Festive activities in Plymouth city centre

Concerts, nativity plays and Disney Frozen characters are among the latest activities planned to take place in Plymouth on the run down to Christmas.

Shoppers in the City Centre can visit the Christmas Market this weekend before Plymouth City Market ramps up their festivities.

The Christmas Market on the Piazza, operated by Market Place Europe, will trade up until 5pm on Sunday (14 December) when it closes for the season, with the exception of the Pyramid grill which will help set a nativity scene.

Stefan Krause, City Centre Manager, said: “This year we have out on a number of exciting things to do in the city and have tried to make sure we have something to cater for everyone, as well as support all businesses across the city centre.

“The Christmas market was very popular and now we want to encourage more people to visit the West End and City Market. We are also supporting local schools and church groups who will be bringing their nativity shows into the centre, enhancing the festival feel the week before Christmas.”

This Saturday (13 December) the Plymouth University Concert Band as well as the Big Band will perform at the Plymouth City Market. Performances will take place from 11.30am to 1.30pm and will include a range of musical, jazz and stage tunes as well as festive numbers.

Characters from the Disney film Frozen will also be visiting the City Market and will be able to meet visitors on Saturday 20 December from 10am to 2pm. The Western Approach Close Harmony Chorus will also be performing from 11am to 1pm. There will also be facepainting available at the market on both Saturdays.

People visiting the City Market between now and Christmas can take part in a competition and be in with a chance of winning tickets to see this year’s pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk, at Theatre Royal Plymouth.

To enter visitors need to take a picture of themselves in the Panto themed photo boards, located in their ‘Frozen in Woods’ set and then share them with the market via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or email - full details available in the City Market.

The market has extended its opening hours and will be open until 8pm on Thursday and 10.30am to 4.30pm on Sunday. There is also a pay and display car park available behind the market where parking is £1 per hour.

Children from local primary school and church groups will be performing their nativity plays by the Big Screen on the Piazza from on Thursday 18 to Saturday 20 December.

Around thirty children from Salisbury Road will perform on 18 December at 10.30am followed by afternoon performances from Wembury Primary at 1pm and High Street Primary at 2pm.

Local Church Group, Get in the Picture will give their take on the nativities on Friday 19 and Saturday 20 December with performances at 10am and 1pm.

Santa’s Grotto, outdoor ice rink and the Snow Globe will remain in the City Centre. New dressings inside the Snow Globe will appear, and a possibility of artificial snow, around the 15 December. Normal charges for these activities will apply.

More information can be found at visitplymouth.co.uk.