Plymouth Magazine Christmas Guide December 2019

Celebrate Christmas in

Full of Bright Ideas

Shop ‘til you drop

Follow the Penguin Trail

Visit the Christmas Market

December 2019

NEW GEO

RGE STRE

ET, PLYMO

UTH

DISCOVER PLYMOUTH’S INDEPENDENT CINEMA

The Wheel & Barbican Theatre present

A spin on the fairytales you thought you knew... before Hollywood sprinkled sugar on them!

Nancy Astor. Image © The Box (Plymouth Museums Galleries Archives)

Showing in November-December: LOCAL INTEREST: The Way We Live | Wurlitza Presents: A Cottage on Dartmoor | Nancy Astor Documentary Preview CHRISTMAS SEASON: It’s a Wonderful Life | Singin’ in the Rain | The Wizard of Oz | Meet Me in St. Louis

Barbican Theatre

Image credit: Emmanuel Pearce

An adults only alternative Christmas show!

5pm on Barbican Theatre 12 - 23 Dec 8pm (plus 14 & 21 Dec) Age 16+ Tkts £15 barbicantheatre.co.uk

and much more, including Indie Films, Documentaries, New Releases and French Film Festival UK. Inside Plymouth College of Art Plymouth Tavistock Place, Plymouth, PL4 8AT Arts 01752 206 114 Cinema www.plymouthartscentre.org

Castle Street, Plymouth PL1 2NJ

Wray & Co Traditional Family Jewellers

102 New George St, Plymouth, PL1 1RZ - 01752 661651 51 Fore St, Kingsbridge, TQ7 1PG - 01548 857577

Visit Plymouth

The Plymouth Magazine Christmas Guide 2019

/3

Christmas in Plymouth Welcome to your ultimate guide to Christmas in Plymouth…

Step into a magical world of festivities in Britain’s Ocean City this winter, with enchanting events, brilliant shopping, top-class entertainment and plenty of family friendly activities. There’s something for everyone to enjoy and indulge in.

Read on for all the details about unmissable events, where to shop and everything you need to know about Plymouth’s festive family trails.

Shop and dine

With an amazing mix of top brand names and creative independents in Plymouth city centre, you’ll be able to find something for even the trickiest people to buy for. And with plenty of parking and lots of bus routes, it’s easy to get around.

Turn your shopping trip into a day out and stop for lunch, enjoying all the delicious options now on offer. Plymouth Market is home to some of the city’s top-rated eateries, making it perfect for a relaxed lunch stop.

Choose from the Asian flavours of AtKitchen, Tea & Bun or Taste of Thailand, enjoy sourdough pizza at Knead Pizza or tuck into sliders and sides at Tilt. For dessert, head to Kawaffle for bubble and lolly waffles. If you’re in the north of the city centre, take a trip to Bill’s in Drake Circus for their classic dishes with a twist, or head to new leisure destination The Barcode where you can choose to eat at Five Guys, Cosy Club, Zizzi or Nando’s.

Outside of the city centre, Plymouth’s waterfront offers a relaxed and unique shopping experience with plenty of boutiques and art galleries to explore on the Barbican, Sutton Harbour and Royal William Yard. Here you can pick up extra special gifts and one-of-a-kind pieces to treat your loved ones with this

4 \ The Plymouth Magazine Christmas Guide 2019

Christmas. And the waterfront is also home to some of the city’s best-loved independent cafes and restaurants, from Barbican Kitchen to The Boathouse Café.

Let us entertain you

Escape the hustle and bustle of the festive season with a night of magic at the theatre! The whole family are sure to love the traditional humour of the pantomime: see Brian Conley in Cinderella at the Theatre Royal Plymouth, or the hilarious physical comedy troupe Le Navet Bete performing Treasure Island at the Plymouth Athenaeum.

Younger family members will enjoy The Elves and the Shoemaker in The Drum, a delightful festive treat suitable for the whole family with plenty of wit, charm and surprising puppetry.

You can also relax and enjoy a film at Plymouth’s new Cineworld, which has IMAX and 4DX screenings on offer.

The unmissable films coming out during the festive season include Frozen 2, Cats and Last Christmas.

If it’s childfree fun you’re after, treat yourself to tickets to A Grimm Christmas at the Barbican Theatre. An alternative – and darkly delicious – festive treat, this show sees the Brothers Grimm reclaiming their stories and telling them how they were originally intended, uncensored with lots of menace and gore!

Christmas in Plymouth will also see a whole host of events – from Christmas light switch-ons to markets. Find out more on pages 12 and 13.

#ChristmasInPlymouth visitplymouth.co.uk visitplymouth.co.uk #ChristmasInPlymouth

The Plymouth Magazine Christmas Guide 2017

/5

Shop ‘till you drop!

From unique independents to big-name chains, Plymouth is the place to head for all your Christmas shopping needs. You’ll find gifts for the whole family in the shops, boutiques and markets throughout the city.

City Centre…

Head to Drake Circus to find your favourite big brands under one roof. Pick up all your stocking fillers from Tiger, Primark and Paperchase, new festive outfits and homewares from M&S and Next, and head to Boots to make the most of their famous Christmas offers. You’ll find presents for teens at Skinny Dip and Jack Wills and gorgeous treats perfect for mums at Joules and Cath Kidston. If in doubt, head to Hotel Chocolat – you can’t go wrong with luxurious chocolate!

With newly extended opening hours until 7pm on Monday to Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, late night shopping on Thursdays and parking under one roof, you can enjoy a relaxed shopping trip. With The Barcode just over the road offering a range of restaurants and a host of entertainment from adventure golf to incredible cinema you can make a whole day and evening of your trip too!

Head out of Drake Circus for more big brands on Old Town Street and Armada Way, including House of Fraser, Debenhams and Flannels, all home to an impressive range of designer brands.

6 \ The Plymouth Magazine Christmas Guide 2019

#ChristmasInPlymouth visitplymouth.co.uk

The West End… Plymouth’s West End is a treasure trove of independent shops and the 150-stall Plymouth Market, making it the place to head for unique gifts and fresh produce.

You’ll find butchers and greengrocers selling everything you need for Christmas dinner, florists creating beautiful festive bouquets and stalls selling every kind of gift imaginable – from bags and books, to unusual collectables.

And as an extra bonus, the parking in Plymouth’s West End is some of the cheapest in the city. Western Approach and Toys ‘R’ Us car parks charge just £1 an hour or £5 for the whole day, while Plymouth Market has its own car park designed for short trips if you need to pop in to pick up your festive essentials.

The Barbican and Sutton Harbour…

Plymouth’s beautiful waterfront is home to a great range of art galleries, antique shops and quirky independent boutiques. If you’re trying to buy a gift for the person that has everything, this is the place to head.

A wander along Southside Street will lead you to lots of art galleries, selling a range of originals and prints, plus unique glass and homewares, cards and posters. Don’t forget the Plymouth Gin Distillery is here too, so you can pick up a bottle of the city’s favourite tipple or some extra special glasses to toast the season.

Explore The House That Jack Built, home to an eclectic collection of shops selling gifts, or head to Chocaccino or the Barbican Cocoa Rooms for delicious handmade chocolates.

If it’s wine lovers you’re buying for, head over to Sutton Harbour to explore HonkyTonk Wine Library, selling wines from around the world.

Royal William Yard…

The beautiful G rade II listed Yard is home to a small collection of independent shops, including the creative hub of Ocean Studios, wine merchants Le Vignoble and womenswear store Identity Fashion.

Visit Plymouth

A Plymouth Gift Guide

• Plymouth Gin Glug Glug jugs – these quirky fish-shaped jugs make a great glugging noise, pick them up from their Barbican Distillery shop • A cuddly pasty – the perfect stocking filler for any pasty fans out there, and sure to raise a smile on Christmas morning, these are available to buy from the Tourist Information Centre • Cineworld vouchers – treat the film lover in your life with vouchers to Plymouth’s newest cinema, which hosts thrilling 4DX screenings and boasts the third largest IMAX screen in the country • A spa experience – the ultimate luxury treat, Gaia Spa at Boringdon Hall offers a variety of treatments, day spa experiences and overnight stays • Tickets to a show – Theatre Royal Plymouth tickets will go down a treat and there are some spectacular shows to choose from, with huge musicals including Mamma Mia and incredible talent from the Welsh National Opera arriving in Plymouth during 2020

The Plymouth Magazine Christmas Guide 2019

/7

Glass!!

Art2Frame

Devon's Premier Glass Gallery

Offering fused glass pieces created by gallery owner Ian Nicholls in his Studio, within Glass!!, on Plymouth’s Barbican. Glass!! also have a varied display of glass works by artists throughout the British Isles and Europe.

Many visitors to The Barbican, from near and far, are amazed to find Glass!!

Devon’s premier glass gallery, the Southside Street gallery displays an array of unique pieces, exclusively in glass.

You will find something for all pockets, from a perfect gift or memory of a visit to artists exhibiting on the world stage offering discerning pieces for the serious collector.

Wall Art, in fused glass to other pieces, are made at the premises by the gallery owner, Ian Nicholls, enabling him to offer a bespoke service that can match the specific needs of customers. Ian’s artistic skills are stretched at this time of year as he turns the gallery into a breathtaking festive extravaganza. The galleries Christmas display changes each year with customers flocking to the gallery for inspiration and to buy some beautiful pieces of glass; from handmade decorations to an array of glass baubles, objects and even glass Christmas Wreaths.

This year will be no exception, I’ve been told the theme is iceberg and penguins. Intriguing!

Ian loves the window displays to be magical for children and adults alike. Always very tasteful, oozing the magic of Christmas at an instance. His display last year provided a backdrop for endless selfies. The windows are like moths to a flame in the evenings as people visit the many restaurants in the area.

It is obvious to see why Glass!! window creations have won awards, which is testament to Ian and Liz's efforts and commitment to create something magical.

No doubt visitors and customers of past Christmases will vouch.

Contact or call in to try and discover when and what Ian’s doing this year!

Well let’s just say it’s going to look like a cold one.

23 Southside Street | Plymouth | PL1 2LD Tel 01752 204069 www.plymouthglassgallery.com e-mail: ian@plymouthglassgallery.com PlymouthGlassGallery

award winning restaurant • award winning marina

Join us this Christmas at the

any

Food, Comp s Fabulou & Location!

Jolly Jacks, the perfect venue for your Christmas festivities.

Delicious fresh food, fabulous Christmas menu, welcoming and fun, warm and cosy ambiance, ; Jolly Jacks has it all!

Christmas and New Year bookings now being taken • FREE secure parking • Dog & child friendly

Kick back & Relax E: info@jollyjacks.net Facebook

For more information on having your Christmas at the New Continental Hotel, please call our friendly staff on 01752 220782 or visit www.newcontinental.co.uk

jollyjacks

Fresh, Local and Seasonal Food Independant, Innovative, Local Brasserie 01752 253247 www.thefigtreeat36.co.uk 36 Admiralty Street, Plymouth, PLI 3RU

Bookings for Christmas Parties & New Year now being taken Visit Plymouth

The Plymouth Magazine Christmas Guide 2019

/9

Christmas Market

You’ll find Plymouth Christmas Market in the heart of the city centre, on the Piazza, from 28 November to 19 December. It’s the perfect place to pick up some unique and individual Christmas gifts for friends and family!

More than 50 wooden cabins, festooned with fairy lights, will house traders from the South West and beyond, selling everything from handmade jewellery and clothing, to artwork and homewares. You can even pick up a real Christmas tree!

Some of the region’s favourite food and drink traders will also be returning to the Market this year.

Choose from a range of premium liqueurs from the English Spirit Distillery, indulge in luxury chocolates from Loco About Cocoa or browse the spicy sauces and preserves on offer from the South Devon Chilli Farm.

If you’re feeling chilly after having a browse, warm up with a drink from the Bavarian Bar or tuck into some delicious

festive food from one of the many street food stands on offer – there’s scrumptious, melting cheese raclette, traditional hotdogs, Yorkshire Pudding wraps and lots more to choose from!

There will also be live music to entertain the crowds each Thursday to Sunday for the duration of the Market. Listen to the sounds of choirs and local musicians, sure to put you in the festive mood as you wander through the great range of stalls.

The giant illuminated bauble arch is also returning this year, it’s the perfect place to snap a festive selfie! Don’t forget to share your photos using #ChristmasInPlymouth.

The Christmas Market will be open until 6pm Monday to Saturday and until 5pm on Sunday, with late openings every Thursday until 9pm, so you can take your time and enjoy browsing the stalls under the sparkling city centre Christmas lights.

For more information about Plymouth Christmas Market, including the full list of traders, head to visitplymouth.co.uk

10 \ The Plymouth Magazine Christmas Guide 2019

#ChristmasInPlymouth visitplymouth.co.uk

S

Victoria Sewart Contemporary Jewellery Gallery

victoria sewart

Victoria Sewart Winter Showcase 2019 Victoria Sewart Contemporary Jewellery Gallery located on Plymouth’s historic Barbican is now enjoying its 14th year of trading. Platforming some of the United Kingdom’s most exciting contemporary jewellery designers you’ll find everything here from fine precious pieces through to funky cutting-edge mixed media art jewellery.

The annual Winter Showcase exhibition is a popular feature at the gallery and this year’s line-up will not disappoint. The gallery is set to feature eight talented new UK designers who will be showcasing their hand-crafted collections including some one-off designs, perfect if you’re looking for a truly unique gift We also offer a whilst supporting local shops and designers and supporting UK variety of creative small batch production. The Winter Showcase exhibition will be courses that run throughout running from November to January. Victoria and her team of the year. These include 10 gallery assistants look forward to welcoming you.

Week Courses for beginners,

improvers, and advanced, Make And remember, your jewellery is as unique as you are. Discover Your Own Wedding Rings, yourself at Victoria Sewart Contemporary Jewellery Gallery.

Taster Days and One to For more information call 01752 220011 One Tuition.

Or visit www.victoriasewart.com

39 Southside Street The Barbican Plymouth Visit Plymouth

01752 220011

The Plymouth Magazine Christmas Guide 2019

/ 11

Experience the magic of Christmas in Britain’s Ocean City Find your festive cheer in Plymouth this year. Whether you’re looking to browse markets, looking for unique gifts, want to be wowed by spectacular events, or need to entertain the kids over the holidays, there’s plenty to see and do. Make a note of the key event dates this Christmas and make sure you don’t miss out!

Throughout December you will find our digital advent calendar on visitplymouth.co.uk which will also give reminders of what’s happening and things to do, so make sure to check in every day in the lead up to Christmas to see what’s behind each window!

Christmas Lights Switch On 14 November, City Centre

The Christmas holiday calendar officially kicks off with the switch-on of this year’s beautiful Christmas lights and

the start of late-night shopping. The fun starts in the city centre Piazza from 4pm as local choirs and performers – including the Plymouth Party Princesses – take to the stage to entertain the crowds before the lights are switched on by Father Christmas himself at 6.30pm.

Illuminate 28 November to 1 December, Royal William Yard, Barbican and Mount Edgcumbe

Spectacular light-based festival Illuminate returns to the waterfront to launch the Mayflower 400 commemorative year. Expect light projections, installations, performances and interactive activities that will enchant the whole family, all for free. This year, the festival is growing with activity on the Barbican and at Mount Edgcumbe, as well as at Royal William Yard.

Plymouth Christmas Market 28 November to 19 December, City Centre

12 \ The Plymouth Magazine Christmas Guide 2019

Head to the Piazza in the city centre and browse to your heart’s content!

More than 50 traders from across the South West will be selling their wares in traditional wooden cabins, festooned with fairy lights. Pick up unique gifts for friends and family, with everything from handmade jewellery and artwork to sweet treats and liqueurs to choose from. 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

#ChristmasInPlymouth visitplymouth.co.uk

front of the giant illuminated bauble. With entertainment including gospel choirs and vintage vocalists, your visit to the Christmas market will certainly put you in the festive spirit!

PENGUINS: A LEGO® Brick Trail 30 November to 5 January, City Centre

The LEGO® brick penguins are returning to Plymouth this year! There are 20 to find in total, with 19 Rockhoppers and one extra special Emperor hiding in shops throughout the city centre. There are some fantastic prizes up for grabs if you find them all, so pick up a trail map from participating retailers or the Visit Plymouth website and get hunting!

Barbican Christmas Lights Switch On 1 December, The Barbican

Round up the family and enjoy the festive celebrations on Southside Street as the Barbican is lit up for Christmas. Father Christmas will be arriving on the RNLI lifeboat to switch on the lights – but watch out, as the Grinch will be roaming the streets and causing chaos! There will be a range of children’s activities and entertainment to enjoy from 12pm, with the switch-on taking place at 5pm.

Santa at Plymouth Market 7, 14, 21 and 22 December, City Centre

Take the little ones to see Santa this December at Plymouth Market. On Saturday 7 enjoy a free story telling session with him (11am to 2pm), then on Saturday 14 and 21 and Sunday 22, you’ll be able to buy a ticket for your youngsters to meet Santa in his grotto from 11am - 4pm. His elves will be on hand too as there’ll be special activities to make Christmas crafts while you wait!

Santa Fun Run 8 December, City Centre

Hundreds of Santas are set to run, jog and walk through the city centre in either a 4km or 2.5km loop. Come along to watch the spectacle at 11am, or sign up now to take it on yourself! All entrants receive a Santa suit and a medal.

For more information about all these events, head to visitplymouth.co.uk

Polar Bear Explorer 1 December to 1 March 1, The Waterfront

Set off on an exciting journey across Plymouth’s waterfront this winter, in search of the 20 polar bear cubs hidden in businesses from the Barbican to Royal William Yard.

Download your trail map from the Visit Plymouth website or pick it up from a participating business. You’ll learn lots about climate change along the way and by finding the cubs, you’ll be in with a chance of winning some brilliant prizes!

Native Makers Winter Market 7 to 8 December, Royal William Yard

Native Makers is back with a two-day festive makers market at Ocean Studios in Royal William Yard. This years’ market sees the return of Native Cubs Craft, delicious snacks and fun, free activities, all brought to you by over 60 local and emerging makers. With plenty of Christmas sparkle for everyone, why not pop by?

Visit Plymouth

The Plymouth Magazine Christmas Guide 2019

/ 13

60 CelebratinG

YearS

Open 7 days a week and late On thursdays in december

Christmas at Plymouth Market

storytelling with santa on saturday 7th december (11am - 2pm)

Join the radio Plymouth lighthouse crew every Saturday.

Over 140 stalls, eateries & cafes, all under one roof - home of the one-stop Christmas shop.

What will you discover?

Santa’s Grotto

Visit santa in his Grotto & make christmas goodies* on saturday 14th, 21st & sunday 22nd december 11am - 4pm *there is a charge for Visit santa and christmas activities

win

enter our raffle for the chance to win our big leGO® penguin**

we’re part of the leGO® bricks penguin trail! ** all proceeds will go to the plymouth neonatal intensive care unit (nicu) charity no. 1048679

discover your local market Cornwall Street, Plymouth, PL1 1PS #ChristmasInPlymouth

www.plymouthmarket.co.uk

K FOR

STUC

A GIFT

IDEA?

m to rs Treat the he Gift Vouc Supha’s

All sorts of burgers - Bacon & Egg Rolls Jasperizer - 1/2 Yard Hot Dog Fisherman’s Breakfast - Mackeroll

and £20 £5, £10 at the bar le Availab

You’ll never be disappointed and always amazed! www.capn-jaspers.co.uk Whitehouse Pier, Barbican PL1 2LS

CELEBRATE

Christmas WITH US

rock salt café & brasserie

We’re now taking your Christmas bookings!

Whether it’s a work’s-do, a family get together or an intimate dinner for just the two of you; at Rock Salt and Salumi, we’ve got the perfect menus to make it truly unfogettable.

Call or visit us online to book or find out more!

01752 267538 | www.eatsalumi.co.uk 18 Millbay Road Plymouth PL1 3LH 01752 225522 | www.rocksaltcafe.co.uk 31 Stonehouse Street Plymouth PL1 3PE

Visit Plymouth

The Plymouth Magazine Christmas Guide 2019

/ 15

Penguins The penguins are returning this year, spreading their Christmas magic over Plymouth!

Join in the family fun festive trail and seek out all 20 life size LEGO® brick penguins which will be hidden in shops and businesses across the city centre.

The trail starts from 30 November, running until 5 January, so it’s time to start planning your adventure. There are 19 Rockhopper penguins and one very special Emperor penguin to find, and each one has a name that you need to keep a note of.

It’s the perfect way to keep young family members entertained while you’re browsing for all your Christmas essentials, and with late night shopping on Thursday nights (which starts on 14 November) and Plymouth Christmas Market (from 28 November to 19 December), there’s plenty of chances to find them all!

Did you know...?

• There are 18 species of penguin and they are found in a variety of countries, primarily in the southern hemisphere • The name penguin was originally given to an unrelated bird species – the nowextinct great auk, which was a large, flightless, black and white bird.

• Emperor penguins are able to cope with extreme cold as they have the highest density of feathers of any bird species – 100 feathers per square inch!

16 \ The Plymouth Magazine Christmas Guide 2019

#ChristmasInPlymouth visitplymouth.co.uk

are back!

Find all 20 LEGO® brick penguins and their names for the chance to win a weekend family trip to LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort! Lucky runners up will win an exciting prize from Living Coasts in Torquay, where you can come face-to-face with two different species of penguin in real life.

How to take part

Pick up a trail map from participating retailers or download it from visitplymouth.co.uk. You can enter the competition by finding the names of all 20 penguins, writing them – along with your details – on the leaflet and posting it in the special Santa postboxes in Drake Circus, Plymouth Market and New George Street. Alternatively, enter the competition online via the Visit Plymouth website.

Penguin lols!

Q: What do penguins eat for lunch?

A: Ice-burgers!

Q: What did the penguin say after he went shopping?

A: Put in on my bill!

Share your penguin pics with us by using #PlymouthPenguins

• Penguins can dive to depths of over 250m, although most dives will be within the top 10m of water. The deepest dive ever recorded is by a female Emperor penguin which dived to 535m!

• The biggest species is the Emperor penguin at 1.2m tall, whilst the smallest species is the Blue penguin (also known as the little or fairy penguin) at just over 30cm tall.

• The fastest species of penguin is the Gentoo penguin, which can swim at up to 22mph.

Visit Plymouth

The Plymouth Magazine Christmas Guide 2019

/ 17

• Freshly baked every morning • Speciality coffee, homemade cakes, breakfasts, steaks and fish, celebration cakes • Come to Frankfort gate to try our new Nutella doughnuts and Nutella custard tarts and also jammy doughnuts • Christmas bookings are now being taken • Come and try something you haven’t tasted before 22-24 Frankfort gate, Plymouth PL11QD Telephone number: 07852221707 Facebook: @Lisbonbakeryandrestaurant

Opening times: Mon-thurs : 8am - 6pm

Fri-sat : 8am - 9pm Sunday: closed

For all of your Seafood needs this Christmas, visit the Market Plaice Fishmongers at Plymouth City Market The Fish Stalls, Plymouth Market, PL1 1PS. 01752 673200 Opening Times: Tuesday to Friday: 8.30am – 3.00pm Saturday: 8.30am – 2.00pm

18 \ The Plymouth Magazine Christmas Guide 2019

Or you can email us! themarketplaice@virginmedia.com #ChristmasInPlymouthvisitplymouth.co.uk visitplymouth.co.uk #ChristmasInPlymouth

Blue Peace Gallery

For beautifully presented soap baskets, handmade goods and original art, we have something for all tastes and pockets.

24 Southside Street, Barbican, Plymouth, PL1 2LD 01752 674674 07891 466115 Find us on Facebook & Instagram

LOCAL FISH SPECIALS

AU T H E N T I C THAI CURRIES

FA S T F R E S H F O O D

C O O K E D TO O R D E R EAT IN OR TAKE AWAY

THE B-BAR

THAI NOODLE BAR AUTHENTIC AFFORDABLE

NOODLES MUSIC COFFEE COMEDY FIND US ON PLYMOUTH’S HISTORIC BARBICAN OPEN EVERY DAY 12 PM UNTIL LATE

A SWASHBUCKLING FAMILY COMEDY FOR CHRISTMAS!

“Brimming with energy and fun”

ALL

PERFORMANCES SAME PRICE!

Reviews Hub (Aladdin 2018)

The Plymouth 12 Dec - 5 Jan 2:30pm & 7:30pm Tkts £20 full, £18 concessions, buy 2 full + 2 under 16s for £72 Athenaeum Book at barbicantheatre.co.uk | 01752 267131 Visit Plymouth

The Plymouth Magazine Christmas Guide 2019

/ 21

Winter on the Waterfront

Plymouth’s stunning waterfront is not just for summer days out – there’s so much to do during the colder months, with family friendly events, unique independent shops and one very special trail to explore too.

Polar Bear Explorer

Become a Polar Bear Explorer and search for the adorable bear cubs hidden along the waterfront as the trail returns to the waterfront – there are 20 to find!

From Royal William Yard to Millbay, the Barbican to Sutton Harbour and Bretonside, you’ll find the cubs hidden in a variety of shops, restaurants and businesses. The Polar Bear Explorer starts on 1 December and runs until 1 March, so you’ve got plenty of time to find the 20 cubs, whether you set off to search over Christmas, during February half term or any time in between!

To take part, pick up a trail booklet from participating retailers or download from visitplymouth.co.uk. Inside, you’ll find a comic strip, which tells the story of George the polar bear cub and how climate change is impacting the environment in a child friendly way. Each section of the comic book is missing a key word, which you’ll be able to fill in when you find the matching polar bear cub.

As well as learning all about the environment, and how you can help real polar bears, there are some brilliant prizes to win! There’s different prizes available depending on whether you find five, 10 or all 20 bears.

Enter the competition by finding the polar bear cubs and

22 \ The Plymouth Magazine Christmas Guide 2019

posting your completed trail form in the trail post-boxes at the Tourist Information Centre and National Marine Aquarium, or submitting the answers online through the Visit Plymouth website. Don’t forget to share your photos using #PolarBearExplorer.

Sparkling events

The waterfront is set to be lit up brightly from 28 November to 1 December, as Illuminate returns. The free, light-based festival is expanding this year with activity on the Barbican and at Mount Edgcumbe, as well as at Royal William Yard.

Then on 1 December, don’t miss the Barbican Christmas Lights Switch-on. Father Christmas will arrive on the RNLI lifeboat to turn on the lights, but watch out for the Grinch who will be looking out for opportunities to sabotage!

Get creative

Enjoy a crafty Christmas with some brilliant workshops run by waterfront businesses this December. Crafts By You, based at Bretonside, is running a Christmas Paper Crafting Workshop on 7 December and a Christmas Wreath Making Workshop on 10 December.

Alternatively, head to Ocean Studios in Royal William Yard for unconventional wreath making sessions – using fabric, or locally grown dried and wild natural materials – and the chance to decorate your own Christmas jumpers.

For more info and inspiration, head to visitplymouth.co.uk

#ChristmasInPlymouth visitplymouth.co.uk