Our 2024 Christmas Gift Guide
Published December 2, 2024
Is it that time of year already? With Christmas fast approaching, we have put together a list of gift ideas perfect for your friends, family and love ones. Whether you are buying for a film lover, aspiring artist, or music fan, this list is sure to provide inspiration for everybody in your life!
Can't decide? Buy them a Gift Voucher that can be redeemed for anything in our programme!
And what's more? Buying any of these gifts supports us in bringing fun, creativity and culture to this great city.
For our supporters
Know someone who loves visiting Exeter Phoenix? Gift them a Friend of Exeter Phoenix Membership for an exclusive peak behind the curtain with personal newsletters as well as a welcome pack featuring a limited edition pin badge and an exclusive set of postcards designed by members of our community.
Know someone that loves Exeter Phoenix? Treat them to one of our Limited Edition T Shirts - available to purchase online now!
If a T Shirt isn't their thing, you a can Adopt a Seat in our Auditorium in their name. They'll get a plaque on seat that reads whatever you like - perfect for frequent event goers to show off to their friends!
For Film Fanatics
If you have a special someone in your life that won't stop talking about the last film they watched, these gifts are just what they need, plus you will be supporting Exeter's only independent cinema!
Our Studio 74 Membership is the perfect gift for the film fanatic in your life! A membership will grant them £2 off film tickets, 20% off food and hot drinks at our Café Bar, priority booking on special cinema events, free cinema tickets for joining and more!
Know of a film coming up that they'll love? Grab some popcorn and book a couple of tickets for one of our upcoming films and go together!
For Music Fans
No matter who you're buying for, we have gigs to suit all tastes, from ska to indie folk, and even Finnish bluegrass folk-metal! Head to our full music programme or see some highlights below.
THE BEAT
Sat 01 Feb | 7.30pm
One of the most iconic bands of the UK ska revival of the late '70s and early '80s. The ultimate gift of nostalgia for any old school ska and punk lovers on your list!
KAWALA
Mon 03 Feb | 7pm
Got a Gen Z indie gig-goer to buy for? Tickets to see Kawala won't miss! Having toured with Bombay Bicycle Club this year, these guys are the next big thing!
STEVE 'N' SEAGULLS
Mon 10 Feb | 7.30pm
Hailing from Finland, this hilarious bunch are known for their bluegrass covers of classic rock and metal songs - perfect for a lover of quirky performances!
For Theatre Goers
If you're searching for the perfect gift for the avid theatre goer in your life, check out our Spring Performance season for inspiration. Folk and fungus lovers are sure to enjoy eerie and hilarious horror, Mushroom Language: A Fungal Gothic, and for those looking for something uplifting, In Other Words is sure to leave them with feeling hopeful for the future.
Exeter Phoenix Favourite: We couldn't create this list without an honourable mention for one of our faves, critically acclaimed storyteller James Rowland, returning on Sat 22 Feb with his hilarious new show, James Rowland Dies at the End of the Show.
MUSHROOM LANGUAGE: A FUNGAL GOTHIC
Mon 24 Mar | 7.30pm | 16+
Mushroom Language is about the cycles that shape us – eruption, reproduction and decay. Mushrooms offer us a lens into a more sustainable future, but nature is hilarious and terrifying.
IN OTHER WORDS
Tue 08 Apr | 7.30pm
This intimate, humorous, and deeply moving drama invites us to experience a fifty year love story through brief moments of a failing mind, battling with the effects of Alzheimer’s disease.
For Comedy Lovers
Give them the gift of laughter this Christmas with tickets to see one of the incredible comics coming to Exeter Phoenix in the New Year! Other names include, Rob Newman, Chloe Petts, Sophie Duker and Mark Thomas. Check out the full programme here.
ANIA MAGLIANO
Thu 13 Feb | 8pm
You know when you’re trying to wee on a night out, and a random girl you don’t know starts telling you her secrets? Imagine that, but she has a microphone. 2023 Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee.
ROB AUTON
Tue 01 Apr | 7.30pm
Award winning writer, comedian and actor Rob Auton brings his latest show ‘The Eyes Open and Shut Show’ to Exeter Phoenix. The Eyes Open and Shut Show is a show about eyes when they are open and eyes when they are shut.
ZOE LYONS
Wed 09 Apr | 8pm
The host of BBC’s ‘Lightning’, a regular on ‘Have I Got News For You’, ‘QI’, and ‘Mock The Week’ – and a survivor of ‘Celebrity SAS Who Dares Wins’ and ‘World’s Most Dangerous Roads’ on Dave – Zoe is one of the country’s best-loved comedians.
For FAMILIES
Why not gift them something the whole family can enjoy? Check out our top picks below or find our full programme of family events and courses here.
THE DREAMER - LIVE
Tue 14 & Wed 15 Jan | 8pm | 12+
An enigmatic, dazzling, five star rated magic show from James Phelan – the magician most infamous for jamming the BBC switchboard after correctly predicting the lottery.
THE ENCHANTED CINEMA
Tue 18 Feb | 11am + 1pm | 4+
Imagine going to the cinema and becoming part of a pop-up orchestra who create sound FX and a musical soundtrack! After a fun warm up, you’ll use instruments or your voice to help create the magical soundtrack.
For CREATIVES
Whether you're buying for a pro, an improver, or a collector of hobbies, we have a brilliant selection of courses to choose from! Check out some of our top picks or take a look at the full programme here.
PHOTOGRAPHIC PROCESSES: CHEMIGRAMS
Sat 01 Feb | 2pm - 4.30pm
JAPANESE WOODBLOCK PRINTING
Sat 08 Feb | 10.30am - 4pm
WILD WATERCOLOUR - 5 WEEK COURSE
From Tue 25 Feb | 10.30am - 1pm
GELLIPLATE PRINTING - 5 WEEK COURSE
From Tue 25 Feb | 2pm - 4.30pm
For EVERYONE
When in doubt, you can't go wrong with something beautiful! Check our collection of prints from exhibitors of the Phoenix Gallery or head to Maker Mart to peruse a curated selection of creative offerings from local makers.
If it's quality time together that you value, treat them to lunch at our Café Bar, spend a cosy evening at our sister bar, The Mermaid or enjoy a fantastic selection of local drinks together at Pixy's.
Did you know that you can still purchase prints from previous exhibitions in the Phoenix Gallery? Well you can! Head to our online shop to pick out the perfect print for your art loving-loved one.
Support local creatives and pop into Maker Mart to explore the work of more than 100 artists from Exeter and the South West. You'll find cards, stocking fillers, art prints, candles, ceramics and more!
Join The Festivities
Maybe you already have all of your presents purchased, wrapped and under the tree, but are looking for something to get your loved ones into the festive spirit. Check out some festive highlights below or find our full Christmas programme here.
DAYZEE AND THE WORLD OF TOMORROW
Sun 15 Dec - Sat 28 Dec | All Ages
Quirk Theatre and Exeter Phoenix present their 21st festive show. This festive season, join Dayzee and her dad in the not-so-far-off-future, a magical future where bicycles fly, flies talk and mangrove forests sing.
SPORK! CHRISTMAS SPECIAL
Tue 17 Dec | 7.30pm | 12+
Join Spork! this December for our 5th annual Christmas Bash, featuring a stockingful of spoken-word talent, some top-notch poets, a brass band, a drag queen & a partridge in a pear tree!!
Bring on 2025!
Sick of Christmas already? Ready to bid farewell to 2024? Join us for a magical evening to welcome the new year!
THE FAIRYTALE NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY 2025
Tue 31 Dec | 8pm - 1am
Step into a world of enchantment this New Year’s Eve at our Fairytale Themed Celebration! Where dreams come true and the clock strikes midnight – but no one turns into a pumpkin. This will be a night for the storybooks!