A huge amount is planned this Christmas at Royal William Yard, providing plenty of opportunity for festive feasting, shopping and socialising, mooching around makers markets and more.

With a Christmas tree on the lawn, lights illuminating its grand historic buildings and twinkling across the water, the popular Plymouth destination is set to transform into a real winter wonderland.   

Head to the Festive Good Food & Craft Market on Wednesday evenings for shopping under the stars and Sunday daytimes for a leisurely weekend wander – there are six markets planned from December 3-20.

Over 60 stalls 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 (including much mulled wine) and entertainment.  

Get into the Christmas spirit at a range of hands-on workshops – crafting cards, gift tags, wreaths and jewellery – or by watching the Nutcracker on the big screen at luxury cinema, Everyman.

Shop for unique presents from inspiring independents, including handmade chocolates from Domea Favour; clothes, accessories and homewares at boutique, Identity Fashion; sumptuous haircare sets from YOKE the Salon; candles, skincare and gift vouchers from Enhance Aesthetics & Wellness; and a range of hampers from wine merchant, Le Vignoble.  

Festive menus will be on offer at many of the Yard’s eateries, catering for any occasion from a cosy dinner with friends to a lively Christmas knees-up. And if for those looking to lighten the load on the big day and celebrate in style, Bistrot Pierre is taking bookings for Christmas Day, with a four-course gastronomic delight.  

Serving up an array of mouthwatering meals, The Hook & Line’s three-course festive feast features local seafood and divine desserts including a Devon Spiced Rum & Plum Crumble. 

Bistrot Pierre has a traditional French cuisine inspired Christmas party menu and accompanying drinks package. And Pho’s exciting Christmas party menu features both prawn crackers and Christmas crackers!  

Festive Good Food & Craft Market    

• Sunday 5 November - 10am to 3pm   
• Sunday 3, 10 and 17 December -10am to 3pm   
• Wednesday 6, 13 and 20 December, 5 to 9pm   

Location: Melville building and courtyard   

A huge array of stalls offering festive wares and unique gifts.

With Christmas lights, a choir and children’s crafts adding to the atmosphere – this is the place to visit to get into the Christmas spirit. The Hook & Line will also be there with its fresh fish market – and if you wish, you can take your catch to the restaurant to be prepared. 

* Barbershop Choir will be at the evening market on 13 December

* Children’s crafts running on Wednesdays 

RAMP – Real Art Make Print 

Native Makers Festive markets   

Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 November   

Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 December   

Location: Ocean Studios, Factory Cooperage   

Run by Real Ideas, these makers markets will be full of festive wares to inspire and explore. The markets include space for over 40 artists and makers across four areas.   

Print Your Own Christmas Card 

Date/time: Saturday 25 November 10am to 4pm 

Location: Ocean Studios, Factory Cooperage 

Tickets: £64.76, book here 

A fun and creative day where you'll have the chance to design and print up to 25 unique Christmas cards using the linocut process. 

Stamp Your Own Christmas Labels 

Date/time: Saturday 9 December 10am to 4pm 

Location: Ocean Studios, Factory Cooperage 

Tickets: £5.94, book here 

An exciting drop-in activity where you can create your own unique Christmas labels. Learn a new skill and create custom Christmas labels that will leave a lasting impression on your loved ones. 

Everyman Cinema 

Royal Opera House Live: Nutcracker  

Date/Time: Tuesday 12 December at 7pm 

Location: Everyman, Melville building 

Tickets: book here 

Peter Wright's much-loved production for The Royal Ballet keeps true to the spirit of this festive ballet classic, combining the thrill of the fairy tale with spectacular dancing. Join Clara at a Christmas Eve party that becomes a magical adventure once everyone else is tucked up in bed, accompanied by the brilliance of Tchaikovsky's score.  

Le Vignoble   

Grand Christmas Wine Tasting   

Thursday 23 November 

Session 1: 6pm to 8pm. Session 2: 8.30pm to 10.30pm   

Location: Le Vignoble, New Cooperage   

Tickets: £15 per person, book here 

The wine experts will highlight a selection of wines perfect for the upcoming festive season. A shopping event with over 100 wines to sample so you can fill up your wine rack for Christmas. 

Find out more at www.royalwilliamyard.com and stay up to date with all festive goings-on by following @royalwilliamyd on Instagram, Facebook and X.   

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In parternship with GWR, Destination Plymouth’s lead travel partner