I have compiled this list of Christmas days out in Devon on a budget because we are always looking for wholesome fun that won’t break the bank. We are a family of 6, so we like to keep it cheap, not complicated, and fun, and days like these have often been our favourite days out. This guide is full of places you can visit for free, for not much, or by making the most of a membership, and still make magical festive memories together.
If you are looking for Christmas activities to do at home, please hop over and read our December seasonal activities post.
Bay of Lights, Torquay
The free, fully accessible Illumination Trail runs for 1.5 miles along Torquay seafront, with 18 large light installations stretching from Torre Abbey to the harbourside. It runs from 28 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, and the Torre Abbey Christmas Market is on from 28 November to 20 December. The trail is open daily from 4.30pm, with sound elements until 9.30pm and lighting displays until 11pm. Opening night on Saturday 28 November has music and fireworks at 8pm. Paignton and Brixham also get 8 metre pixel Christmas trees with digital light shows from 4.30pm to 11pm.
If you would like to add a ticketed extra, the Train of Lights steam train runs along the Torbay coast until 30 December 2026.
Quirk Theatre and Exeter Phoenix present YETI
Sunday 13 December to Sunday 27 December 2026, with tickets at £12 concession and £15 standard. Performances are on selected dates, mostly at 1.30pm and 4pm.
Going to a theatre show or pantomime can be costly for a family, so these prices feel reasonable. YETI is Quirk’s brand new Christmas show, premiering at Exeter Phoenix this December. Join them this festive season for a hilarious, heartwarming show for all the family, exploring friendship, courage and what it means to truly belong. Expect big laughs, even bigger feels, spectacular sets, original music and a healthy dose of Quirky silliness.
Cotley Farm Christmas Shop, East Devon
Pick a fresh Christmas tree, visit the Christmas shop and meet and feed the reindeer. Our children really enjoyed feeding the reindeer moss and our tree lasted really well through the festive period.
The farm is open on Saturday 21 November and then from Friday 27 November to Thursday 24 December. You can’t visit without booking a slot online first. Charges are per car, not per person, at £6.50 on some dates and £10 on others, and the cost is refunded if you buy a Christmas tree. There are late openings on Friday 27 November and Friday 4 December until 8pm. On the 17th and 18th of December the farm hosts a Nativity event from 3.45pm, so general entry closes at 3pm.
Clovelly Christmas Lights, North Devon
The lights are switched on at Clovelly on 6 December 2026. Celebrate the festive season with one of Clovelly’s most magical traditions, while supporting the lifesaving work of Clovelly RNLI. A local brass band leads a festive procession down the cobbles towards the harbour, stopping for carols along the way. Enjoy delicious treats and and warming refreshments. Keep an eye out for a special visit from Father Christmas, too!
Join the evening’s carol service before the village and harbour light up for Christmas, with fireworks bringing the celebrations to a sparkling finish.
Admission £10 per person and under 16’s go free
The Donkey Sanctuary, Sidmouth
The Winter Warmer Trail runs daily from the 3rd November until 3rd February 2027. Trail sheets are £5 each, while sanctuary entry and parking are free, and dogs on leads are welcome. Using your map, follow Waffles the donkey around the sanctuary and discover how happy and healthy the donkeys are all winter long. To win your prize, place the matching sticker in the correct space on your trail sheet.
RAMM, Exeter
Entry to Exeter’s museum is free, and it is a lovely rainy day option with trails and animals to find. Check RAMM’s website for any festive workshops, as they are usually small, priced per child and bookable. Check out their night at the museum evening on the 10th December – tickets priced £5.50 each.
National Trust Christmas events in Devon
Entry is free with membership, but it is worth checking each property’s website before you go, as many events are on selected dates only.
Knightshayes 28 November to 2 January
Merry and Bright Christmas, with a different colourful theme in each room plus a festive lights garden trail.
Killerton 28 November to 3 January
1924 Christmas in the house, an outdoor play trail, community Christmas trees around the property and winter Helter skelter ride.
Greenway 21 November to 31 December
1940s Christie inspired Christmas, with evacuee children and their teddy’s spending Christmas in Devon. Parking is limited see website to book online.
Castle Drogo 27th November to 31st December
The castle will be decorated to celebrate 100 years of Christmas from family traditions to fashions throughout the decades. Prepare for glitz, glam, paper garlands and of course lots of colourful lights to give that feel-good glow of Christmas nostalgia
Arlington Court 21 November to 3 January
Storybook Christmas with a Write Your Own Story Trail in the grounds
Coleton Fishacre 21 November to 3 January
A 1920s Christmas party to mark the house’s centenary year, plus coastal garden walk.
Saltram 20 November to 3 January
Decorated rooms in the mansion, including one for Santa. A Christmassy family trail in the gardens. Visiting the house is ticketed, so see website to book ahead.
Buckland Abbey 28 November to 3 January
1950s White Christmas, with a forest of trees in the Great Barn, a post box to send a letter to the big man and a chance to be photographed in Father Christmas’s sleigh.
A few more free or cheap ideas
A bracing walk up one of Dartmoors famous Tors to celebrate Christmas or ring in the New Year – see my family walks at Hound and Haytor here
The Room on the Broom Christmas trail at Haldon Forest is still running daily until 3 January 2027, with trail packs at £4 each.
Candlelit Dartmouth on 27 and 28 November starts the Christmas season with Santa’s arrival on the Friday evening and a lantern procession on the Saturday. Newton Abbot’s lantern parade is on 9 December and includes a free meeting with Santa.
I hope you find our Christmas days out in Devon on a budget guide helpful in choosing one or more activities to do as a family this season. Please let us know your thoughts, recommendations and feedback in the comments box below.
We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
Love from Team Stein
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