Skaters are encouraged to book their tickets early to avoid disappointment

Bay of Lights returns to Torbay on 28 November, bringing a dazzling programme of festive events, attractions and illuminations across the Bay.

Adding to the excitement, bookings for the popular Bay of Lights ice rink in Abbey Park in Torquay are now open, with sessions expected to sell quickly.

Following a highly successful debut last year, when more than 17,000 skaters took to the ice and nearly every session sold out, the attraction will return bigger and better for 2026.

Sponsored by Willmott Dixon, Radio Exe Devon and Nation Radio Westcountry, the ice rink will feature a larger skating area, extended opening hours and a new viewing platform where friends and family can watch the action from above.

Open daily from 28 November 2026 to 3 January 2027 (excluding Christmas Day), it is expected to be one of the most popular attractions in this year's Bay of Lights programme.

The covered and enclosed rink offers hourly sessions for up to 120 skaters beneath a sparkling illuminated canopy, creating a magical festive experience whatever the weather. Made from real ice, the rink is wheelchair accessible, and suitable for families and skaters of all abilities, with children of all ages invited to join in the fun.

Tickets are available now at www.illuminationtrail.co.uk/icerink, with visitors encouraged to book early to secure their preferred date and time. Discounts are available for tickets purchased online, while an on-site box office will be open from 28 November for those wishing to buy tickets in person.

Businesses, organisations and groups looking for a unique festive experience or Christmas party idea can also take advantage of exclusive rink hire on selected dates. For private hire enquiries, please contact events@torbay.gov.uk.

As preparations get underway for the return of the ice rink, some areas of Abbey Park will be temporarily closed between 9 and 27 November to allow for its safe installation. This includes the area between the Italian Gardens and Torbay Road, as well as the walking route around the pond.

However, visitors will continue to be able to access the Italian Gardens, café and key pedestrian routes, while the car park will remain open with a reduced number of spaces available. These temporary measures are necessary to enable the safe construction of the ice rink while keeping as much of the park accessible to residents and visitors as possible.

At the heart of the Bay of Lights programme is the free and fully accessible Illumination Trail which will run every evening from 28 November 2026 to 3 January 2027. The trail returns bigger than ever, featuring 19 major illuminated features and 11 additional displays across Torquay's waterfront, creating a glittering coastal experience for residents and visitors.

Delivered in partnership with us and the English Riviera BID Company, Bay of Lights is now in its fifth year and has become one of the South West's most popular free festive attractions.

Other Bay of Lights highlights include the opening night fireworks display on 28 November, the Christmas Market at Torre Abbey which runs from 28 November to 20 December, a Ferris wheel on the Strand and the popular Lanterns, Lights and ‘Luminations event in Brixham on 20 and 21 November. Organised by Brixham Town Council, this much-loved celebration features a magical lantern parade, festive light switch-on, Christmas market, live entertainment and a spectacular fireworks display.

In Paignton, a new event called Neon Nights will take place on 4 and 5 December, delivered by Tonic Creatives and funded by Torbay Council. More information to follow in the coming weeks.

Throughout the festive season, Brixham, Paignton and Torquay will also be illuminated by their own Christmas lights displays, which we are proud to support through dedicated funding.

Councillor Jackie Thomas, Cabinet Member for Tourism, Culture & Events and Corporate Services at Torbay Council, said: "The ice rink was one of the standout attractions of Bay of Lights last year, attracting more than 17,000 skaters and selling out almost every session. We're thrilled to be bringing it back for 2026 with even more capacity and new features for visitors to enjoy. Combined with our biggest-ever Illumination Trail and a packed programme of festive events across Torbay, this is shaping up to be our most dazzling Bay of Lights yet. We expect ice rink tickets to be in high demand, so booking early is highly recommended."

For more information about Bay of Lights, visit www.illuminationtrail.co.uk