In 2022 Your major city hosted their most magical annual event yet… Can you guess what it was? The jingle bells are jingling, the German sausages are sizzling, and doors have just opened on the Grotto & Elf Workshop. Yep, the Exeter Winter Wonderland event was bigger and better than ever before.

woman being served at the exeter winter wonderland

Unfortunately, the Exeter Winter Wonderland event will not be running in 2023

Where is the Exeter Winter Wonderland?

family of three at christmas market
Set in the heart of the city centre, Exeter’s Winter Wonderland is back for its second year at Northernhay Gardens. It is located just 1 minute away from the main high street. You can do a spot of Christmas shopping before you head over for some festive fun.
LocationGet directions

Northernhay Gate, Exeter EX4 3SA

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When is Exeter Winter Wonderland?

woman browsing market stall
Winter Wonderland Exeter is running from Thursday 17th November 2022 to Monday 2nd January 2023. It’s open from 11am till 10pm.

How much is the entry to Exeter Winter Wonderland?

carousel at christmas market
Winter Wonderland is FREE ENTRY! There are tickets on sale for attractions at Winter Wonderland such as the Ice Rink and Santa’s Grotto. Make sure you book early to avoid disappointment.

What’s on at the Exeter Winter Wonderland?

There is a dazzling array of classic Christmas attractions to enjoy at Exeter’s Winter Wonderland which you can find on the Exeter Winter Wonderland map here. Read on for more details…

german sausages

German-themed bar

German markets are popular at Christmas time as their traditional roots lie in medieval Germany. At Christmas time, German markets were also known as medieval feast days. They mark a period of celebration with mulled wines, pretzels, meat, and other luxuries at the time. 

The UK has since adopted this tradition with German markets and bars during Christmas time. German markets & bars pop up all over the place throughout November to January every year. At the Exeter Winter Wonderland, you can find a German themed bar full of festive tipples and soft drinks. It’s a great place to warm up, socialise, and even book parties!

person holidng hot chocolate with their mittens

Festive Food & Drinks

Winter Wonderland Exeter is keeping very on brand with the German theme which you”ll see (and smell) when you find the Christmas Swing Grill. This grill will be loaded with a wide range of German sausages from Bratwurst Sausages, to Krakauer, Currywurst and Frankfurters.

You can also tuck into a range of food from other meaty vendors. Can you spot the Hog Roast or The Gourmet Grill? Enjoy Fresh Pork & Rolls and a Yorkshire Pudding wrap. Sink your teeth into juicy 6oz steak & hearty beef burgers with fresh salad and a variety of sauces. 

santas grotto at christmas market

Santa's Grotto

Don’t just meet the big man himself, help out in the Elf Workshop and earn some extra brownie points on the ‘naughty or nice’ list. The giant grotto is packed full of activities like photo opportunities with Santa, a post box for your letters, and of course a gift! Make sure to book your time slot well in advance as Santa is a busy bee this time of year! 

Grab your tickets to see Santa now! They are £13 per child (pre-booked online) or £15 on the door, and they include a gift from Santa and plenty of time for you to take photos. PARENTS CAN ACCOMPANY YOUR CHILD FOR FREE.

Santa is ready for visitors from 11am on weekends and 12 noon on weekdays. Weekday visits are booked by the day – just arrive between 12 noon and 6pm and queue to see Santa. Weekends are busier so you can book within 30 minute time slots to visit the Elf Workshop and meet Santa in the link below.

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christmas ice rink

Skating sessions at the Ice Rink

Make sure you dust off your magical day with a trip to the ice rink! Try out some fun skate penguins if you’re a beginner and before you know it, you’ll be going for gold like Torvill & Dean! If you would like a fun skate penguin make sure to ask at the Ice Exchange Point and beware of the extra £5 fee. 

Your little ones will be buzzing for the character days on the ice. Skate with all your favourite characters like Elsa from Frozen and many other Disney characters. You can also rent out the ice rink for parties! 

It’s worth noting for you teenagers that there is a student discount available for when you book tickets at the box office. Make sure to take your student ID along with you. You can save £4!

Skating sessions last 45 minutes and begin from 11am.  

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children on christmas carousel

Themed thrill rides

Have we got some adrenaline junkies in the building? From the Elf’s Extreme to Santa’s Star Flyer, we guarantee you will love the white knuckle experience – especially when the sun goes down and the lights come on.

Don’t forget to check out more thrilling funfair rides in the fairground! From the Penguin Party Dodgems to a traditional 150 year old carousel, there’s lots of family fun to be had. You’ll also be happy to know that all of the rides at Exeter Winter Wonderland are sanitised. 

Have you ever graced the Grinch’s Game Stalls? If you didn’t visit last year, let this year be the time to experience it. Win some prizes, play with your family, and belly laugh all your way around the fairground. 

Tokens for the rides can be purchased from the Box Office near the Ice Rink.

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santa claus reading his naughty and nice list

Do you feel more clued about the Exeter Winter Wonderland? For more Christmas content head over onto our hub page! You’ll find everything from Christmas Events Near Me to other Christmas events in the South West like the Bristol Christmas Market. 

If you’ve got that festive feeling and want to get creative why not try out some Christmas Colouring Pages, The Best Christmas Alexa/Google Home Hacks, Christmas Songs For Kids, Best Christmas Snacks and more!