Christmas 2025
Plymouth's historic Royal William Yard is set to transform into a winter wonderland once again, 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 for shopping under the stars on Wednesday evenings and leisurely weekend wanders on Sundays. Over 60 stalls will showcase the South West's best artisans and makers offering festive wares and unique gifts.
Diary Dates
Festive Good Food & Craft Market
- 3rd December (5-9pm)
- 7th December (10am–3pm)
- 10th December (5-9pm)
- 14th December (10am–3pm)
- 18th December (5-9pm)
- 21st December (10am-3pm)
Location: Melville building and courtyard and Arcade
With festoon lights throughout, hot food and a tipple or two to tempt the tastebuds, this is always the place to visit in the run-up to Christmas. Stock up on cheese and chutney, cake and fudge, candles and ceramics, art and artisan produce – it’s a present buyer’s paradise.
On 3rd, 10th and 18th December, Plymouth City Brass will be performing at each of the Wednesday evening markets from 6.30pm, filling the air with seasonal carols and adding to the festive atmosphere.
Gifts Galore
New to the Yard this festive season, discover women's fashion boutique Pebble in Arcade, offering stylish pieces perfect for party season and beyond. For four-legged friends, Nala's Pet Co, also in Arcade, stocks everything from treats to toys for pampered pets.
Shop for unique presents from inspiring independents, including clothes, accessories and homewares from boutique, Identity Fashion; stylish haircare sets from YOKE; a range of hampers from wine merchant, Le Vignoble; and gift sets and vouchers from Enhance Aesthetics & Wellness.
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.
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. There are even options to book in for Christmas Day or New Year’s Eve, for those who want to celebrate in style.
Check out the Yard’s array of bars and restaurants – Bistrot Pierre, The Hook & Line, Seco Lounge, Wagamama, BLOCK Café and Steel Brew – have menus to delight and entertain.
Wildwood has a winter menu crammed with comforting dishes, including festive pizza and creamy baked artichokes, perfect for warming up on a chilly December evening.
Celebrate the season at The News Café with their tempting festive menu, featuring seasonal starters like truffled celeriac soup and wholetail scampi, followed by show-stopping mains including pan-roasted turkey with all the trimmings, and slow roasted pork belly with spiced rhubarb. Round it all off with indulgent desserts. Available for £24.95 for two courses or £29.95 for three courses, it's the perfect setting for work celebrations, family gatherings, or festive catch-ups with friends. Pre-booking is essential with a £10 per person deposit and pre-order required.
Bistrot Pierre will host its Festive Soiree Gastonomique event on 9th & 16th December, 6 festive courses for just £27.95 per person, featuring festive favourites like Camembert Brûlée, Pan-fried Salmon Fillet, classic Roast Turkey and Black Forest Chocolate Mousse. There will be a Christmas Party Offer (save £4 per person when you book your Christmas Party on Sunday-Tuesday). There will also be New Year's Eve celebrations, with 4 courses with a live singer for £54.95 per person.
Entertainment
Get hands-on with festive creativity at The News Café's Christmas wreath making workshop on Monday 8th December from 6.30-8.30pm. Hosted by Honors Flower School, you'll craft your own beautiful wreath to take home whilst enjoying a glass of house wine or soft drink and a mince pie on arrival. Perfect for a festive evening out with friends or a unique date night. £40 per person, booking essential. For little ones, kids cookie making sessions run throughout December, Monday-Thursday from 3-4pm at £10 per child.
You can also get into the Christmas spirit at Everyman cinema – with its velvet sofas and treats served to your seat – as it screens Christmas classics. Its Throwback films on Sundays and Tuesdays also come with a complimentary drink and popcorn. Take a look at what's planned:
Events:
RBO Live : Cinderella
Tuesday 2nd - 13:00 (Encore)
RBO Cinema Season 2025-26: Cinderella Showtimes & Tickets — Everyman Cinema
National Theatre Live: The Fifth Step
Thursday 4th - 12:30, Wednesday 10th - 14:30, Thursday 11th - 18:00
National Theatre Live: The Fifth Step Showtimes & Tickets — Everyman Cinema
Andre Rieu's 2025 Christmas Concert: Merry Christmas
Saturday 6th - 19:00, Tuesday 9th - 13:00 (encore)
Andre Rieu's 2025 Christmas Concert: Merry Christmas Showtimes & Tickets — Everyman Cinema
RBO Live: The Nutcracker
Wednesday 10th - 19:00, Tuesday 16th - 12:45 (Encore)
RBO Cinema Season 2025-26: The Nutcracker Showtimes & Tickets — Everyman Cinema
Christmas Films
Friday 5th - 21:00 - Die Hard
Late Nights: Die Hard Showtimes & Tickets — Everyman Cinema
Saturday 13th - 12:00 - Home Alone
Home Alone Showtimes & Tickets — Everyman Cinema
Sunday 14th - 12:15 - Home Alone 2 : Lost In New York
Home Alone 2: Lost in New York Showtimes & Tickets — Everyman Cinema
Christmas Throwback (popcorn and selected drink included)
Sunday 7th - 15:45 - Love Actually
Throwback: Love Actually Showtimes & Tickets — Everyman Cinema
Sunday 14th - 15:00 - It's A Wonderful Life
Throwback: It's a Wonderful Life Showtimes & Tickets — Everyman Cinema
Sunday 21st - 15:45 - The Holiday
Throwback: The Holiday Showtimes & Tickets — Everyman Cinema
Out & About
Seize the opportunity to get out and about for a refreshing winter walk along the South West Coast Path and stop for a hot drink or warming meal on the way. Boxing Day and New Year's sea swims are 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!
Visiting is now easier than ever, with an extension to the parking facilities at the top of the site at Devil’s Point, which has created over 100 additional spaces.