It's the most wonderful time of the year in Plymouth! The festive spirit is in full swing, and we've got a sleigh full of activities to keep you and the family entertained with 12 days full of fun for Christmas!

Day one - Pick up a pressie at Plymouth Christmas Market

Get yourself in the Christmas spirit at Plymouth Christmas Market! Located in Plymouth city centre, browse over 50 festive-themed cabins stocking perfect presents to make Christmas dreams come true! 

Make sure you come with an appetite, as there are plenty of festive treats on offer from stunning Yorkshire Pudding Wraps, to German sausages and so much more! 

Day two - Score a hole in one at Christmas Woodland Adventure Golf 

Enjoy a magical day out with family or friends and putt your way through a winter wonderland of fun and laughter at China Fleet Golf Club's Woodland Adventure Golf Course! There are 18 festive holes filled with fun! There is no need to book, just turn up, pay and play!

Day three - Check out festive goods at the Royal William Yard Christmas Market

Enjoy browsing through a selection of unique gifts and exciting artisanal vendors at the Royal William Yard, all within the charming confines of the Melville building and courtyard.

The Festive Good Food and Craft Market is the perfect place to get into the Christmas spirit, with festive lights, a choir and children's crafts enhancing the ambience.

Day four - Laugh your socks off at this year's panto

Head to the Theatre Royal Plymouth for the return of the pantomime season this Christmas! Strictly sensational Brendan Cole, Double Olympic Champion Dame Kelly Holmes and Coronation Street star Alexandra Mardell join the circus in the magical Goldilocks and the Three Bears production which is packed with riotous comedy, extraordinary special effects and hair-raising stunts!

Day five - Watch Dartmoor Zoo sparkle at Zooluminate 

Explore a wintery and enchanting stroll at Zooluminate, Dartmoor Zoo.

Experience an unforgettable, after-dark adventure at Zooluminate, featuring stunning light installations created by the talented JHAV team. Immerse yourself in the magical world of the zoo as it comes to life in the most enchanting way possible! 

Day six - Get Christmassy at Plymouth's Winter Wonderland 

Get festive at Plymouth's Winter Wonderland in Central Park! Meet Santa and his elves at the enchanted forest grotto, get your skates on and head out on the ice rink, enjoy live music at the 1800-capacity music arena and check out the breathtaking rides decorated with festive decorations in the winter paradise!

Picture: Scott Grenney/One Plymouth

Day seven - Take on the Reindeer Trail and visit Mr Kriss 

Head to Plymouth's historic quarter, The Barbican, and help Santa find his lost reindeer who have been scattered among the shop windows of the cobbled streets. Pick up your Reindeer Trail sheet from the Mayflower Tourist Information Centre, and venture around the streets, bumping into reindeer as you go! 

If it gets a bit chilly, head to one of the many cafes and coffee shops along the way for a toasty hot drink, and be sure to return to the Tourist Information Centre to claim your prize. While you're by the waterside, be sure to check out the UK's largest Santa Scuplture, Mr Kriss. Made up of over 10,000 sparkly lights, a cheeky selfie with the big man is a must this Christmas.

Day eight - Meet the animals at Pennywell Farm's Christmas paradise

Indulge in the festivities at Pennywell Farm this Christmas. The farm has been transformed into a festive paradise this holiday season with twinkling lights, hundreds of Christmas trees and plenty of Christmas sparkle.

Experience Christmas close encounters with the farm's amazing animals including miniature piglets and other furry friends. 

Day nine - Get festive at Plymouth's Winter City

Prepare to jingle all the way to Plymouth's Winter City. The festive fun fair will give you an adrenaline rush with rides like the Sizzler, UK's fastest Waltzers, Extreme, Naughty Elves Driving School (Dodgems), and loads of other fun rides for the little ones. There's Christmas fun aplenty with the biggest ice rink in Plymouth, live music performances, a festive beverages bar serving up a wide range of drinks and Santa's Enchanting Grotto.

Day ten - Enjoy breakfast with Santa and explore The Box 

No Christmas is complete without a visit to Santa! Get into the Christmas spirit and enjoy a special 'Breakfast with Santa' in The Box Kitchen and Bar in the build-up to Christmas.

Once you’ve visited Saint Nick, you can explore the fascinating The Box. Check out a wide array of galleries that showcase the city’s incredible collections. You can even see a full size replica woolly mammoth as well as current exhibitions Dutch Flowers and The Armada Portrait of Queen Elizabeth I which both close on 7 January, Yinka Shonibare CBE RA: End of Empire, John Akomfrah: Arcadia and more!

Day 11 - Experience Glowild at Paignton Zoo

This year's Glowild event is the perfect way to commemorate Paignton Zoo's hundred-year milestone. Explore the zoo in a whole new light with this immersive after-dark experience featuring giant illuminated animals, light tunnels, a silent disco, and much more. 

The journey begins with a giant storybook that invites you to step into a magical world, and from there, you'll embark on an adventure around the zoo, marvelling at the vibrant, colourful, and interactive lighting.

Day 12 - Have a magical Christmas at Saltram

Immerse yourself in the magical ambience of Christmas at Saltram House. Embark on the Christmas trail at the 18th-century house and explore the stunning building and gardens, illuminated with twinkling lights that create a truly mesmerizing atmosphere. 

Moreover, you can visit Father Christmas at the stunning house this holiday season. Father Christmas will be at Saltram with new exciting stories and songs to share! He will be setting up his cosy room in the stables to share a festive story and some songs.

Cover photo - credit One Plymouth

For further inspiration, content and news visit our dedicated Christmas in Plymouth page or sign-up to our newsletter.

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