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Christmas in Plymouth
Celebrate the festive season with unmissable events, shopping and experiences
Christmas Markets Near Plymouth | Christmas Events Devon | UK Christmas Days Out
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Plymouth is truly magical at Christmas. The festive season offers things to do with family and friends, as a couple or on your own. From carol singing to Christmas markets and delicious festive treats to enjoy, Plymouth has it all this December! You will be spoilt for choice with things to do this winter as you celebrate Christmas in Plymouth. There's plenty of holiday spirit to go around!
Enjoy a hassle-free festive season and celebrate. You can rely on our team to take care of all of the important details;
Date to be confirmed | From *pm
The Christmas Light Switch On, on Armada Way, marks the start of late-night shopping. From 4pm there's family-friendly entertainment and live music in the Piazza. The big switch-on is due to take place between 6pm and 6.30pm. This year there will be a 20-foot Christmas tree lit with 2,000 fairy lights located north of Place de Brest.
There will be snow flurries on Old Town Street, giant selfie baubles in the Atrium, plus entertainment starting at 3pm. Turning on the Christmas lights also marks the start of festive late night shopping.
Date to be confirmed | *pm to *pm
Round up the family and enjoy the festive celebrations on Southside Street as the Barbican is lit up for Christmas. There are free activities, entertainment, live music, street performers and funfair rides. Plus, a selection of stalls selling delicious festive treats. Children can even visit Father Christmas in his Christmas grotto.
Dates to be confirmed
Plymouth's Winter Wonderland in Central Park is the ultimate skating experience. Lace up your skates and experience the joy of ice skating. There are skating aids for the little ones and for adults. That's not all; take a walk through the Enchanted Forest to meet Santa and his elves, enjoy fairground rides, listen to live music, and dig into festive food and drink.
Completely rebuilt after the Second World War and primarily pedestrianised in the early 1990s, Plymouth is the leading shopping centre in the South West. With a mix of big-name brands and unique independent shops, there's no need to go elsewhere.
Plymouth's premier shopping venue is Drake Circus, which has more than 70 stores all undercover. During the late-night shopping season, the shops and eateries are open until 9pm and the car park remains open until midnight. You can even see Santa in his grotto.
Your guide to shopping in Plymouth
Dates to be confirmed | *am to *pm
With 50 log cabins and other seasonal stalls decorated with fairy lights, traders from the South West and beyond sell everything from handmade jewellery and clothing to artwork and homewares. You can even pick up a Christmas tree. With entertainment, including gospel choirs and vintage vocalists, your visit to the Christmas market in the city centre will certainly put you in the festive spirit!
Some of the region's favourite food and drink traders will also be returning to The Market, including smoked cheese and meats, spirits and liqueurs, and fudge. Pick up unique gifts for friends and family. Warm up with a mulled wine from the Bavarian Bar, tuck into festive food from one of the many street food stands and snap a festive selfie in front of the giant illuminated bauble.
Date to be confirmed | *pm to *pm
The National Marine Aquarium is hosting a sustainable market. The adult-only event is a peaceful evening for shopping and seeing the animals. There's a free festive snack and drink on arrival too!
Date to be confirmed
Visit Royal William Yard on Wednesday evenings for shopping under the stars and Sunday daytimes for a leisurely weekend wander. With over 60 stalls, they will showcase the South West’s best artisans, makers and producers. Taking place inside the Grade I Melville building and outside in its courtyard, there will be gifts galore, tasty treats and entertainment.
Date to be confirmed | *am to *pm
The Tavistock Christmas Festival can be found in Butchers Hall and Pannier Market. It is a fun day out for all the family and is a chance to pick up those last-minute gifts. There will be music from local choirs, street food, mulled wine and performances. With over 60 artisans, a craft fair, food and gift exhibitors, plus free entry.
Date to be confirmed
Santa’s Reindeer have gone missing! Can you help Santa find his team of reindeer? Collect your trail sheet from the Tourist Information Centre and follow the trail to find the reindeer in the shop windows. Don’t forget to mark them off on your sheet, and when you have found them all, collect your Christmas Treat!
Friday 13 December 2024 - Saturday 11 January 2025
Is there any more festive than the annual Christmas Pantomime? This year at the Plymouth Theatre Royal you can see the classic tale of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Birds of a Feather star Lesley Joseph will star as The Wicked Queen, with broadcaster and barrister Rob Rinder as The Man In The Mirror, comedian Andy Ford as Muddles and West End stars Samuel Holmes and Scott Maurice as The Governess and The Prince.
Date to be confirmed
Last year, Paignton Zoo ended their centenary year in style with its biggest-ever seasonal event. The after-dark immersive light experience featured a stunning array of giant illuminated animals, light tunnels, a silent disco, and much more. This family friendly event is going to be popular, so get your tickets as soon as possible.
Date to be confirmed | *pm to *pm
Experience a magical and wintery walk around Dartmoor Zoo, taking in a series of beautiful light installations. The lights have been specifically researched and chosen to illuminate without causing any harm or disruption to the animals. Even if you’ve experienced Zooluminate before, with a whole host of new and exciting installations, you won’t want to miss the brand-new Zooluminate experience this year!
Date to be confirmed
This Christmas, explore in wonder as Saltram brings the beauty, magic, and splendour of an 18th-century pleasure garden to life within the walls of its luxurious house interiors. Bringing the outside in, each room will transport you into a beautiful festive landscape, with wow moments around every corner and some woodland friends to lead you on your Christmas adventure. Families can pick up a Christmas trail and go on a festive adventure. There are so many festive activities at the National Trust properties, estates, and gardens in Plymouth.
Bedrooms at Future Inn Plymouth
Future Inn Plymouth is an ideal base for the night. All rooms sleep up to four guests, making them ideal for groups or families. In fact, under 12's stay for free. All stays at Future Inns come with the following perks;
Book direct for the best rates guaranteed, with rooms from £67 per room per night.
Book your stay online, where we guarantee the best rate, or with our Reservations Team on 01752 701000 or reservations.plymouth@futureinns.co.uk
For additional benefits, you can join the Future Inns hotel loyalty program. Alongside a member's discount rate, for every £1 you spend on accommodation, you earn 1 reward point. You also get a complimentary drink voucher to redeem in the bar when you dine. Plus, you get double points when you eat in the restaurant. Points collected can then be used to upgrade your bedroom to a suite or a free night's stay. It's also completely free to join!
Dishes on the menu in Fishbone Restaurant
Fishbone Restaurant is ideal for fueling up for the festive season. The team serves breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, evening a-la-carte or traditional roasts on Sunday. An early-bird dining menu starts at 5pm and you can indulge on 3 courses for £25. Of course, during December, a festive lunch or dinner is also on offer.
A large selection of drinks is also available, including popular local brands. Our Devon and Cornwall drink selection includes Atlantic IPA, Offshore, Tarquins Gin and Plymouth Gin. An extensive gin and mixer menu and 2 for £15 cocktails.
Bookings can be made on 01752 701000 or fishbone@futureinns.co.uk. Alternatively, you can book online: