This year, the English Riviera will see a return of The Bay of Lights! Taking place throughout Torquay, Paignton and Brixham, the whole Bay will come alive with a flurry of illuminated events.
From lantern parades, to a steam train covered in lights, to carols by candlelight, the English Riviera will have a truly magical feel this winter, so it’s worth indulging in a few nights away from home to take it all in.
And don’t forget the star of the show: the illuminated trail along Torquay seafront! From Friday 28 November 2025 to Firday 2 January 2026 you can enjoy a 1.5-mile route along Torquay seafront with glittering and unexpected surprises along the way. FIND OUT MORE
The Illumination Trail, Torquay
FREE EVENT – Wander through a light tunnel along the seafront that blinks in time with the festoon lighting. Can you find the 12-metre-high Christmas Tree? It will surprise you with a spectacular digital sound and light show.
Along the route, additional lighting will add some glittering Christmas magic to the town and around the harbourside, as well as in the trees and sunken gardens – even the pond in Abbey Park. There will also be lighting on the curly bridge at Abbey Sands. Discover several unexpected light installations along the trail, as well as entertainment walkabouts and other surprises on selected nights. A free map can be downloaded here
Christmas Market at Torre Abbey
Christmas Market in the grounds of historic Torre Abbey. The market will form the perfect space for visitors to do some Christmas shopping or to start or end the Bay of Lights Illumination Trail with plenty of food traders serving delicious food. Expect great local food traders, fun family activities and two atmospheric bars offering the best of the South West.
Torre Abbey comes alive with light!
Celebrate 800 years of Christmas – Torre Abbey will transform into a breathtaking canvas of light and history with an innovative projection event, celebrating the rich heritage of the abbey and the festive spirit of Christmas. This spectacular display was designed by renowned artists Ross Ashton and Karen Monid from The Projection Studio.
The projection took attendees on a visual journey through Torre Abbey’s storied past, from its establishment by the Premonstratensians in the 12th century to the present day. Spectators will witness the evolution of Christmas celebrations across the ages, accompanied by a carefully curated soundtrack featuring music from the Medieval, Tudor, Georgian, and Victorian periods. Beautifully mapping images inspired by the different eras will be projected onto the abbey’s historic architecture.
This event promises to engage audiences of all ages, offering a unique opportunity to experience the holiday season in a captivating and immersive way.