Embark on an exciting festive adventure in Plymouth with our guide. Discover all the top holiday happenings. Whether you're rediscovering your city or seeing it anew, our guide brings you the best of Plymouth's holiday season.
Experience the magic as the City Centre Christmas Lights Switch On brings the streets to life, filling the air with festive cheer. The Plymouth Winter Wonderland offers a delightful escape filled with ice skating and seasonal treats. And the enchanting THE POLAR EXPRESS™ at Seaton Tramway is something you definitely don't want to miss, inviting families on a whimsical journey. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Plymouth
- City Centre Christmas Lights Switch On
- THE POLAR EXPRESS™ at Seaton Tramway (Seaton)
- Plymouth Winter Wonderland
- Winter Wonderland at Powderham (Powderham)
- The Magic of Christmas at The Milky Way (Bideford)
- Plymouth Winter Wonderland - Central Park
- Christmas at Crealy (Exeter)
- Christmas Lights Switch-On at Clovelly (Clovelly)
- Dartmouth Steam Railway Santa Trains (Dartmouth)
- Santa in the Caves at Kents Cavern (Torquay)
See these and even more events listed below!
Plymouth Holiday Light Displays
City Centre Christmas Lights Switch On
What to Expect:
Live music and festive entertainment with Santa's light switch-on.
Description:
The City Centre Christmas Lights Switch On marks the start of the holiday season with a spectacular display of beautiful Christmas lights in Plymouth City Centre Piazza. The event features live music, singing, and dance performances, including Joey the Lips and his 10-piece funk and soul band. Santa and special guests will be present to switch on the lights, illuminating the city centre and kicking off late-night shopping.
Where: Plymouth | More Info: City Centre Christmas Lights Switch On
Christmas Lights Switch-On at Clovelly
What to Expect:
Local brass band procession and fireworks finale.
Description:
The Christmas lights switch-on at Clovelly features a local brass band procession, festive carols, hog roast, hot dogs, and fireworks, culminating in the illumination of the village harbour.
Where: Clovelly | More Info: Christmas Lights Switch-On at Clovelly
Winter Wonderland at Powderham
What to Expect:
Holiday lights and festive house experiences.
Description:
Powderham Castle transforms into a vibrant holiday destination with illuminated light walks, festive house experiences, and seasonal food and beverage options. Families can meet Father Christmas and enjoy holiday-themed delicacies in a beautifully decorated setting.
Where: Powderham | More Info: Winter Wonderland at Powderham
Babbacombe Model Village Christmas
What to Expect:
Colorfully illuminated miniature world with festive scenes and animated creatures.
Description:
Babbacombe Model Village transforms into a vibrant Christmas scene with hundreds of hand-crafted models, festive lighting, and animated scenes. The village's award-winning gardens showcase a generic version of Britain through the decades, including well-known landmarks. The indoor Mythical Kingdom is a marvel with colourfully illuminated miniature animated legendary creatures. Children enjoy finding quirky spotter sheet characters, while adults appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into each model.
Where: Torquay | More Info: Babbacombe Model Village Christmas
Dartmouth Steam Railway Santa Trains
What to Expect:
Vintage steam train journey with thousands of lights.
Description:
Embark on a festive journey aboard the Dartmouth Steam Railway, where vintage carriages adorned with thousands of lights take you through the Greenway tunnel and an enchanted forest, culminating in a spectacular display of twinkling lights in Dartmouth.
Where: Dartmouth | More Info: Dartmouth Steam Railway Santa Trains
Plymouth Holiday Markets and Shopping
Local Makers Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Showcase of locally made items with special discounts at The Box Kitchen & Bar.
Description:
The Local Makers Christmas Market at The Box Plymouth offers a unique opportunity to browse and buy fantastic locally made items from a range of local makers. The event features a variety of handmade goods, including jewelry, home goods, and specialty food. The Box Kitchen & Bar will be open, serving hot and cold festive drinks, and offering special discounts in their onsite shop.
Where: Plymouth | More Info: Local Makers Christmas Market
Kingsbridge Celebrates Christmas
What to Expect:
Farmers market with live carol singing.
Description:
Kingsbridge Celebrates Christmas is a festive event featuring a farmers market, various stalls, and carol singing, creating a lively atmosphere perfect for holiday shopping and community gathering.
Where: Kingsbridge | More Info: Kingsbridge Celebrates Christmas
Plymouth Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Plymouth Winter Wonderland
What to Expect:
Large indoor ice rink and festive food options.
Description:
Plymouth Winter Wonderland is a festive event featuring a large ice rink, Santa's Enchanted Forest Grotto, live music at the Big Top, festive food stalls, and a Christmas Bar. It offers a variety of activities for all ages, including children's rides and attractions.
Where: Plymouth | More Info: Plymouth Winter Wonderland
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ at Seaton Tramway
What to Expect:
Interactive tram ride with Santa and festive treats.
Description:
The Polar Express Tram Ride at Seaton Tramway offers a festive journey to the North Pole, where guests enjoy hot chocolate, meet Santa, and receive a Silver Sleigh Bell. The event includes a round-trip tram ride, Christmas carols, and themed merchandise.
Where: Seaton | More Info: THE POLAR EXPRESS™ at Seaton Tramway
Santa in the Caves at Kents Cavern
What to Expect:
Interactive pantomime performance with festive storytelling and gifts.
Description:
Join Santa in the Caves at Kents Cavern for an interactive pantomime experience. Meet colorful characters, enjoy festive storytelling, and sing-alongs as you journey through decorated caves. Each child receives a beautifully wrapped gift, while adults enjoy mulled wine and mince pies. Adults also receive a complimentary ticket to return in January 2025.
Where: Torquay | More Info: Santa in the Caves at Kents Cavern
Christmas at Crealy
What to Expect:
Exclusive Santa meet-and-greet with high-quality toys.
Description:
Christmas at Crealy is a holiday event featuring live shows, rides in the dark, twinkling light displays, and a meet-and-greet with Santa. Enjoy a festive atmosphere with interactive surprises and high-quality toys from Santa's Toy Shop.
Where: Exeter | More Info: Christmas at Crealy
Elf The Musical at Barnfield Theatre
What to Expect:
Heartwarming tale of self-discovery and Christmas spirit.
Description:
Elf The Musical tells the story of Buddy, a young orphan who mistakenly crawls into Santa's bag of gifts and is transported to the North Pole. Raised as an elf, Buddy discovers he is actually a human and returns to New York City to find his birth father and help the people rediscover the true meaning of Christmas.
Where: Exeter | More Info: Elf The Musical at Barnfield Theatre
Plymouth Other Holiday Activities
Breakfast with Santa
What to Expect:
Tasty breakfast with Father Christmas and a gift for children.
Description:
Meet Father Christmas while enjoying a delicious breakfast at The Box Kitchen & Bar. The menu includes sausage or vegan sausage baps, bacon baps, pancakes, and a variety of beverages. All adult tickets include unlimited tea and coffee, while all child tickets include a gift.
Where: Plymouth | More Info: Breakfast with Santa
Plymouth Winter Wonderland - Central Park
What to Expect:
Undercover ice rink with hourly skating sessions.
Description:
Plymouth Winter Wonderland in Central Park offers a real ice rink, Santa's Enchanted Forest Grotto, live music at the Big Top, festive food stalls, and a Christmas Bar. The event features a variety of activities for all ages, including children's rides and family photo opportunities.
Where: Plymouth | More Info: Plymouth Winter Wonderland - Central Park
Penguins: A LEGO® brick trail
What to Expect:
Interactive LEGO brick penguin hunt in city centre shops.
Description:
In Plymouth city centre, 20 life-size LEGO brick penguins are hidden in shops and businesses, offering a fun family activity.
Where: Plymouth | More Info: Penguins: A LEGO® brick trail
The Magic of Christmas at The Milky Way
What to Expect:
Interactive Christmas activities with Santa and his elves.
Description:
At The Milky Way Adventure Park, immerse yourself in a snowy forest, meet Buzzlewick Elf friends, decorate gingerbread, write letters to Santa, and make reindeer food. Visit Santa's cozy Christmas Cottage for a jolly chat and choose a fabulous festive gift from Buzzlewick's Toy Shop. Enjoy a festive train ride, hot chocolate, and a special themed show. The park offers all-weather rides, shows, and attractions for a memorable family day out.
Where: Bideford | More Info: The Magic of Christmas at The Milky Way
Santa’s Grotto at Boringdon Hall
What to Expect:
Interactive Christmas activities with Santa Claus.
Description:
At Boringdon Hall, Santa's Grotto offers a delightful experience for the whole family. Nestled in the historic charm of the magnificent hall, the grotto brings the festive spirit to life. Enjoy a dance performance, Festive Afternoon Tea, and creative Christmas activities like gingerbread decorating. Meet Santa Claus to receive a Christmas present.
Where: Plymouth | More Info: Santa’s Grotto at Boringdon Hall
Festive Afternoon Tea at Boringdon Hall
What to Expect:
Elegant afternoon tea with Santa Claus visit.
Description:
Indulge in a delightful afternoon tea at Boringdon Hall, featuring divine dishes and a visit from Santa Claus.
Where: Plymouth | More Info: Festive Afternoon Tea at Boringdon Hall
Paignton Zoo Christmas Events
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday activities with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Description:
Paignton Zoo's Christmas events feature Santa visits, storytelling sessions, live music, and family-friendly activities like decorating the Christmas tree and creating animal enrichment.
Where: Paignton | More Info: Paignton Zoo Christmas Events
Torquay’s Dinosaur World Santa Claws
What to Expect:
Holiday-themed dinosaur exhibit with interactive displays.
Description:
Torquay’s Dinosaur World Santa Claws features life-size dinosaur models, festive decorations, and interactive exhibits, bringing a holiday twist to the prehistoric world.
Where: Torquay | More Info: Torquay’s Dinosaur World Santa Claws
Arlington Court Christmas Events
What to Expect:
Traditional green Father Christmas visits with themed rooms and activities.
Description:
Arlington Court Christmas Events feature beautifully decorated rooms, festive family activities, and special events like wreath making and gingerbread decorating. The house is dressed in a Victorian theme, and visitors can enjoy wintery walks and carriage rides.
Where: Barnstaple | More Info: Arlington Court Christmas Events
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!