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Plymouth lights up the city centre with the Christmas Switch On Celebrations
5th November 2025
Plymouth is set to sparkle this festive season as the city centre’s annual Christmas lights switch-on takes place on the Piazza on Thursday 13 November. Adding an extra touch of magic this year, we are delighted to have the cast of Scrooge! The Musical, from the Plymouth Theatre Company, who will bring a taste of their heart-warming production to the celebrations.
Joining the cast on stage will be The Lord Mayor of Plymouth, Councillor Kathy Watkin, Santa and Mrs Doubtfire, from the Theatre Royal Plymouth. They will greet the crowds and build excitement, as everyone counts down to the magical moment as the city centre bursts into light, with sparkling colours, swirling snowflakes and a flurry of Christmas cheer.
The family fun entertainment starts at 4pm from the stage on the Piazza, with brilliant performances from local dance, theatre and singing groups, with the countdown to switch-on starting at 6.25pm, marking the official start of Christmas in Plymouth!
The evening will finish with a lively performance from The Sound, one of the South West’s most popular and exciting rock bands. Expect energetic covers to get the whole crowd singing and dancing.
Check out the full stage entertainment programme for City Centre Chirstmas Lights Switch On.
The City Centre Christmas Lights Switch-on is sponsored by Morgan Sindall Construction and run by the Plymouth City Centre Company.
Steve Hughes, Chief Executive of the Plymouth City Centre Company, said: “The Christmas lights switch-on is always a special night, marking the start of Christmas in Plymouth and the first late night shopping evening. We are especially pleased to be putting on more live music and entertainment at Old Town Square, alongside the spectacular new real Christmas tree.”
Graham Kingdon, Area Director, Morgan Sindall Construction, said: “We’re proud to once again support Plymouth City Centre’s Christmas Lights Switch-on. It’s a great way to mark the start of the festive season and bring people together in the heart of the city. We hope everyone enjoys the celebrations. From all of us at Morgan Sindall, we wish you a joyful Christmas and a healthy start to the New Year!”
The bright lights and festivities are being spread right across the city centre, starting with traditional Christmas carols performed by St Andrew’s Church Choir at Old Town Square.
The entertainment will continue on Thursdays and weekends, by the magnificent light-filled real Christmas tree, provided by Plymouth City Centre Company, sponsored by Costa Coffee, Plymouth City Council and Plymouth Citybus, and at the Plymouth Christmas Market.
Drake Circus and The Barcode will also be switching on their Christmas lights on Thursday 13 November, with festive entertainment from 3.30pm and the switch-on at 5pm.
This is also the beginning of the Christmas late-night shopping period, where many shops will be open until 9pm every Thursday from the 13 November to the 18 December. Late-night shoppers can park at our Western Approach car park for just £1 from 3pm every Thursday from 13 November to 18 December.
The festive fun continues as we look forward to experiencing the all-new Plymouth Christmas Market, operated by the award-winning event operators, Market Place, from Thursday 27 November to Sunday 21 December. With up to 60 beautifully decorated wooden chalets, this seasonal favourite will be bursting with artisan crafts, bespoke gifts, delicious treats and street food favourites from around the world.
This year, shoppers can enjoy free bus travel on the Stagecoach service 200 between Coypool Park and Ride and the city centre, supported by Plymouth City Council with funding from the Department for Transport. The offer will apply every Thursday evening and all day Sunday, from 13 November until 21 December.
On Thursdays passengers can travel free from the 3.55pm departure from Coypool until the 8.35pm departure from the city centre (Union Street 1). On Sundays travel will be free from the 9am departure from Coypool and the 5pm departure from the city centre (Union Street 1). The full timetable can be viewed on the Council’s website.
Just as a reminder, bus stops along the eastbound (shops) side of Royal Parade have been temporarily moved to Derry’s Cross Roundabout, Mayflower Street, Exeter Street and Charles Street while work is carried out on the Royal Parade improvement scheme. Find out Full details of the current stop locations, along with a map here.
