Christmas 2026
It's the most wonderful time of the year!
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Celebrate the festive season with unmissable events, shopping and experiences
Christmas in Plymouth 2026
Christmas Markets Near Plymouth | Christmas Events Devon | UK Christmas Days Out
Plymouth Christmas 2026
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Plymouth is truly magical at Christmas. The festive season offers things to do with family and friends, as a couple or on your own. From carol singing to Christmas markets and delicious festive treats to enjoy, Plymouth has it all this December! You will be spoilt for choice with things to do this winter as you celebrate Christmas in Plymouth. There's plenty of holiday spirit to go around!
Stay right in the heart of all the festive cheer at Future Inn Plymouth this Christmas. Our hotel, designed to cater to solo travellers, couples, and groups, offers spacious bedrooms with large Canadian-style beds, complimentary WiFi, and tea and coffee facilities. Kids stay free, and under-fives eat free, making it perfect for families. With free parking, a small exercise room, and our on-site Fishbone Restaurant serving hearty breakfasts, locally sourced dishes, and festive seasonal favourites, Future Inn Plymouth is the ideal base for a cosy and convenient Christmas getaway. Book direct for the best rates guaranteed.
Book a RoomChristmas Events in Plymouth 2026
During the Christmas season, Plymouth is full of festive events and activities for all ages. Visitors can enjoy Christmas light displays, seasonal markets, family-friendly entertainment, and festive food and drink. There are also opportunities for ice skating, Santa experiences, and outdoor winter fun, making the city a lively and cheerful destination throughout December.
Christmas Lights Switch On
To be confirmed | Between 4pm - 9pm
The Christmas Light Switch-On on the Piazza marks the start of late-night shopping. From 4pm, there are family-friendly performances from local schools, bands, and performing arts groups. The big switch-on is due to take place between 6pm and 6.30pm. Turning on the Christmas lights also marks the start of festive late-night shopping, with many of the city centre shops remaining open until 9pm every Thursday until 17 December.
Barbican Light Switch On
To be confirmed | 12pm - 6pm
Round up the family and enjoy the festive celebrations on Southside Street as the Barbican is lit up for Christmas. The event will feature a magical mix of family-friendly activities, including Santa’s Grotto, street performers such as the Grinch, storytelling sessions, stalls, stage performances, live music, a Christmas trail, and a snow globe. The highlight of the day will be the lights switch-on at approximately 5.15pm.
Plymouth Winter Wonderland
Dates to be confirmed
Plymouth's Winter Wonderland in Central Park is the ultimate skating experience. Lace up your skates and experience the joy of ice skating. There are skating aids for the little ones and for adults. That's not all; this festive extravaganza also offers a daily Christmas disco, visits to Santa's Enchanted Forest Grotto, live entertainment under the Big Top, and indulgent festive food stalls offering treats like Yorkshire pudding wraps. The Apres Ski Bar provides a cosy spot to warm up with a mulled wine.
Christmas Shopping in Plymouth
Completely rebuilt after the Second World War and primarily pedestrianised in the early 1990s, Plymouth is the leading shopping centre in the South West. With a mix of big-name brands and unique independent shops, there's no need to go elsewhere.
Plymouth's premier shopping venue is Drake Circus, which has more than 70 stores all undercover. During the late-night shopping season, the shops and eateries are open until 9pm and the car park remains open until midnight. You can even see Santa in his grotto.
Shopping in Plymouth
Christmas Market Plymouth
Dates to be confirmed
Plymouth's Christmas Market returns for 2026, transforming Armada Way into a sparkling winter wonderland. This free-to-enter market will feature over 100 beautifully decorated wooden chalets offering a delightful mix of artisan crafts, unique gifts, and international street food. Visitors can enjoy live entertainment, local talent performances, and a joyful atmosphere as they shop, savour, and soak up the sights and sounds of the holiday season.
The market is located in the heart of Plymouth City Centre and is easily accessible by public transport or a short drive from Future Inns. It's the perfect destination for a festive day out with family and friends.
Festive Good Food & Craft Market
Sundays in December 2026 | 10am - 3pm
and Wednesdays in December 2026 | 5pm - 9pm
Visit Royal William Yard on Wednesday evenings for shopping under the stars and Sunday afternoons for a leisurely weekend wander. With over 60 stalls, they will showcase the South West’s best artisans, makers and producers. Taking place inside the Grade I Melville building and outside in its courtyard, there will be gifts galore, tasty treats and entertainment.
Christmas Fair at Mount Edgcumbe
Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 December 2026 | 10am - 3pm
Get into the festive spirit at the Mount Edgcumbe Christmas Fair. With over 50 artisan exhibitors, you’ll find unique gifts, festive treats, and artisan food you won’t see on the high street. Live entertainment runs throughout the weekend, including choirs, live music, workshops, and bubble displays with the Bubble Fairie. Children can enjoy craft workshops such as wire wrapping and pom-pom making, face painting, elf and reindeer photo opportunities, and a visit to Santa’s Grotto. Family favourites include meeting the alpacas and participating in creative activities for all ages.
Tavistock Christmas Festival
Saturday 6 December 2026 | 10am - 3.30pm
The Tavistock Christmas Festival can be found in Butcher's Hall and Pannier Market. It is a fun day out for all the family and is a chance to pick up those last-minute gifts. There will be music from local choirs, street food, mulled wine and performances, with over 70 artisans, a craft fair, food and gift exhibitors, plus free entry.
Christmas at Future Inn Plymouth
Enjoy a hassle-free festive season and celebrate. You can rely on our team to take care of all of the important details;
Family Christmas Activities Plymouth
Plymouth offers a range of family-friendly Christmas activities. Children and adults alike can enjoy seasonal performances and outdoor fun, making the city a cheerful destination for the holiday season.
Plymouth Christmas Show
Friday 4 December 2026 - Sunday 3 January 2027
Is there anything more festive than the annual Christmas Pantomime? This year at the Plymouth Theatre Royal you can see the classic tale of Cinderella, starring Will Young as the Fairy Godfather. With plenty of boos and hisses, the production promises to be a magical adventure for the whole family. Accessible performances are available, including relaxed, captioned, and BSL-interpreted shows.
Zooluminate
To be confirmed | 5pm to 7.30pm
Experience a magical and wintry walk around Dartmoor Zoo's spectacular winter light trail in Plymouth. The lights have been specifically researched and selected to illuminate without harming or disrupting the animals. Even if you’ve experienced Zooluminate before, with a whole host of new and exciting installations, you won’t want to miss the brand-new Zooluminate experience this year!
Saltram Christmas 2026
To be confirmed | 10am - 4pm
This Christmas, explore in wonder as Saltram brings the beauty, magic, and splendour of an 18th-century pleasure garden to life within the walls of its luxurious house interiors. Discover the magic of The Gruffalo’s Child brought to life in Saltram’s beautiful gardens. Whose track is that, and where will it lead?! Step into the Gruffalo’s Child’s world and follow the trail through the deep dark wood, enjoying games, challenges, and plenty of festive photo opportunities along the way. There are so many festive activities at the National Trust properties, estates, and gardens in Plymouth.
Santa Dives at the National Marine Aquarium
To be confirmed
Experience a festive splash at the National Marine Aquarium this December with Santa Dives! Santa -and one of his elves - will be taking a break from their busy schedule to join the 1:30pm dive show, swimming alongside sharks, rays, a turtle, and more. Enjoy this seasonal spectacle alongside 5,000 marine animals, explore the free interactive activity trail, get creative with crafts, and catch daily Ocean Discovery Ranger talks and shows. Perfect for a fun day out, whatever the weather, and every entrance ticket comes with a FREE 12-month pass, letting you return as many times as you like throughout the year!
Christmas Cruise
Saturday 5, Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 December 2026 | 12pm - 1.30pm or 2.30pm - 4pm
Enjoy a fun-filled, festive children’s party aboard Plymouth Boat Trips. Tickets include tea or coffee and a mince pie for adults, plus a soft drink and a seasonal selection box for each child. On board, there’s a festive disco with musical games, face painting, and a special visit from Santa - making it the ultimate Christmas party experience.
Stay at Future Inn Plymouth
Future Inn Plymouth is a modern and comfortable hotel conveniently located near main access roads and public transportation.
It is close to the popular family-friendly attractions. The hotel's spacious and airy bedrooms, accommodating up to four guests, are perfect for families.
Each room has free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and a desk and workspace, providing entertainment and comfort for everyone. Added touches like a complimentary robe, and home-away-from-home services - such as a guest laundry room, ice buckets, tea and coffee-making facilities, and filtered water to enhance the convenience of your stay. Families will particularly appreciate the free parking.
Future Club Rewards
For additional benefits, you can join the Future Inns hotel loyalty program.
Alongside a member's discount rate, for every £1 you spend on accommodation, you earn 1 reward point.
You also get a complimentary drink voucher to redeem in the bar when you dine. Plus, you get double points when you eat in the restaurant.
Points collected can then be used to upgrade your bedroom to a suite or a free night's stay. It's also completely free to join!
Plymouth Restaurant
Fishbone Restaurant is a welcoming and contemporary dining venue. Known for serving locally sourced produce, the menu showcases a delightful range of British and seafood dishes,
ensuring that diners can enjoy an authentic taste of the region. From hearty breakfasts to leisurely lunches and indulgent dinners, it is ideal for both hotel guests and locals alike.
Additionally, the restaurant features an inviting bar area, perfect for enjoying a drink. In the summer months, take advantage of the outdoor terrace.
A large selection of drinks is also available, including popular local brands such as Atlantic IPA, Offshore, Tarquins Gin, and Plymouth Gin.
Naturally, there's a good choice of soft drinks, including refreshing fruit juices, tea, coffee, and mocktails.
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