Plymouth’s maritime history and vibrant waterfront make it a distinctive destination. The winter highlight is the Plymouth Christmas Market. This guide covers the 2024 dates and opening times.
Plymouth Christmas Market 2024
Dates – Confirmed
Plymouth Christmas Market dates: 28th November to 15th December 2024 (confirmed).
Update: Dates were announced in June. Sign up for our newsletter for future updates.
Source: Dates are obtained directly from the tourist office, available here.
Plan Your Visit
Location and Times
Location: Armada Way.
Opening times:
Monday to Friday: 3pm to 9pm.
Saturday and Sunday: 12pm to 9pm.
Christmas Day: 12pm to 9pm.
Travel and Accommodation
Public transport: Bus stop: Royal Parade.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion. The nearest parking is at Theatre Royal Car Park.
Where to stay: The Craft House is a highly-rated hotel.
Amenities and Attractions
Admission: Free.
Santa: Yes.
Ice skating: Yes.
Reason to visit: Santa’s Grotto and 20 local stalls.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, plenty of options.
Gluten-free: Limited. Ask individual vendors, but beware of cross-contamination.
Food specialities: Devon pasties, clotted cream fudge, cider-infused sausages, Plymouth gin cocktails, seafood chowder.
Accessibility
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Not recommended.
Convenient Hotels
When visiting Plymouth, it’s always nice to stay somewhere central. This is why I recommend the Craft House, which is central and has excellent ratings and reviews.
Read our UK Christmas Markets List for more ideas on places to visit this winter.
Event Location
Captured a moment that embodies the holiday season? Tag your photos with #UltimateChristmasMarkets — we can’t wait to see your festive finds!
What to Expect
Plymouth’s market is set against the city’s maritime backdrop and features a range of attractions. Central to the experience is an undercover natural ice rink, perfect for families of all skill levels.
A grand Santa’s Grotto with an Elf Workshop adds to the festive atmosphere. The market also includes 20 stalls selling local refreshments, artisanal gifts, thrill rides, and a German-themed bar.
While entry to the market is free, it is recommended that you book tickets in advance for the ice rink and Santa’s Grotto.
Food Specialties
- Bratwurst Sausage: Traditional German sausages served with mustard or sauerkraut, available at the Christmas Swing Grill along with Krakauer, Currywurst, and Frankfurters.
- Fresh Pork & Turkey Rolls: Hearty rolls filled with succulent turkey and pork, served at The Hog Roast stall.
- Yorkshire Pudding Wraps: Classic British wraps filled with various ingredients, found at The Hog Roast.
- Steak & Beef Burgers: Juicy burgers from The Gourmet Grill paired with fresh salad and sauces.
- Traditional Sweets: Nostalgic treats like chocolates and handmade fudge from The Sweet & Fudge Factory.
- Gingerbread: Spiced gingerbread is available at The Sweet & Fudge Factory.
- Doughnuts and Crepes: Warm, customisable treats.
- Fresh Coffee and Hot Drinks: Coffee and hot drinks from The Donut, Crepes & Coffee House.
- German-themed Bar: Traditional German drinks, including beer and mulled wine.
Gifts and Stocking Fillers
- Plymouth Gin: A smooth spirit with a historic blend of botanicals from the Plymouth Gin Distillery, dating back to 1793.
- Cornishware Pottery: Iconic blue and white striped ceramics originating from nearby Cornwall.
- Woolly Jumpers: Warm, stylish jumpers crafted from local sheep wool.
- Local Artisan Crafts: Handcrafted jewellery, home decor, and bespoke items made by local artisans.
- Cornish Pasties: Rich, savoury pastries, often sold in decorative tins or gift boxes.
- Devon Clotted Cream: A regional treat, often packed in jars, perfect with scones or jam.
- Handmade Soaps and Bath Products: Natural products featuring Devon botanicals.
- Traditional English Teas: Local tea blends capture the essence of English tea culture.
- Local Ciders and Ales: Bottled ciders and ales brewed using traditional methods and local ingredients.
Sustainability Tips
- Eco-friendly Hotels: Book a hotel in Plymouth that uses renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power, with eco-certifications showing their commitment to sustainability.
- Mindful Eating: When dining out, order portions you can finish or share dishes to avoid waste. Bring a reusable container for any leftovers.
- Ethical Shopping: Support the arts community by choosing local art, products and crafts. Be thoughtful with purchases, avoiding impulse buys.
- Local and Sustainable Diets: Choose eateries and stalls that serve locally sourced foods, like fresh seafood and traditional pastries, to enjoy authentic regional flavours while reducing your environmental impact. Stick to plant-based foods where possible.
- Green Transport: Walk or cycle within the city centre or use Plymouth’s buses and trains for longer distances to reduce emissions and explore the area sustainably.
Comment below if you want to leave a Xmas review, have any questions or would like to report any inaccuracies.
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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. While we make every effort to provide accurate information, the dates and details listed here should not be relied upon. Please consult the official website before booking your trip or planning a visit.
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