There is a sleighful of festive things beginning to happen in Plymouth to get you into the Christmas spirit. The run-up to the holidays sees plenty of events, markets and more happening around the city for everyone to enjoy.
We’ve rounded up just some of these events and compiled a list ready for you to step into Christmas.
Christmas lights switch-on
The Christmas holidays are all about giving. So, living in Plymouth means you get to experience not just one Christmas light switch-on — but two! The first takes place on Thursday 17th November and is for the city centre.
Head down to the Armada Piazza from 4pm where there will be a packed programme of free, family-friendly entertainment. Expect live performances from local groups and choirs who will be singing carols and all of your Christmas favourites.
The lights will be switched on between 6pm and 6:30pm to light up the city centre in the run-up to Christmas. This event also marks the start of late night Christmas shopping every Thursday across the city.
Barbican Christmas lights switch-on
Just two days later on Saturday 19th November is the Barbican and Sutton Harbour Christmas lights switch-on event. The fun starts from 12pm where there will be a whole host of free, festive activities for the family to enjoy.
Expect street performers, Santa’s Grotto, festive tales with a warm hot chocolate, rides and more. A selection of stalls on The Parade will also be selling tasty refreshments and gifts.
The lights will be switched on at approximately 5:30pm to light up the Barbican, hosted by some special guests. Look out for the Lord Mayor, Santa and the nominated community hero who will be on the Christmas bus on Southside Street.
For more information, head here.
Christmas shopping on the Barbican
Looking for something unique, special to Plymouth or need something for the person that has everything? Take a stroll around the beautiful Barbican and Sutton Harbour and be sure to take a peek in the shops.
There are plenty of great, independent retailers along the Barbican so you can get your Christmas shopping started. From speciality cards to wax melt advent calendars, and a range of beautiful jewellery, expect to find it on Southside Street.
Even better, once you’ve shopped until you’ve dropped, there are plenty of places to take a break. Grab a coffee from Alfresco or Daisy’s Tea Rooms or lunch from The Stable or Supha’s.
Plymouth Christmas Show 2022
After the last successful five years of Plymouth’s Christmas Show, it returns in 2022. On the 19th November at the Plymouth Guildhall, come and explore the Christmas market. You can also expect to meet Santa in Santa’s Grotto and grab a mince pie.
Whether you’re in need of Christmas crafts, thoughtful gifts, decorations and more, expect to see it at the Christmas Show. A perfect family day out to get everyone feeling joyous and ready to enjoy the holidays.
Native Makers festive market
Just a ferry-ride from the Barbican at Royal William Yard, why not head to Ocean Studios’ festive market? On the 26th and 27th November, there will be more than 40 makers and independent businesses from the South West. There’s something for everyone with crafts for the kids, live music, food, and creative workshops.
Find jewellery, ceramics, plants and more — all of which will make for great Christmas gifts. Grab some mulled wine and a mince pie for a little pick-me-up before checking out the rest.
From 10am until 4:30pm this is a dog-friendly event so you can even bring your furry friends. For more information, check out the Facebook event page.
Breakfast with Santa
If the kids can’t wait for Santa’s visit, why not invite him along to breakfast? At weekends from the 26th November until the 18th December, The Box is hosting Breakfast with Santa.
Join the jolly guy himself with a menu that includes pancakes, hot baps, tea, coffee, fruit juice and more. Plus, after your bellies are full, all children’s tickets ensure they get a gift. What will it be? There’s only one way to find out.
Book early to avoid disappointment as this event has proved to be very popular in the past. For more information and to book a ticket, visit The Box’s website.
Christmas at the Aquarium
Looking to shop more sustainably for the Christmas holidays? Why not head down to the Ocean Friendly Christmas market at the National Marine Aquarium? The event has been divided into two parts to allows everyone to get in on the fun.
On Wednesday 30th November, between 3pm and 5pm, annual pass holders and general visitors can browse the Christmas stalls. This gives families a chance to bring their kids and join in the festivities together.
Then, the aquarium will close and reopen at 5:30pm, especially for the adults’ evening. Browse the aquarium and its inhabitants at your leisure in a peaceful environment. From there, you can shop all that the Ocean Friendly Christmas market has to offer.
Grab free refreshments, get involved in a soy wax wrap making workshop and listen to some educational, sustainable Christmas talks. Book your ticket from the aquarium’s website here.
Eat, drink and be merry at our berth holder events
We’re hosting two exciting festive events for our berth holders this year at Sutton Harbour Marina. The first is the Christmas lunch on Saturday 3rd December. Kicking off the celebrations early, you can join other berth holders at one of the local harbourside restaurants.
Our next event takes place a bit closer to the big day. On Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th December, we’re offering mince pies and mulled wine to berth holders. Just head to the Marina Reception office to get into the festive spirit. We will be in touch with all of our berth holders nearer the time with all the details.
Plymouth Christmas market
It wouldn’t be Christmas without visiting Plymouth’s Christmas market! From the 1st to the 18th December, the piazza will be transformed into a winter wonderland for the holidays.
If you’ve still got some gifts to buy there will be plenty of traders and stalls to browse. They will be selling everything you could think of from artwork to pet accessories and even beard supplies.
On certain days you can also expect to see a variety of different performances and live acts. Whether it be a choir, a singer-songwriter, or a dance performance, they’re sure to amaze.
For all the information on traders, performances and more, head to the Visit Plymouth website.
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