The festive season is well and truly upon us and if you’re thinking of going away this Christmas then our holiday lodges provide the perfect base for you to explore everything that the English Riviera has to offer. Here’s our top 5 things to do in South Devon this month…

1. Santa Express, Paignton – December

Take a festive trip on the Santa Express the December with Dartmouth Steams Railway. Your return journey to Kingswear will include a mini pantomime featuring Princess Aurora and her Fairy Godmothers plus children will receive a gift from Father Christmas himself.

Dates: 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, & 21-24 December.

This is a ticketed event so pre-booking is essential. For more information or to book, visit the Dartmouth Steam Railway website.

2. Festive Weekend, Living Coasts, Torquay – 9–10 December

Living Coasts are hosting a weekend full of festivities between 9-10 December.

Watch Santa’s elves feed the penguins and don’t forget to snap an ‘Elfie Selfie’ to receive a prize*. For more information, visit the Living Coasts website.

3. Santa In The Caves, Kents Cavern, Torquay – 3-24 December

Step into the stone age and join Santa and his friends for a magical hour-long panto style adventure underground at Kents Cavern! Get caught up in the magic of another exciting Christmas with an experience that brings out the child in everyone.

Ticket includes an hour-long show, a visit from Santa, Christmas presents, mulled wine and mince pies.

For more information or to book, visit the Kents Cavern website.

4. Totnes Christmas Market, Totnes – 5, 12 & 19 December

Totnes market square will once again play host to its diverse variety of Christmas stalls this year and the late-night shopping events are one of the biggest events of the year for Totnes.

The late-night shopping will take place on Tuesday evenings on the 5, 12 and 19 of December from 3.30pm to 9.30pm.

Catch a bite to eat with delicious food and have a sip on some local cider and mulled wine as you Christmas shop till you drop!

5. Boxing Day Dip, Torquay – 26 December

Every year hundreds of brave participants take part in the traditional Boxing Day Dip. The event always attracts many spectators with participants encouraged to wear fancy dress.

This annual event is organized by Torquay Squadron Air Training Corps and is enjoyed by both members and the public in aid of raising funds for the unit as well as an additional chosen charity which this year is Tormohun Rortary Charities.

The Dip will take place from Corbyn Head Beach, Torquay on 26th December at 11am. Are you brave enough?