All you need to know about the Barbican Christmas Lights Switch-On

Get set for Christmas magic on the cobbles as the Barbican Christmas Lights Switch On, in association with Dartmoor Zoo, returns on Saturday, 15 November! Enjoy a full day of festive fun, with cheerful activities lighting up the afternoon before the big switch-on in the evening.

In the meantime, get into the holiday spirit and discover everything you need to know about this year’s Barbican Christmas Lights Switch On.

When and where is it? 

The Barbican Lights Switch-on takes place on Saturday 15 November. There will be activities and traders to explore from 12pm. Then get ready for the main event from 5pm as Santa, The Lord Mayor, this year’s Community Hero and special guests take to the stage on Southside Street to switch on the lights at approximately 5.15pm. 

What's on during the day? 

There’s festive fun for everyone this year, with plenty to see and do throughout the afternoon! Enjoy family-friendly entertainment and activities, from meeting Father Christmas in his Grotto to watching the ever-popular Gables Dog Show. Keep your eyes peeled for The Grinch, who’ll be up to his usual mischief around the Barbican!

Don’t miss the fantastic array of local traders offering handmade gifts, crafts, and festive treats all afternoon long.

Discover what's on at the Barbican Christmas Lights Switch On.

Will there be live music?

Yes! There is plenty of live performances to see throughout the afternoon and into the evening at the Barbican Christmas Lights Switch On. There's performances for the duration of the afternoon on the main stage at Southside Street with plenty of local musicians and performance groups taking to the stage. After the lights are switched on you can see Three Days of Wonder, the winner of this year's Battle of The Bands competition, take to the stage. 

There will also be music throughout the afternoon by the prawn monument on West Pier. 

How to get there  

If you’re travelling by car, there’s a number of car parks in the vicinity including Elphinstone car park, Lambhay Hill, Queen Anne’s Battery and the Harbour Car Park at Lockyers Quay, but remember these are likely to be very busy. The car park at Drake Circus and the Barcode is also less than a ten minute walk from all the action.  

Check out further event and access information for the Barbican Christmas Lights Switch On. 

Road closures 

The Parade/Basket Ope will be closed from 8am to 7pm and Southside Street from 9am to 7pm. 

Is there a charge to visit the event? 

The Barbican Christmas Lights is free to attend although traders, Santa's Grotto and The Snow Globe will incur charges.

What other events are taking place around the waterfront?

There's plenty of fun to be had around the waterfront as well as the switch on event. From iconic venues such as Plymouth Gin to festive events including the Festival of Trees, there's loads to check out beside the water.

Fore more information about the Barbican Christmas Lights Switch On visit: 

The Barbican Christmas Lights Switch-On is run by Plymouth Waterfront Partnership and is brought to you by the businesses of the Plymouth Waterfront Partnership.

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