Torquay Christmas Market: A Festive Guide to the English Riviera
Christmas on the English Riviera brings a little extra sparkle to the South Devon coast. From 28 November to 20 December 2026, Torquay Christmas Market returns to the historic Torre Abbey, with artisan stalls, festive food and seasonal entertainment. Alongside the Bay of Lights illuminations, it's a lovely opportunity to enjoy Christmas shopping, explore Torquay's waterfront and discover the quieter charm of the coast in winter.
Torquay Christmas Market 2026: Dates, Location and Opening Times
The Torquay Christmas Market takes place at Torre Abbey, one of the town's best-known historic landmarks, close to Torquay seafront. Running from Saturday 28 November to Sunday 20 December 2026, the market forms part of the English Riviera's wider Bay of Lights celebrations.
This year, the Christmas Market and Winter Fest join together, bringing local makers, craft stalls and festive refreshments to the Abbey's atmospheric grounds and historic Spanish Barn.
Torquay Christmas Market 2026 opening times:
- Wednesday and Thursday: 3pm to 9.30pm
- Friday and Saturday: 11am to 10pm
- Sunday: 11am to 9pm
With afternoon and evening opening, there's plenty of opportunity to combine Christmas shopping with a stroll along the seafront. If you're hoping to experience the illuminations too, an afternoon arrival gives you time to browse before the lights come on.
It's worth checking the official event information before travelling, as seasonal arrangements can change.
What to Expect at Torquay Christmas Market
There's something particularly inviting about Christmas shopping beside the sea. At Torre Abbey, the historic setting provides a characterful backdrop to stalls selling handmade gifts, decorations and locally crafted treasures.
Find Something Special at the Artisan Stalls
The market brings together local artisan makers and independent traders, offering an opportunity to discover gifts beyond the usual high street finds.
The Spanish Barn will host indoor craft stalls, while the Abbey grounds will feature additional traders and seasonal shopping.
If you're searching for presents with a Devon connection, take your time browsing the handmade crafts and locally produced gifts. Shopping with independent makers also offers a chance to find out more about the people and skills behind your purchases.
Enjoy Festive Food and Drink
Christmas markets are as much about enjoying the atmosphere as filling your shopping bags.
At Torre Abbey, visitors can expect seasonal street food, warming mulled wine, hot chocolate and locally brewed beers.
Covered seating areas offer somewhere to pause between browsing the stalls, particularly welcome on a chilly December evening.
For a more leisurely visit, leave time to enjoy something warm before heading towards the waterfront for the evening illuminations.
Experience Torquay's Bay of Lights This Christmas
One of the highlights of Christmas in Torquay is the Bay of Lights, which transforms the seafront with illuminated installations and festive displays.
Running from 28 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, the free Illumination Trail stretches for approximately 1.5 miles along Torquay's waterfront.
The trail features 19 major illuminated installations and 11 additional light displays, making it a wonderful way to experience the English Riviera after dark.
The illuminations are scheduled to operate daily from 4.30pm until 11pm, allowing visitors to enjoy the lights before or after exploring the market.
Torre Abbey also hosts the Alive with Light projection experience, bringing the building's historic architecture to life through colour, music and imagery.
Our suggestion is to start with the Christmas Market in the afternoon, enjoy a warming drink as daylight fades, then follow the illuminated seafront for an atmospheric evening beside the bay.
More Festive Things to Do in Torquay
There's plenty to enjoy beyond the Christmas Market, especially if you're spending a weekend on the English Riviera.
Take to the Ice at Abbey Park
For something a little different, the Bay of Lights Ice Rink returns to Abbey Park from 28 November 2026 to 3 January 2027.
The covered rink offers hourly skating sessions beneath an illuminated canopy, making it an appealing activity even when the winter weather is less inviting.
Advance booking is recommended, particularly if you're planning to skate during a busy weekend.
Explore Christmas at Babbacombe Model Village
Away from the town centre, Babbacombe Model Village offers another festive experience, with miniature Christmas scenes and seasonal illuminations.
Located on Hampton Avenue in Babbacombe, the attraction has selected illuminated opening dates from 21 November 2026 into early January 2027.
It's a particularly charming choice for visitors who enjoy intricate displays and a more relaxed pace of sightseeing.
Be sure to check the illuminated opening dates, as these differ from normal daytime visits.
Enjoy a Winter Walk Beside the Sea
Christmas on the English Riviera isn't only about decorations and festive shopping.
Winter brings a different character to the South Devon coastline, with crisp sea air, changing skies and quieter coastal paths.
A walk along Babbacombe Downs offers sweeping views towards Lyme Bay, while the sheltered shoreline of Babbacombe Bay provides a beautiful setting for enjoying the season at a gentler pace.
Pack a warm coat and comfortable footwear, particularly if you're planning to explore the coastal paths after rain.
Make a Weekend of Christmas on the English Riviera
If you're travelling from further afield, there's good reason to turn a visit to Torquay Christmas Market into a coastal winter break.
Rather than trying to fit Christmas shopping, sightseeing and the evening illuminations into a single trip, allow yourself a couple of days to enjoy the area.
A Friday or Saturday visit works particularly well for those who enjoy browsing the market earlier in the day, followed by festive entertainment after dark.
The following morning can be spent enjoying the coast, exploring Babbacombe or simply taking things at a slower pace.
At Cary Arms & Spa, our setting on the water's edge at Babbacombe Bay offers a peaceful contrast to Torquay's festive celebrations.
Our sea-view rooms, suites and beach huts bring traditional inn charm together with modern coastal living, creating a welcoming retreat for couples looking to spend a little quality time together.
Celebrate Christmas 2026 at Cary Arms & Spa
For visitors who enjoy the atmosphere of a Christmas market but prefer their celebrations with a little coastal calm, Cary Arms offers another way to embrace the season.
Our Christmas Fayre takes place on Sunday 20 December 2026, from 12pm until 5pm, with festive crafts, live music, lunch and Santa's Grotto.
It's a chance to enjoy seasonal celebrations in the intimate surroundings of Babbacombe Bay.
For those planning a longer Christmas break, our three-night Christmas House Party runs from 24 to 27 December 2026, with festive dining, entertainment and time to relax beside the sea.
The experience brings together the warmth of Devon hospitality and the pleasure of spending Christmas somewhere rather special.
Frequently Asked Questions About Torquay Christmas Market
Does Torquay Christmas Market open on Mondays and Tuesdays?
The published 2026 schedule lists opening times from Wednesday to Sunday. No regular Monday or Tuesday opening hours are advertised.
Will Torquay's Christmas lights stay on after the market closes?
Yes. The Bay of Lights Illumination Trail is scheduled to continue until 3 January 2027, after the Christmas Market finishes on 20 December.
Do I need to book ice skating in advance?
Advance online booking is recommended for the Bay of Lights Ice Rink. Sessions operate hourly, and a box office is also available on site.
Is there a Christmas market at Cary Arms & Spa?
Cary Arms & Spa is hosting a Christmas Fayre on Sunday 20 December 2026, featuring crafts, live music, festive food and Santa's Grotto. It is a separate event from the Christmas Market at Torre Abbey.
Make a Festive Getaway of It at Cary Arms & Spa
Why let the festive fun end when the Christmas Market closes? Turn your visit to Torquay into a cosy coastal escape with our Twinkle Twinkle Little Stay package at Cary Arms & Spa.
Available from 20 November to 21 December 2026, this two-night festive break includes a stay in a Luxury Seaview Room or chic Beach Hut, a delicious two-course festive dinner with a glass of prosecco, and breakfast each morning.
You'll also enjoy a self-guided tour of Torquay's sparkling Christmas lights, with a transfer to the harbour included, so you can soak up the festive atmosphere before returning to the peaceful shores of Babbacombe Bay.
With stays starting from £240 per person in a Luxury Seaview Room or £295 per person in a Beach Hut, it's a lovely way to combine Christmas shopping, twinkling lights and a little relaxed coastal luxury.
Discover our Twinkle Twinkle Little Stay package and make Christmas on the English Riviera a little more special.