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, there will be many opportunities to eat, drink, and be merry. Our Christmas tree on the lawn and illuminations will help you to get into the spirit of the season!
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 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 on offer for Christmas.
Very merry voucher
Treat someone special to an experience, by grabbing a gift voucher that they can use for a night out, leisurely lunch, or pampering session. Many of the Yard's shops and restaurants have vouchers available in store and online.
Make the most of Wildwood's gift voucher promotion; get 10% off gift cards (until 7th January 2025) and treat friends and family to a delightful dining experience whenever they please.
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.
Cinema
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.
The festive Throwback films on Sundays and Tuesdays also come with a complimentary drink and popcorn:
- It's a Wonderful Life on 15th and 17th December
- Home Alone 2: Lost in New York on 22nd December
Or enjoy a late night, with the Friday Late Nights screening:
Get outdoors
Join South West SUP for the annual Festive Paddle. This will be around high tide and head to Drake's Island or Mount Edgecumbe. Festive treats are included afterwards at the News Cafe. Festive fancy dress (even just a Santa hat or tinsel!) is encouraged, with a pass for five free sessions for the best dressed! Book here, select the social paddle at 9am on 21st December (to join you must have been to a club/social session this year).
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
- 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.
Native Makers Festive markets
- 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
- Location: upstairs in the New Cooperage building
- Children’s Christmas crafts (10am-2pm, Click here to book onto this free event)
- Barbershop Choir (performance at 1pm)
- A visit from Santa (10am-2pm)
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. Serving something for everyone, mulled wine and children's soft drinks will be provided by Steel Brew.
Enjoy carols and Christmas tunes from a Barbershop Choir, whose performance in the afternoon will delight and deliver plenty of cheer. Santa will also be at the Yard, giving children the chance to say hello and put in any last minute Christmas requests! Arriving in his sleigh, Santa will join us thanks to Plymouth Round Table.
Festive Paddle
- Saturday 21st December (9am)
- Location: Firestone Arch
Join South West SUP at high tide and head to Drake's Island or Mount Edgecumbe. Festive treats are included afterwards at the News Cafe. Festive fancy dress (even just a Santa hat or tinsel!) is encouraged, with a pass for five free sessions for the best dressed!
Tickets are 1 session pass or £20 pay-as-you-go. Book here, select the social paddle at 9am on 21st December (to join you must have been to a club/social session this year).
