Countdown to Christmas underway in Plymouth

9th November 2023

The countdown to Plymouth’s most spectacular Christmas yet is underway with a packed advent calendar of joy. 

Plymouth, the South West’s wonderful maritime gem, is set to sparkle with fabulous festivities this winter. 

From Santa’s waterborne arrival on the RNLI Plymouth lifeboat to tempting Christmas markets, superb shopping, choirs and entertainment, there’s something for everyone. 

The magic starts on Thursday 16 November with the spectacular Plymouth City Centre Christmas Lights Switch-on, with Santa and special guests, festive entertainment - including singing, theatre and dance productions - plus live music from the ten-piece funk, disco and soul band, Ocean City Groove. The fun kicks off at 4pm and Santa will be there for the big switch-on moment between 6 and 6.30pm. 

Two days later The Barbican Christmas Lights Switch-On illuminates the historic Barbican and Sutton Harbour. This afternoon of family fun, from 12noon to 6pm, includes music and magic, plus a dog show and of course, Santa, who will arrive by lifeboat – but watch out for the Grinch! The lights switch on ceremony takes place at approximately 5.30pm. And, throughout the holiday season, take part in the Reindeer Trail, a free family activity.   

From 30 November to 17 December, the Piazza in the city centre is the setting for Plymouth Christmas Market, a gorgeous village of more than 50 beautifully decorated cabins offering unique gifts and Yuletide treats. Enjoy live entertainment, warm up with some mulled wine and tuck into delicious festive food.  

Throughout the whole holiday season, Plymouth is bursting with Christmas cheer across the city, with plenty of opportunities to buy your Christmas gifts, with late-night shopping every Thursday from 16 November right up until 21 December, many of the shops will be keeping their doors open until 9pm, plus there’s £1 parking every Thursday after 3pm.  

Tick off some of the presents on your list with a visit to the West End with its specialist, independent shops and eateries; browse Plymouth Market’s 150 stalls, perfect for unique gifts and great street food; visit Drake Circus, the South West’s most popular shopping destination with more than 70 shops under one roof; stroll the High Street for a mix of well-known stores, restaurants and cafes; meander through the Barbican, Sutton Harbour and Waterfront for boutiques, shops, galleries and a plethora of bars, restaurants and cafes; enjoy the bustle of Royal William Yard where award-winning Grade 1 buildings are filled with creative independents, designer fashion, cinema, bars and eateries with a waterfront view. 

At Drake Circus you’ll find new shops including Seasalt and Oliver Bonas (coming soon). Look out for the new entertainment venue at The Barcode, Spinners, with virtual clay pigeon shooting, interactive darts and bowling, all adding to the already brilliant list of things to do. 

Or enter Plymouth’s own Winter Wonderland in the city’s Central Park. Running from 24 November to 1 January, it features Santa’s enchanted forest grotto, ice-rink, heated big top with live music, children’s rides and attractions, a bar and festive food stalls.  

Look out for other seasonal events, including:  

• Santa Fun Run on 3 December – at 11am around the Barbican and Waterfront - and raising funds for local children’s bereavement charity Jeremiah’s Journey and Shekinah which supports people building positive lives;  

• The chance to pop along to The Box, the city’s impressive gallery and archive, for Breakfast with Santa or its family-friendly celebration, an evening event to explore the galleries by night, listen to seasonal stories, decorate cookies and dance to Christmas hits; 

• For true festive entertainment book a seat at the panto – join the circus in a reworked Goldilocks and the Three Bears production at the Theatre Royal Plymouth with sets and costumes from the London Palladium; 

• Good Food & Craft Markets on various dates throughout December at Royal William Yard; 

• Native Makers Festive Markets at Royal William Yard with space for more than 40 artists at Ocean Studios on 25 and 26 November and 9 and 10 December;   

• Ocean Friendly Christmas Market – adults only – at the National Marine Aquarium, 30 November; 

• Slightly further afield, at Mount Edgcumbe, is  ‘A Cornish Yuletide’, an evening of Christmas shopping, live music and entertainment, at the Barrow Centre on 9 and 10 December. 

Plymouth City Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet member for Culture, Jemima Laing says: “There is a truly amazing array of activities across the city this festive season, absolutely something for everyone. We can’t wait to get this Christmas party started and are looking forward to welcoming visitors from across the South West to join us in Plymouth where the spirit of Christmas is all around.” 

Our Christmas events have been part-funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. 

https://www.visitplymouth.co.uk/christmas-in-plymouth for more information.