Christmas is on its way to Exeter, and the city is getting ready for a festive season filled with Christmas markets, live music, family activities, theatre and plenty of opportunities to get into the Christmas spirit.
As part of Exeter’s busy events calendar, there’s plenty happening throughout November and December, from the return of the popular Exeter Christmas Market to festive performances at Exeter Cathedral, seasonal shopping at Princesshay and community events across the city.
Whether you’re planning a festive day out, meeting friends for a Christmas catch-up or looking for something to keep the family entertained, here’s a look at some of the Christmas events taking place in Exeter this year.
You can also browse our Christmas events in Exeter to discover even more festive activities and things to do.
Looking for more things to do throughout the year? Visit our Exeter events calendar to discover upcoming events, entertainment and activities across the city.
Christmas Markets and Festive Shopping
The festive season gets underway in November, with Christmas markets and seasonal events popping up across Exeter.
The Exeter Christmas Market returns to Cathedral Green from 13th November to 13th December, bringing festive atmosphere to the heart of the city. Running alongside it, Princesshay Festive Bar & Market opens on 13th November and continues until the end of December, with 17 street food traders.
Further into December, the Magdalen Road Christmas Fair takes place on 5th December, transforming one of Exeter’s favourite independent shopping streets into a festive destination. There’s also The Kitschy Christmas Market at Boston Tea Party on 11th December, organised by Circular Social.
Family Festive Fun
There are plenty of opportunities for families to enjoy some Christmas magic around Exeter.
Princesshay is hosting a programme of festive activities, including Late Night Thursdays from 19th November to 17th December, bringing extra festive entertainment to the city centre.
Santa will also be making regular appearances at Princesshay, with Santa Sundays running from 29th November to 20th December. For a more inclusive festive experience, Signing Santa Saturdays take place from 6th to 12th December.
Meanwhile, on 13th December, The Exeter Nativity comes to Exeter Cathedral, featuring real-life alpacas in an entertaining retelling of the Christmas story.
Christmas Music, Theatre and Entertainment
Music and performance are also playing a big part in Exeter’s festive calendar this year.
At Barnfield Theatre, Exeter Little Theatre Company presents The Vicar of Dibley – The Greatest Nativity Ever Told (almost) from 1st to 5th December, bringing the much-loved characters to the stage for a festive theatrical performance.
Exeter Cathedral will host The Mediaeval Baebes – 30th Anniversary Tour on 1st December, followed by Christmas with the Cathedral Choir from 8th to 12th December, featuring carols and festive favourites in the cathedral’s magnificent nave.
For music lovers, there’s plenty more to enjoy, including Swing into Christmas with the Exeter Jazz Orchestra at Exeter Library on 12th December. The Great Hall also welcomes the 30-piece Down for the Count Swing Orchestra on 17th December for Swing into Christmas, followed by Step Into Christmas, a festive concert spectacular on 19th December.
Closer to Christmas, Exwick Carols takes place at St Andrew’s Church on 20th December, offering a chance to enjoy some traditional seasonal singing.
Festive Days Out and Something Different
If you’re looking for something a little different this Christmas, Exeter’s events calendar has a few other interesting additions.
Exeter Racecourse is hosting two festive fixtures, with Festive Fizz Raceday on 4th December and Christmas Cup Raceday on 17th December. Both offer a chance to enjoy a day of jump racing and get into the festive spirit.
For something with a Caribbean twist, Bomba Exeter hosts its Caribbean Christmas Party on 19th December, featuring LIONSTAR Rum & Reggae.
And for a more community-focused event, St Thomas Repair Cafe returns to St Thomas Church Hall on 19th December. Visitors can bring along items in need of repair, including jewellery, clothes and small electrical items, while enjoying tea, coffee and cake.
There’s also plenty to explore beyond the traditional Christmas events. At the Royal Albert Memorial Museum, Living Labyrinths: Art & Fungi continues throughout the festive period, exploring the cultural world of fungi through art and science.
With so much happening across the city, Christmas is just one part of Exeter’s year-round events scene, with live music, theatre, festivals, family activities and much more taking place throughout the year.
Find More Christmas Events in Exeter
From Christmas markets and festive performances to family activities, live music, racing and community events, there’s plenty happening across Exeter this Christmas.
The events featured in this guide are just a snapshot of what’s coming up. Whether you’re looking for festive markets, family entertainment, live music or something a little different, there’s plenty more to discover.
Browse our Christmas events in Exeter to explore upcoming festive events and find something to enjoy this Christmas.
You can also visit our Exeter events calendar to discover more things to do, with events and activities taking place across the city throughout the year.