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.