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Christmas activities in Plymouth

That, sometimes, exhaustive list of things to do in the run up to Christmas can seem overwhelming – even when there’s only a few weeks to go! A lot of the stress will dissipate by making a rolling list; breaking activities, duties and events into manageable chunks.

There’s always more choice with early reservations, so by prioritising actions such as buying pantomime tickets or booking a Santa visit, will give you first pickings of times and dates.

Don’t leave it to chance – those most desired dates get filled very quickly! Here’s a taste of things to come and to help you begin your list…

 

Top Tips for a smooth festive season

Stock up on frozen food: Head to the supermarkets before everyone else! Frozen food or pre-cooked food can come in handy as quick easy meals during the busy days running up to Christmas.

Get the children to write to Santa: As we get closer to Christmas, children are likely to be beside themselves with excitement. Encourage them to write a letter to the white bearded chap and who knows, if they are lucky, Santa may send a letter back!

Buy the small gifts: Don’t forget to stock up on small gifts for teachers, classroom assistants, neighbours, your child’s best friend and so on. You may wish to buy an emergency supply of gifts in case someone arrives unexpectedly with a present for you.

Spread out the shopping: Aim to do your shopping over several weeks. Not only will this spread the cost; it will allow you more time later on when things start getting really busy.

Go late night shopping: Don’t miss out on the magic of ‘Late night shopping’ as it can really lift the spirits. But not if it’s all a rush. Rather than frantically rushing around to buy gifts, aim to amble along at your own pace and soak up the festive atmosphere.

Buy those Panto Tickets: Remember to book your tickets for your favourite show on your preferred date before they sell out!

 

Festive Things to look forward to...

 

Christmas Markets 

Enter a Christmas market and instantly, you’ll be immersed into an inviting festive scene filled with cosy cabins, soft illuminations and an array of traders selling all sorts of unique craft items and tasty world food.

It’s an ideal environment to pick up slightly quirky gifts and sample authentic food from different parts of the world. Take a look through our what's on events to find a Christmas market near you.

 

 

Christingle 

Christingle is a celebratory event, taking place every year in the run up to Christmas. Now in its 49th year, this vibrant event is hugely popular for churches and schools, raising millions to help change the lives of disadvantaged children. All it takes is an orange, a candle and a few dolly mixtures.

The themes of Christingle include serving other people, thinking about children in needy situations, celebrating light in the darkness, creativity and redemption. You can find out more about Christingle at www.christingle.org or visit www.messychurch.org.uk for an event near you.

 

Google Santa Tracker 2018

Google has launched Santa Tracker, a fun, educational and interactive way for children to experience more about the festive season. The experience starts with the opening of Santa’s Village on 1 December.

Then, not only does the countdown to Santa’s departure start, but each day until 24 December, visitors can learn basic coding skills, exercise their geography knowledge and create printable ornaments while learning about charitable organisations. Visit https://santatracker.google.com/village.html 

 

 

 

Buy Tickets now for the Crealy Christmas Spectacular

This Christmas is going to be truly magical at Crealy Adventure Park and Resort. With something for the whole family to enjoy, the Crealy Christmas Spectacular, from Saturday 1 to Sunday 23 December, is Devon’s must-see event.

Tickets to the Crealy Christmas Spectacular include a seat in the heated Big Top Arena to see the sensational Christmas Ice Show. Watch as a team of international ice skaters and aerial artistes perform in this truly magical festive family show. Tickets also include entry to Santa’s Magical Toy Store where you’ll be surrounded by giant Christmas decorations and you’ll get to choose anything you want from over 30,000 fabulous toys and gifts.

Santa and his helpers will be on hand to help children choose their perfect present – and don’t miss the chance to win a Christmas lodge holiday for all the family.
In addition, there will be a fantastically festive Indoor Christmas Market in
a heated marquee. Find a selection of wonderful gift ideas, great value stocking fillers and other Christmas goodies. Tickets are only available online and in advance – book now at www.crealy.co.uk/events/crealy-christmas-spectacular

 

Stock up on the Latest Christmas Toys at Thomas Moore

Thomas Moore Toymaster is the number one toy outlet in the Exeter area and is the largest Lego stockist in the South West. It’s a treasure trove of a store packed with a huge variety of toys. Children simply love the shop as they can physically look at the toys and play on the interactive displays.

The store has huge buying power and passes on good competitive prices to customers. It offers a price promise and will price match other shops in Exeter (excluding sale prices/promotions and online prices). It’s a great example of shopping made easy - see exactly what you want and get it instantly at a great price!

Packed shelves include seasonal sets, special offers, exclusive and hard to find sets and much more. Whilst you’re at the shop, check out this season’s showstopper – a life size Lego Santa. For news and offers see www.thomasmooretoymaster.co.uk

 

All Aboard, Next Stop Christmas Town! 

Kick start your family’s festive celebration with singing, dancing and all-round crazy Christmas fun with the Dartmoor Railway. Centring around the beloved children’s book The Train to Christmas Town, the family friendly train ride recreates the story of Janice and her brother on their annual ride to Christmas Town. Onboard, passengers will meet a host of interactive characters including a troupe of cheeky dancing elves who will serve up delicious cookies and cups of yummy hot chocolate.

Along with storytelling, singing and dancing with the elves, passengers will meet a very special guest when the train stops at Christmas Town. Santa Claus will be waiting to climb on board to meet each child and hand them a special gift!

This Christmas spectacle, expertly designed to bring the spirit of Christmas to families, will operate from Dartmoor Railway with train rides running from the 30 November right through to 23 December. Tickets start at £11.40 with standard and premium class tickets available. Tickets will be selling fast, so book early to avoid disappointment – visit www.dartmoorrailway.com or call 08000 232383.

 

 

 

Join Shrek on his Adventures in Plymouth

The smash hit blockbuster Shrek The Musical returns to Theatre Royal Plymouth from Tuesday 13 until Saturday 24 November. This hilarious and spectacular production turns the world of fairytales upside down in an all-singing, all-dancing, must-see musical comedy.

Join Shrek, an unlikely hero, and his loyal steed Donkey as they set off on a quest to rescue the beautiful Princess Fiona, guarded by a fire breathing love-sick dragon. Add the vertically challenged Lord Farquaad, a gang of fairytale misfits, and a biscuit with attitude, and you’ve got an irresistible mix of adventure, laughter and romance, guaranteed to delight audiences of all ages. For tickets see www.theatreroyal.com

 

Dick Whittington Comes to Theatre Royal Plymouth

Theatre Royal Plymouth have announced that television and musical theatre stars John Partridge and Samantha Womack will headline in the spectacular family pantomime, Dick Whittington, joining returning comedy legend Andy Ford in this year’s must-see show from Friday 14 December.

Plymouth panto-goers will join the handsome hero Dick Whittington and his trusty cat as he seeks fame, fortune and happiness journeying to become the Lord Mayor of London. Guided by the magical Fairy Bow Bells on an adventure that sends him from London town to the High Seas headed for Morocco, audiences should not miss the action-packed pantomime full of laughter, music and dance.

With tickets already on sale, audiences shouldn’t leave it any longer to book their place to see Dick Whittington. Tickets are priced from £13 and can be booked online at www.theatreroyal.com or by calling 01752 267222.

Sign Up for Children’s Hospice South West’s Santa on the Run

Children’s Hospice South West’s (CHSW) Santas on the Run 2km fun run is returning to the Eden Project on Sunday 9 December. Hosted at this iconic venue Santas on the Run is the perfect way to start the festive season and is suitable for all ages. Money raised by those taking part will help CHSW continue to provide care and support to local children and families that use Little Harbour children’s hospice. Visit www.chsw.org.uk/santas to sign up.

 

 

 

Santa by Steam – tickets on sale now and selling fast! 

This festive season book your ticket to meet Santa - with a difference! Make Christmas memories in your very own Bodmin and Wenford Railway Christmas story. Gather your family and friends and take a journey with the railway elves to visit Santa’s grotto.

When he’s not driving the sleigh with Rudolph and the rest of the reindeer, Father Christmas travels by steam train. Arrive at Bodmin General Station for mince pies, seasonal drinks and carols on the platform, before climbing aboard for an hour-long return journey on a beautiful steam hauled train.

During the trip visit Santa, with plenty of time for a photo, and gifts for each child. To help make even more Christmases extra special, Santa will be travelling on two relaxed (Autism-friendly) trains, and four wheelchair accessible trains at Bodmin and Wenford Railway this December. Visit www.bodminrailway.co.uk

 

Be Immersed in a Magical Journey with Bedtime Stories

Celebrate the magical time of the day when stresses and strains of life melt away and enter a world of imagination and dreams with Bedtime Stories at Dartington from 6 December to 6 January.

Take the chance to unwind and be dazzled with circus, theatre, dance and projections from circus pioneers Upswing, tucked up with your family in a bedroom installation.

This beautiful production is suitable for ages 3 years+. Call 01803 847070 or go to www.dartington.org/live

 

 

Santa by Steam – a Magical Christmas Journey! 

Every year, Father Christmas visits the South Devon Railway where he keeps his very special grotto train. All the children who visit him in his on-board grotto will receive a present, as the train goes from Buckfastleigh to Staverton and back, while mums and dads enjoy the ride and a delicious festive drink for the journey.

Santa’s steam train runs on 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16 and from 18 to 24 December. To book, follow the Book Online link on the website at www.southdevonrailway.co.uk, or call the booking office on 01364 644370.