Wasson?
Plymouth… we’re deep in December now, as Christmas edges closer. Markets, pantos, theatre, kids’ Christmas chaos, live music, cruises, crafts - the city is busy. If you're looking for something to do this weekend, there’s plenty worth your time.
Here’s what’s on 👇
⭐ FEATURED EVENT
🎅 Mount Edgcumbe Christmas Fair
One of the biggest and most magical Christmas markets in Devon & Cornwall. Dozens of artisan stalls, food, music, and proper festive vibes across the grounds. A perfect day out.
📍 Mount Edgcumbe Country Park
📅 13–14 Dec | 10:00–15:30
🎄 Plym Card Picks: Make the Most of December in Plymouth
(Your friendly nudge to support local - and save £100s every year while you do!)
Plymouth is absolutely packed with festive markets, family activities, theatre shows, and Christmas nights out this month - and we love seeing so many people choosing local over corporate this season.
If you're out and about enjoying any of the events above, it's worth knowing that over 60 independent Plymouth businesses are already offering exclusive perks, discounts, or rewards to Plym Card members - from coffee shops and barbers to boutiques, bakeries, and beauty studios.
The card is £12 for the whole year, and many people make that back in just a couple of visits. Plus, every purchase helps keep money circulating in Plymouth’s small-business community - the very makers, venues and traders behind the festive events you’re enjoying.
Why people are getting one:
✨ Save money across 60+ independents
✨ Discover new places (and support ones you already love)
✨ Help Plymouth’s economy stay local
✨ One small action = a big impact for small businesses
If you'd like to join the community for 2025, you can grab a Plym Card here:
(You’ll get your digital card instantly!)
🎅 SANTA & CHRISTMAS EXPERIENCES
Festive cruise, disco, games, face painting, a soft drink for kids, mince pies for adults - and of course Santa. Proper family Christmas fun.
📍 Barbican Landing Stage
📅 13–14 Dec | 12:00 & 14:30
A 2-course Christmas carvery with Santa, colouring, choir performances and face painting. A warm family afternoon.
📍 China Fleet Country Club
📅 14 Dec | 12:00–14:30
Family breakfasts with Santa and a little festive chaos (the good kind).
📍 The Box, Tavistock Place
📅 14 Dec | multiple slots
A charming winter puppet show for little ones - snowy magic, storytelling and gentle festive adventure.
📍 Soapbox Children’s Theatre
📅 13–14 Dec | multiple morning slots
A full-on Santa run through Dartington - energetic, silly, festive and great fun.
📍 Things Happen Here, Dartington
📅 13 Dec | 13:30–17:00
🛍️ MARKETS & MAKERS
Craft, textiles, handmade gifts and student-made treats - a yearly favourite. Perfect for last-minute shopping.
📍 The Little Box (opposite The Box)
📅 6–14 Dec | 10:00–17:00
Artisan traders, choirs, Christmas lights and a buzzing courtyard atmosphere.
📍 Royal William Yard (Melville Building)
📅 14 Dec
(Featured above - and for good reason.)
📍 Mount Edgcumbe
📅 13–14 Dec
🎭 THEATRE, SHOWS & PERFORMANCE
A classic community pantomime from a long-running local theatre group - big characters, laughs and family fun.
📍 Lipson Co-operative Academy
📅 11–13 Dec
Eastenders legend Shane Richie returns for a glittery, gold-paved Theatre Royal show full of boos, laughs and polished production.
📍 Theatre Royal Plymouth
📅 12 Dec – 10 Jan
Fast, unpredictable improv comedy from The Squirrel Spoon Collective - festive chaos guaranteed.
📍 Barbican Theatre
📅 12 Dec | 19:30–22:00
Experimental live performance + immersive dome 360° film - seriously cool, boundary-pushing local art.
📍 Devonport Market Hall
📅 13 Dec | 18:30–22:00
🎬 FILM & SCREENINGS
🏍️ Pillion (18)
A tender, funny and beautifully acted dom-sub relationship drama - mature, smart, and Programmer’s Pick.
📍 Plymouth Arts Cinema
📅 12–18 Dec
Iranian road-trip drama with tension, humour and creeping mystery - compelling, award-season energy.
📍 Plymouth Arts Cinema
📅 12–17 Dec
A thoughtful documentary screening about the Parthenon Marbles and cultural ownership.
📍 Plymouth Arts Cinema
📅 13 Dec | 14:30
🎵 MUSIC & SEASONAL
A huge night of blues, boogie-woogie and powerhouse vocals - Ruby Turner also joins the lineup.
📍 Plymouth Pavilions
📅 12 Dec | 18:30
Soulful, stripped-back Christmas classics performed live under Steel Brew’s Edison bulbs.
📍 Steel Brew Co, Royal William Yard
📅 14 Dec | 17:00–20:30
🎉 PARTIES & NIGHTS OUT
Sparkling décor, Prosecco, 3-course festive dinner, DJ, photobooth and magician - proper big Christmas night.
📍 Home Park Stadium
📅 12 Dec
Red carpet, bubbles, casino tables, dinner and dancing - always a popular choice.
📍 St Mellion Estate
📅 12–13 Dec
DJ, dancing and a welcome drink on a heated boat - adults-only.
📍 Barbican Landing Stage
📅 13 Dec | 19:30–22:30
Musical theatre, disco, ballads and plenty of sass - super fun evening out.
📍 The Falstaff Inn, Southway
📅 13 Dec | 19:30–22:00
🌲 WORKSHOPS, WALKS & FAMILY ACTIVITIES
Gather natural greenery on a guided walk, then make your own wreath with mulled wine and mince pies.
📍 Shilstone House
📅 13 Dec | 14:00–16:00
Create a cardboard gingerbread-style village - wholesome, creative afternoon for ages 5+.
📍 Stoke
📅 13 Dec | 14:00–15:30
A cosy, all-day writing retreat at Tinside Lido - craft poems, stories or children’s books with unlimited tea.
📍 Tinside Lido
📅 14 Dec | 10:00–16:30
Enjoy your weekend, ansum’s.
Whether you're wandering a Christmas market, howling at improv, cruising the harbour, shouting ‘EE’S BEHIND YOU’ or crafting a wreath - get out there and enjoy it.
That’s your lot. Enjoy it, Plymouth.
Cheers,
Lewis
