Festive magic lands at Drake Circus this week

14th November 2023

Drake Circus and The Barcode will start its seasonal celebrations this Thursday (16 November) with its annual Christmas light switch on and a visit from special festive characters.

The official light switch on will take place at 5:00pm, with a range of festive activities at the centre from 3:30pm to help get visitors in the festive spirit.

Christmas’ naughtiest festive friends, the Parcel Rascal characters, will be out causing mischief across the centre throughout the day, inviting shoppers and retailers to take part in a giant game of pass the parcel. Unwrap each layer to discover a festive gift and a clue for who the parcel should be passed to next.

Additionally, the Elf and Safety Team will be on hand, checking shoppers are carrying their bags correctly, maintaining hydration and crossing the threshold into shops with caution. With their clip boards and hard hats at the ready, watch them work their magic with straight faces and ridiculous rules.

Adults and children alike will delight in the centre’s magical ‘snow flurries’ at 4:00pm, which will see Drake Circus transformed into a joyful white Christmas. Snow flurries will take place every day at the Old Town Street entrance.

What’s more, the Soundhouse Brass Band will be performing across the centre throughout the evening - the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit!

Greg Lumley, centre director at Drake Circus, said: “Our Christmas lights switch on always proves to be a popular event, and we can’t wait to welcome visitors for the first of many festive celebrations.

“We’re glad to have the Elf and Safety Team characters on site to keep those cheeky Parcel Rascals under control. Secretly we look forward to seeing the joy their nonsense brings to our young visitors and how many people we can get involved in our giant pass the parcel game.”

Unforgettable Christmas fun for all ages will take place throughout the festive period, including a visit from The Merry Christmas Mice, and Nutcracker and Spinderella who will be at the centre on Sunday 19 November and Thursday 14 December.

Festive shoppers will spot Inka the Polar Bear and her cubs exploring the centre on Thursday  23 November and a special portrait drawing session will be hosted by The Snow Princess on Thursday 30 November.

The North Pole Postal Service, with Nena the reindeer and her steward Pickle, will roam the centre on the evening of Thursday 7 December to greet customers and share the wonders of Lapland.

No visit will be complete without capturing a photo in the selfie baubles located outside Primark on the Ground Floor of the Atrium.

For more information visit the Christmas in Plymouth page