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Christmas markets, winter wonderlands and twinkling light trails are all waiting for you in Plymouth this Christmas. Here are 12 things to do in Britain’s Ocean City that are a fool-proof way to get into the festive spirit.
1. Plymouth Christmas Market
A trip to a Christmas market is an instant way to get into the festive mood. Head into the city centre and wander between cosy wooden cabins packed with festive food and drink (think crumble pots!) and artisan gifts made by local makers. Take a break in the German bar, listen to the live music and just enjoy the atmosphere. The market is running right through to 21 December this year, so there’s plenty of time to squeeze in a visit or two.
2. Soak in the Barbican Christmas lights and independent shops
Nothing beats the Barbican at Christmas when the cobbled streets around Sutton Harbour light up with thousands of fairy lights and decorations. Wander past the historic waterfront, pop into quirky independent shops and galleries for unique finds, then grab something warming to eat at The Boathouse.
There are plenty of shops to explore across the area, and if you want someone to experience the shopping themselves, gift them a Love Plymouth Gift Card – it's accepted at over 60 local businesses. This way, your someone speical can pick out a gift for themselvs which feels just right.
3. Shop at Drake Circus and enjoy the City Centre Christmas lights.
The city centre lights turn shopping into something special – head straight to Drake Circus for all your high-street favourites like Rituals, Oliver Bonas, Mango and M&S under one roof. Then make your way over to Plymouth Market with its 100+ stalls heaving with fresh seafood, crafts and hot eats from local traders. Late-night shopping happens once a week on Thursdays where many of the shops are open until 9 giving you ample time to do your Christmas shopping.
4. Discover Plymouth Winter Wonderland
Plymouth Winter Wonderland in Central Park is your go-to for festive fun, with ice skating, dodgems, sleigh rides and plenty of food and drink to keep you going. It’s just £1 entry, so it’s an easy, low-cost way to spend an evening and soak up the atmosphere. There are rides and activities for all ages, including a giant snow globe, fun house and twister, so no one has to miss out on the fun.
5. Pantomime fun at Theatre Royal Plymouth
No Christmas feels right without panto, and Theatre Royal Plymouth’s Dick Whittington delivers big with cheeky jokes, belters of songs and heaps of “he’s behind you!” moments. Round up the family or work crew for an afternoon of daft costumes and pure joy – it’s the tradition that never gets old. Snag tickets quick before the holidays sell out.
6. Experience the magic of Christmas at Royal William Yard
The Royal William Yard really comes alive at Christmas. Twinkling lights and a huge Christmas tree take centre stage across the historic waterfront. You can browse the Festive Good Food & Craft Market happening on Wednesdays and Sundays throughout December, packed with artisan treats and unique gifts. Lots of eateries like Bistrot Pierre, The Hook & Line, Steel Brew and more serve up seasonal menus perfect for festive catch-ups. There’s also creative fun on offer – try a wreath-making workshop at The News Café or kick back with a Christmas classic at the Everyman Cinema for a cosy, seasonal night in.
7. Feel the festive magic with a National Trust visit
There are two brilliant National Trust spots close to Plymouth – Saltram House and Buckland Abbey. This Christmas, Saltram’s enchanting outdoor light trail is themed around The Gruffalo’s Child, winding through the gardens for a magical evening out that’s perfect for families. Over at Buckland Abbey, you’ll find Christmas displays inspired by Arthurian Legends, bringing extra sparkle to the historic house and gardens. Both estates offer festive treats in their cafés and plenty of wintry walks.
8. Be dazzled by Zooluminate at Dartmoor Zoo
Zooluminate is back at Dartmoor Zoo, turning the park into a magical after-dark light trail that feels properly festive. Wander the paths and take in a series of beautiful light installations that bring the zoo to life at night, with plenty of spots for photos along the way. Your ticket includes a free hot drink and mince pie as a little seasonal bonus, and the Jaguar Restaurant is open with extra treats if you fancy something more. Some of the enclosures are softly lit too, so you might spot animals all snuggled up for the night, and there’s even a separate Santa’s Grotto experience for younger visitors.
9. Enjoy magical performances across Plymouth
If you love a festive trip to the theatre, Plymouth really delivers at Christmas. Little ones can enjoy gentle magic with Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas at Theatre Royal Plymouth or The Star Who Danced, a sensory delight for ages 0-3 with live movement, music and light. Older kids and families will love The Snow Beast's puppetry and science at Quad Theatre, or Soapbox Children’s Theatre's Yoghurt the Yeti and The Imaginarium. For a grown-up twist, catch Scrooge! The Musical at Devonport Playhouse – it’s heartwarming songs and Dickens vibes for all ages. These shows turn December nights into proper festive memories, whatever your crowd.
10. Experience festive fun at The Box
The Box has a packed programme of Christmas events if you’re looking to mix things up this year. There's Breakfast with Santa sessions to kick off the day with a festive smile, live folk music from Alex Hart to get you in the mood, plus candlelight yoga to help you unwind amid the seasonal bustle. For a special night out, the Regency Ball offers candlelight, string quartet music, dancing and games.
11. Tuck into festive food and drink around the city
Plymouth is full of places to eat, drink and be merry at Christmas, so it’s easy to turn a simple catch‑up into something that feels like a treat. You could book a waterside meal at The Boathouse or Jolly Jacks, go all‑out on a set festive menu at spots like Salumi, The Bottling Plant or The Waterfront, or keep things relaxed with cocktails and bottomless brunch at Bonne Santé on the Barbican. If you fancy a night with a view, try Marco Pierre White on the top floor of the Crowne Plaza or The Dock at Millbay Marina – both are serving festive menus that work just as well for work dos as they do for family get‑togethers.
12. Get into the festive spirit with Christmas concerts
If Christmas isn’t complete without carols and live music, Plymouth has you covered with concerts right through December. You can start the month with The Sounds of Christmas by Plymouth City Brass, or enjoy Phoenix Chorale’s “Sing Noël!” with mulled wine and mince pies at St Peter’s. There are cosy evenings like Carols in the Courtyard at Pentillie Castle, big singalongs with Plymouth Rock Choir and a full-on hit-filled show at Step Into Christmas at Plymouth Pavilions. It’s an easy way to wrap up warm, head out with friends or family and soak up those classic Christmas sounds.
FAQS
Are these events free or ticketed?
Many are free like the markets, Barbican lights and city centre shopping, but book ahead for Winter Wonderland rides (£1 entry), pantomime, Zooluminate, Santa sessions and performances – tickets sell out quickly, especially over school holidays.
Is parking easy and how do I get around?
There are are plenty of multi-storey car parks near Drake Circus and the Market, plus new parking at Devil’s Point for Royal William Yard.
Are these family-friendly?
Absolutely – from kid rides at Winter Wonderland and Santa at Zooluminate or The Box, to light trails and panto for all ages. Most spots have options for little ones, but check age guidance for shows like The Star Who Danced (0-3s).
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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