Category: What's on, Christmas, Things to do

Watch the Barbican come alive with festive sparkle this Saturday, 15 November, at the Barbican Christmas Lights Switch-On in association with Dartmoor Zoo!

Soak up the seasonal magic along the historic waterfront, with family-friendly fun and entertainment from 12pm right through to the big switch-on at around 5pm. There’s so much to see and do—explore our top picks for the perfect festive day out!

Check out the live performances

Get in the festive spirit and check out the brilliant programme of live music throughout the day at the Barbican Christmas Lights Switch On. There's plenty of exciting entertainment to watch including street dance performances, live music and more. Check out the full entertainment programme for the day.

              

Browse the stallholders

Step into the magic of the Barbican Christmas Lights Switch-On and see what our amazing traders have in store! Browse one-of-a-kind gifts, delicious festive treats, and joyful surprises, from handmade ornaments and artisan goodies to the perfect presents for everyone on your list.

             

Watch the big switch on!

Head to Southside Street for the big switch on at 5.15pm. Santa, the Lord Mayor and special guests will be switching on the Christmas lights with this year’s chosen Community Hero as the streets sparkle with festive charm.

Watch the Gables Dog Show

The Gables Dog Show is back again! Starting at 2pm on Commercial Wharf enter your dog to be in with a chance of winning a rossette! Classes include, Prettiest Girl; Handsomest Boy; Most Appealing Eyes; Waggiest Tail; Happiest Hound; Most Talented Trick; Dog The Judge Would Like to Take Home and Best Dressed Christmas Pooch.

    

Look out for the Grinch

Keep an eye out for the mischievous Grinch roaming the streets of The Barbican! He’s up to his usual tricks, trying to spoil the Christmas Lights Switch-On fun — but if you catch him in a good mood, he might just stop for a cheeky photo!

    

Take part in The Barbican Christmas Trail 

Get ready for a festive, family-friendly adventure through Plymouth’s historic waterfront! Follow the Barbican Christmas Trail and help uncover clues (and cheeky Christmas puddings!) with a mischievous Grinch-inspired twist. Pick up your trail sheet from the Tourist Information Centre and return it correctly-filled in for a prize. 

             

Step aboard the Oosterschelde

The three-masted schooner 'Oosterschelde' will be docked up on the Barbican throughout the weekend. You can step aboard the ship for free between 1pm and 5pm. 

           

Watch Santa arrive by boat

Santa is ditching his sleigh for an RNLI boat on the day as he makes his way across the water to turn on the Christmas lights! Look to the Barbican Landing Stage at around 4.30pm for his arrival in the unmissable RNLI craft!

      

Christmas Storytelling

Don't miss the festive storytelling at The Maritime Inn during the day. Christmas fairies will be telling magical tales every hour from 12pm-4pm. Grab a hot chocolate and settle in for some iconic seasonal stories.

      

Marvel at the magical lights

Once the big switch on has taken place, why not explore the magical lights around The Barbican! Southside Street and the surrounding areas will be covered with thousands of pretty lights to admire.   

For more Barbican Christmas Lights Switch On information visit

For further inspiration, content and news visit our dedicated Christmas in Plymouth page or sign-up to our newsletter.

In partnership with GWR, Destination Plymouth’s lead travel partner 

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