Christmas events starting to happen in Exeter
Published: 17 November 2022
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Exeter, with preparations for the big day already in full swing.
Exeter is the place to be this Christmas with loads of festive fun and entertainment going on across the city.
And with just over six weeks to go until Christmas Day, things are starting to get Christmassy in the city.
Exeter’s Winter Wonderland begins today (17 November) in Northernhay Gardens, with an ice rink, winter treats and a colourful Santa’s grotto.
And the Christmas lights get switched on tonight (17 November) in the city centre courtesy of InExeter – Exeter’s Business Improvement District (BID) - and the city’s shops and businesses.
The ever popular Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market starts on Friday (18 November) and runs until Sunday 18 December on the Cathedral Green, with multitude of cabins set down a labyrinth of winding lanes, festooned with fairy lights and laced with seasonal sights and smells.
When you think of Christmas, you think of pantomime and this year’s festive offering at the Corn Exchange is Cinderella, running from 17 December until 2 January. Tickets are already on sale, so don’t hesitate, book now at https://www.exetercornexchange.co.uk/
Across the city, Exeter Northcott has a hilarious adaptation of Robin Hood, while Exeter Phoenix has the astonishingly true story of Mary the Pigeon Who Never Gave Up.
Shops will be staying open late in the run up to Christmas for people to get all their presents, food and drink. Late night shopping begins on Thursday 24 and Friday 25 November with shops staying open until late. It continues on Thursday 1, 8, 15 and 22 December.
And Princesshay will be launching The Hub today (17 November) in Princesshay Square in collaboration with Margoux and Exeter City Football Club. Up until 1 January there will be live football coverage, Christmas workshops, family entertainment and music. There will also be a charity Christmas Tree Festival and of course Santa’s Lodge www.princesshay.co.uk/santa
There’s also the return of Exeter Carnival on Saturday 26 November, after an absence of 24 years, with a colourful and magical procession through the streets of the city from 6pm to 8pm. This event is being made possible thanks to city centre and Magdalen Road member businesses of InExeter.
In the run up to big day there will be a number of markets offering perfect Christmas gift ideas. Don’t forget the Festive Fore Street Flea on 20 November.
And when you’re all shopped out, then why not discover a bit of peace and serenity at the Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery, where they have a wonderful selection of unique Christmas gifts in the RAMM Shop.
To find out about these and all the other events and experiences going on across Exeter, go to the Visit Exeter website.