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Opening Times
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About us
Plymouth is set to sparkle this festive season as the city centre’s annual Christmas Lights Switch-On returns to the Piazza on Thursday 12 November.
This year, visitors can look forward to an even brighter celebration, with brand-new Christmas lights illuminating the city centre, including the recently transformed Armada Way and its striking water rill.
Be sure to visit the magnificent 25ft real Christmas tree in Old Town Square, proudly sponsored by Costa Coffee Plymouth and Plymouth Citybus.
Adorned with sparkling lights, the tree will provide a stunning festive centrepiece and the perfect backdrop for a Christmas selfie. Family-friendly entertainment begins at 4pm on the Piazza stage, featuring fantastic performances from local dance, theatre and singing groups. The countdown to the big switch-on starts at 6.25pm, marking the official start of Christmas in Plymouth.
Leading the countdown will be the Lord Mayor of Plymouth, Councillor Kevin Sproston, alongside Santa and special guests from Theatre Royal Plymouth, including Cinderella and Prince Charming - Eve Shanu-Wilson and Michael O’Reilly - from this year's pantomime. Rounding off the evening will be a high-energy performance from The Land of the Giants.
Renowned for their infectious blend of funk, reggae, ska and rock, this popular six-piece band never fails to get audiences dancing and singing along.
The City Centre Christmas Lights Switch-On is brought to you by Plymouth City Centre Company.
Jump to: Stage Programme | Access Information
Stage Programme
Head to the main stage on The Piazza, where there is a packed programme of live entertainment to enjoy from 4pm.
Get ready for 6.25pm, when the lights will be switched on by special guests. The magical switch-on moment will be followed by a performance from Land of the Giants from 6.40pm.
Check out the full entertainment schedule:
4pm to 4.15pm - Lipson Cooperative Academy
4.20pm to 4.35pm - Boringdon Primary School
4.45pm to 5pm - Razzamataz
5.10pm to 5.25pm - Stage Stars
5.35pm to 5.50pm - Plym Kids
6pm to 6.20pm - Plymouth Performing Arts Academy
6.25pm to 6.35pm - Christmas Lights Switch On
6.40pm to 7.45pm - Land of the Giants
Access Information
If you have any questions relating to access please contact the dedicated access email address: Eventaccess@plymouth.gov.uk
Jump to: Busy times | Chill out area | Ground condition | Information points | Blue Badge Parking | Public toilets
The busiest times for the city centre lights switch on will be between 5.45pm and 6.45pm, the Christmas lights will be switched on between 6.25pm and 6.35pm.
As it will be very busy around the main stage if you are looking for an area away from the main event we recommend heading to the Civic Square (opposite the Civic Centre) where you will find quieter areas with benches.
The event area is paved and flat, some routes to the event will be sloped.
There will be many stewards across the event around the Piazza, who will always be very happy to help. They will be wearing white high viz tabards so please ask them if you have any questions.
The closest Public toilets are at the sundial on Armada Way:
There are 3 Disabled toilets (2 include baby changing facilities) you will need a RADAR key for access.
There are also a number of Male and Female public toilets located here (please note you will need to go down a number of steps) there is a charge of 60p for access.
Find out more about Blue badge parking in Plymouth
