Christmas in Exeter - Something different, something special!
Added: (Wed Oct 14 2009)
Pressbox (Press Release) -
For a magical experience this Christmas, visit Exeter to find something different and something very special!
Feel the festive spirit come alive with beautiful lights and stunning decorations, Christmas themed markets, carol singing in the Cathedral and on the streets, and the jingle of bells as Santa arrives on his sleigh drawn by live reindeer!
With a wealth of independent shops, hundreds of top name brands and all the main shopping areas within easy walking distance, Thursday late night shopping and park & ride, Exeter is the place to shop this Christmas!
Exeter’s shopping quarters genuinely offer something for everyone with independent boutiques and jewellers, art galleries and vintage shops in the West and Castle Quarters. Meanwhile the Quayside is the place to discover antiques, collectables and hand crafted furniture, perfect for a unique Christmas gift! The High Street, Princesshay, Guildhall and Harlequins shopping centres showcase the hottest brands and designer labels, with a flagship Debenhams, House of Fraser and Marks & Spencer.
The festive season begins with a spectacular night of live entertainment on Tuesday 17th November with the city’s Christmas lights switch on including stunning pyrotechnics, live music and street entertainers. With Christmas late night shopping until 9pm from Thursday 19th November, there is plenty of time to bag that perfect present and enjoy the city with its captivating festive atmosphere!
Christmas is not complete without a traditional pantomime, with a chorus of laughter and friendly banter with the cast of Mother Goose at Exeter Northcott and Aladdin at the Barnfield Theatre. For classical music and traditional carol singing, Exeter Cathedral has an exhilarating programme of musical events. Don’t miss the annual Christmas Parade with live reindeer, music and dancing in the city centre on Saturday 21st November from 12 noon.
There is an abundance of great places to eat and drink, with vibrant cafes and teashops in charismatic historic buildings, cosmopolitan bistros and wine bars and a host of thriving eating establishments with international menus. Exeter has recently been voted one of the top places to eat out in the UK, by Which Good Food Guide. Try locally brewed ales in the historic pubs around the Cathedral Yard area - reputed to have once been frequented by Sir Francis Drake and Charles Dickens!
Find fascinating gifts and delicious treats at Exeter’s Christmas markets. At the weekly Christmas Craft Markets you’ll find local artisans selling glassware, ceramics, wood, slate and fabrics. Meanwhile the Christmas Produce Market is the perfect place to find those favourite foodie gifts with local food and drink producers showcasing their tantalisingly tasty products.
Visitors can also indulge in Exeter’s famous Farmers Markets on the junction of South Street and Fore Street, every Thursday from 9am to 2pm. Here shoppers can source a truly West Country Christmas with delicious local produce including home made Christmas cakes and puddings, traditional South West cheeses, speciality jams and locally reared meat.
Soak up the mesmerising history of Exeter and join a free walking tour hosted by the Red Coat Guides. Find out how Exeter lives up to its reputation as one of the country’s ‘most haunted cities’ even at Christmas and hear about the city's tales of ghouls, ghosts and legends.
Visit Exeter’s Underground Passages to explore the passages that brought fresh water into Exeter in medieval times. It's the only attraction of its kind open to the public in England, with its own visitor centre too, the Underground Passages provide an unsurpassed experience!
The Cathedral City of Exeter promises an unrivalled Christmas extravaganza with festivities, entertainment and enticing shopping opportunities! Make Exeter the place to visit this year and leave brimming with special gifts and full of festive spirit!
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For more information, interviews or images, contact Lucy Lomas One Voice Media on 01392 278801 or e-mail marketing@onevoicemedia.co.uk
Release date 09.10.09
Notes to Editors:
Exeter Christmas lights switch on will take place on the High Street from 5.30pm on Tuesday 17th November
Exeter late night shopping begins on Thursday 19th until Thursday 17th December
Castle Street Market information
Sat 28 Nov - Christmas Charities Market 9am to 5pm
Thurs 3, 10 & 17 Dec – Christmas Gift Market 9am – 9pm
Mon 21 Dec – Christmas Gift Market 9am – 5pm
Sat 5, 12 & 19 Dec – Christmas Craft Market 9am – 5pm
Wed 23 Dec – Christmas Craft Market 9am – 5pm
Fri 4th, 11th, 18th Dec - Christmas Produce Market 9am to 5pm
Tuesday 22nd December - Christmas Produce Market 9am to 5pm
Fore Street/South Street Market Information
Friday 27th and Sat 28th November - Christmas Gift Market 9am to 5pm
Friday 4th, 11th and 18th December - Christmas Gift Market 9am to 5pm
Saturday 5th, 12th and 19th December - Christmas Gift Market 9am to 5pm
Every Thurs – Exeter Farmers Market 9am – 2pm
Further information: 01392 665929 www.exeter.gov.uk/markets
Christmas bus services
Additional services will operate every Thursday from 19 Nov to 20 Dec –
last Park & Ride bus leaves city centre at 10pm.
Sunday buses for Christmas will operate to and from Honiton Road Park & Ride from 22 Nov to 20 Dec, every 12 mins, 10am -5pm.
Please note Park & Ride does not operate on Christmas Day, Boxing Day or New Year's Day.
*For information on routes and fares for all local bus, train and coach operators, phone Traveline on 0870 608 2 608 or visit www.travelinesw.com