Christmas
Festive family fun in Plymouth Get into the spirit of the season with the whole family! There’s so much going on in Plymouth that will keep everyone entertained, young and old alike, so you can relax and enjoy quality time together.
Younger family members will love the opportunity to have breakfast with Santa. The big man himself will be visiting The Box every Saturday and
Sunday between 27 November and 19 December to share breakfast at 9am – he’ll be there to greet you before you sit down to tuck into either pancakes with maple syrup or blueberries, or a delicious breakfast bap. Alternatively, hop across the river Tamar to China Fleet Country Club in Saltash on 5, 12 or 19 December and enjoy lunch in Santa’s Grotto with gifts
and plenty of festive fun. If mornings aren’t your thing, there are still lots of other opportunities to meet Santa. Traditional Olde Father Christmas will be visiting Buckland Abbey on 18 and 19 December, dressed all in green. He’ll meet you in the kitchen around the crackling fire, creating Christmas magic and helping you to make your own small toy. There’s also a Santa’s Grotto at Boringdon Hall Hotel on 5, 12 and 19 December. On arrival you’ll be dazzled by a dance performance before enjoying a festive afternoon tea, getting creative with gingerbread decorating and meet Santa Claus to receive a Christmas present. Looking for something that will make sure everyone in the family is feeling festive? You can’t go wrong with a traditional British pantomime. This year the Theatre Royal is showing Aladdin (17 December to 15 January) starring Joe Pasquale. Expect a lampfull of laughs, stunning scenery, flying carpets and of course, plenty of boos and hisses. But for something a little bit different, there are other brilliantly wintry shows to enjoy. Little ones will love The Man Who Wanted To Be A Penguin (1 December to 22 January), a playful mix of puppetry, music
and song that celebrates the joy of individuality. The whole family are sure to be mesmerised by White Christmas The Musical (7 to 11 December), which comes to Plymouth direct from the West End and features romance, comedy and classic songs. The Soapbox Children’s Theatre in Devonport are also putting on special family shows. For under 5s, there’s The Christmas Mouse (8 to 24 December) featuring snowy scenes, colourful characters and enthralling puppets
that will capture toddlers’ attention. Then everyone over the age of 4, including adults, can wrap up warm and enjoy the festive outdoor show of The Magic Lantern and the Story Thief (5 to 31 December) where people’s stories are brought to life by the light of the lantern. Pre-booking is advised for all these festive events so please remember to check the event organisers’ website before you plan your visit.
Other unmissable festive events to enjoy in Plymouth this Christmas… Christmas at Saltram
19 November to 3 January, Saltram House This year, the historic house will tell the well-loved story of The Nutcracker through some of its grandest rooms using some of the best parts of its collection. The grandest room at Saltram, the Saloon, will be transformed into a magical fairy tale forest with decadently decorated trees and magical interventions to make the house feel alive. There’s also a family trail to follow around the garden where you can learn about nature’s real ‘nutcrackers’. Visits must be pre-booked, entry for National Trust members and children under 5 is free. For non-members it is £8 for an adult and £4 for a child.
Hound, Barbican Botanics, and The Devon Fudge Company; handcrafted gifts from Amelia Daniels Candles, Terra Jeweller, and Peck & Chisel; plus Nook Houseplants, Earthkind Refills, and a whole host of others.
Family Late Mount Edgcumbe Christmas Fayre
Festive Good Food and Craft Market
11 and 12 December, Mount Edgcumbe The Christmas Fayre is back for its 17th year, with more than 50 stalls selling an eclectic mix of crafts, gifts and food, as well as the Barrow Centre shops and cafes. Choirs will perform, filling the air with carols and festive tunes, and there’s more entertainment in the form of jugglers and living statues. Stop for a selfie next to the huge Christmas tree, and make sure to visit Santa in his grotto. Admission costs £3 for adults and £1 for children (payment by card preferred).
5, 12 and 19 December, 10am to 3pm
Christmas Party Cruise
1, 8 and 15 December, 5pm to 9pm
Royal William Yard Royal William Yard’s festive market returns to the iconic Melville building on Wednesday evenings and Sundays throughout December, featuring a selection of the region’s most exciting independent artisan traders. From tantalising treats to tasty tipples, the markets will offer a wide range of locally sourced goods and handcrafted gifts. A variety of traders will feature across the month, including food and drink from The Hedgerow
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then dance and mingle the night away to festive tunes. Adults only event (18+), make sure to pre-book your tickets which cost £15.50.
Saturday 11 December and Saturday 18 December 7.30pm – 10.30pm, Plymouth Boat Trips Get into the seasonal spirit on board Plymouth Boat Trips’ Christmas Party Cruise. Enjoy a complimentary glass of mulled wine or prosecco from the bar,
19 December, The Box Plymouth Wave off Father Christmas before he returns to the North Pole on Sunday 19 December and explore The Box’s galleries out of hours. Santa will be announcing that the doors are open at 6pm from the pulpit on Tavistock Place. Enjoy some acoustic music and try your hand at Christmas crafts. The Box Kitchen & Bar will also be open for festive food and drink. Tickets are just £5 per person.
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For more information about Christmas events in Plymouth, check out visitplymouth.co.uk/ Christmas
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