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?
Read on for more Santa's grottos, Santa by Steam and Santa's workshops in 2019...
2019
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 2019 ...
From Friday 29 November
Also, 30 November, plus 1, 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 23 and 24 December
Train to Christmas Town
Dartmoor Railway, Station Road, Okehampton EX20 1EJ
Take a train journey to the North Pole. When it reaches Christmas town Santa will be waiting to hop aboard and join the fun alongside his cheeky elves who will be singing and dancing. All children will be greeted by Santa and presented with a special Christmas gift.
From 30 November
Also, 1 December, 7 & 8 December, 14 & 15 December, 21 & 22 December
Audience with Olde Father Christmas at Buckland Abbey
Buckland Abbey, Yelverton, PL20 6EY
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/buckland-abbey/
A very special visitor will be popping into Buckland over the Christmas period to spread some festive cheer, as Olde Father Christmas tells tales of Christmases gone by. Every child will receive a special keepsake gift to take home.
From 30 November
Also, 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 and 23 December
Christmas at Woodlands
Woodlands Leisure Park, Blackawton, Totnes, TQ9 7DQ
Meet Santa in his magical grotto. A visit to see Santa includes a mesmerising walk through Santa’s Workshop before meeting Santa and receiving a very special gift.
Grotto tickets include a magical interactive journey through 9 rooms, a free gift from Santa, free reindeer food to take home, a sweet treat and entry to Woodlands.
From 30 November
Also 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 to 23 and 24 December
Santa Claus at Crealy
Crealy Great Adventure Park, Clyst St Mary, Near Exeter, EX5 1DR
Santa will take centre stage in his own magical performance Santa’s Magical Show Time where he will delight audiences. 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.
1 December
Santa at Christmas Craft and Gift Fayre
Boringdon Park Golf Club, 55 Plymbridge Road, Plymouth, PL7 4QG
https://jeremiahsjourney.org.uk/event/christmas-craft-fayre
Visit Santa in his very special grotto at this special fundraising event. Whilst there, browse around the craft fayre looking for your perfect Christmas gift, whilst supporting the children's bereavement charity – Jeremiah’s Journey. Admission is free. For details call 01752 424348.
From 1 December
Also 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 and 22 December
Santa on North Pole Express
Plym Valley Railway, Coypool Road, Plymouth, PL7 4NW
With this North Pole Express experience there will be stalls, a miniature railway, face painting and photo painting. There will be a visit from Santa with a gift for each child. Booking in advance is essential.
From 7 December
Also, 8, 14, 15, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 and 24 December
Father Christmas at South Devon Railway
The Station, Dartbridge Road, Buckfastleigh, TQ11 0DZ
Take a warm and cosy journey to Totnes behind a majestic steam locomotive. Enjoy festive refreshments in your seat as the beautiful Devon countryside passes by the window and visit Father Christmas in his grotto carriage with a gift for every child.
From 1 December
Also, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 December
Storytime with Father Christmas
Saltram, Plympton, Plymouth, PL7 1UH
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/saltram/
Sit down and join Father Christmas in the stables as he shares magical stories and some festive songs. After story time each child receives a special keepsake to pop onto their Christmas tree. For details call 01752 333500.
From 7 December
Also 14 & 21 December
Father Christmas visits Greenway
Greenway Road, Galmpton, near Brixham, TQ5 0ES
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/greenway/
Father Christmas and his helpers will be stopping off at Greenway in the run-up to Christmas. He'll be meeting children and sharing out keepsake gifts. Father Christmas's helpers will be there to tell some festive stories and help children to write their letters to Father Christmas. Call 01803 842382.
From 7 December
Also, 8, 14, 15, 21 and 22 December
Breakfast with Santa
Living Coasts, Torquay Harbourside, Beacon Hill, Torquay, TQ1 2BG
Meet Santa at breakfast time where you’ll get to decorate and enjoy pancakes; receive a special present from Santa; make some presents for the penguins and see the happy elf who delivers your presents to the playful penguins. Booking essential.
14 December
Santa's Christmas Party Cruise
Plymouth Boat Trips, Commercial Wharf, Madeira Road, Plymouth, PL1 2NX
A fun and festive cruise for the whole family. Ticket price includes a soft drink and small toy for each child. Plus, there will be festive music and face painting - making it a fun-filled Christmas party. Tickets cost £6 per adult and £10 per child.
From 14 December
Also, 15, 21, 22, 23 and 24 December
Meet Santa at Paignton Zoo
Paignton Zoo, Paignton, TQ4 7EU
Meet Santa in his magical grotto at Paignton Zoo and receive a fantastic present. Follow the snowman trail and pick up a special prize of a chocolate snowman upon completion. 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 14th December
Also 15, 21 & 22 December
Breakfast with Santa
Plymouth, PL7 5DG
www.dartmoorzoo.org.uk/christmas-at-the-grotto/
Join Santa for a tasty breakfast followed by an activity for the children. Santa will stop at your table for a chat and will give the children a gift. The Child's Breakfast is £15 and includes admission, waffles, yogurt, fruit & a juice. Children will also experience a close encounter session with out bugs and reptiles, hosted by one of Santa's elves. Must be pre-booked. Time: Between 9am and 10am. Call 01752 837645.
From 14 December
Also 15, 21 & 22 December
Santa's Grotto
Plymouth, PL7 5DG
www.dartmoorzoo.org.uk/christmas-at-the-grotto/
Visit santa at Dartmoor Zoo where the Grotto will be open from 11am - 12pm on the weekends above. All chidlren will get to meet Santa and have 5 minutes with the man himself to speak to him and create those chirstmas memories. Tickets cost £3.50 per child.