2023 Your guide to
CHRISTMAS in Exeter
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Late Night Shopping Festive Delights Getting to Exeter Festive Map Markets Festive Shows What’s On
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Exeter sparkles with Christmas lights and decorations adorn the streets from East to West. The city is packed full of joyful experiences; it’s time to wrap up and step out for some festive fun. Read on to find out more.
Cover image: permission of Aylwyn Bowen
WELCOME Embrace the festive spirit in Exeter this Christmas season! This Winter, there's a plethora of exciting activities happening in the city. Whether you're in the mood for some festive shopping, a night out on the town, or simply want to immerse yourself in the enchanting Christmas ambience, Exeter is the place to be. Exeter is truly fortunate to boast a wide array of independent shops spread throughout the city, each offering unique and sumptuous gifts. We invite you to partake in an 'Indie ExeMas' and explore all that Exeter's businesses have to offer. For more information on Indie ExeMas visit page 22. InExeter is the Business Improvement District for Exeter City Centre and orchestrates the dazzling Christmas lights in the public areas of the city. Our radiant lights extend from Fore Street to Sidwell Street, spreading festive cheer to Magdalen Road, Gandy Street, Queen Street, Paris Street, North Street, and South Street. These magical Christmas lights are made possible through the collaborative contributions of businesses within these areas. Their generous support and funding enables the realisation of extraordinary projects in the city. 4
This year, our magnificent 10 metre Christmas Tree will greet visitors outside Central Station on Queen Street. Our enchanting walk-through bauble will make a return appearance on the High Street at the junction with Castle Street, providing the perfect backdrop for a festive selfie. Additionally, our iconic Exeter Letters will be located on Catherine Street, near the historic Almshouses, across from Lloyds Lounge. The InExeter Christmas lights, in conjunction with the Guildhall Shopping & Dining and Princesshay, will all illuminate on Thursday, November 16th. To celebrate Christmas there will be festive delights on Saturday 25th November. With Christmas pop-up events happening throughout the city, more information available soon. Follow us on our socials for updates. We extend our warmest wishes for a joyful and Merry Christmas this festive season
@in_exeter @InExeter
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Suitable for all ages, recommended for 5+ years Children’s tickets from £17.50
30 NOV 2023 – 7 JAN 2024 01392 72 63 63 www.exeternorthcott.co.uk
Registered Charity No. 1151620
01392 72 63 63 www.exeternorthcott.co.uk
13 - 24 DEC 2023 RECOMMENDED FOR AGES 2+
LATE NIGHTS Late Night Thursdays offer a special opportunity to enjoy the festive season in a whole new light. You can soak up the magical atmosphere as the lights come alive starting from Thursday 16th November. Both Guildhall Shopping & Dining and Princesshay will start late night shopping on Thursday 16th November. The shops will trade until 8pm as well as many shops within the city extending their opening times. Please check their websites for up-to-date times or with individual stores before travelling.
LATE NIGHTS: Thursday 16th November Thursday 23rd November Thursday 30th November Thursday 7th December Thursday 14th December Thursday 21st December* *Princesshay only
Plan to shop on Black Friday weekend?
Princesshay will be open late on the Friday 24th November. 7
FESTIVE DELIGHTS
Entry is free to the Cathedral during their Christmas Market!
LIGHT OF HOPE STAR INSTALLATION BY PETER WALKER See sculptor Peter Walker's stunning steel and neon star installation in the awe-inspiring nave of Exeter Cathedral. The Light of Hope Star is a 3-metre steel sculpture suspended within the Cathedral and is a symbol of divine guidance, protection and oneness. 8
CHRISTMAS CHARITY TREE FESTIVAL From the 16th of November, the Princesshay Charity Christmas Tree festival will be brightening up Bedford Street. In its 11th year, the festival features 35 trees each decorated by local organisations to celebrate Exeter's amazing charities and their causes.
SPARK! CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS IN PRINCESSHAY Discover the magic of Christmas at Princesshay this year with a brand-new festive lighting scheme. The new lights will be illuminated from Thursday 16th November, accompanied by Worldbeaters act SPARK! who will officially start the countdown to Christmas. This incredible street theatre troupe will feature live music, movement and mesmerising lighting with performances at 5pm, 6pm & 7pm. 9
THE GUILDHALL GREAT BIG CHRISTMAS TOY DRIVE The Guildhall Great Big Christmas Toy Drive in partnership with the Exeter Food Bank and Radio Exe returns to the city for a second year. The Toy Drive aims to collect Christmas gifts for children under the age of 16 in Exeter and surrounding cities who are unable to otherwise have any presents due to the cost of living crisis. Last year over 1,000 items were collected which helped over 330 families in Exeter all distributed by Exeter Food Bank.
another on the first floor by the Indoor Infant and Toddler Garden. People are encouraged to donate new toys up to £10 or vouchers from any shop in Exeter with a focus on toys, books, toiletries or clothing. All items will be distributed to those in most need. The Guildhall Shopping Centre will start off the collection with 200 items across all age ranges. Collections start on the 1st of November.
The Guildhall Shopping Centre will have two large collection points on site, one in the main mall near Sainsbury’s and
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WINTER IN EXETER CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS IN EXETER!
There are different things happening across the city! JOIN US ON:
SATURDAY 25TH NOVEMBER TO CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS IN EXETER. ENJOY A FESTIVE FILLED DAY WITH POP UP PERFORMANCES WITH FAMILY THEMED SURPRISES! Sidwella Puppet Parade Drop-in willow star workshops Family Craft Activities hosted by local businesses Live music Christmas walkabout acts Plus, some Christmas surprises!
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA FOR UPDATES. InExeter
In_Exeter
HOW TO TRAVEL BUS SERVICES Run by Stagecoach, for the latest travel updates and timetables including Park and Ride visit: www.stagecoachbus.com TRAIN The most central train station is Exeter Central Station on Queen Street. Please visit: www.GWR.com
PARK AND RIDE Park and Ride offers a convenient and easy alternative to parking in Exeter City Centre. You can park for free at one of the 3 Park and Ride locations and buy your ticket onboard the bus.
Live bus times and journey planning can be found on the Stagecoach website.
The locations are: Honiton Road Park and Ride Located just off Moor Lane roundabout, near junction 29 of the M5 postcode: EX2 7NL Matford Park and Ride Matford is located on Matford Park Road, near The Devon Hotel on the A379 postcode: EX2 8FD Sowton Park and Ride Located on Sidmouth Road, near Junction 30 of the M5 postcode: EX2 5GL
For details on car parks in the city and availability please visit: www.parkopedia.co.uk
CAR PARKS CATHEDRAL & QUAY 26 Lower Coombe Street, EX1 1DX Multistorey 355 spaces
KING WILLIAM STREET King William Street, EX4 6PD Partially Covered 68 spaces
PRINCESSHAY 2 Dix's Field, EX1 1NN Multistorey 109 spaces
EXETER CENTRAL STATION 3 Queen Street, EX4 3SB Open air 62 spaces
MAGDALEN ROAD 3 Magdalen Road, EX2 4SU Open air 191 spaces
PRINCESSHAY 3 1 Southernhay East, EX1 1TS Underground car park 138 spaces
MAGDALEN STREET Magdalen Street, EX2 4HZ Open air 99 spaces
SUMMERLAND GATE 4 Belgrave Road, EX1 2LB Covered 239 spaces
MARY ARCHES STREET Bartholomew St East, EX4 3AZ Multistorey 430 spaces
TRIANGLE Russell Street, EX1 2BL Open air 270 spaces
GUILDHALL 22 Paul Street, EX4 3HP Multistorey 397 spaces HARLEQUINS Paul Street, EX4 3TT Covered 91 spaces HOWELL ROAD 62 Howell Road, EX4 4LZ Open air 337 spaces
PRINCESSHAY Paris Street, EX1 1GA Multistorey 273 spaces
JOHN LEWIS King William Street, EX4 6PD Multistorey 410 spaces
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FESTIVITIES IN THE CITY
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Christmas is in full swing all over the city. Check out the map for the highlights. For much more check out our what’s on listings.
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Lights will be on in the City from Thursday 16th November
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MAP KEY The InExeter 10 metre Christmas Tree will greet visitors at Exeter Central Station.
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Take a Christmas Selfie in our walk through Christmas Bauble.
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Magdalen Road's shops, restaurants, and 50 West Country stalls unite for street festivities with food, music, and merriment.
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The Frosty Fore Street Flea will be taking place on Sunday 19th November 12-4pm.
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Don’t miss Spark! Performing in Princesshay on Thursday 16th November, at 5pm, 6pm & 7pm to celebrate their new Christmas lights for 2023.
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The iconic Exeter Letters will be lighting up the Almshouses on Catherine Street.
See Sidwella, a giant puppet inspired by the beloved patron saint of Exeter as part of our Winter in Exeter festive celebrations on Saturday 25th November. Ma gd
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The Guildhall Toy Drive is back, you can donate toys that will be distributed to local families in need this Christmas. Visit the Royal Albert Memorial Museum on Saturday 25th November for magical and fascinating characters from the past.
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EXPLORE EXETER Whether you're seeking fantastic high street shopping, one-of-a-kind gift boutiques or a quiet corner for a relaxing coffee break Exeter has it all. Dining experiences range from street food to à la carte and award-winning bakeries to global delights. Explore the city and outlying areas for amazing independent businesses, each offering distinctive products just waiting to be discovered.
We invite you to have an ‘Indie ExeMas’ this year and explore all Indie Exeter has to offer. Read on to find out about th e different area s of the city and di scover the guide to our Independen t Retailers.
From the bohemian vibes of Fore Street to the historic charm of the Castle Quarter there is much to discover. Wander over to the picturesque, cobbled Gandy Street or the charming Magdalen Road to explore a rich variety of local independent businesses.
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INDIE EXETER
You can support indie businesses with the Exeter Independent Gift Card. Find out more: www.inexetergiftcard.co.uk
EAST GATE
THE CATHEDRAL QUARTER
The multicultural hub of the city. Explore charity shops for preloved treasures, uncover specialist stores for hobbies and tech, and seek out global flavours in this vibrant quarter.
The Cathedral and South Street Quarter is the heart of the city, incorporating the beautiful surroundings of Exeter Cathedral. Find timeless, high quality, eco-conscious fashion retailers, jewellers and much more.
MAGDALEN ROAD Affectionately known as the village in the heart of the city, this independent shopping street is great for local food as well as unusual gifts from specialist retailers. THE CASTLE QUARTER Named after the 11th century Exeter Castle, in this area you will find the quaint cobbled Gandy Street and the bustling Queen Street. Delightful nooks and crannies await visitors, offering unique, specialist and artisan products.
THE WEST QUARTER Take a wander down Fore Street and you will not be disappointed! As the largest indie quarter, this is the place to go for arts and crafts, retro and vintage, books and records and more – there really is something for everyone in this part of town.
Check Out our Indie Map!
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EXETER CATHEDRAL MARKET Cathedral Green Friday 17th Nov – Sunday 17th Dec Make it a day out to remember at Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market. You’ll discover something for everyone at Devon’s biggest Christmas Market. With over 100 twinkling chalets, local gifts and produce, themed bars, global street food and seasonal entertainment. Plus, free entry into Exeter Cathedral to see the Light of Hope Star installation by artist, Peter Walker.
Scenes from last year’s Christmas Market. Photos by Exeter Cathedral/Emma Solley.
Peter Walker Sculptor/Exeter Cathedral
InExeter presents
100 stalls! Pre-loved, hand made and more! With special appearances from Scrooge & The Hot House Combo
Sunday November 19th • 12-4pm Fore Street
For more info visit:
marketsinexeter.co.uk • info@inexeter.com • @marketsinexeter
SATURDAY 2ND DECEMBER
FESTIVE MARKETS
MAGDALEN ROAD CHRISTMAS FAIR Magdalen Road The fantastic shops and restaurants of Magdalen Road will spill out onto the street and be joined by 50 stalls from all over the West Country on Saturday 2 December 2-6pm. There will be live entertainment from bands and singers, fairground rides, presents to buy, music, hot wine and Christmassy foods. SUNDAY 19TH NOVEMBER FROSTY FORE STREET FLEA Fore Street Don your Christmas jumpers and head to Fore Street for the final Flea of the year on Sunday 19 November 12-4pm. For second hand bargains, handmade trinkets and trashto-treasure discoveries, you can’t beat this well-loved West-Quarter event. With music from the Hot House Combo and our Youth Music performers, plus a visit from our old friend Scrooge, there’s plenty to lift the spirits and kick off the Festive Season in real indie style! THURSDAY 16TH NOV – SATURDAY 23RD DEC MARKETS IN EXETER CHRISTMAS POP UP Bedford Street, Princesshay This Christmas, Markets In Exeter have partnered with Princesshay to deliver a cosy festive offering in the heart of the city. With 10 wooden chalets occupied by different traders each week, Christmashay Market will offer an ever-changing myriad of small and local businesses. Centred around the cosy Antler Inn, our winter market promises indie businesses, artisan gifts and sweet treats. 27
FESTIVE SHOWS Prepare to immerse yourself in the magic of live theatre, a perfect treat for the entire family this Christmas. In Exeter, there's a Christmas show to delight everyone, ensuring the season is brimming with wonder and joy.
Sleeping Beauty Exeter Corn Exchange Saturday 16 Dec – Monday 1st Jan 2024 A top cast of familiar faces and leading West End stars tell this classic story, set in the enchanted Fairyland, full of magic, merriment and a big dragon. Loads of laughs and epic vocals! Sweet dreams are made of this!
Dick Whittington Northcott Theatre Thursday 30th Nov 23 - Sunday 7th Jan 24
Following last year’s record-breaking smash-hit, Exeter Northcott and Le Navet Bete are teaming up once again. Expect plenty of laughs, great music, amazing special effects and full-on-fun for every generation with this fabulous rags-toriches tale.
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Five Children And It Quirk Theatre - Exeter Phoenix Sunday 17th – 28th Dec Get ready for a heart-warming and hilarious festive adventure all about wishes granted by an anarchic fairymonster-thingy that only last for one day before disappearing at sunset. A fresh, festive take on a childhood classic, as E. Nesbit’s beloved children’s book gets the Quirk treatment! Quirk Theatre are known for their inventive and innovative approach to live theatre, wowing audiences with projection, puppetry, creative sets and original music. A perfect festive treat for all ages!
TWIXMAS T
wixmas, the period of downtime between Christmas and New Year when you can treat yourself to some wellearned and stress-free relaxation. A time for exploring and discovering new places, or even re-discovering old favourites. Whether it’s taking in the crisp winter air and burning off any festive excess exploring Haldon Forest or unwinding with a relaxing stroll along the River Exe as you take in nature’s wintry delights, the focus is on getting out and about to breath some fresh air and life into your body. Exeter is blessed with an abundance of outdoor areas and activities just waiting to be explored, much of which can be accessed by foot. A popular way to find your way around the city, while learning about Exeter’s rich and proud history, is on a free Red Coat Guided Tour. There’s a range of tours available and what the expert guides don’t know probably isn’t worth knowing!
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If one of your New Year resolutions is to become more active, then why not get a head start with Exeter Riverside Parkrun. A free, fun and friendly 5k community event where you can walk, jog, run, volunteer or even just spectate and cheer everyone along. It’s a guaranteed feel good factor however you get involved. For those of you who are feeling more ambitious, the Green Circle is a twelve mile walk that takes you on a journey from green valley parks to quiet leafy suburbs, around the boundaries of Exeter. You’ll be surprised at some of the places you visit and the walk can also be broken down into five sections.
You can’t beat a relaxing stroll along the River Exe. There’s something about the tranquillity of the water that allows you to lose yourself. On foot or two wheels, you’ve got the freedom to go as far as you like and it’s amazing what even a short outdoor journey can do for your well-being. Dial into nature with a spot of nature watching along the riverbank and bring along the Christmas leftovers for a ready-made picnic. Offering miles of trails and endless activities, Haldon Forest Park provides the perfect setting to rediscover your connection with the great outdoors. A range of exhilarating mountain bike trails will blast away the cobwebs and are perfect for some adrenalin-filled family fun. If you seek a little more isolation then head deeper into the forest where you’ll be treated to serene surroundings and incredible views.
Leave the stresses of the city behind with a scenic journey along the river to Exmouth. Here you can hop on board one of Stuart Lines ‘Festive Special River Cruises’. Sit back, relax and soak up the calm and sheltered waters of the River Exe. If the fresh wintry air becomes a little too much then snuggle up with a cosy blanket inside the heated lower decks. If you would like more inspiration visit: www.visitexeter.com.
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WHAT’S ON Here are a few highlights of what is happening in the city this Christmas. More information on these individual events will be on the venue websites or social media. EXETER SANTA RUN Exeter City Centre Sunday 3rd December Join Exeter City Community Trust for the annual Santa Run. All ages and abilities are welcome to don a Santa suit in this festive fun run. CANDLELIGHT TOURS Exeter Cathedral 14th, 21st, 22nd, 25th Nov, 2nd Dec Experience Exeter Cathedral after hours, when the doors are shut and candles flicker in the night. AN ENGLISH HISTORY OF CHRISTMAS St Nicholas Priory Fri 24th Nov A concert series exploring Christmas traditions from Medieval times to the 20th Century. MAGICAL AND FASCINATING CHARACTERS FROM THE PAST Royal Albert Memorial Museum Sat 25th Nov Be charmed and baffled by Victorian magician Sir Foxley and discover other characters from the past, roaming the museum. 32
SECOND-HAND BOOK AND HISTORICAL MAP SALE Devon and Exeter Institution Sat 25th Nov Pick up your next read, or a Christmas gift at this second-hand sale. THE RED SHOES CINEMA EXPERIENCE Exeter Cathedral Sat 28th Nov Join Exeter Phoenix and experience the magic of the festive season like never before with an immersive screening of The Red Shoes (1948) in Exeter’s the stunning gothic cathedral. SANTA’S WINTER WORKSHOP Princesshay Selected dates Thurs 30th Nov – Sat 24th Dec Santa’s Winter Workshop will be located on Bedford Street where the big man himself will be accompanied by his friendly elves. No booking required – full details available on the Princesshay website.
DEAR SANTA LIVE! Barnfield Theatre Wed 13th – Sun 24th Dec From Rod Campbell, author of the wellloved children’s book Dear Zoo, this Christmas show is an ideal introduction to theatre for those aged two and over.
POMANDER MAKING Devon and Exeter Institution Sat 2nd Dec Make clove and orange Pomanders – family fun stay and play session. STAGECOACH FESTIVE FAMILY FUN AFTERNOON Exeter Bus Station Thurs 7th Dec. The Big Noise Choir and Radio Exe will be spreading festive cheer with live entertainment, Christmas carols and competitions plus a Father Christmas meet and greet. MAKE A GIFT BOX Devon and Exeter Institution Sat 9th Dec Booking recommended at this family fun stay and play session where you will make a gift box.
CHRISTMAS BY CANDLELIGHT Exeter Cathedral Sat 16th Dec Join Exeter Chamber Choir for the musical magic of Christmas by Candlelight. SWINGING CHRISTMAS WITH THE EXETER JAZZ ORCHESTRA Exeter Library Friday 15th Dec Dive into Christmas with a night of jazz classics, golden age groovers and cool carols. A CHRISTMAS NIGHT AT THE OPERA Barnfield Theatre Sat 16th Dec Featuring the great operas of Mozart, Rossini, Verdi, Bizet, Puccini, Offenbach, Gilbert & Sullivan and more.
CHRISTMAS CRAFT The Mint Methodist Church Sat 9th Dec Perfect for families – enjoy this Christmas themed craft activity for children. EXETER COMEDY CLUB CHRISTMAS SPECIALS Exeter Corn Exchange Fri 8th & 15th Dec Comedy Christmas special featuring four of the best stand-up performers in the UK. There's no better way to kick-off the festive season. 33
SPORK! CHRISTMAS SPECIAL Exeter Phoenix Mon 18 Dec A big dollop of poetry, comedy, live music & festive cheer. GLOWING FESTIVE LANTERNS Royal Albert Memorial Museum Tues 19 Dec Cast away the mid-winter gloom and cosy up with your very own, hand-made festive lantern. FESTIVE WILDLIFE DECORATIONS Royal Albert Memorial Museum Wed 20 December Let your imagination go wild and create your own wooden decoration to hang on your tree for years to come.
VIENNESE CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR Exeter Cathedral Fri 22nd Dec This concert celebrates the magic of Christmas and brings people together for a sensational evening of wonderful music.
CHRISTMAS CONCERTS AND CELEBRATIONS CHRISTMAS WITH THE CATHEDRAL CHOIR Exeter Cathedral Weds 6th, Fri 8th & Mon 11th Dec THE MESSIAH CONCERT Exeter Cathedral Sat 10th Dec EXETER CATHEDRAL NATIVITY Exeter Cathedral Sun 17th Dec
ALL AGE WORSHIP The Mint Methodist Church Sun 10th and Sun 17th Dec, 10:30am CHRISTMAS CAROL SERVICE The Mint Methodist Church Sun 17th Dec, 6:30pm CRIB SERVICE The Mint Methodist Church Sun 24th Dec, 4:00pm FAMILY SERVICE The Mint Methodist Church Mon 25th Dec, 10.30am