Residents and visitors are being encouraged to discover everything Bay of Lights has to offer this festive season as a packed programme of illuminations, family attractions and festive experiences returns to Torbay from Saturday 28 November 2026.

Delivered by 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.

Here are five reasons why Bay of Lights should be on everyone's Christmas list this year:

1. Explore the spectacular Illumination Trail

At the heart of Bay of Lights is the much-loved Illumination Trail, which runs every evening from 28 November 2026 to 3 January 2027. The 1.5-mile route stretches along Torquay's seafront and is bigger and brighter than ever this year, featuring 19 major illuminated installations and 11 additional displays.

New for 2026, visitors can enjoy interactive smoke bubbles within the Rainbow Maze at Abbey Gardens, an immersive sound and light experience at The Banjo, and take in stunning views from the new festive wheel on Torquay harbourside.

The trail is fully accessible and takes visitors on a magical journey of colour, light and imagination. From breathtaking installations to interactive displays, there's something to delight visitors of all ages and plenty of spectacular photo opportunities along the way.

Whether you're visiting with family, friends or a loved one, it's the perfect way to soak up the festive atmosphere and create lasting Christmas memories.

2. Glide across Torbay's ice rink by the sea

Open daily from 28 November to 3 January (excluding Christmas Day), the ice rink returns to Abbey Park in Torquay bigger and better than before with enough space to accommodate up to 120 skaters per session. Set beneath a sparkling canopy of lights, the covered rink offers a magical festive experience for visitors of all ages, whatever the weather.

The rink is wheelchair accessible and suitable for all abilities, from first-time skaters taking to the ice for the very first time to more confident skaters looking to show off their moves.

There is also a viewing platform where friends and family can watch the action from above.

As one of the most popular Bay of Lights attractions, advance booking is strongly recommended, with tickets already selling fast. Book your tickets online at www.illuminationtrail.co.uk/icerink

3. Shop local at the Christmas Market

Looking for unique gifts while supporting local businesses?

The Christmas Market at Torre Abbey brings together a wide range of independent traders, artisans and food producers, offering everything from handcrafted gifts and festive decorations to local food and drink.

The market runs from 28 November to 20 December and is the perfect place to find something special while supporting local businesses. While you're there, enjoy the breathtaking Alive with Light projection on the walls of Torre Abbey, where the stunning historic building is brought to life each evening.

4. Experience the magic of opening night

Bay of Lights officially launches on Saturday 28 November with a spectacular opening night celebration on Torquay's harbourside. From 4.30pm, visitors can enjoy live music and entertainment on the harbourside stage, before the official Christmas lights switch-on at 7:20pm and a free fireworks display at 8pm. Everyone is welcome to attend.

As darkness falls, the waterfront will come alive with colour, music and festive cheer, marking the start of this year's Bay of Lights programme. It's the perfect opportunity to gather with family and friends and be among the first to experience the Illumination Trail.

5. Enjoy festive attractions without breaking the bank

With many households continuing to feel the pressure of rising costs, Bay of Lights offers plenty of festive experiences that won't break the bank.

Some of the programme's most popular attractions cost nothing to enjoy, including the spectacular Illumination Trail, the opening night celebrations, Lanterns, Lights & ‘Luminations in Brixham on 20 and 21 November organised by Brixham Town Council and the brand-new Neon Nights event in Paignton on 4 and 5 December. Together, they offer a great value way for families and friends to enjoy the festive season and create magical Christmas memories.

Visitors can also save money with Torbay Council's winter parking promotion, which runs in selected council car parks from 28 November 2026 to 3 January 2027. The 'pay for one hour and stay for the day' offer allows visitors to enjoy the Bay of Lights, Christmas shopping, festive events, restaurants and attractions across the Bay without worrying about rushing back to their car. The fee will cover parking from when you arrive until midnight (excluding Union Square which closes at 7pm, and Brixham Central which limits parking time to a maximum of three hours between 7am and 3pm). 

Cllr Jackie Thomas, Cabinet Member for Tourism, Culture, Events and Corporate Services, said: "We've worked hard to make this year's Bay of Lights bigger and brighter than ever, with more illuminations, exciting new events and plenty of festive experiences for residents and visitors to enjoy.

"Whether you're exploring the spectacular Illumination Trail, skating on the ice rink, shopping for unique gifts at the Christmas Market or enjoying our opening night celebrations, there is something for everyone. Many of our most popular attractions are free to experience, making Bay of Lights a great value day out for families and friends looking to make special memories together this Christmas. We encourage everyone to come along and discover everything Bay of Lights has to offer.''

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