Written by Drake Circus and The Barcode

Looking for things to do in Plymouth this Christmas?

With snow flurries, inspired shopping, party celebrations, Christmas lights and fun characters bringing magic and mischief, Drake Circus and The Barcode are all about making memories with friends, family and loved ones with days out and night to remember. 

Stores are open late on Thursdays with gifts to delight while The Barcode will also be serving up late nights out for Christmas parties, festive films at Cineworld plus unforgettable fun at the newly arrived Boom Battle Bar and Paradise Island Adventure Golf. Celebrate the joy of being together this season. 

     

Join our big Christmas light switch-on

On Saturday 17th November from 3.30pm-7pm, we’ll be counting down to our Christmas lights switch-on. Come along and get into the Christmas spirit, meet the grizzly-but-cuddly Snowdrop the polar bear and gasp at some amazing acrobatic elves. 

    

Don’t miss our amazing Christmas characters

Transport your children (and you) to a world of imagination and fun with Drake Circus’ special festive friends. 

Acrobatic elves, Saturday 17th November, Saturday 24th November and Saturday 10th December

Elves don’t just wrap presents – they also dance, juggle, walk on stilts and perform acrobatic wonders. 

Soccer Santa, Saturday 3rd December

Thanks to World Cup fever, an elf football festive freestyler will be on hand to show off his moves and teach kids all the tricks. 

Oh Christmas Tree, Saturday 3rd December

A duo of carol-singing and cracker joke-telling Christmas trees will be bringing all the joy. 

The Grinch and Cindy-Lou, Saturday 19th November and Saturday 17th December

Meet the Grinch getting up to no good but thankfully being chaperoned by Cindy-Lou. 

Frosted Magical Elves, Saturday 24th December

Discover some very special elves bringing jaw-dropping tricks to everyone they meet. 

Discover what's on this Christmas

   

Let it snow!

It’s going to be a white Christmas with festive flurries throughout the day until Christmas Eve. Get your Christmas jumpers at the ready and head to the Old Town Street entrance at 4pm for beautiful snowy selfies and an instant festive uplift. And, don’t miss our glittering selfie baubles…

   

Eat, drink and be merry with special menus

Planning lunch or dinner with people you love or going for a full Christmas party? The Barcode will make it one to remember. 

Las Iguanas is throwing a Carnival Christmas with two- and three-course feasts and Bottomless Brunches featuring Jerk BBQ Pork Belly and Veggie Chimichanga with cocktails, mocktails, wine and beer and party tunes.

Zizzi has an incredible three-course menu of old favourites, seasonal new ideas (rustic Christmas pizza with fig and honey marinated wild boar, prosciutto, chestnut mushrooms, smoked burrata, mozzarella and scamorza cheese) and delicious desserts (When Tiramisu Met Brownie). 

For special evenings, Cosy Club are serving special up opulent Festive Brunches and Christmas Dining plus champagne and cocktails (hats and crackers included) while Brewdog is bringing craft beers, burgers and wings (plan your celebration here). 

Finally, don’t miss the fun and joy-filled Kaspas AKA “the king of desserts”. With menus of waffles, crepes, puddings, cakes and sundaes and choices of toppings, it’s an out-of-this-world festive treat they won’t forget. ’Tis the season after all. 

   

Plan special days and nights out to remember

Boom Battle Bar is out of this world with axe-throwing, shuffleboard, karaoke, cocktails and street food. For Christmas, book in days of beer pong and karaoke for a truly fun office parties and celebrations. 

For a special day out with the family, Paradise Island Adventure has two 18-hole adventure golf courses with burritos and nachos – let the competitions begin. With everything from this year’s biggest films (Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is out 11th November; Avatar: The Way Of Water is out 16th December and Puss In Boots: The Last Wish is out 21st December) to festive classics and live performances of theatre and dance, find out what’s on at Cineworld. 

  

Do all of your shopping – and take them to visit the toy shops of their dreams

For truly thoughtful presents, there is a host of luxe stores to explore. Head to BOSS, Tommy Hilfiger, Breitling, TAG Heuer, Omega, Pandora and Drakes for beautifully wrapped gifts that’ll look gorgeous under the tree. You’ll also find cosy pyjamas, knits, coats and gift sets at Next, Primark and Boots. 

For all your Christmas food and drink, find delicious ideas and party food at Marks & Spencer with seasonal specials including layered Christmas turkey pie, the Collection Christmas Village dessert and mini steamed buns. They also have a huge selection of condiments, antipasti and cheese. Finish off with stocking filler caramel penguins and mince pie drinking chocolate from Hotel Chocolat. 

Help them find inspiration for their Santa wishlists with enchanting visits to some of Drake Circus’ toy stores: we’ve got The Entertainer, Waterstones, Tiger, Paperchase and Smiggle. It’s Christmas morning all wrapped up!

Discover our Christmas gift guide

   

Find out more about Christmas at Drake Circus

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Plymouth is easily accessible by train with a wide range of services running from a variety of locations within England. Although some services may require a change or two.

Travelling from London takes around 3 hours with Great Western Railway, if you're coming from the north, the trip from Manchester can take 5 hours 15 minutes. 

Alternatively, the recently renovated Night Riviera Sleeper service runs Monday – Friday and Sunday evenings. Visit gwr.com/sleeper for more details on times and how to book.

We recommend using GWR.com to search for the fastest and best route for your journey, and book in advance for the best price.