Christmas Days Out With Teens and Grownups
If you have passed the life stage where you needed to discuss the best place to see Father Christmas, it can be a challenge to keep the season feeling magical. So what happens when instead you are looking for Christmas days out with teens or other grownups. If you are a parent with young children, those days when you don’t have to take spare clothes and a rucksack of snacks, just in case, will arrive faster than you expect!
These days I like to take the focus off Christmas Day itself and make sure that we all enjoy the run up as well. Festive days out, carol services, the fire lit watching films and baking all play a part in our Christmas. Having some events booked in before the big day that get us all feeling a bit Christmassy.
Life does get a lot easier when there are no pushchairs involve, children are tall enough to see through the crowds and not be shoved up against strangers at inappropriate heights! So I’m here to help with some ideas and links to events in the South West.
The Best Places for Christmas Lights
There are lots of places that have beautiful light displays over Christmas and even the most surly of teenager can been entranced by some of these events, especially if there is talk of cake and hot chocolate to warm up with afterwards!
Longleat Festival of Light
Feel like you’ve stepped into a magical winter wonderland and experience the spectacular festive attractions at Longleat in Wiltshire.
A myriad of magical light installations will emerge across Longleat in an historical wonderland. Each year it’s a new theme to enjoy at this spectacular event.
Booking in advance is essential, runs from 8th Nov 25 – 11th Jan 2026 – more information here at Longleat Land of Light
National Trust Illuminated Gardens
All across the country National Trust gardens are being prepared to be lit up with beautiful displays of lights.
It may not initially be every teens idea of a day out, but add in some photo opportunities and a National Trust hot chocolate I think they could be dragged along!
CHristmas at Stourhead in Wiltshire
A magical after dark display, glowing blossom, illuminated tunnels and beautiful lights reflecting on the lake. There will also be independent street food vendors.
The gardens open from dusk, extra charges apply and booking is required (adults from £22.50 children £16, parking free for NT members). 28th Nov -31st Dec 2025. No dogs allowed.
Kingston Lacy, Dorset
The house and gardens are decorated for a Christmas Wish. TBC for 2025 In the garden a problem at the wish sorting office means the Wish Makers are going to need help from the whole family to find all the escaped wishes before Christmas. 30th Nov – 5th January (charges apply or free for NT members).
Killerton House
Visit by day to see the traditionally decorated festive house and little ones can get into the festive spirit a winter wander trail.
If you are thinking about joining for yourself or as a Christmas present, please follow this membership link or click on the advert below (these are affiliate links).
Killerton at Christmas
Killerton House near Exeter is a favourite of ours. Most years the house is transformed by a band of volunteers into a Christmas spectacle of days gone by.
Kingston Lacy
Check for Christmas events and illuminated walks at this lovely Dorset National Trust country house. Click here for listings.
Powderham Castle Festive Lights
Near Exeter, follow the pretty light trail and explore Powderham Castle’s ground, buildings and the castle. For the best views walk down from the main entrance / farm shop.
Tickets on sale for dates 1st to 31st December 2025, enjoy seeing the house and gardens lit up. Inside the Festive House Experience features rooms decorated in seasonal decor. Enjoy live music performances and food vendors. They are also offering a festive afternoon tea. More details and booking HERE
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Festive River Trips with Stuart Line Cruises
This winter why not try something different and book an excursion with Stuart Line Cruises from Exmouth. There are a number of different cruises which stay on the River Exe estuary in the winter where the waters are nice and calm.
On a Winter River Cruise enjoy panoramic views of the estuary in winter with live commentary from the Skipper. Stay inside in the heated lower deck or snuggled up with blankets on the open upper deck.
Get into the Christmas spirit and book one of the Festive Specials where you will also be able to enjoy mulled wine and warm, locally produced mince pies on your cruise.
All year round there are longer Guided Bird watching Cruises. Local ornithologists will guide you with an informative life commentary detailing special, habitat and behaviours, whilst friendly Crew serve hot Chunk of Devon pasties and soup.
Dartmouth Steam Railway Christmas Train of Lights
Starting from Paignton enjoy your seat in the vintage train carriages as you are whisked along in the steam train.
The train and route are lit up along it’s journey from Paignton to Kingswear and back. It’s popular to take the train but also you can find a viewing point along the route to see the spectacle.
For details of other Festive train rides take a look at this post on Christmas Trains featuring other across the South West.
Christmas Ice Skating in Devon and Cornwall
Ice Skating is a great Christmas day out with teens.
Eden Project Ice Rink
The Eden Project in Cornwall real ice skating rink is opens in the Autumn. Open from mid October through to February. Biomes entry ticket required and the ice skating is an extra charge. Book in advance. More details at the Eden Project.
Also over Christmas you can enjoy ice skating in Bath from mid Nov – early Jan 2026 at Royal Victoria Park.
Exeter Westpoint Ice skating
Back for 2025 – there will be ice skating at Exeter Westpoint with a real ice rink from Dec 11 2025 – Jan 4 2026 – 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
Glide across the ice with friends and family or joining one of our themed sessions such as Friday disco night, there’s something magical for everyone. Skating sessions are 45 minutes long. Early bird prices (until Nov 8th) start at £14 for adults and £12 for children. Further Details: icescapewestpoint.com
Torquay Ice Rink – NEW FOR 2025
6 Dec 2025 – 2 Jan 2026
Located in the heart of Abbey Park, a 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, offering hourly sessions for up to 80 skaters, all under a beautifully lit canopy to ensure the fun continues regardless of the weather. Booking information here along with details of the Illumination Trail.
Exeter City Centre Ice Rink
Back for 2025 in Northernhay Gardens, enjoy this smaller real ice skating rink along side Exeter’s Winter Wonderland. 45 minute sessions can booked in advance.
The Best Christmas Markets in the South West
More Christmas Days Out With Teens and Grownups
Christmas Markets are so lovely for a mooch around and to buy locally made presents or stocking fillers. To keep the kids engaged food always helps! I’m think bratwurst or churros, thick hot chocolate and maybe some entertainment. Food is always a great distraction for endlessly hungry teens!
Christmas at Torre Abbey
A new outdoor market will run from Saturday 29th Nov to 22nd Dec featuring 30 traders, foods stalls and entertainment.
The popular Winter Fest event at Torre Abbey returns from Saturday 29 November 2025 to Sunday 7 December 2025. (see here for details), hosted in the stunning setting of the Spanish Barn as well as the in the house itself, as part of the Abbey Christmas program of events.
A chance to buy a range of unique handmade Christmas gifts, as well as enjoy some festive music and perhaps indulging in a glass of mulled wine. Each weekend will feature a different mix of stalls. Entrance charges apply. Please see the Torre Abbey website for more information, to buy tickets and for updates.
Exeter Westpoint Christmas Fayre
Three days of high intensity Christmas shopping will be back in 2025 at Westpoint, 5th, 6th & 7th December 2025. Traders from across the country turn the arena into an Aladdin’s cave of gifts and Christmas essentials.
More details and tickets see HERE.
Plymouth Christmas Market
Plymouth Christmas Market, located in the heart of the city centre from dates 27th November to 21st December 2025.
With more than 100 traditional, decorated chalets, the market will offer a rich blend of artisan crafts, unique gifts, and international street food. There will be an open air festive bar, food and drink. The perfect place to pick up unique Christmas gifts and get into the Christmas spirit. Check for more details at Visit Plymouth.
Christmas in Bath – market, ice skating and golf!
Bath’s large Christmas market is back from Thursday 27th November to Sunday 14 December.
Give yourself plenty of time to explore over 100 chalets dotted around the city centre. In addition some of Bath’s most iconic buildings being brought to life with magical illuminations.
For the grownups or teens aged 16 + treat yourselves to the lovely Bath Thermae Bath Spa (booking essential). This modern spa facility has a fabulous rooftop thermal swimming pool, saunas and steam.
Just a short walk away from the bustle of the city centre, why not have a go at Christmas Glow in the Dark Mini Golf in Royal Victoria Park This is a fun activity to enjoy and perfect for teens – book in advance. With glow-in-the-dark balls, illuminated holes and colourful fairy lights.
There is also Bath on Ice ice skating rink and an alpine bar next door.
For more information check Visit Bath.
Exeter Cathedral Market
Just off the main shopping area it makes a great extension to a shopping trip in Exeter. With a stunning backdrop of Exeter Cathedral.
20th November – 19th December 2025 – check for details on Exeter Christmas market here.
The Christmas lights switch on and late night shopping events start in Princesshay mid November.
Exeter’s Winter Wonderland
Exeter’s Winter Wonderland returns for 2025 in Northenhay Gardens, not far from the high street and train station, enjoy rides, ice skating, attractions alongside food and drink vendors set amongst a light trail through the gardens.
Friday 21 November – Sunday 28 December 2025
Eden Project
An immersive music and light experience will transform the Eden Project this with festive magic this Christmas. An experience not to be missed.
Eden Christmas Fair
This charming event offers visitors the chance to buy a range of unique handmade Christmas gifts, as well as perhaps indulging in a glass of mulled wine.
Cornwall’s biggest, most vibrant Christmas fair returns to Eden on 19th and 20th November 2025, raising funds for Cornwall Community Foundation. Pre-book tickets from September. £20 including entry to the Biomes
Christmas Santa Runs
If you are looking for a fun Christmas challenge why not try the couch to 5km and find a Santa Run for a bit of fun this year.
The Exeter Santa Run
is on 7 December 2025 for participants of all ages and abilities to lace up their running shoes, put on a Santa Suit, and run together for a jolly good cause.
Organised by the Exeter City Community Trust.
Starting in Princesshay Square in the city centre, there are two distances available, a 2.5km family run and a 5km run (11 years +). A fun opportunity for families to come together, celebrate the festive season and support charitable activities in the community.
More details on how to to enter here.
Cranbrook Christmas Cracker
Set in Cranbrook Country Park near Exeter, choose the 2km or 5km Santa Suit Family fun run on Sat 14th December, 10.30am – 12.30pm. Enter via Race Nation
Children’s Hospice South West – you can run, jog, skip or walk your way around one of 3 organised events, go freestyle on your own or with friends to raise money for the charity.
This December, join the festive fun at the Eden Project in Cornwall, Plymouth or Charlton farm in North Somerset. Details here. Look out for similar events throughout the UK
Christmas Tree Festivals
My last suggestion is to head along to one of the many Christmas Tree Festivals that are all over the country. We often take part in our village festival and love to have a good look at all the clever ideas that people come up with. Why not try and combine a visit to one of these (which are often in Churches) with a nice walk and maybe even a pub lunch. Check local press for this years events. Here’s my previous post “Christmas Tree Festivals“ – which I will update when I can.
Christmas Days Out With Teens
I hope this has given you some ideas for days out and activities that you can do with older kids, teens and grown-ups to get you into the festive mood. Many of the events at National Trust gardens carry on after Christmas so it’s good to have something to do in the New Year as well.
For more ideas on days out and Christmas gift for adults and older teens in Devon or across the UK, check out Experience Days. There are lots of great ideas for all the family, from afternoon tea to driving super cars. If you are near Manchester, Leeds or York take a look at more days out ideas from We’re Going On an Adventure.
Feel free to message me with other ideas or leave your comments below and pin this for future reference.
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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