Christmas Events Plymouth 2024

Christmas Lights Switch On

Saturday 16 November 2024 | Between 6pm - 6.30pm

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. 

Barbican Light Switch On

Saturday 16 November 2024 | 10am to 6pm

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.

Plymouth Winter Wonderland

Friday 15 November 2024 to Wednesday 1 January 2025

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.

Christmas Shopping in Plymouth

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.

Plymouth Christmas Markets

Thursday 28 November to Sunday 15 December 2024

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.

Christmas Market at The Aquarium

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!

Festive Good Food & Craft Market

Sundays in November - December 2024 | 10am - 3pm

and Wednesdays in December 2024 | 5pm - 9pm

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.

Tavistock Christmas Festival

Friday 6 December 2024 - Tavistock Dickensian Evening, lights switch on at 5.45pm

Saturday 14 December - Monday 23 December 2024

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.

Family Christmas Activities Plymouth

Christmas Reindeer Trail

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!

Plymouth Christmas Show

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.

GloWild

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.

Zooluminate

13 December 2024 to 4 January 2025 | 5pm to 7.30pm

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!

Saltram Christmas 2024

22 November 2024 to 1 January 2025

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.

Stay at Future Inn Plymouth

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Future Inn Plymouth is a modern and comfortable hotel conveniently located near main access roads and public transportation. It is close to the popular family-friendly attractions. The hotel's spacious and airy bedrooms, accommodating up to four guests, are perfect for families. Each room has free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and a desk and workspace, providing entertainment and comfort for everyone. Added touches like a complimentary robe and slippers, and home-away-from-home services - such as a guest laundry room, ice buckets, and tea and coffee-making facilities to enhance the convenience of your stay. Families will particularly appreciate the free parking.

Make a Reservation

Book direct for the best rates guaranteed.

Book your stay online or with our Reservations Team on 01752 701000 or reservations.plymouth@futureinns.co.uk

Plymouth Restaurant

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Fishbone Restaurant is a welcoming and contemporary dining venue. Known for serving locally sourced produce, the menu showcases a delightful range of British and seafood dishes, ensuring that diners can enjoy an authentic taste of the region. From hearty breakfasts to leisurely lunches and indulgent dinners, it is ideal for both hotel guests and locals alike.

Additionally, the restaurant features an inviting bar area, perfect for enjoying a drink. In the summer months, take advantage of the outdoor terrace. A large selection of drinks is also available, including popular local brands such as Atlantic IPA, Offshore, Tarquins Gin, and Plymouth Gin. Naturally, there's a good choice of soft drinks, including refreshing fruit juices, tea, coffee, and mocktails.

Bookings can be made on 01752 701000 or fishbone@futureinns.co.uk.  Alternatively, you can book online:

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