What's on at Barbican Lights Switch-on

Join us for a magical day of festive fun at the Barbican Christmas Lights Switch-on, taking place on Saturday. 16 November. From midday, the Barbican will be buzzing with excitement as a variety of stage performances, interactive activities, and family-friendly entertainment unfold. Delight in festive storytelling, marvel at the walkabout acts, and catch the ever-popular Gables Dogs Show. Don’t forget to explore the market stalls, offering unique gifts and delicious seasonal treats. As the day winds down, get ready for the highlight—watching the Barbican light up from 5pm, marking the start of the Christmas season!

Jump to: Lights Switch on | Stage Performances | Christmas activities | Santa's Grotto | Stallholders

Lights Switch On

Santa, the Deputy Lord Mayor and special guests will be switching on the Christmas lights with this year’s chosen Community Hero. Don't miss the Woodlands Hero and Christmas Elves who will be throwing presents, including annual passes, in the crowd from 4.20pm to 4.30pm.

From 5pm at the stage, there will be speeches before the lights countdown from 5.15pm. Bow River Band will then be playing their tunes until 6pm.

Watch out for Santa’s arrival by the RNLI boat from 4.30pm.

Stage Performances

Soak up the festive joy of the amazing local choirs and dance groups as they perform on main stage throughout the afternoon, including SA Singing & Acting (12pm), Stevie Little Jays (1pm), Sounds Musical Theatre (1.30pm), University of Plymouth Students (2pm), Italia Conti Plymouth (2.30pm), Roxie Deville (3pm), SJ Performing Arts Plymouth (3.30pm), Plymouth Cheerleaders (4pm) and Ciderella (4.30pm).

Don't miss the Woodlands Hero and Christmas Elves who will be throwing presents, including annual passes, in the crowd from 4.20pm to 4.30pm.

From 5pm, there will then be speeches and special guests on stage, before the light switch on at 5.15pm, followed by Bow River band. 

Christmas activities

Santa’s Grotto

Children are in for a festive treat as they can pay a visit to Santa in his Grotto from 12pm to 4pm on Southside Street by the St Lukes shop.

Please note, that pre-booking is essential. As a parent/carer, you do not need to book a ticket for yourself but only for each child (maximum of three tickets per booking).

Santa and his elves will try their best to stick to your allocated slot but please be mindful Santa may run over!

Book your free space to Santa’s Grotto

Snow Globe

Kids can jump in the enclosed snow globe for some bouncy fun from midday to 5pm, £2 for 6 minutes.

The Grinch

Look out for The Grinch who will be around the streets of The Barbican for the Christmas Lights Switch On! He will be playing his usual tricks in attempt to sabotage the lights switch on - so don't let him get away with anything!

Christmas storytelling

Children can enjoy the Christmas Fairy's storytelling with hot chocolate at The Maritime Inn at 1pm, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm.

Roaming Acts

There will be Far Flung Dance Puppets from 4pm around Southside Street, as well as Morris Dancers from 3pm!

Gables Dog Show

Head to West Pier (opposite the Tourist Information Centre) for the fantastic Gables Dog Show, which will be taking place from 2pm to 3.30pm. Show off your festive pooches for just £2 per dog, with all proceeds going to Gables. Registration is on the day. 

Dog show classes are; Prettiest Girl; Handsomest Boy; Most Appealing Eyes; Waggiest Tail; Happiest Hound; Most Talented Trick; Dog The Judge Would Like to Take Home; Best Dressed Christmas Pooch. There will be a championships class for all first place winners after all classes have finished.

Stallholders

There will be plenty of stallholders to buy the perfect gift, or treat yourself to a delicious snack or hot drink.

Check out all the stallholders at the Barbican Christmas Lights Switch on.