Christmas activities for children in Plymouth

 

Christmas Lights Switch-On, Markets and Lantern Parades 

Although the big build up to Christmas Day starts from the autumn, the real fun begins when towns, villages and cities switch-on their Christmas lights and host festive events.

Many mark the occasion with lantern parades, music from brass bands and dress the streets in bright illuminations, and some places hold themed Christmas markets following traditions of days gone-by.

 

 

PTA Christmas Fayres and School Nativities 

Schools are incredibly busy places in the run up to Christmas, with many PTA’s holding Christmas fayres, which are huge money-raisers for the schools – for extra Christmas Fair ideas for your PTA event see www.ptasocial.com/christmas-fair-ideas.

Whilst for many parents, one of the best bits about Christmas, that is the most heart-warming of all, is watching the brilliant school performances or nativity plays and listening to the children sing. Don’t miss it!

 

Green Christmas 

Reduce, reuse and upcycle your Christmas waste this festive season…

DIY Decorations

Have a go at getting the kids involved by making some DIY Christmas decorations. Cut out snowflakes to stick on the windows, stick cloves into oranges and bake until dry, and pick some holly and ivy to make table decorations and wreaths.

This can be a fantastic way to reduce your waste and costs, while having fun with the kids too.

Get Scrapbooking

As a nation, we use 83 square miles worth of gift wrap every festive season, but this doesn’t mean it needs to be scrapped.

Get the kids involved by cutting and sticking your leftover paper, gluing it into a scrapbook, and adding photos, words and decorations to create a family book of festive mementos.

DIY Decorations for the Tree and Home

Always eager to please, it’s no surprise that Santa’s hair has turned white as the finances at this time of year are often stretched and sometimes even he has to pull tightly on the reins. Still, he always manages to make Christmas dreams come true.

So, taking a giant leaf out of Santa’s book, you too can make amazing savings by making your own Christmas decorations for the home and tree.

Make even more savings by sending Christmas e-cards to friends and family instead of sending traditional cards. Notably, the ‘Elf Yourself’ digital Christmas cards are especially popular –www.elfyourself.com

 

Giving at Christmas 

Christmas is truly the season of giving and there are so many ways families can give something back to the community or worthwhile charity.

Christmas Day Swims are becoming incredibly popular, whilst the Santa Fun Runs, such as Plymouth’s Santa Fun Run are a colourful spectacle that all members of the family can join in with.

 

Buying a Real Christmas Tree 

What better way to celebrate the festive season than with the most glorious Christmas tree! Each tree species can be a little different in size, scent and needle retention, so here’s the Forestry Commission England’s guide to choosing the perfect Christmas tree:

Norway Spruce: Considered the traditional Christmas tree, the Norway Spruce is best known for its wonderful shape, abundance of branches and lovely ‘Christmassy’ scent.

Nordmann Fir: With its big needles which are lovely and soft, Nordmann Fir are perfect for those with young children. Having soft foliage and an even shape, it makes it a joy to decorate.

Lodgepole Pine: With the best needle retention of them all, Lodgepole Pines are perfect for those who like a long festive season. It has luscious long green needles with branches that point upwards which hold a wonderful pine scent.

Caring for your Christmas Tree

Preventing needles dropping and the green from fading on your Christmas tree requires a little bit of care and attention. Follow these top tips for a longer lasting, healthier real Christmas tree:

1. Cut off 2.5cm from the trunk to aid with water absorption

2. Put the tree in a stand with the trunk immersed in water

3. Keep your tree in a cool, dry space. Away from radiators and fires

4. Water your tree regularly

Read more at www.forestry.gov.uk/england-about-uk

 

Read on for more about the wide range of Christmas events and activities taking place in and around Plymouth...

Seek Out the Penguins on the LEGO Brick Trail in Plymouth

The penguins are back, spreading their Christmas magic over Plymouth. Join in the festive family fun trail and seek out all 20-life size LEGO brick penguins which will be hidden in shops and businesses across the city centre. Find the names of all 19 Rockhoppers and one special Emperor Penguin, and you could win fantastic prizes, including a weekend family trip to Legoland® Windsor Resort, or a Penguin Feeding Experience at Living Coasts for four people.

The trail runs from 30 November 2019 to 5 January 2020, so get ready to start collecting. Send in your completed entry form by Wednesday 15 January 2020. For details including the trail map, entry form and special offers visit www.visitplymouth.co.uk

 

Don’t miss Santa in his Grotto at Plymouth Market

Make Plymouth Market your destination for great shopping this Christmas - from food and treats through to unique presents. Take the children to visit Santa in his special grotto where he will be every Saturday during December as well as on Sunday 22 December. Plymouth Market will be open seven days a week in December, with late night shopping on Thursdays to give you longer to shop and eat at its amazing and unique independent stalls and eateries. Enjoy great shopping at your local market in Cornwall Street, Plymouth, PL1 1PS. Visit www.plymouthmarket.co.uk or call 01752 306551

 

Christmas at Pennywell Farm

Rekindle the true spirit of Christmas at Pennywell Farm where the arrival of the baby Jesus is placed at the heart of its festivities. Pennywell Farm will be transformed into a real winter wonderland in time for the Nativity plays in December. After the play, every child meets Father Christmas and receives a present. Father Christmas arrives Pennywell style on Saturday 23 November and the Nativity Plays run from then until Christmas Eve. Booking is essential at www.pennywellfarm.co.uk or call 01364 642023.

 

Polar Bear Explorer Trail: 1 December to 1 March

Set off on an exciting journey across Plymouth’s waterfront this winter, in search of the 20 adorable polar bear cubs hidden in businesses from the Barbican to Royal William Yard. Download your Polar Bear Explorer trail map from the Visit Plymouth website or pick it up from a participating business. You’ll learn lots about climate change along the way and by finding the cubs, you’ll be in with a chance of winning some brilliant prizes. Keep an eye out for the extra special golden bear too. Find out more at www.visitplymouth.co.uk

 

Follow the Adventure of the Christmas Pudding at Greenway

This Christmas join in the merriment and mischief as Greenway is transformed into its own festive tale. Inspired by Agatha Christie's short story 'The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding', follow the adventures of a cheeky Christmas pudding and get into the Christmas spirit. There will be Christmas puddings everywhere, with pudding challenges to complete in the garden and a story full of clues and surprises in the house. On three Saturdays in the run up to Christmas, the man himself in his red suit will be in a special grotto. He’ll be saying hello to children and handing out keepsake gifts, while his helpers tell Christmas tales. For more information see www.nationaltrust.org.uk/greenway

 

Festive Lights at Coleton Aglow

Wrap up warm and explore Coleton Fishacre this Christmas on selected evenings in December from 5pm to 8pm. The garden will be merry and bright with twinkling lights, magnificent trees and sparkling glades illuminated with a festive glow. Inside, the house beckons to Christmases past, with a 1920’s festive party. For more information see www.nationaltrust.org.uk/coleton-fishacre

 

 

Buy your Tickets Now for Crealy’s Christmas Spectacular

The Crealy Christmas Spectacular returns this winter, from 30 November to 24 December, and it’s bigger and better than ever. Guests will be queuing up to see a brand-new Christmas on Ice show featuring Crealy’s Buddy and Blossom bears and involving a colourful Christmas Eve journey around the globe. The show will take place in the new 750-seater, permanent Big Red Top.

If that’s not enough, Santa will take centre stage in his own magical performance Santa’s Magical Show Time where he will delight audiences at intervals throughout the day and Mary Christmas is returning to the park to her festive bakery. Santa’s Toy Factory will be up-and-running at the theme park where his dedicated team of toy making elves will help children choose something from a vast array of toys. Tickets are now available - book now to get the best times and dates, head to www.crealy.co.uk.

 

Buckfast Abbey’s Christmas Food and Craft Fair: 30 November

Buckfast Abbey’s popular Christmas Food and Craft Fair, on Saturday 30 November, will be packed with festive stalls displaying a fabulous selection of locally produced food and craft. There will be live entertainment from the Buckfast Abbey Choristers, fun craft workshops for children, a Christmas BBQ and mulled wine for adults. Visitors will be able to enjoy browsing for Christmas presents, be inspired by delicious local produce and get into the festive spirit with family and friends in beautiful surroundings. Entry and parking will be free. For more, visit www.buckfast.org.uk

 

A Traditional Steam Train Family Christmas Treat 

Father Christmas is visiting the South Devon Railway at Buckfastleigh again and is looking forward to welcoming all the boys and girls on to his special grotto train, where he’ll be handing out presents galore.

All the coaches and stations along the line will be traditionally decorated as you take a warm and cosy journey to Totnes behind one of the beautiful steam locomotives. Father Christmas is also laying on festive refreshments in your seat as the beautiful Devon countryside passes by the window. For more information or to book see www.southdevonrailway.co.uk or call 01364 644370.

 

Magic and Wonder to be had at Enchanted Saltram 

‘Tis the season to be jolly and there’s no better way of getting into the festive spirit than by visiting Enchanted Saltram.

There’s magic and wonder to be had at every turn with the garden awash with a rainbow of colours and rooms in the house transformed into well-known fairy tales. Visit nationaltrust.org.uk/saltram

 

 

A Tranquil Christmas at Buckland Abbey 

Reflect on the genuine Christmas under a constellation of a thousand willow wishing stars in the medieval Great Barn at Buckland Abbey. At weekends, the barn is filled with music from choirs under a towering Christmas tree. Wander the Abbey and breathe in the scent of fresh foliage, cloves and cinnamon from beautifully decorated rooms. You’ll find Olde Father Christmas in the Great Hall at weekends, dressed in traditional green, sharing magical stories of Christmases gone by. Gather the family to enjoy festive crafts and a winter walking trail. Visit nationaltrust.org.uk/buckland-abbey

 

Festive Fun at Cotehele 

For the first time, Cotehele Mill is decorated for a Victorian family Christmas with a trail, crafts, dressing up and Mother and Father Christmas bringing festive fun.

In Cotehele’s Great Hall choirs perform beneath the traditional 60ft flower garland. Visit nationaltrust.org.uk/cotehele

 

 

Santa visits Dartmoor Zoo

This winter season, Dartmoor Zoo has welcomed lots of new animals including a turaco, an agouti, a pottoroo and two red handed tamarins named Ember and Pumpkin. The staff have been busy ensuring that the new residents feel at home, opening new enclosures and preparing for Santa to join in with the fun during the holidays. This Christmas visit Santa’s grotto or enjoy a breakfast with Santa where you’ll be able to get a special gift from Santa and meet his Elves. See www.dartmoorzoo.org.uk