Here are the top 10 Christmas events to go to in Exeter

It’s officially the countdown to Christmas! With trains booked and suitcases packed for our Christmas break from uni, we must enjoy the festive season we have here in Exeter.

The city is decorated, the Christmas stalls are up and there’s lights to be seen across all of Fore Street – there’s no choice but to be a little merry this year. Although we are all looking forward to a well-deserved break away from studying and deadlines, we can still enjoy the festive season in Exeter.

So, put your assignments down to one side and treat yourself to some Exeter festivities. It is Christmas after all…

1. Countdown to Christmas Trail

You can follow the Countdown to Christmas Trail around Exeter, from 22nd November until 27^th December. Explore the city, visit key locations and collect the letters that spell out a secret Christmas word to claim a special Exeter sticker sheet.

You’ll also get the chance to be entered into a draw to win one of five £100 Exeter Independent Gift Cards. Pick up a copy of the trail map from one of the Exeter Visitor Information Points at John Lewis (fourth floor beside the cafe), Exeter Central Library, Exeter Tickets Office on Fore Street or the Royal Albert Memorial Museum (Garden Entrance). You can also download a copy here.

2. SPARK

The colourful drummers will bring their exciting entertainment to the Guildhall Shopping Centre, including dancers on stilts!

Join them on Thursday, 19 December, at 5pm, 6pm, and 7pm to celebrate the winter months.

3. Catch a winter classic or panto

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Peter Pan is showing at Exeter Northcott Theatre (2nd December – 1st January). Featuring flying and fairy dust, this magical new stage adaptation of J.M. Barrie’s classic story is the perfect festive treat for a studying break.

4. Carol services

There’s no better way to get into the Christmas spirit than with some Christmas carols. Exeter Cathedral is hosting a number of free carol services throughout December. There’s also the Lord Mayor’s Carol Service on Monday, 2nd December, with money raised from a collection being split between the Cathedral and FORCE Cancer Charity, the Lord Mayor of Exeter’s chosen charity.

5. Magdalen Road Christmas fair

This Christmas fair is held every year in the middle of Magdalen Road. 50 stalls selling food, drink, presents and crafts. There will be gentle live music and a sparkly atmosphere to get you in the mood for Christmas. It’s on for one day on the 7^th Dec 2024, 14:00 – 18:00.

6. Society Christmas balls

Get dressed up, take pictures by the beautifully decorated trees and enjoy a Christmas dinner with all your society mates while drinking a bit too much cheap wine! An unmissable and classic Exeter uni experience (usually finished with TP afterwards).

8. Christmas quizzes

Visit pubs around Exeter by wearing your best Christmas jumpers and test your Christmas knowledge with a team, and hopefully win some great Christmas prizes. The Stoke Arms are even offering bottles of Baileys as a prize with their quiz starting at 8:30pm on the 5th of December.

9. The Christmas market

Impossible not to include on the list, layer up and enjoy a mulled wine while perusing for Christmas gifts and trying the delicious treats the stalls have to offer!

9. Winter Wonderland

If you’re looking for something a bit more thrill-seeking look no further than rickety rides and screams of joy. With each ride being under five pounds, it’s time to challenge your mates to bumper cars or try and win a cute (but expensive) teddy at the game stalls.