Expect dazzling illuminations in Torquay, Paignton and Brixham this Christmas, as the Bay of Lights returns to the English Riviera.

The Illumination Trail, Torquay

The showcase attraction will once again be the Bay of Lights Illumination Trail, a 1.5mile accessible route that winds its way along Torquay seafront passing 12 magical light installations, several including additional sound elements.

Running nightly until 2 January, there are several new elements this year including Holly the Octopus, the Pixel Palm Tree and the Christmas Comet. You will also be able to enjoy 10-meter-high pixel Christmas trees offering stunning digital light shows in both Paignton and Brixham.

As well as the light trail, visitors to the English Riviera will also be able to enjoy a staggering number of other Bay of Lights and Christmas events in Torquay, Paignton and Brixham. So, grab your favourite Christmas jumper and a warm tipple to enjoy along the way, as we guide you through some of the many highlights.  
 

GloWild at Paignton Zoo

Paignton Zoo is 100 years old this year and they are finishing a year of celebrations with spectacular after dark experience called GloWild, featuring colourful light installations using fibre optics and kaleidoscope projectors. There will also be some illuminating characters to meet along the way including the Damsel Fly, Glowolf and the Super Starfish DJs.

A Very Miniature Christmas at Babbacombe Model Village

Babbacome Model Village and Gardens will be lit up this December for A Very Miniature Christmas, with festival lighting and some delightful miniature Christmas scenes to enjoy as the little folk celebrate. Children can pick up a spotter sheet and see if they can find all of the miniature Santas and Elves hidden around the attraction. Also included in your ticket is a round of crazy golf and a visit to the brand-new immersive Mythical Kingdom.

Santa in the Caves at Kents Cavern

For some magical underground fun this Christmas, don’t miss Santa in the Caves, a promenade pantomime performance that guides families through the caves to meet the big guy himself. Winky the Naughty Elf has been up to all sorts of mischief and has taken Santa’s key which opens the door to Santa’s Workshop. Join a colourful cast of characters who will take you on a quest through the grotto to discover the true meaning of Christmas.

The Christmas Train of Lights

Every year, the Dartmouth Steam Railway is decorated with thousands of lights, both inside and out, to create one of the most magical Christmas experiences in the Bay. The Christmas Train of Lights carries passengers in vintage carriages on a festive illuminated journey from Paignton to Kingswear and back, passing various trackside displays and illuminations including an enchanted forest.

Christmas at Torre Abbey

A number of seasonal events will be taking place at Torquay’s most historic building as part of Christmas at Torre Abbey, including both wreath and willow star making workshops, family theatre and even the chance to meet Father Christmas himself. Out in the Spanish Barn, don’t miss Winter Fest (2-3 December) and Carols at Christmas (16 December) when you can join the Torre Abbey Singers for carols, songs and readings.

Beauty and the Beast at the Princess Theatre

This year’s pantomime at the Princess Theatre in Torquay, is a tale as old as time, as Jordan Productions presents Beauty and the Beast. Expect live music, stunning sets, slick choreography, sensational costumes and endless audience participation and panto fun. The show stars Sue Holderness (Marlene Boyce in Only Fools and Horses) as Malevolent and Katy Ashworth (CBeebies) as Fairy Formidable, as well as comedian Mike Neilson as Dame Derriere.  

A Victorian Christmas at Bygones

Travel back to 1897 to enjoy A Victorian Christmas at Bygones in St Marychurch. Over December their life-sized Victorian shopping street is transformed into a traditional scene straight out of a Dickens novel, with special lighting, period decorations and a 12-foot Christmas tree. There is also a festival hunt for those little ones who haven’t been sent up a chimney, while Santa will be “arriving” on the Bygones Express.

Tis’ The Season at Torquay Museum

The team at Torquay Museum are hosting not one but two Christmas Fairs this December, with even more stalls selling high-quality local products for Christmas gifts and stocking fillers. Not only that, but you will also be able to the shop to the angelic voices of children’s choirs, as well as enjoy festive food and drink in the Museum Café. The Education team will also be hosting Christmassy crafting sessions for all ages.

The Magic of Christmas at Babbacombe Theatre

Once again, Babbacome Theatre have a fantastic seasonal variety show for all the family, called The Magic of Christmas. Expect mind boggling illusions, classic comedy and live music that takes in everything from pop divas to celebrated crooners. They will also be throwing in a bit of panto fun (oh, yes they will…) in what they are promising is a show with “enough Christmas cheer to last throughout the rest of the year.” Which is quite a long time, if you book for one of their New Year’s Day shows…

Christmas at Greenway

Visit the holiday home of Agatha Christie, where all of the family would gather to celebrate the season, dressing up the rooms with traditional decorations and playing family Christmas games. The team have recreated this magic for A Christmas at Greenway, with lights twinkling throughout the house and traditional carols playing on the wireless. Outside you can follow The Twelve Wreaths of Christmas Trail, as well as posting for a family Christmas photo at one of the selfie stations.   

Christmas at Occombe Farm

The Farm shop at Occombe has all sorts of festive treats on offer, from soft toys to puzzles and decorations to fine wines. They will also be running a series of Farmer Christmas Craft Markets throughout December where you can pick up unique handcrafted gifts you won’t find on the high street. Other treats on offer as part of a Christmas at Occombe include their Festive Suppers and wreath making workshops.

Cockington Court’s Christmas Space Invasion

Marking the end of a space-themed year at Cockington Court, there will be a unique Christmas celebration for lovers of sci-fi on Sunday 17 December. Amongst the many out-of-this-world highlights of the Christmas Space Invasion, you can take part in a Light Sabre Academy Workshop, meet Cosplay Space Characters, climb aboard the Gaming Bus and much more. Meanwhile on Sunday 10 December you can visit The Space Grotto where Darth Vader is standing in for Santa, who has got stuck in the North Pole. Obvs.

Aladdin at the Palace Theatre

Paignton Pantomime Productions have put on an annual pantomime every single year since 1935 and this will be this 16^th time they have performed Aladdin over the past 88 years. It’s part of a packed programme of Christmas entertainment at Palace Theatre Paignton, which also includes wreath making workshops, a festive afternoon tea, two seasonal Christmas Jumper concerts and a dance show called The Nutcracker and Stars on Broadway.

Christmas at Coleton Fishacre

For A Christmas at Coleton Fishacre, the National Trust has dressed up the ground floor of the property with the theme of ‘Winter Tide and Time’ inspired by the coastline in winter. Expect the twinkle of lights, interactive elements and seasonal selfie stations promising moments of magic wherever you look. You are then invited to explore the stunning coastal gardens with breathtaking sea views, before enjoying hot drinks and seasonal treats in the café.