Primary Times - the definitive what’s on and where to go family guide of activities and events for children of primary school age. Things to do with your kids during the school holidays including arts and craft activities, music and theatre for children, parties, competitions, days out, and family attractions along with term time drama schools, dance classes, after school clubs and sports activities. Things to do at a place near you!
Where's Santa in Plymouth
2018
At this time of year Father Christmas becomes an incredibly busy man, but as he’s so friendly and thoughtful he will always find time to listen to your wish lists.
There’s nothing that Father Christmas loves more than talking to children, so he uses his super magical powers to whizz all over the county and can be in many places often at the same time!
You’ll find him in cosy cabins, in sparkly grottos, on festive trains and on horse-drawn sleighs in town centres, shopping centres, garden centres and family attractions. As he gets exceedingly hungry on his travels he even turns up for breakfast and lunch at some places!
So, along with his many helpers, do look out for Santa at the following locations this festive season…
PS. Don’t forget to leave out a treat or two for Santa and his reindeer on Christmas Eve. The cheeky elves have told us he likes smelly socks, but we think he would rather tuck into a tasty mince pie!
Where to See Santa in Plymouth 2018
24 November
Santa’s Grotto at Plymouth Christmas Show
Plymouth Guildhall, Royal Parade, Plymouth, PL1 2AA
Pop along to see to the great man in red at Santa’s Grotto at this fundraising event. Santa’s Grotto will be raising funds for St Luke’s Hospice.
From 24 November
Also, 25 November, 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23 and 24 December
Nativity Plays and Santa Visits at Pennywell
Pennywell Farm, Buckfastleigh, TQ11 0LT
Watch a magical Nativity performance featuring real animals before visiting Father Christmas in his festive grotto. Plus, options to have breakfast and cream teas with Father Christmas on set dates. Booking essential. For more details 01364 642023.
From 24 November
Also, 25 November to 24 December
Tea with Santa
Endsleigh Garden Centre, Ivybridge, PL21 9JL
Visit Santa in his magical grotto and tell him how good you’ve been this year. Tickets: £10 per child. Plus, there are breakfast and tea with Santa sessions available too. Many sessions are already sold out – pre-booking essential. Call 01752 938118
From 30 November
Also, 1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 9, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 and 23 December
Santa on the Train to Christmas Town
Dartmoor Railway, Okehampton Station, Okehampton, EX20 1EJ
www.dartmoorrailway.com/train-to-christmas-town
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 climb on board to meet each child and give them a special gift. Booking highly recommended. Call 08000 232383.
DECEMBER
From 1 December
Also, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 and 22 December
Santa at the Crealy Christmas Spectacular
Crealy Great Adventure Park, Clyst St Mary, Near Exeter, EX5 1DR
With 9 new Christmas attractions featuring the South West’s first ever Christmas Ice Show, Mary Christmas’ Bakery, reindeer food making station, Santa’s post office, the singing snowmen, Christmas craft and entry into Santa’s Magical Toy Shop featuring over 30,000 gifts! Booking essential.
From 1 December
Also, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22 and 23 December
Storytime with Father Christmas
Saltram, Plympton, Plymouth, PL7 1UH
Join Father Christmas in the stables as he shares magical stories and some festive songs. Includes a special keepsake. Booking essential. Call 01752 333500
From 1 December
Also 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23 and 24 December
Santa by Steam
Bodmin and Wenford Railway, PL31 1AQ
Join Santa aboard his steam hauled train for a one-hour journey. Take a journey with the railway elves to visit Santa’s grotto. During the trip pay a visit to Santa, get a photo taken and each child will receive a gift. Advance booking is essential. Call 01208 73555.
From 1 December
Also 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22 and 23 December
Father Christmas with a Twist
Buckland Abbey, Yelverton, PL20 6EY
See the Lord of Misrule who will be telling Christmas tales of life on the high seas and handing out a special gift to those who join in with the merrymaking. Booking essential. Call 01822 853607
From 1 December
And 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22 and 23 December
Santa’s Grotto at Woodlands
Woodlands Leisure Park, Blackawton, Totnes, Devon, TQ9 7DQ
www.woodlandspark.com/event/christmas-at-woodlands/
A visit to see Santa includes a mesmerising walk through Santa’s Workshop before meeting Santa and receiving a very special gift. Includes free reindeer food, a free sweet treat and free photo opportunities.
8 December
Children’s Disco with Santa
Woodford Methodist Community Church, Greenway Avenue, Plymouth, PL7 4RR
With a free entry disco to get the children into a festive mood. Afterwards the children can meet Santa Claus. Aimed at children aged 10 and below. Call 01752 337335
8 December
Santa Arrives in East Looe
Buller Quay Car Park, Looe, PL13 1AA
Santa Arrives in East Looe. With a market, bouncy castle, bar, animals, food stalls and face painting there is will be so much for the whole family to enjoy. For more details call 01503 262072.
From 8 December
Also 9, 15, 16, 20, 21, 22, 23 and 24 December
Dartmouth Steam Railway’s Santa Express featuring Snow White
Queen’s Park Station, Paignton, TQ4 6AF
www.dsrrbchristmas.co.uk/santa-express
Be entertained by close-up magic and a two-part mini pantomime Snow White, before getting a visit from Father Christmas. All children will receive a gift. This is a fully ticketed event so pre-booking is essential.
13 December
Lostwithiel Dickensian Evening
Lostwithiel, PL22
https://www.lostwithiel.org.uk/dickensian-evening/
Visit the traditional Santa's grotto – just look out for the secret entrance in Fore Street. Santa will be wearing his traditional green robes rather than red. Plus enjoy, a lantern parade, street entertainment, live music and old-fashioned merry-go round.
14 December
Breakfast with Santa
Golden Hind, 260 Mannamead Road, Plymouth, PL3 5RJ
Get the little ones excited for Christmas with a tasty breakfast with Santa. Cost: £5 per child, includes food, a Santa visit and a present. Booking essential. Call 01752 771072
From 15 December
Also, 16, 22 and 20 December
Father Christmas visits Castle Drogo
11am to 4pm
Castle Drogo, Near Drewsteignton, near Exeter, EX6 6PB
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/castle-drogo
Father Christmas will be making a very special visit to Castle Drogo. Follow the trail through the garden to find him and receive a special present. Cost: £3.50 to see Father Christmas plus normal admission applies. Call 01647 433306.
From 15 December
Also, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 and 22 December
Santa’s Grotto at Plymouth Christmas Market
Cornwall Street, Plymouth, PL1 1PS
Buy your Golden Ticket to see Santa at his cosy grotto in Plymouth festive market. Santa will be giving special gifts such as a Make and Take LEGO bricks penguin or mini Santa.
15 December
Breakfast with Santa
The Plymstock Inn, 88 Church Road, Plymstock, Plymouth, PL9 9BD
Tuck into a tasty Saturday breakfast, meet Father Christmas and receive a special present from him. Booking essential. Call 01752 406474
From 15 December
Also, 16, 22, 23 and 24 December
Meet Santa at Paignton Zoo
Paignton Zoo, Paignton, TQ4 7EU
Meet Santa in his magical grotto and receive a fantastic present. Hop aboard the Christmas train and follow the gingerbread trail. Children who have booked to meet Santa will pick up a special gift from the elves as they leave. Pre-booking is essential. Call 01803 697500.
From 15 DecemberAlso, 16, 22 and 23 December
Meet Mother and Father Christmas
Cotehele, St Dominick, near Saltash, PL12 6TA
Mother and Father Christmas will be receiving visitors in their grotto before they return to the North Pole to start their Christmas deliveries. Booking essential. Call 01579 351346
16 December
Santa’s Grotto at Boringdon Hall
Boringdon Hall Hotel, Colebrook, Plymouth, PL7 4DP
Feel the magic of Christmas at Boringdon Hall with a Snowman themed Santa’s grotto. Enjoy a festive afternoon tea, then get creative with some gingerbread decorating and meet Santa Claus himself. Pre-booking is essential. Call 01752 344455
18 December
Santa by Steam in the Dark
South Devon Railway, Buckfastleigh, Devon, TQ11 0DZ
www.southdevonrailway.co.uk/santa-by-steam
A special evening train, leaving Buckfastleigh at 5.45pm, will be running for those who would like to experience the magic of travelling by steam train in the dark! Advanced booking is essential. Ring 01364 644370.