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The Royal Festive Programme 2026

A decorative festive icon

Celebrate Christmas & New Year at The Royal Hotel

Join us for a season of festive dining, celebrations and memorable breaks in the heart of North Devon.

Whether you're planning a relaxing Christmas escape, a festive gathering with friends and family or an elegant New Year's celebration, The Royal Hotel offers the perfect setting to make the most of the season.

Explore our festive packages, dining experiences and entertainment programme below.

Christmas at The Royal

Whether you choose to stay with us for 3 or 4 nights, or simply join us for one of the evenings or dining experiences, you’ll be most welcome.

23rd December

A Festive Welcome

For guests joining us early, arrive throughout the afternoon and settle into the warm, festive surroundings of The Royal Hotel.

Upon arrival, enjoy a festive welcome drink with seasonal nibbles while receiving your Christmas programme from our team.

From 6pm, a three-course dinner will be served and enjoyed alongside live music.

24th December

Christmas Eve Celebrations

Start your Christmas Eve with a leisurely Devon breakfast served from 7am - 9.30am.

During the afternoon, guests are invited to enjoy our festive Palm Court feast from 12pm - 4pm.

Advance booking with reception is recommended as this does get busy.

Join us from 6pm - 9pm for a delicious three-course dinner, as an optional extra, with live entertainment to truly get you in the Christmas spirit.

25th December

A Royal Christmas Day

Christmas morning begins with a traditional Royal breakfast served from 7.30am - 9.30am.

Christmas Day lunch will be served from 12pm within Palm Court and The Brasserie. Our reception team will arrange your preferred dining time prior to arrival. Lunch will be a carvery served in Palm Court. If you prefer a sit-down meal, please contact our reception team to discuss our dining options.

Throughout the afternoon, relax in the Kingsley Lounge, where festive treats and the King’s speech will be played while you enjoy the relaxing Christmas atmosphere.

From 6.30pm, enjoy our Royal Christmas evening buffet feast served in Palm Court, followed by a festive Christmas quiz.

26th December

Boxing Day at The Royal

Enjoy a hearty breakfast served from 8am - 10am.

Spend the day exploring Bideford, the Tarka Trail and the beautiful North Devon coastline, or simply relax in the hotel.

At 2pm, join us in the Kingsley Lounge for a complimentary wine tasting experience, served with cheese and biscuits.

Our popular Boxing Day carvery will also be available as an optional extra.

From 6pm, joining us for the Royal Gala dinner - dress to impress for an evening of dining, dancing and celebration.

27th December

A Fond Farewell

Breakfast will be served from 7.30am - 9.30am. For guests departing today, check out is by 11am. 

We hope you leave with wonderful festive memories and we look forward to welcoming you back to The Royal hotel again soon.

New Year's Celebrations

Count down to midnight and make this New Year’s celebration one to remember at The Royal.

31st December

New Year's Eve Gala Celebration

Start your New Year’s Eve with a leisurely breakfast served from 7am - 9.30am.

Celebrate in style at our elegant New Year’s Eve Gala Celebration in Palm Court.

Begin the evening with drinks and canapés before enjoying a beautifully prepared three-course Gala dinner.

Following dinner, enjoy live entertainment and dancing as we count down to midnight and welcome in 2027. Dress to impress for an unforgettable evening.

1st January

New Year's Day at The Royal

After a leisurely breakfast, served from 8am - 10am, enjoy a relaxed day exploring the coastline or Bideford’s charming streets.

Our New Year’s feast will be available to our guests as an optional extra from 12pm - 4pm. Advance booking with reception is recommended as this does get busy.

Christmas fancy dress costume party

Group Bookings

Planning to celebrate together?

Guests booking two or more rooms receive a 5% discount across all room bookings. Please contact our reservations team directly to arrange your festive stay.

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