Christmas 2026

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.

A workshop at Royal William Yard is a good excuse to make something for someone you love, or to treat yourself to an afternoon of crafting in company. In the run up to Christmas, the Yard turns into its own kind of Santa's workshop!

7 and 14 November

Candle making, Candles of Sherford

Join Candles of Sherford for an afternoon of candle making. You'll be guided through the whole process of creating your own candle, from the wax used to choosing from their range of fragrances, plus the detail of how each candle is finished with flourish. Take home a candle of your own making, with a glass of Prosecco along the way.

Sessions run for 1 hour 45 minutes, from £36, with a choice of standard or grande jars to select before booking.

• Saturday 7 November, 11am
• Saturday 7 November, 2pm
• Saturday 14 November, 11am
• Saturday 14 November, 2pm

Book here: candlesofsherford.com/book-online

14 and 15 November

Fused glass workshops, Papercutz Glass Designs by Sheena

Papercutz Glass Designs by Sheena makes handmade fused glass and stained glass, crafted in the UK. These Christmas-themed workshops are open to complete beginners as well as those with some experience, and are equally suited to a solo visit, a trip with friends, or a family outing. Everyone leaves with their own finished design.

• Saturday 14 November, 10am–12.30pm
• Saturday 14 November, 2pm–4.30pm
• Sunday 15 November, 10am–12.30pm
• Sunday 15 November, 2pm–4.30pm

Book here: papercutzglassdesignsbysheena.co.uk/workshops

28 November

Print workshops with Emma Purdie

Emma Purdie studied Textile Design at the Surrey Institute of Art and Design, where she trained in traditional dye processes, dye chemistry and screen printing. She now works from her print studio by the sea in Plymouth, hand printing a luxury range of interior textiles using those same traditional methods.

More details to follow.

Shop for unique presents from inspiring independents, including clothes, accessories and homewares from boutiques, Identity Fashion and Pebble; stylish haircare sets from YOKE The Salon; a range of hampers and treats from Le Vignoble, Natural Source and The Tipple Cellar; and gifts aplenty from The Pop-up Shop in Arcade. Treats for four-legged friends can be found at Nala's Pet Co.

Treat someone special to an experience, by grabbing a gift voucher that they can use for a night out, leisurely lunch, pampering session, or cinema trip. Many of the Yard's venues, shops and restaurants have vouchers available in store and online.

Adding a touch of festive magic to the season, a life-sized polar bear puppet from Above Bounds Theatre Company will roam the Yard at 7pm on Wednesday 3rd December at the Festive Good Food & Craft Market. Families can look forward to unforgettable photo moments as this gentle Arctic giant explores the waterfront, spreading winter cheer and wonder. Based in Devon, Above Bounds Theatre places children’s voices at the heart of everything they create.

On 3rd and 10th 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.

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.