Christmas celebrations start at Drake Circus

Christmas officially arrived at Drake Circus yesterday with the switch on of its festive lights and the announcement of its seasonal celebrations which includes five weekends of festive fun.

Every weekend from Saturday 20th November until Christmas, festive characters will be popping up at the centre to sprinkle some Christmas cheer.

This includes visits from the juggling Winter Fairy, festive stilt-walkers and magic elves, as well as the North Pole Porters who will also be on hand to help you with your Christmas shopping. There will also be an appearance from one of the most iconic Christmas characters around, The Grinch, who will be causing plenty of mischief and mayhem.

The centre’s Old Town Street entrance will be transformed into a Winter Wonderland from 18th November through to Christmas Eve, with snow falling every day at 4pm for 10 minutes. Be sure to snap a #snowselfie and tag Drake Circus in your photos using #drakecircusxmas.

Throughout the festive season Drake Circus visitors will be able to make contactless donations to the centre’s charity partners – Macmillan Cancer Support, Plymouth Domestic Abuse Service, Woodside Animal Welfare Trust and men’s mental health charity Andy’s Man Club – at its giant Giving Box, located inside its Cornwall Street entrance.

Greg Lumley, centre director at Drake Circus, said: “Christmas was a difficult time for many last year, so we want to do what we can to help make this year extra special. We’re excited to have a range of activities and festive characters to help visitors get into the Christmas spirit.”

Visitors can enjoy late night shopping until 8pm on Thursdays, and discounted parking at Drake Circus from £4 after 5pm or from just £2 after 5pm at The Barcode. Shoppers are also being encouraged to visit outside of peak times if they can, with quieter times usually before 11am and after 3pm Monday to Saturday, or after 3pm on Sundays.

For more information about planning a trip to Drake Circus, visit the Christmas page.