Save yourself a trip to Lapland and join us on the English Riviera this Christmas where you’ll find a fabulous sprinkling of Christmas events for all the family.

From the return of the hugely popular Bay of Lights illumination trail lighting up Torquay Seafront to a chance to see Santa in the caves, get booking a cosy break with Beverley Holidays and make this Christmas one to truly remember…

5 Christmas Events in the English Riviera

Use the quick links to navigate to a particular Christmas event or read on for our full guide to Christmas events in the English Riviera.

1. Train Of Lights
2. Bay of Light Illumination Trail
3. Torre Abbey Christmas Market
4. Model Village Miniature Christmas
5. Santa in the Caves

1. Train Of Lights

Forget the Polar Express, the hottest train ticket in town this Christmas is the English Riviera Train of Lights.

Hop onboard the historic steam train as it transports you on a magical journey along the Torbay coastline in carriages adorned with twinkling lights until 30 December 2024. Hold on to your Santa hat as you journey through a 450-metre Greenway tunnel towards an enchanted forest, and have your camera at the ready to capture the lights reflected on the river Dart.

2. Bay of Light Illumination Trail

This Christmas sees the return of the hugely popular Bay of Light Illumination Trail. A free route running from Torre Abbey to Torquay town centre that shines a light on some of Torquay’s sights.

A 12-metre-high Christmas tree will have you feeling festive with its spectacular light show, while a huge light tunnel covered top to toe in lights brings some illuminated magic to the town from 29 November to 2 January 2025.

3. Torre Abbey Christmas Market

Torre Abbey’s first outdoor Christmas Market promises a magical festive experience this season.

Organised by Exeter Beer Company, the market will feature over 30 local stalls offering holiday treats, unique gifts, and handcrafted treasures. Visitors can enjoy a delicious selection of food and drinks, including mulled beverages and local beers, while soaking up the festive cheer.

As part of the Bay of Lights celebration, there’ll be fun family activities and an enchanting light projection show. The market runs from 29 November to 22 December, with free entry for all. Don’t miss this heart-warming holiday event in a stunning historic setting.

4. Model Village Miniature Christmas

Sometimes the best gifts come in small packages and Babbacombe Model Village certainly packs a big festive punch with its miniature Christmas displays until 4 January 2025.

Discover seasonal scenes of a titchy world where the residents are no bigger than your thumb, including Santa himself. Grab yourself a Christmas character spotter sheet for some added festive fun, and be sure to swing by its new enchanted mythical kingdom – home to a flurry of fairies and cheeky elves.

5. Santa In The Caves

For a truly memorable experience this Christmas head along to the prehistoric caves of Kents Cavern for an interactive pantomime performance until 24 December 2024.

Wonder through the amazing caverns, meet the big man himself, Santa Claus. Then warm the cockles with a mulled wine and mince pie – the perfect Christmas accompaniment to a two-hour experience like no other.

Christmas At Beverley

Spend the season of goodwill right here at Beverley Holidays where you can wake up on Christmas morning to frosty sea views and magical memories you’ll treasure forever.

Our cosy caravans and snug-as-a-bug lodges make a great festive retreat where you can spend quality time together surrounded by all the comforts of home but with the added bonus of being right in the heart of the English Riviera. Perfect for exploring the Christmas events! For those who’ve made it onto Santa’s good list, treat yourself to a hot tub stay and soak up the bubbles overlooking the festive lights of Torbay.

We also offer an amazing New Year’s Eve break. Three nights of exhilarating family fun, brimming with laughter, live music from renowned artists, and non-stop excitement delivered by our amazing entertainment team spread across our 2 great venues, Starlight Bar and Saltwater Pub.