The countdown to Christmas is on at Plymouth’s historic Royal William Yard, as it transforms into a winter wonderland with festive markets, places to shop and socialise, and illuminations throughout the site. This year, shoppers can even pick up a real Christmas tree, enjoy tunes from a Barbershop Choir, and get involved in a free family festive crafting session. With Christmas menus on offer and plenty of entertainment planned, there will be many opportunities to eat, drink and be merry.

Shop under the stars or have a leisurely weekend wander, with a series of seven Festive Good Food & Craft Markets on Wednesday evenings and Sunday daytimes through December in the lead up to Christmas – with an extra date just added on the Sunday before Christmas for last minute seasonal supplies.

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 visit.

Shop for unique presents from inspiring independents, including Christmas ornaments, clothes and homewares from boutique, Identity Fashion; stylish haircare sets from YOKE the Salon; a range of gift hampers from wine merchant, Le Vignoble; and handmade chocolates from Domea Favour. 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.

Christmas menus are available at many of the Yard’s eateries, catering for any occasion from a cosy dinner with friends to a lively 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. And stock up on festive tipples with Le Vignoble’s annual Grand Christmas Wine Tasting session.

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 – right into the officially designated bathing waters of Firestone Bay. Join the sea swimmers and paddle boarders, then warm up in Halogi mobile sauna.

Festive Good Food & Craft Market

3^rd November (10am-3pm)

1^st December (10am–3pm)

4^th December (5-9pm)

8^th December (10am-3pm)

11^th December (5-9pm)

15^th December (10am–3pm)

18^th December (5-9pm)

22^nd December (10am-3pm)

Location: Melville building and courtyard

A huge array of stalls will offer festive wares and unique gifts. With Christmas lights, hot food and mulled wine adding to the atmosphere – this is the place to visit. Visit the Whats-on page to find out more. Get to Royal William Yard for free on the shuttle bus service from Plymouth city centre. Details here.

Grand Christmas Wine Tasting

Le Vignoble

28^th 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 30^th November – Sunday 1^st December (10am-4pm)

Saturday 14^th – Sunday 15^th 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) Free to attend but please book to ensure we have enough resources. Click here to book.

Barbershop Choir (performance at 1pm)

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.