Get ready to celebrate the start of Christmas in Plymouth with the City Centre Christmas Lights Switch On on Thursday 14 November.  

Prepare for a programme of family-friendly entertainment throughout the afternoon and into the evening before the lights are switched on from 6:20pm.  

Ahead of the evening of fun, check out our top recommendations for things you mustn’t miss at this magical event! 

                       

Watch Manuka’s Christmas Song Party 

Join Manuka for a Festive Christmas Song Party performing in the brand-new events space at Old Town Street Square, from 3pm to 4.30pm on Thursday 14 November. As they get everyone into the Christmas spirit with classic Manuka acoustic songs and Christmas favourites. 

                     

Watch Drake Circus’ Christmas Lights Switch On 

Drake Circus will have their ‘Parcel Rascals’ and ‘Elf & Safety’ acts from 3.30pm on Thursday 14 November, with their Christmas lights switch-on at 5pm. They will be bringing the snow flurries to Old Town Street at 4pm and then every day until Christmas Eve at 4pm for ten minutes. Find out more about the Drake Circus Christmas Lights Switch On. 

             

Check out the Enchanted Entertainment  

Kicking off the festive entertainment from the stage on the Piazza, Armada Way at 4pm, the party princesses from Enchanted Entertainment will be starting the party with plenty of sparkle and Christmas magic.  

                      

Marvel at the street dance performances  

The Groovement Project Dance Company is recognised as one of the most successful dance companies in the U.K. They will be getting the crowds into the groove, with their epic street dance performances.  

                        

Enjoy Theatre, Dance and Singing Performances 

We’ve got a fantastic line-up of theatre, dance and singing performances taking place on the stage, including: Razzamataz, SJ Performing Arts, Plym Kids and Plymouth Performing Arts Academy. 

                    

Watch The Big Switch-on Moment! 

Get ready for the big switch-on moment of the city centre Christmas lights. Alex the Elf will be welcoming Santa, Lord Mayor Councillor Tina Tuohy and special guest from the Theatre Royal Plymouth, West End star Samuel Holmes. They will be turning on the lights from 6.20pm to 6.30pm.  

                         

Dance along to Joey the Lips 10-piece band 

Dance along with Joey the Lips and their 10-piece bands, as they entertain the crowds with their hi-energy show of Soul, Funk, Blues and Disco.  

                       

Visit the Fairground 

Enjoy the thrills and bright lights of the fairground. There will be a three thrill rides on Guildhall Square and two children’s rides in the city centre. 

                           

Enjoy the Illuminations 

Walk around the city centre and check out all the colourful illuminations once the fabulous Christmas lights have been switch-on. Why not stop for some warm refreshments from one of the many nearby cafes and restaurants.  

                   

Start your Christmas Shopping  

Start your Christmas shopping, as late-night shopping starts on Thursday 14 November, with many of the shops open until 9pm, which will continue every Thursday through to 19 December.  

This festive fun is brought to you by Plymouth City Centre Company and sponsored by Morgan Sindall Construction. #ChristmasInPlymouth 

The Plymouth Christmas Lights Switch-on event has been part-funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. 

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

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