft Fair at St Peter’s Church and Hall in Sidford. Sat 22nd 2pm – 4pm
Plus late night shopping Friday xxth December – many shops open until 7.30pm
Honiton Christmas Events
The Beehive
Enjoy this community venue on Saturday 6h December for their popular Christmas Craft and Shopping Fair supporting local traders as well as Santa’s Grotto pre-book online). 10am – 4pm Cafe open all day with festive treats.
Check out some of the fantastic music, films and live broadcasting including opera and plays coming to the Beehive over the next few months. Performances include popular tribute acts, live theatre screenings, comedy nights and also on 13th December 2 show by the fabulous Seth Lakeman. Events link HERE.
Honiton Christmas Carnival
6h December 2025- enjoy a free parade of Christmas lights and carnival floats as the procession travels through the town from 5.30pm.
Thelma Hulbert Gallery
A fabulous place for enjoying regular art displays and a great place to head for your Christmas gift shopping.
Present Makers features hand-crafted gift ideas showcasing the talent and innovation of contemporary craftspeople and design makers in the South West. The exhibition features work including jewellery, ceramics, textiles, prints, wood and glass as well as unique Christmas cards, and decorations. Opening event with demonstrations on 8th November, exhibitions and sales until 24th December
If you’d like to try out a new creative skill, and craft some gifts for Christmas, head along to one of Thelma Hulbert Gallery’s upcoming workshops:
Thelma Hulbert Gallery, Dowell St, Honiton EX14 1LX More details: thelmahulbert.com
Other Events in the Axe Valley
The Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary
A Forever Home Winter Trail
Follow the trail around the heart of the sanctuary to find all the things that make their shelter a forever home by completing the puzzle on your trail.
Combine family fun, exercise for just £5 per trail, including a prize when you complete the trail. Head to the Gift Shop to pick up a trail sheet and you’re ready to start the trail.
Enjoy the children’s play area, daily talks, scenic walks, engaging exhibits, award-winning gardens and hundreds of adorable donkeys. Friendly dogs on leads are welcome too! The trail will be in place until 9th February.
Don’t forget to make sure you also visit the lovely Kitchen Cafe as well for tasty lunches and sweet treats.
Carols By Candlelight 5th December 2025
Enjoy a magical evening of carols at the Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary, 6pm – 7pm. Booking required for car parking, once sold only access is by public transport or on foot.
Seaton Tramway Ride the Polar Express and Meet Father Christmas
Seaton Tramway is transformed as children and their families can be taken in a magical tram ride to Santa’s home. The special Polar Express trams run throughout November and December.
Meet Santa, sing Christmas carols, enjoy hot chocolate and a cookie. For those who believe there’s a special gift for each and every passenger. Everyone is encouraged to wear their pyjamas! The whole experience takes about 2 1/2 hours making this a lovely relaxed family activity. 28th Nov to 24th Dec.
Christmas at Killerton
Once again Killerton House will be traditionally decorated for Christmas with lights and garlands. Gardens are open for members and non-members and there are activities for children with a trail around the gardens.
Visit the Chapel to see the decorated community Christmas trees.
Enjoy Christmas in East Devon
I hope you enjoy the lead up to Christmas and all the lovely events that are taking place.
Have a look at my post on Christmas Fairs. I share more ideas on my Facebook page .
So who’s already got their Christmas tree up! Thank you so much for following my blog.
Clare
Hi! I am Clare and I live in glorious East Devon with my family.
Join me in finding new places to explore in the West Country as well as further afield.
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