The English Riviera is set to sparkle once again this festive season as the Bay of Lights returns from Friday 28 November to Friday 2 January, promising an even bigger and brighter celebration across Torquay, Paignton, and Brixham.
Working in proud partnership with the English Riviera BID Company, we are 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.
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.
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 weekends 11am 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.
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.
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 us to spread the festive cheer this season? We 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

News archive
- September 2025 (11)
- August 2025 (8)
- July 2025 (17)
- June 2025 (15)
- May 2025 (19)
- April 2025 (7)
- March 2025 (17)
- February 2025 (6)
- January 2025 (13)
- December 2024 (9)
- November 2024 (27)
- October 2024 (21)
- September 2024 (17)
- August 2024 (7)
- July 2024 (24)
- June 2024 (8)
- May 2024 (25)
- April 2024 (19)
- March 2024 (17)
- February 2024 (16)
- January 2024 (14)
- December 2023 (14)
- November 2023 (30)
- October 2023 (21)
- September 2023 (22)
- August 2023 (18)
- July 2023 (17)
- June 2023 (14)
- May 2023 (11)
- April 2023 (9)
- March 2023 (36)
- February 2023 (22)
- January 2023 (26)
- December 2022 (18)
- November 2022 (24)
- October 2022 (18)
- September 2022 (13)
- August 2022 (15)
- July 2022 (22)
- June 2022 (14)
- May 2022 (35)
- April 2022 (23)
- March 2022 (32)
- February 2022 (18)
- January 2022 (14)
- December 2021 (22)
- November 2021 (22)
- October 2021 (25)
- September 2021 (23)
- August 2021 (18)
- July 2021 (26)
- June 2021 (24)
- May 2021 (21)
- April 2021 (21)
- March 2021 (33)
- February 2021 (30)
- January 2021 (27)
- December 2020 (24)
- November 2020 (37)
- October 2020 (29)
- September 2020 (27)
- August 2020 (22)
- July 2020 (37)
- June 2020 (38)
- May 2020 (39)
- April 2020 (36)
- March 2020 (22)
- February 2020 (10)
- January 2020 (18)
- December 2019 (7)
- November 2019 (11)
- October 2019 (15)
- September 2019 (16)
- August 2019 (8)
- July 2019 (9)
- June 2019 (7)
- May 2019 (16)
- April 2019 (11)
- March 2019 (11)
- February 2019 (7)
- January 2019 (11)
- December 2018 (11)
- November 2018 (14)
- October 2018 (14)
- September 2018 (9)
- August 2018 (7)
- July 2018 (19)
- June 2018 (21)
- May 2018 (7)
- April 2018 (10)
- March 2018 (35)
- February 2018 (9)
- January 2018 (15)
- December 2017 (9)
- November 2017 (17)
- October 2017 (11)
- September 2017 (6)
- August 2017 (7)
- July 2017 (13)
- June 2017 (22)
- May 2017 (16)
- April 2017 (8)
- March 2017 (9)
- February 2017 (9)
- January 2017 (4)
- December 2016 (10)
- November 2016 (11)
- October 2016 (14)
- September 2016 (9)
- August 2016 (10)
- July 2016 (11)
- June 2016 (4)
- May 2016 (20)
- April 2016 (14)
- March 2016 (18)
- February 2016 (8)
- January 2016 (15)
- December 2015 (13)
- November 2015 (19)
- October 2015 (17)
- September 2015 (8)
- August 2015 (6)
- July 2015 (19)
- June 2015 (11)
- May 2015 (20)
- April 2015 (14)
- March 2015 (15)
- February 2015 (13)
- January 2015 (17)
- December 2014 (17)
- November 2014 (18)
- October 2014 (14)
- September 2014 (17)
- August 2014 (16)
- July 2014 (10)
- June 2014 (8)
- May 2014 (1)
- February 2014 (1)
- January 0001 (1)