Torbay Council, working in proud partnership with the English Riviera BID Company, is thrilled to see the return of this much-loved winter event. It’s back for the fourth year following the phenomenal success of 2024 which saw a 37% increase in footfall and glowing feedback from visitors and local businesses.
At the heart of the Bay of Lights is the 1.5-mile Illumination Trail along Torquay seafront. This free and fully accessible trail features 18 large-scale light installations that stretch from Torre Abbey to Torquay’s harbour side. Expect stunning digital light shows, festive music, and countless photo opportunities to make magical memories with friends and family.
New For 2025! This year’s biggest new attraction is sure to excite. For the first time in years, Torbay will welcome a real ice rink, bringing a dazzling new dimension to the Bay of Lights festivities! Nestled in the heart of Abbey Park, this sparkling 39m x 12m rink invites residents and visitors of all ages to glide across the ice in a truly magical setting. It will open daily from Saturday 6 December 2025 to Friday 2 January 2026, offering hourly sessions for up to 80 skaters, all under a beautifully lit canopy to ensure the fun continues regardless of the weather. So, whether you’re a seasoned skater or stepping onto the ice for the first time, this enchanting experience promises festive fun and laughter.
Back by popular demand, Torre Abbey will once again host the spectacular ”Alive with Light” show. This immersive experience transforms the historic abbey into a canvas of light and sound, taking audiences on a visual journey through its rich history—from its 12th-century origins to the present day. Through beautifully mapped projections and a soundtrack featuring music from the Medieval, Tudor, Georgian, and Victorian eras, visitors will witness the evolution of Christmas celebrations across the centuries.
Also returning to Torquay is the Torre Abbey Christmas Market, which will be open from Friday 28 November to Sunday 21 December, and is a festive haven for seasonal shopping and delicious local food. Whether you’re starting or ending your Illumination Trail adventure, the market offers artisan gifts and crafts, fabulous local food offerings and an atmospheric bar serving the best of the South West.
Beyond Torquay, the Bay of Lights glow extends across to Paignton and Brixham, where visitors can enjoy a variety of enchanting experiences. From heartwarming lantern parades, to carols by candlelight and dazzling pixel tree installations, each town offers its own unique sparkle. One of the standout highlights is the Christmas Train of Lights steam train. Adorned with lights it creates a truly unforgettable journey through the illuminated landscape of the English Riviera.
In Brixham, ‘Lanterns, Lights and Luminations‘ will be returning this year on Friday 21 and Saturday 22 November. Organised by Brixham Town Council, the celebrations begin on Friday 21 November with a magical lantern parade through the town, culminating in the spectacular switch-on of the Christmas lights. The event will close on Saturday evening with a dazzling firework display over the harbour, launched from the breakwater. Across both days, visitors will be able to enjoy a bustling street market, live music, and roaming street entertainment.
Councillor Jacqueline Thomas, Torbay Council’s Cabinet Member for Tourism, Culture and Events at Torbay Council, shared her excitement: “We’re delighted to once again be inviting everyone to come and experience the excitement of the Bay of Lights. There’s a wonderful array of activities planned, and I’m thrilled by the addition of the ice rink which will no doubt bring some extra festive magic to the event this year.”
Carolyn Custerson, CEO of English Riviera BID Company, added: “I’m excited to see Bay of Lights returning for a fourth year. It’s quickly becoming a national ‘must-see’ event that brings so much joy to residents and visitors. The English Riviera has a truly magical feel during the Bay of Lights, so come and escape your everyday and experience Christmas like never before.”
To keep up to date with Bay of Lights Illumination Trail, Christmas Market and Ice Rink, you can follow the new Facebook page: www.facebook.com/BayofLightsIlluminationTrail
Plan Your Visit:
Bay of Lights Illuminations Trail: 28 November 2025 to 2 January 2026. The trail runs daily from 4.30pm, with sound elements until 9.30pm and lighting displays until 11pm. It is free of charge and there’s no need to book. More information is available on the Bay of Lights website: https://illuminationtrail.co.uk/
Torre Abbey Christmas Market at Torre Abbey: 28 November 2025 to 21 December 2025. Open Monday to Thursday 3pm to 9:30pm, Friday and Saturday 11am to 10pm and on Sundays 11am to 9pm.
Alive with Light at Torre Abbey: 28 November 2025 to 2 January 2026 from 4:40pm to 10pm.
Ice rink held at Abbey Park: 6 December 2025 to 2 January 2026. Open Monday to Thursday 4pm to 9pm, Friday 2pm to 9pm and at weekends11am to 9pm (excluding 4pm to 5pm for resurfacing). On Fridays from 11am to midday, and midday to 1pm, there will also be parent and toddler sessions available. Book your skate on the booking site:https://illuminationtrail.co.uk/icerink/
Lanterns, Lights and Luminations: Organised by Brixham Town Council: 21 November 2025 to 22 November 2025. Free of charge and no need to book.
Enchanting Illuminations at Babbacombe Model Village: 22 November 2025 to 4 January 2026. Lights on from 3:30 to 6:30pm.
Train of Lights: 29 November 2025 to 30 December 2025. Book direct on the Dartmouth Steam Railway website: https://www.englishriviera.co.uk/things-to-do/dartmouth-steam-railway-starting-in-paignton-p141283
Visitors will also be able to take advantage of Torbay Council’s winter parking promotion which will be running from Friday 28 November 2025 to Friday 2 January 2026. More details will be available nearer the time so make sure to keep an eye out!
Did you know that you can help spread the festive cheer this season? The council are looking for volunteers to support the public around the Christmas Market and along the Illumination Trail. If you would be interested in finding out more, please email events@torbay.gov.uk
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