Christmas at the Yard
Plymouth’s historic Royal William Yard transforms into a winter wonderland at this time of year, with festive markets, places to shop and socialise, and illuminations twinkling throughout the historic site. With Christmas menus on offer and plenty planned over the special season, there will be many opportunities to eat, drink, and be merry.
Head to the Festive Good Food & Craft Market, taking place on Wednesday evenings for shopping under the stars and Sunday daytimes for a leisurely weekend wander. Over 70 stalls will showcase the South West’s best artisans and makers. Taking place inside the Grade I Melville building and outside in its courtyard, sip a mulled wine, buy a real Christmas tree, and stock up on gifts. A free shuttle bus will run during each market, making it even easier to enjoy your visit.
Gifts galore
Shop for unique presents from inspiring independents, including handmade chocolates from Domea Favour; clothes, accessories and homewares from boutique, Identity Fashion; stylish haircare sets from YOKE the Salon; and a range of hampers from wine merchant, Le Vignoble. Enhance Aesthetics & Wellness has recently become an exclusive a spa partner for Evolve Organic Beauty, an award-winning organic British skincare brand, and there are gift sets and vouchers on offer for Christmas.
Food & drink
Festive menus are available at many of the Yard’s eateries, catering for any occasion from a cosy dinner with friends to a lively Christmas knees-up. The Hook & Line has a mouthwatering three-course Christmas menu, with everything from a classic roast to a Devon spiced rum and plum crumble. Wildwood is offering an Italian inspired festive feast, with three courses, Prosecco and Christmas crackers. Don’t fancy cooking on the big day? Bistrot Pierre is taking bookings for Christmas Day, with bespoke menus for adults and children.
Entertainment
Get into the Christmas spirit at Everyman cinema. The luxury cinema – with its velvet sofas and treats served to your seat – will show a whole host of Christmas classics. Its Throwback films on Sundays and Tuesdays also come with a complimentary drink and popcorn.
Seize the opportunity to get out and about for a refreshing winter walk along the South West Coast Path and stop for a tipple or tasty treat. Feeling brave? Boxing Day and New Year’s sea swims have become a tradition for many, and at Royal William Yard there’s no better place to take the plunge. Join the sea swimmers at Firestone Bay and then warm up in Halogi mobile sauna!
Diary dates
Festive Good Food & Craft Market
- 1st December (10am–3pm)
- 4th December (5-9pm)
- 8th December (10am-3pm)
- 11th December (5-9pm)
- 15th December (10am–3pm)
- 18th December (5-9pm)
- Bonus additional date: 22nd December (10am-3pm)
Location: Melville building and courtyard
For more details visit https://royalwilliamyard.com/w...
A huge array of stalls offering festive wares and unique gifts. With Christmas lights, hot food and mulled wine adding to the atmosphere – this is the place to visit. Get here for free on the shuttle bus service from the city centre. Click here.
Le Vignoble Grand Christmas Wine Tasting
28th November
Location: Le Vignoble, New Cooperage
Tickets: £15 per person (book online)
The wine experts will highlight a selection of wines perfect for the festive season. A shopping event with over 100 wines to sample so you can fill up your wine rack for Christmas, talk food and wine pairings, and discover delectable new drinks.
Native Makers Festive markets
- Saturday 30th November – Sunday 1st December (10am-4pm)
- Saturday 14th – Sunday 15th December (10am-4pm)
- Location: Ocean Studios, Factory Cooperage
Run by Real Ideas, these makers markets will be full of festive wares to inspire and explore, spread over three rooms and two floors. Supporting local and regional makers, this celebrates small independent businesses through originality, diversity, sustainability and design.
Festive Family Day - Saturday 14th December
Children’s Christmas crafts (10am-2pm, Click here to book onto this free event)
Barbershop Choir (performances at 12pm and 2pm - tbc)
Join us for a day of Christmas merriment. There will be free festive crafting for children, to create some suitably seasonal works of art and mementos to take home. Enjoy carols and Christmas tunes from a Barbershop Choir, whose performances throughout the afternoon will delight and deliver plenty of cheer.
