With many high streets in towns, villages and cities all over Devon already brightly lit with festive decorations, it’s time to set our sights on the upcoming holidays and all the events that are happening during the run-up to the big day itself. We have created a guide to some of the best Christmas events close to our private school in Devon, including a reminder of a couple of school-based events that are already in your diaries.
Exeter Christmas Fair on Cathedral Green – Thursday 15th December – Friday 16th December
No Christmas in Devon is complete without a shopping trip to Exeter, and aside from the large selection of high street shops, there is also a fantastic Christmas fair to explore. Discover the very best of local businesses and independent traders displaying an array of delicious treats and creative crafts, both of which make for fantastic stocking fillers or presents for family and friends. This year will see fantastic entertainment on stage along with various drinks outlets for you to purchase a winter warmer, including last year’s popular mulled apple gin. This year, you can also visit between 18:30 and 21:00, take photos of the market and share them on social media for your chance to win £100 of vouchers to spend at the market – a great challenge for any older children with an interest in photography!
Walter’s Winter Trail – 24th November 2018 – 15th February 2019
Head to the Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth to help the donkeys get winter ready by ensuring they have had all their health checks and are warm and comfortable. Work your way round the park and the winter checklist before claiming your prize and certificate upon completion. This is a fantastic opportunity for families to head outside this winter and get in the festive spirit as well as learn some fascinating facts about caring for donkeys. You will also have the opportunity to meet and greet some of the adorable donkeys and be sure to check what’s on during your visit for specialist tours, talks and demonstrations delivered by staff. All proceeds made from Walter’s Winter Trail will be donated to The Donkey Sanctuary Worldwide.
Cullompton Christmas Festival – Saturday 24th November 10:00 – 18:00
Head to Cullompton on the 24th November for their renowned Christmas festival that sees fantastic activities and entertainment from 10:00-18:00, finishing with a lantern parade and the Christmas lights switch on. The market will be open from 12:00 for you to browse as you soak up the atmosphere and Father Christmas will be in his grotto from 13:30 – 16:00, with a free gift for all small visitors. Morris dancers, bands and choirs will entertain throughout the afternoon and there will also be various craft workshops for children to get creative and take home their fabulous work.
Christmas Fayre – Saturday 1st December 13:00 – 16:00
Don’t miss the Christmas Fayre here at St Peter’s on Saturday 1st December, where you’ll find Santa in his grotto and beautiful carols played by the Lympstone Training Band. There will be refreshments available alongside an array of independent stall holders selling treats, crafts and souvenirs for the ultimate Christmas shopping inspiration. If you’d like any more information about this event, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Christmas Jumper Day and School Christmas Lunch – Wednesday 12th December
As the school gets ready for the Christmas break, we’ll be having a Christmas Jumper Day on Wednesday 12th December, so do start your search for some seasonal knitwear. This will also be the date of our annual Christmas Lunch, where the children can look forward to a festive feast at lunch time.
School Carol Concert – Thursday December 13th
The school carol concert will take place at 16:00 on Thursday 13th December at the Holy Trinity Church in Exmouth. This will be a very special event and marks the end of the school term for pupils at St Peter’s.
Christmas Day Swim at Exmouth – Tuesday 25th December
For those looking for something a little different on Christmas Day, why not join the hundreds of people that brave the icy sea for a festive dip in the waters just off Exmouth beach. This wacky tradition has been going on since the 1970s and continues to grow in popularity every year. Whether you plan on taking the plunge or not, it’s certainly worth the trip to get involved with the community spirit and admire the various fancy-dress costumes on display.
That concludes our list of festive events to look out for this December and we hope to have provided some inspiration for how you and your family can get involved with the community this Christmas. If you have any questions regarding the events associated with the school, please don’t hesitate to contact us for more information.
