Everything you need to know about Bay of Lights 2025

The English Riviera is set to sparkle once again as the Bay of Lights returns from 28 November 2025 to 2 January 2026.

Following the success of last year’s event - which saw a 37% increase in footfall and overwhelmingly positive feedback - Bay of Lights is back with more dazzling displays, new attractions, and festive fun across Torquay, Paignton and Brixham.

At the heart of the event is the 1.5-mile Illumination Trail in Torquay, featuring 18 light installations with interactive elements, festive music, and stunning visuals designed to captivate all ages.

• Trail times: Daily from 4.30pm with sound and music until 9.30pm, and lighting displays continuing until 11pm.

• Highlights: Past favourites have included a giant glowing snowflake and a huge illuminated octopus, with more surprises in store for 2025.

The trail is free to enjoy, thanks to support from SWISCo, the English Riviera BID Company and local sponsors including Big Wave Marketing, Torre Abbey, Exeter Bar Company and FTS.

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Paignton and Brixham will once again be home to spectacular 8-metre-high pixel Christmas trees, offering dazzling digital light shows every evening from 4.30pm to 11pm.

Torre Abbey will also host “Alive with Light”, a magical show that transforms the historic abbey into a visual spectacle. Blending light, history and music, it takes audiences on a journey from the abbey’s 12th-century origins to today.

As well as the light displays, the Bay of Lights programme includes lantern parades, Christmas craft fairs, carols by candlelight and even a steam train decked out in festive lights.

Cllr Jacqueline Thomas, Cabinet Member for Tourism, Culture & Events and Corporate Services at Torbay Council, said: “We are thrilled to announce that the Bay of Lights is back for a fourth consecutive year. The feedback we’ve received has shown us that last year’s event was the biggest and best yet, and we are eager to top that once again in 2025.

“It was fantastic to see Torbay come alive over Christmas with excitement and illuminations. Bay of Lights showcases everything the English Riviera has to offer and the hard work we are putting in to continually enhance Torbay.”

Carolyn Custerson, CEO of English Riviera BID Company, added: “Bay of Lights is quickly becoming a national ‘must-see’ event, and we are excited to welcome visitors back for what promises to be our most spectacular celebration yet. Escape your everyday and experience Christmas like never before on the English Riviera.”

Key information:

• Dates: 28 November 2025 – 2 January 2026

• Where: Torquay, Paignton and Brixham

• Trail times: 4.30pm–11pm daily (sound until 9.30pm)

• Cost: Illumination Trail and pixel tree shows are free; some attractions, including Alive with Light, are ticketed