The Bay of Lights promises to ignite the night sky once again! It will transform the English Riviera into a celebration of Christmas. This year, we have some exciting new installations for you to enjoy. The Bay of Lights runs from Friday 28 November until Friday 2 January 2026.

Illumination trail

In 2025, the Bay of Lights Illumination trail starts at Torbay Abbey and ends at Torquay Harbour. 

Find the dedicated Illumination Trail website for more information.

Christmas market

Alongside the trail, Torre Abbey will play host to the Bay Of Lights Christmas Market from Friday 28 November to Sunday 21 December. With local stalls and food vendors offering festive treats and gifts for all to enjoy.

Find out more about the Christmas market.

Ice rink

We’re thrilled to introduce a new addition to this year’s Bay of Lights. For the first time in years, visitors and locals can ice skating at Abbey Park, Torquay. This beautifully lit, large ice rink will be open daily from Saturday 6 December 2025 to Friday 2 January 2026. 

Find out more about the ice rink.

What is the Bay of Lights?

The Bay of Lights initiative takes place throughout Torquay, Paignton and Brixham. In December, a range of illuminated events and installations light up the Bay.

Funded by Torbay Council, SWISCo and the English Riviera BID Company, the 2025 trail is also supported by a range of generous organisations and businesses. These include:

• Wilmot Dixon
• Big Wave Marketing
• FTS

We also have individual installation sponsors:

• Pier Point
• Otto
• Twenty1
• Offshore Bar and Restaurant
• Hoopers
• PKF Francis Clark
• Hays Travel
• ERBID
• Torbay Business Forum
• The Torquay Comedy Club
• Cantina TQ
• Osborne Apartments