Festive Fun in Britain’s Ocean City
Britain’s Ocean City is the place to be this Christmas, with a wonderful line up of festive activities and events for all of the family! For those of you who live in Plymouth, how lucky are you – make sure you get about and out and explore! For those of you planning a trip to Plymouth, here are just some of the festive treats taking place in November. For full details, click on the name of each event to be transported to a page full of magical detail and of course our calendar lists many more activities that are happening across the city from the big shows to the local plays! Thank you so much to those who contributed, included the talented team at One Plymouth for their stunning images!
City Centre Christmas Light Switch On – 16th November
Each year, crowds gather in Plymouth City Centre as it is lit up for the festive season! With a fantastic schedule of live entertainment and a visit from Father Christmas, this really is a magical evening to remember. As the dark evenings draw in and late-night shopping is fully underway, Plymouth will shine!
Nutcracker Trail – begins on 17th November
We simply love the Nutcracker Trail and have enjoyed exploring the city in previous years searching for giant Nutcrackers! The trail is such a lovely festive activity that the whole family can get involved in. There are lots of fabulous prizes on offer, simply write down the name of each Nutcracker and post it in one of Santa’s three post boxes, it couldn’t be simpler!
Christmas Land Train – the first journey departs on the 17th November!
The Christmas Land Train is back for another festive season! Driven by Santa and his elves, it will carry visitors from the West End across the city to Drake Circus and back. Sit back and relax as you are taken on a magical journey past twinkling lights, Nutcrackers and shop window displays, all aboard! We can’t think of a better way to get around the city whilst doing a spot of Christmas shopping! Great to entertain the little ones and help with tired legs (you and them!)
Drake Circus Christmas Grotto – opens 18th November
For a Grotto that’s rather special, take your little ones to see Santa in at Drake Circus in his festive lighthouse. You can purchase a special gift and have a photo with him for memories you can treasure forever. Pre-booking is available here or you can queue on the day. This truly is the place to be this Christmas with everything you could need under one roof!
Barbican Christmas Carol Tour – 25th November
Experience the classic tale ‘A Christmas Carol’ as UnTamed Theatre bring the Dicken’s 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…
Snowflake Trail – begins on 26th November
We are thrilled to be taking part in the Snowflake trail again this year! Come and find our beautiful snowflake along with nine others around the Waterfront for your chance to win some fantastic prizes including our Champagne Tea at the Top experience! Suddenly the adults are very keen to complete this one! Cheers
Barbican Light Switch on – 26th November
Join in the Christmas celebrations on 26th November for the Barbican Christmas Light Switch On. The fun will start at midday with a fantastic programme of entertainment from local community groups, theatre groups and schools lined up throughout the day. Santa will arrive by RNLI lifeboat at 4pm to join the Lord Mayor on Parade, shortly before the light switch on.
Plymouth Christmas Market – 30th November
The Piazza at the heart of the City Centre will be completely transformed as the Christmas Market will see more than 50 beautiful log cabin stalls set up for a vibrant market this year. Visitors will find unique hand-crafted gifts from the South West and beyond. Imagine stalls festooned in fairy lights offering warming drinks, a Bavarian bar with heated seats, and festive food to keep you going – perfect for those chilly, late night shopping trips. Wooly hats and gloves at the ready – you’ll need a steady hand for the mulled wine!
That rounds up November’s events and what a line up! If like us, you are now truly excited for the festive season ahead, be sure to keep an eye out for our blog post on 1st December! It will cover lots of family activities including the Santa Fun Run, the Christmas pantomime at Theatre Royal Plymouth and lots more!
If you are planning a visit to Britain’s Ocean City please call our Reception Team on 01752 275850. Our roaring fire, sweeping staircase and comfortable bedrooms will be the perfect place to rest after a busy day exploring the city.
Plymouth really is the place to be this Christmas. Share you story using #ChristmasInPlymouth