Plymouth loves

ChristmasVisit Plymouth for a truly magical Christmas. The fun begins 12 November.

Brand new Christmas Lights: Stunning gold and white lights with snow falling effect features will line the streets. They will add must-see sparkle and decorations to the festive season.

Switch-on event has moved: Join celebrities and special guests as they count down and switch-on the Christmas Lights, but take note – this event has moved and will take place on The Piazza. See page 4 for more information.

Follow the Nutcracker Trail: Pick up a trail booklet and #FindTheNutcrackers situated in 20 secret locations around the City Centre. Enter the competition and be in with a chance of winning one of twelve iPAD Mini’s up for grabs. See page 6 for details.

New Christmas Craft and Food Market: For vintage Christmas gifts and local food produce the new Christmas Market needs to be top of your wish list. Page 12 provides a taste of what’s on offer.

Plymouth really does love Christmas so this year the festivities are bigger and better than ever before. From Thursday 12 November the city centre will be transformed into a winter wonderland sparkling with magic. You could say there’s more activity taking place than in Santa’s workshop.

What’s new?

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Christmas Lights Switch-OnPiazza, Armada Way 12 November

Nutcracker TrailCity Centre 12 November to 4 January

Snow GlobeArmada Way Gardens 12 November to 3 January

Late Night Shopping City CentreEvery Thursday night from 12 November until Christmas

Plymouth Winter Ice RinkPiazza, Armada Way 19 November to 31 January

Ocean Studios’ Christmas Exhibition Royal William Yard 20 November to 24 December

Santa’s Grotto, Drake Circus Drake Circus 21 November to 24 December(early viewing from 12 November)

Christmas Craft and Food MarketArmada Way 26 November to 6 December

Christmas in the City Market Plymouth City Market, New George StreetThroughout December

Small Business Saturday Frankfort Gate5 December

Santa’s Grotto and Breakfast with SantaRumpus Cosy, Derry’s Cross 5 December to 24 December

Santa Fun RunCity Centre 6 December

Christmas Good Food Market & Christmas Tree Switch-On Royal William Yard 6 December

Christmas on the BarbicanBarbican and Sutton Harbour 6 December

Christmas Arts & Crafts MarketRoyal William Yard Sunday 13 December

Cinderella, Pantomime Theatre Royal Plymouth 18 December to 16 January

What’s on – at a glance

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Adding must-see sparkle and decorations to the festive season.

The official 2015 Christmas celebrations start on 12 November following the anticipated Christmas Lights Switch-On. Starting at 4pm, visitors are invited to join celebrities and special guests on the Piazza for an evening of entertainment before the countdown and switch-on takes place.

Heart FM South West will be hosting a stage of entertainment, kicking off at 4pm with a performance from the Hot Mustard Choir. Local artists Sophie Hambly, Jacob Hunt and Martin Crocker will follow really kicking the party off in style.

Sam Bailey, X-Factor winner from 2013, Prince and Princesses and local personality John Allin aka ‘Birdman’ will be paying a visit to the stage and starting the official countdown at approximately 6.20pm.

Children will be able to see characters including the Ice Queen, Ice Prince, Cinderella, Belle, Sleeping Beauty, Rapunzel and Snow White at approximately 5.40pm.

Sam Bailey will then take to the stage performing one of her hits before the countdown starts. Just before 6.30pm visitors will see the city light up with stunning gold and white lights with snow falling effect features lining the streets. Sam will continue to entertain the crowds with more top hits before local band Joker provide entertainment until 8pm.

Late night shopping will start on Thursday 12 November until Christmas, see overleaf for more details.

Plymouth Loves Christmas Lights: Thursday 12 November, 4pm onwardsNEW LOCATION: The Piazza, Armada Way

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Plymouth Loves ShoppingVisit Plymouth for gifts and treats everyone will love this Christmas.

Plymouth City Centre offers an array of high-street and independent shops providing you with a huge selection of choice when it comes to finding the perfect Christmas gift.

Whether it’s big brands, the latest toy, stunning jewellery or electrical goods, Plymouth is the place to be.

Drake Circus Shopping Centre, Debenhams and House of Fraser are home to many sought after brands including; Apple, Pandora, Superdry, Cath Kidston, Ted Baker, Firetrap, Benefit, and Michael Kors.

Plymouth is also home to many high-street and independent stores such as; Cotswolds, Drake’s Jewellers, Argos, Early Learning Centre, Laura Ashley, Sports Direct, BHS and Halfords.

If it’s toys you’re after you are sure to find lots of presents for children of all ages in Build A Bear, Toys R Us, The Entertainer and Whoopee!

For unique gift ideas take a walk to the City Market, specialist shops and galleries in the West End of the city or those tucked away on the cobbled streets around the Barbican and Sutton Harbour, selling beautiful homewares, hand-made crafts, jewellery

and paintings, prints and sculptures from local artists.

Drake Circus opening times

Thursday late night shopping - 12 November to 17 December, 9am to 9pm.

• Monday 21 to Wednesday 23 December, 9am to 7pm

• Thursday 24 December, 9am to 5pm

• Friday 25 December: Closed

• Saturday 26 December, 9am to 6pm

• Sunday 27 December, 10.30am to 4.30pm

• Monday 28 to Wednesday 30 December, 9am to 6pm

• Thursday 31 December, 9am to 5pm

• Friday 1 January, 10.30am to 4.30pm

• Saturday 2 January, 9am to 6pm

• Sunday 3 January, 10.30am to 4.30pm

The Christmas Craft and Food Market will run from Thursday 26 November to Sunday 6 December. For more information turn to page 12.

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Santa has been busy touring Plymouth getting lots of toys for all the boys and girls this Christmas. On his travels he has left behind 20 Nutcrackers who have been told to find out what presents children are asking for.

Each Nutcracker has a name, simply tour the city centre with your Nutcracker Trail booklet and write down all of their names and you could win one of the twelve iPAD Mini’s that Santa left with Plymouth CityBus and The Herald for us to give away.

How to get a Nutcracker Trail booklet

Booklets will be sent to all Plymouth primary schools from Monday 2 November. Children who have not received a copy should ask their teacher.

Nutcracker booklets can also be picked up from the Plymouth CityBus shop on Royal Parade from Monday 2 November and anywhere you see a Nutcracker from Thursday 12 November.

How to win an iPAD Mini

Collect all 20 Nutcracker names and post your booklet in one of the three Santa’s post boxes by Monday 4 January 2016.

Santa’s Post Box Locations:• Santa’s Grotto, Drake Circus• New George Street, outside

Waterstones by the fairground rides

• Cornwall Street, by the Pyramid Grill on Place de Brest

Remember to take selfies with the Nutcrackers. Post them on social media using #FindTheNutcrackers

The Nutcracker TrailFind Santa’s Nutcrackers for your chance to win an iPAD Mini. Launches Thursday 12 November

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ROYAL PARADE

Use this map to help you plan your activities.

Make the most of Christmas

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Breakfast with Santa

Nutcracker Trail

Letter to Santa

Christmas Craft & Food Market

Santa’s Grotto

Experience everything that Plymouth has to offer and get in the Christmas spirit with a host of exciting and fun things to do this winter.

Have breakfast with Santa, twirl around the winter outdoor ice rink, create your own family Christmas scene inside the giant snow globe or take part in a Santa fun run.

Santa’s GrottoVisit Santa as he tours the city finding out what the boys and girls wish for this Christmas.

Not only will the Nutcrackers be reporting back to Santa, children can also meet him themselves at one of the Breakfast Time With Santa events at Rumpus Cosy or at his Grotto in Drake Circus.

Drake Circus Shopping CentreVisit Santa in Drake Circus Shopping Centre, on the ground floor daily from Saturday 21 November, in his grotto located near Starbucks.

Every child visiting Santa will receive a magical gift. 50p from every visit will go to Drake Circus’ chosen charities: Children’s Hospice South West, St Luke’s Hospice, Cancer Research UK and Devon Freewheelers.

Radiant Christmas Grotto, Rumpus Cosy, Derry’s CrossNamed as one of the Top Ten Family Attractions in the UK by the Observer and Sunday Times in 2014 this Grotto is a miniature theatre performance for the whole family. This Frightfully Charming Deer and Fluffy Snow Creature show features music, dancing, large scale puppets, a tin treasure hunt and deep, deep snow. Open from Saturday 5 December.

Opening times for the Grottos vary so go to visitplymouth.co.uk for more information.

Breakfast with SantaJoin Santa at a magical feasting table set inside a gigantic snowstorm in the shining heart of Radiant Gallery. Have a beautiful breakfast, tell Santa what you have done this year to be good, and ask him to put you on his Gift List.

Create a lovely memento of your special morning with Mr Christmas himself, and receive something to take home for someone you love. Suitable for everyone of all ages.

Plymouth Loves Christmas FunFestive, exciting events in an enchanting Winter Wonderland.

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Snow GlobeHead to Armada Way Gardens, step inside the giant snow globe and create your own Christmas scene. Have your picture taken and remember this moment forever - you could even create your own Christmas card with the picture!

The snow globe opens on the evening of Thursday 12 November and remains open until Sunday 3 January.

Winter Ice RinkGet your skates on and wrap up warm as the winter ice rink provides an authentic Christmas experience.

Located on the Piazza from Thursday 19 November until Sunday 31 January. There are various discounts for family tickets and students.

Letters to SantaChildren of all ages can write a letter toSanta in the North Pole. Go to visitplymouth.co.uk to download a template letter and post in one of the city’s Santa letter boxes by24 December. No stamp required.

Santa’s Post Box Locations:• Santa’s Grotto, Drake Circus• New George Street, outside

Waterstones by the fairground rides• Cornwall Street, by the Pyramid Grill

on Place de Brest

Santa Fun RunDress up as Santa and run through the City Centre for charity. For the 6th consecutive year the Saltram Rotary Club are hosting the Santa Fun Run, helping to raise funds for Dame Hannah Rogers Trust and Jeremiah’s Journey.

Taking place on Sunday 6 December at 11am hundreds of Santa’s will run, jog and walk from the entrance of Drake Circus Shopping Centre on Cornwall Street in either a 4km or 2.5km loop.

Take part in this run and receive your own Santa costume and finisher’s medal. Go to visitplymouth.co.uk to find out how to register.

Nutcracker TrailTour the city and search for the 20 Nutcrackers that are placed in secret locations for your chance to win an iPAD Mini. Go to pages 6 & 7 for more information.

For more information about opening times, prizes and booking details for everything mentioned on this page go to visitplymouth.co.uk

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Finding the perfect gift for Christmas can sometimes be difficult so this year we are making it easier for you by introducing a Christmas market like no other.

A wide selection of independent businesses and food producers will provide everything from traditional Christmas mulled wine to unique gift ideas will be situated along Armada Way in the heart of the city centre. Traditional log cabin style stalls decorated with highly visible Christmas lights and traditional garlands will create a magical Christmas experience that will attract visitors from all over the region.

We have teamed up with local trade fayre organiser, and founder of ‘All things Vintage & Lovely’, Miss Ivy Events to offer unique and quirky gifts, not often found on the high street.

Taste of the West is also partnering the event so the market will offer you the fresh tastes, smells and sights of local food producers. Whether it’s something to fuel your late night shopping sprees, to add to the Christmas dinner or for a special stocking filler there is lots to choose from.

Small Business Saturday5 December

Supporting independent businesses, or individuals that have turned a hobby into an enterprise, you can see what Christmassy delights they can offer at our Small Business Saturday market on Saturday 5 December. Around 20 businesses selling everything from handmade Christmas decorations and jewellery to Christmas crafts can be found at Frankfort Gate between 10am and 3pm. The Sound Council choir will be performing Christmas Carols in the morning and you will be able to meet some special guests that have been lined up. There will also be a business networking event from 9am in Holland’s Retro Diner and Bar and experts will be on hand all day for all your business needs. This event is organised by Plymouth City Centre Company in association with the Plymouth Federation of Small Businesses.

Introducing... the brand new Christmas Craft and Food MarketThursday 26 November to Sunday 6 December

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Christmas in Plymouth City MarketThroughout December

Throughout December Plymouth City Market will be getting into the Christmas spirit by hosting Christmas themed events every weekend in December. With competitions, characters, musical performances, entertainment and activities the City Market will be providing fun for all the family. Saturday 5 December – Panto themed

Saturday 12 December– Star Wars themed

Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 December – Family Fun Day The City Market will be open for extended hours throughout December:Mondays – 8am to 5pm

Tuesdays – 8am to 5pm

Wednesdays – 8am to 4.30pm

Thursdays – 8am to 8pm

Fridays – 8am to 5pm

Saturdays – 8am to 5pm

Sundays – 10.30am to 4.30pm

For more information about the events being held at Plymouth City Market go to visitplymouth.co.uk or plymouthcitymarket.co.uk

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There is plenty going on outside of the City Centre too! Head to the Barbican & Sutton Harbour as well as Royal William Yard for markets, exhibitions and Christmas light switch-on events.

Ocean Studios Christmas ExhibitionFriday 20 November to Thursday 24 December

Ocean Studios, situated at Royal William Yard, is hosting a Christmas exhibition featuring work from the artists based within the Studios as well as a wide selection of original gifts.

The exhibition will feature painting, photography, print, textiles and glass work.

Visit the artists in their studios and watch them work as they open up their studios from Friday 4 to Sunday 6 December.

Christmas Good Food Market & Christmas Tree Switch-OnRoyal William YardSunday 6 December

Stock up for Christmas with the best local food and drink from across the South West. Santa will be appearing at this event.

Christmas on the BarbicanBarbican and Sutton HarbourSunday 6 December

Visit The Barbican and Sutton Harbour on Sunday 6 December for and afternoon of Christmas family fun. See if you can spot Santa as he pays a visit ahead of the Christmas lights switch-on at 4pm.

Christmas Arts & Crafts MarketRoyal William YardSunday 13 December

Returning to the Yard, Born Hectic host a special Christmas themed Arts & Crafts market for all the family, including a Lantern Parade and the Military Wives choir.

Christmas in the Waterfront

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Whether you are planning on travelling by car, bus or train there are plenty of options to suit your needs. All attractions are a short walk from the historic waterfront.

Car parks

City Centre – There are 20 car parks in and around the city centre providing thousands of parking spaces for shoppers. As well as Drake Circus we have the Civic Centre, Colin Campbell Court, Derry’s Cross and the Theatre Royal car parks to name a few.

If you are looking to save the pennies our cheapest car park is Western Approach (near Toys R Us) offering a day’s parking at £5.

Barbican and Sutton Harbour – Park up at the Harbour, Elphinstone or Lambhay Hill car parks for parking close to the waterfront.

Royal William Yard – There is limited parking available in the yard. Visitors can park at the Theatre Royal car park and catch the number 34 bus from Royal Parade operating every 15 minutes. 34A runs all day, every day (excluding 25 to 26 December and 1 January).

Visit plymouth.gov.uk/parking for more information.

Park and RideStagecoach South West operates three park and ride sites in Plymouth; Coypool, the George and Milehouse. Services are up to every 10 to 12 minutes. Monday to Saturday. Fares are from £2 return from Milehouse, £2.30 return from Coypool and £2.70 return from the George.

The Park and Ride stops on Royal Parade in the heart of the City Centre, alternatively take the bus to Exeter Street Viaduct and walk to the Barbican and Sutton Harbour.

Visit plymouth.gov.uk/parkandride for further information.

Skipper Day TicketAny bus, anywhere, anytime! This bus ticket gives you the freedom to get on and off any bus in the city, as many times as you wish, for a whole day! Tickets can be purchased on the bus from any participating operators. Valid throughout the whole of Plymouth, including Torpoint, Saltash, Roborough, Langage, Ivybridge and Wembury.

Visit plymouth.gov.uk/skipper

TrainCome to Plymouth by train and enjoy a day out. The station is located only a ten minute walk from the heart of Plymouth with direct services from many cities. For details and tickets visit nationalrail.co.uk or call 08457 48 49 50.

FerriesThe water taxi from Mountbatten is a direct route straight into the Barbican and Sutton Harbour.

Visit plymouth.gov.uk/mountbatten for more information.

If you are travelling from Cornwall to the Royal William Yard the Cremyll Ferry is quick and direct into Stonehouse. Visit www.cremyll-ferry.co.uk for more information.

Please note times and fares are subject to change.

Transport and parking