Plymouth Magazine Christmas Guide November 2017

Santa Fun Run Christmas Market Santa Claus is Coming to Town Nutcracker Trail Christmas on the Waterfront Christmas Lights Switch-on

plymouth magazine the

November 2017

2\

The Plymouth Magazine Christmas Guide 2017

#ChristmasInPlymouth visitplymouth.co.uk

INSIDE

Lisbon Bakery and Restaurant Come down to Lisbon Bakery and Restaurant to book your Christmas cakes, we do all varieties of Portuguese cakes. We can also offer much more during the Christmas period.

Christmas in Plymouth - pages 4 & 5 Photo: Agata Kalend One Plymouth

Place your orders now to make sure you don't miss having a Portuguese cake at your Christmas table.

You can also make bookings for your lunch and dinner tables with us during Christmas time.

Call 07852 221707 to contact us and make your bookings

Christmas What’s On - pages 12 & 13 Photo: Scott Grenney One Plymouth

Waterfront Christmas- page 16 Photo: Jeff O Keefe Tomkins One Plymouth

Santa Claus in town- page 18 plymouthshopping.co.uk

WhatsOnPlymouth

The Plymouth Magazine Christmas Guide 2017

/3

If you ca little at C when can If you’re looking for festive cheer, Christmas present ideas and winter weekend fun, Plymouth is most definitely the place to be this Christmas season.

With a fantastic variety of shops ranging from independent stores to well-known high street brand names you’ll be spoilt for choice when undertaking your Christmas shopping this year.

And to save your feet when you’re heading home from a hard day of gift buying why not hop on the city centre Christmas land train, offering free rides taking you from Drake Circus to Frankfort Gate

and back with stops around the city centre, perfect when you’re shopped out and need to take a load off your feet.

Shop ‘til you drop Late night shopping officially begins on November 16 with the switching on of the Christmas Lights and continues every Thursday up until Christmas Day. Whether you’re looking for clothes, toys, designer labels or a unique gift for that special someone, Plymouth has all you need. And don’t forget to treat yourself, because if you can’t live a little at Christmas, when can you?

Photo: Fotolia

4\

The Plymouth Magazine Christmas Guide 2017

#ChristmasInPlymouth visitplymouth.co.uk

an’t live a Christmas n you?

Keep up your energy levels with a pit stop at one of the many fantastic cafes or restaurants in Plymouth. For a bite on the go we’d recommend a pasty from The Original Pasty House, or Oggy Oggy on Armada Way, or if you’re in the market for something more filling make sure to drop in to Plymouth Market and try some of the tastiest pizza in town at Knead Pizza, or a taste of the exotic with some of the best Thai food in the city at @Market on the mezzanine floor.

If you’re in the mood for a cup of tea and slice of cake there’s plenty to choose from with Barista Brothers, Coffee Bean, Starbucks and Costa Coffee amongst others offering some of the best hot drinks and yummiest cakes around!

Fun for all the family There’s nowhere quite like Plymouth at Christmas, and with so much to offer for all the family, there’s plenty to get you into the festive mood!

With entertainment also on offer with Christmas story time at Plymouth Market and entertainment in the heart of the city centre’s Christmas Market you’ll have no end of opportunities to enjoy a wonderful weekend with the little ones in Plymouth this Christmas.

What not to miss: Christmas Lights Switch on Santa Fun Run Christmas Market Nutcracker Storytelling in Plymouth Market Meet Father Christmas arriving by lifeboat Find details at visitplymouth.co.uk

The fun starts on November 16 with the City Centre Christmas Light Switch on and continues all the way through the season of good cheer with a range of great events and activities throughout November and December. Keep the little ones entertained whilst shopping with the Nutcracker Trail, visit Father Christmas in his grotto at Drake Circus or enjoy a Christmas Carol tour around Plymouth Barbican.

Photo: Jeff O Keefe Tomkins One Plymouth

plymouthshopping.co.uk

WhatsOnPlymouth

The Plymouth Magazine Christmas Guide 2017

/5

GIFTS GALORE...

...AND SO MUCH MORE AT THE PLYMOUTH CHRISTMAS MARKET Photo: Fotolia

If you’re looking for some individual and unique Christmas gifts, Plymouth Christmas Market is the place to visit this year.

From November 30 to December 21, the Christmas Market will take centre stage in the city centre with 60 wooden cabins festooned with fairy lights and decorations offering the perfect way to enjoy the magic of Christmas in Britain’s Ocean City.

Nestled in the heart of the city centre, just a short stroll away from Drake Circus, Plymouth Market and the historic Barbican, this year’s festive outdoor Christmas Market will feature an array of stalls all offering something different and individual to cater for all of your needs, from Christmas Trees to hand-made gourmet gift chocolate, clothing, hand-made fudge, present ideas and more.

Wander amongst the fairy light covered stalls, selling unique hand-crafted gifts from the South West and further afield and soak up the magical atmosphere. When you’re in need of a drink and a

8\

The Plymouth Magazine Christmas Guide 2017

bit of warmth take a seat at the Bavarian Bar in the heart of the market, complete with heated seats and festive food to keep you going.

The festivities will definitely get you into the Christmas spirit, with regular entertainment and the sound of Christmas carols all adding to the enchanted feel of the city at Christmas.

Wrap up warm and enjoy all the sights and smells of festive food and drink with a popup prosecco bar and festive food offerings.

The Christmas Market will be open until 6pm Monday to Saturday, with late openings every Thursday until 9pm and until 5pm on Sundays, so you can take your time and enjoy browsing the stalls under the sparkling City Centre Christmas lights before grabbing a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants, cafés or bars in the vicinity.

Don’t forget to take a selfie with the resident light up reindeer in the centre of the Market and use #ChristmasInPlymouth!

Plymouth Christmas Market is proudly sponsored by:

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

MAGICAL FAMILY FUN WITH THE PLYMOUTH NUTCRACKER TRAIL The popular Nutcracker Trail is returning to the city for another magical year.

Santa has been busy touring Plymouth on his mission to get lots of toys for all the boys and girls this Christmas. On his travels he has left behind 20 Nutcrackers who have been told to find out what presents children are asking for.

Can you find the Nutcrackers? The Nutcracker trail starts from November 17 to January 2. Find them all for your chance to win one of 10 great prizes that Santa left with Plymouth Citybus for give away.

Giant Nutcrackers have been hidden in prime locations throughout the city centre, perfect for keeping the little ones entertained whilst you do your Christmas shopping. You’ll have plenty of chances to find them all with late night shopping every Thursday from 16 November right through until Christmas.

How to join the fun: Pick up a Nutcracker leaflet from any participating City Centre location and follow the map locator to find the hidden Nutcrackers and write down their names. Collect all 20 names of the Nutcrackers and post your entry in one of Santa’s three post boxes to enter.

Tired feet?

If you’re hunting for Nutcrackers don’t forget you can take a FREE ride on Santa’s Christmas Land Train every Wednesday to Sunday until Christmas Eve, starting from November 17.

10 \

The Plymouth Magazine Christmas Guide 2017

#ChristmasInPlymouth visitplymouth.co.uk

CLOSING DOWN SALE DUE TO REFIT (SPRING 2018)

EVERYTHING REDUCED 144 Cornwall Street (Opposite Pannier Market) Open Weds to Sat 11am - 5pm Tel: 01752 227960

plymouthshopping.co.uk

WhatsOnPlymouth The Plymouth Magazine Christmas Guide 2017

/ 11

Plymouth is being turned into a magical winter wonderland this Christmas, with everything from giant Nutcrackers and snowflakes to twinkling lights, Father Christmas himself, roaming Christmas Carol tours and a festive Land Train.

This Christmas Plymouth has so much to offer. Treat yourself to a mulled wine at the Christmas Market, wander the streets of the historic Barbican with Ebenezer Scrooge or hunt around the city centre and waterfront with our two festive family trails. After all, if you can’t go all out at Christmas, when can you?

Christmas Lights Switch On November 16, City Centre The Christmas holiday calendar officially kicks off with the switch-on of this year’s beautiful Christmas lights on 16 November. The fun starts in the city centre Piazza from 4pm with a host of entertainment for the whole family.

The hotly anticipated annual event launches the Christmas countdown and marks the start of Thursday late night shopping.

Nutcracker Trail November 17 to January 2, City Centre The popular Nutcracker Trail is returning to the city centre for the third year. Find and write down the names of all of the hidden giant toy soldiers for your chance of winning a host of great prizes.

Christmas Land Train November 17 to December 24 The special Christmas Land Train begins running on November 17 right up until Christmas Eve, every Wednesday to Sunday from noon until 5.30pm. Driven

by Santa and his elves it will carry visitors from the West End across the city centre to Drake Circus and back, allowing passengers to gaze at the amazing illuminations and stare at the dazzling shop windows.

12 \

The Plymouth Magazine Christmas Guide 2017

There’s so Drake Circus Christmas Grotto November 18 to December 24, Drake Circus, City Centre The magic of Christmas is alive at Drake Circus with Santa’s Smeaton’s Tower-style grotto and his team of elves. Let your child’s wish come early this Christmas by taking them to visit Santa in his magical grotto and receive a special gift from him and his helpers. Prebooking is available on the Drake Circus website.

Illuminate November 24 to 26, Royal William Yard Illuminate is an international event marking the anniversary of the sailing of the Mayflower and the founding of the Plymouth colony in America.

This year Plymouth will see design, art and inspiration illuminate the historic Royal William Yard. The event, inspired by the values of Mayflower 400; freedom, humanity, imagination and future, will showcase incredible projections, light art installations, food and entertainment.

The Barbican Christmas Lights Switch On November 26, The Barbican Round up the family and join us for the festive celebrations on the waterfront from 4pm. Await the exciting arrival of Santa and his Elf who will be travelling

by RNLI lifeboat to The Barbican for the official lights switch on. Wander amongst the stalls on the parade, meet reindeer and enjoy face-painting, mince pies and arts and crafts.

#ChristmasInPlymouth visitplymouth.co.uk

Photo: Agata Kalend One Plymouth

much to see and do!

Snowflake Trail

Santa Fun Run

November 26 to January 7, the Waterfront Walk across Plymouth’s stunning waterfront whilst following the Waterfront Snowflake Trail through the Barbican, Sutton Harbour, The Hoe, Millbay and Royal William Yard this Christmas. Find any ten of the snowflakes and write down their names to be in with a chance to win some fantastic prizes.

December 10, City Centre Hundreds of Santas are set to run through the city centre on December 10. See the spectacle at 11am as runners take on a circuit, starting at Drake Circus and ending at Frankfort Gate, just by Plymouth Market. Adult runners will take on a 4km route, with children running 2.5km.

All entrants will receive a free Santa suit to keep, and free refreshments at the finish. Beneficiaries to be confirmed.

Website is: www.plymouthsantafunrun.co.uk. Organisers are Saltram Rotary Club.

Christmas Carol Walking Tours November 25 to 26 and December 9 to 10, The Barbican and Sutton Harbour Experience the classic tale ‘A Christmas Carol’ as Barbican Theatre actors bring the Dickens story to life. Follow Ebenezer Scrooge through the winding streets as he uncovers his Christmas Past, Present and Future – with the help of some unsuspecting characters. Search ‘Barbican Christmas Carol Tours’ on eventbrite to book your tickets or find out more at visitplymouth.co.uk

Christmas Market November 30 to December 21, City Centre If you’re looking for some individual and unique Christmas gifts, Plymouth Christmas market is the place to visit this year. 60 wooden cabins festooned with fairy lights and decorations will offer the perfect way to enjoy the magic of Christmas in Britain’s Ocean City. Wander amongst the fairy light covered stalls, selling unique hand-crafted gifts from the South West and further afield and soak up the magical atmosphere. When you’re in need of a drink and a bit of warmth, take a seat at the Bavarian Bar in the heart of the market, complete with heated seats and festive food to keep you going.

plymouthshopping.co.uk

WhatsOnPlymouth

Royal William Yard Christmas Market December 2 to 3, Royal William Yard Royal William Yard will be celebrating Christmas with their delicious food market on 2 December to 3 December, where you are sure to find some tempting treats and gifts. The popular market will be packed to the brim with festive foodie treats. Santa will also be making an extra special appearance, arriving in style at the Yard at 5pm.

Native Makers Christmas Market December 16 to 17, Royal William Yard The Royal William Yard will be home to the Native Makers Christmas Market where local artisan makers will be showcasing their fabulous crafts, with, of course, plenty of festive sparkle! The perfect opportunity to find those extra special and unusual gifts.

Event details are subject to change. For more information please see: visitplymouth.co.uk and plymouthshopping.co.uk The Plymouth Magazine Christmas Guide 2017

/ 13

Christmas on the Waterfront

Photo: Scott Grenney One Plymouth

There’s so much going on this year on Plymouth’s waterfront to celebrate Christmas.

The festive celebrations on the waterfront begin with The Barbican Christmas Lights Switch On, taking place on Sunday November 26 at 4pm.

Round up the family and await the exciting arrival of Santa and his Elf who will be travelling by RNLI Lifeboat to The Barbican to join the Lord Mayor on The Parade for the official lights switch on.

Radio Plymouth will be hosting the spectacular stage programme, with performances from local community groups, theatre groups and schools.

Why not get into the Christmas spirit and join in the best dressed elf competition, taking place in front of the stage after the switch on of the tree lights.

The event will also see a number of stalls on The Parade including arts and crafts, face-painting and mince pies, plus the Screech Owl Sanctuary will be bringing along several owls for visitors to see and find out how they provide care to these elegant wild owls. Santa’s Reindeer will also be making an appearance on the day – definitely a spectacle not to be missed!

16 \

The Plymouth Magazine Christmas Guide 2017

The Spirit of Christmas!

For those looking for something a little different, The Barbican Theatre will deliver the wonderful Christmas Carol Walking Tours around The Barbican on Saturday November 25 to Sunday November 26 and Saturday December 9 to Sunday December 10. These tours provide a perfect way to enjoy the historic cobbled streets of Plymouth and get into the festive spirit. Follow actors in Victorian costume as they re-enact the tale of ‘A Christmas Carol’, and once you’re done you’ll have the opportunity to explore some of the fantastic independent shops and boutiques, or enjoy a nice hot drink in one of the Barbican’s gorgeous cafés. Search ‘Barbican Christmas Carol Tours’ on eventbrite to book your tickets or find out more at visitplymouth.co.uk

Find the Snowflakes The Waterfront Snowflake trail will also be returning following its success last year. The trail is a great activity for families to enjoy, walk across Plymouth’s stunning waterfront whilst following the trail map to locate the snowflakes. Collect ten snowflake names to enter into the free prize draw to win fabulous prizes. The trail will run for six weeks, from Sunday November 26 to Sunday January 7 and the trail maps will be available from the Tourist Information Centre from Monday November 20. #ChristmasInPlymouthvisitplymouth.co.uk visitplymouth.co.uk #ChristmasInPlymouth

plymouthshopping.co.uk

WhatsOnPlymouth The Plymouth Magazine Christmas Guide 2017

/ 17

SANTA CLAUS

IS COMING TO TOWN!

Plymouth’s festive season will be launched on Thursday November 16 with the City Centre Christmas Lights Switch on.

The hotly anticipated annual event will launch the Christmas countdown and mark the start of Thursday late night shopping for all those hunting for their perfect gifts. Visitors will be able to enjoy the entertainment before exploring the great shops and eateries available in the city centre and across the waterfront.

Join the crowds on the city centre Piazza from 4pm for a packed programme of stage entertainment, building up to the exciting moment that the city centre lights will be switched on.

Hosted by Heart breakfast’s Matt and Victoria this year’s Switch on event promises an evening full of entertainment and Christmas excitement to help mark the turning on of this year’s beautiful illuminations.

18 \

The Plymouth Magazine Christmas Guide 2017

The stage programme will include performances from Plymkids, Disney Princesses, Plymouth Performing Arts Academy and popular band Rockafella.

A giant Nutcracker will also be on stage to mark the launch of the popular Nutcracker Trail.

And most excitingly of all this year’s Christmas Lights will be switched on by the biggest celebrity of the festive season, Santa Claus himself!

He’ll be making a special visit to Plymouth ahead of the busiest night of his year to help turn on Plymouth’s lights and get the city into the Christmas spirit.

We’ll follow his journey throughout the evening to track his progress on his way for a special appearance on the stage where he’ll deliver some early presents to lucky people in the crowd.

Get your best Christmas jumper on and join the fun in Plymouth for a very merry Christmas!

Find out more at visitplymouth.co.uk

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

Il Capriccio Fresh is the best

The

Speciality Coffee • Homemade Cakes • Breakfasts • Book MERCHANT Lounge • Secluded Garden COFFEE HOUSE

Il Capriccio Italian Restaurant 4 Frankfort Gate, Plymouth West End, PL1 1QD 01752 941502 www.ilcapriccio.co.uk Lunch: Monday to Saturday from 11.30am, last seating 2.30pm Dinner: Thursday to Saturday from 5.30pm, last seating 8.30pm

plymouthshopping.co.uk

Why not pop in after your Christmas shopping for a warm drink and a lovely slice of cake?

37 New Street Barbican 01752 214091

TheMadMerchantCoffeeHouse

info@themadmerchant.co.uk

themadmerchant_coffeehouse

WhatsOnPlymouth The Plymouth Magazine Christmas Guide 2017

/ 19

53 Southside Street, Barbican Tel: 01752 267474 Mob: 07915 323978

Opening Times: 10:30am - 4:30pm Beryl Cook Exhibition 15th, 16th and 17th December at Kaya Gallery.

Also available; Many Brian Pollard and Robert Lenkiewicz originals and prints.

Visit Kaya Gallery this Christmas period for some unique, gift giving inspiration!

Chocolate Café and Shop • Handmade Artisan Christmas Chocolates • Perfect gifts for Chocoholics • Personalisation available 58 Southside Street, The Barbican, Plymouth PL1 2LA

www.chocaccino.co.uk 01752 256655

COMPUTERBASE We stock a wide range of equipment and accessories for PC gaming including gaming headsets, graphic cards, screens and PC cases…

the perfect gamer Christmas gifts

VISIT OUR WEBSITE TODAY for great deals Need a PC or Laptop Repaired?

We also offer repairs to all Laptops and PCs including Apple

27-29 Market Ave, Plymouth PL1 1PG

01752 672128

20 \

The Plymouth Magazine Christmas Guide 2017

#ChristmasInPlymouth visitplymouth.co.uk

Opening Times: Monday - Sunday 11.30am - 10.15pm

32 Southside Street The Barbican Plymouth PL1 2LE

Christmas Party Three Course Menu Available For Bookings Now Lunch: £18.95 Dinner: £22.95 (per person inclusive of VAT)

Fridays and Saturdays: £25.95 (per person inclusive of VAT)

Christmas Day Three Course Menu Available For Bookings Now £50 (per person inclusive of VAT)

01752 667688

www.thevillagerestaurantplymouth.co.uk

plymouthshopping.co.uk

WhatsOnPlymouth The Plymouth Magazine Christmas Guide 2017

/ 21

Top 10 things to do in Plymouth this Christmas 1. Get the perfect gift

Christmas isn’t Christmas without finding the perfect gifts for your loved ones. With the fantastic array of shops and festive markets in Plymouth you’ll be spoilt for choice. Treat yourself to a Christmas shopping weekend and visit Drake Circus for some great high street brand names, the West End of the City Centre for over 200 independent stores offering unique gift ideas and stroll down to the Barbican to hunt for hidden treasures amongst the antique and creative stores along the high street.

2. Wrap up warm and have a glass of mulled wine

Get into the festive spirit with a late night shopping trip to Plymouth Christmas Market.

Wrap up warm in your favourite Christmas jumper and sip on a mulled wine, or glass of Prosecco as you wander the various stalls. Get organised and buy your Christmas Tree from the Christmas Market and they’ll even deliver it to your car.

3. Meet Santa

Find out whether you’re on the naughty or nice list, and meet Santa on one of his visits to Plymouth. Visit him at his Smeaton’s Tower style grotto in Drake Circus or see him arrive by lifeboat on 26th November. Look out for him making a very special appearance on the 16th November too, where he may even be giving away some early presents to members of the crowd for the City Centre Christmas Lights Switch on.

4. Spend time with the family

Do something fun with the family this Christmas and test your detective skills with one of Plymouth’s two festive family trails. Hunt for Nutcrackers in the City Centre or search for Snowflakes on the Waterfront. These walking trails will give you the perfect opportunity to uncover hints for the perfect gifts from Santa for your little ones!

5. Get glammed up for a Christmas Party

If you can’t pamper yourself at Christmas when can you? Get yourself glammed up and ready

22 \

The Plymouth Magazine Christmas Guide 2017

to party at one of the many salons in Plymouth before heading out for a night on the town. If you’re looking for cocktails we’d recommend the Treasury, Marco Pierre White Steakhouse and Grill or the popular Refectory Bar at Plymouth Gin.

6. Meet some reindeer

Christmas wouldn’t be the same without reindeer pulling Santa’s sleigh. Meet some real life reindeer on 26th November at the Barbican Christmas Lights Switch on

7. See a festive show

Enjoy a bit of theatre this Christmas with Elf, The Nativity and Peter Pan at Theatre Royal Plymouth and the hilarious Le Navet Bete returning with their popular Christmas Carol with the Barbican Theatre at The Athanaeum.

8. Eat, drink and be merry

From stocking up on fresh fruit and veg and a big Turkey at Plymouth Market to enjoying some delicious food at one of Plymouth’s many amazing restaurants make sure you take some time to celebrate the festive season with friends this year.

9. Unleash your creativity

Try your hand at some Christmas Crafts at the Native Makers fair on 16-17 December and make your own Christmas Jumper. Or visit Make at 140 Vauxhall Street for a range of festive workshops and supplies to get creative this Christmas!

10.Get your skates on

Embrace the wintry cold and hit the ice at Plymouth Pavilions for an afternoon of ice skating before curling up in a café for a nice hot chocolate to write your Christmas list.

Need more inspiration?

Find out what’s happening across the city at www.visitplymouth.co.uk Merry Christmas! #ChristmasInPlymouthvisitplymouth.co.uk visitplymouth.co.uk #ChristmasInPlymouth

Glass!!

Glass gallery in the heart of Plymouth’s Barbican for that unique Christmas gift

23 Southside Street, Barbican, Plymouth, PL1 2LD 01752 204069 www.plymouthglassgallery.com

plymouthshopping.co.uk

WhatsOnPlymouth The Plymouth Magazine Christmas Guide 2017

/ 23