Exeter is within easy reach of most South Devon holiday homes and this historic city really goes to town at Christmas. In the Guildhall Shopping Centre and along the High Street, Christmas trees spring up everywhere. Festive lights span the High Street to add to the colourful glow from shop windows, and local bands play cheery carols. You may even see Santa arrive in his real reindeer-pulled sleigh! Late night shopping and Christmas Markets make it easy to browse for last minute gifts in this pint-sized shopping centre.
Exeter Cathedral has been at the centre of Christian celebrations for over 1,000 years and festivities include an Advent Procession on Sunday 2nd December, 2012 led by the Cathedral choristers. There is a splendid ticketed concert on 15th December, also with the Cathedral Choir, a Nativity service on the 16th and a Christingle and Crib Service on Sunday 23rd December.
For the first time ever, a Christmas Market will take place Europe-style on Cathedral Green. The cathedral also plans lunchtime carols for shoppers and workers led by the Cathedral Carol Singers with free admission to the cathedral.
Other festive events in the Exeter area include a Snowman Hunt at Escot Park in Ottery St Mary; a tram ride with Santa at Seaton Tramway and a Victorian Christmas at Killerton in nearby Broadclyst.
Exeter theatres put on a superb choice of family productions making you spoilt for choice. Perhaps you'll have to attend them all! The Northcott Theatre is presenting the award-winning The Snail and the Whale, suitable for ages 4 and up; the Barnfield Theatre has Mother Goose from 1-5th December, Sleeping Beauty from 21st December to 5th January, a Christmas Spectacular Concert and other one-night shows to delight Christmas visitors. If you want a rip-roaring laugh, visit Raw Comedy at the Barnfield on 1st December to enjoy a night with some of the best standup comedians around.
With fabulous restaurants making good use of the freshest local produce, good food is assured with any stay in the area.
If you are staying in Devon over the New Year, you can look forward to the New Year fancy dress celebrations in Exmouth, one of the best in the country, and of course Exmouth always hosts the annual Swim in the Sea on Christmas Day.
Born in Cheshire, Gillian Birch moved to Cornwall at her earliest opportunity and never looked back. After 20 years, her ongoing discovery of popular attractions, quiet footpaths and local eateries has made her a fount of knowledge as she entertains readers with her informative articles on the hidden gems of Devon & Cornwall from a local point-of-view.