Bay of Lights Illumination Trail 2026

The Bay of Lights Illumination Trail returns to the Torquay waterfront on 28 November, running through to 3 January. It's the centrepiece of the English Riviera's wider Christmas programme, and this year it's in its fifth. The trail itself is a free 1.5-mile walk along the seafront between Torre Abbey and Torquay Harbourside (TQ2 5JG), with 19 major light installations spaced out along the waterfront. There are new installations every year, so it's not just a repeat of what you've seen before.

Opening night on 28 November brings free fireworks over Torquay Harbourside, and the trail is fully accessible. It runs every evening from 4.30pm, with the sound elements going until 9.30pm and the lights staying on until 11pm. There's no ticket needed for the trail, and it's free to walk.

Beyond the waterfront, the programme spreads across the bay. Paignton and Brixham each have an eight-metre-high pixel Christmas tree that puts on digital light shows, and a Christmas Train of Lights runs from 27 to 30 December. Torre Abbey hosts the Christmas Market, and its façade is transformed by Alive with Light, a projection-mapping show. The whole thing is delivered by Torbay Council using Towns Deal Funding, in partnership with the English Riviera BID Company, SWISCo, and a range of local businesses and sponsors.

If you're planning a visit, the trail opens every evening from 4.30pm, with sound until 9.30pm and lights until 11pm. It's free, no ticket required.