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What’s On in Plymouth - December 2024

Discover the best arts, culture, and festive events in Plymouth this December. Explore our guide to seasonal activities, creative workshops, performances, and more to make your holidays magical!

The festive season has arrived in Plymouth! The city is glowing with Christmas lights, and the excitement for the holidays is in full swing. To help you make the most of this magical time, we’ve put together a guide to some of the best arts, culture, and festive events happening in our vibrant city this December.

<p dir="ltr">From sparkling markets to enchanting performances and creative workshops, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So grab a hot drink, wrap up warm, and dive into the season's celebrations!</p> <p dir="ltr">Got an event you’d like us to include? Drop us a line at <a href="mailto:editor@aup.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">editor@aup.ac.uk</a> or reach out to us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/artsuniplym/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/artsuniplym/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Instagram</a>, or <a href="https://x.com/artsuniplym" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X</a>.<br /></p>
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<p dir="ltr">The Box are hosting a Christmas Market, the perfect spot to browse and buy lovely locally made items from a range of local makers in Devon. Items available include jewellery, home scents, tableware, prints, decorations and cards. Whilst you’re shopping, The Box Kitchen &amp; Bar will be serving hot and cold festive drinks, as well as offering a special discount at their onsite shop. </p> <p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.theboxplymouth.com/events/christmas-2024/local-makers-christmas-market" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">05 December @ The Box </a><br /></p>
<p dir="ltr">If you’re after the perfect date, day out with your friends and family or you just need help getting into the festive spirit, Plymouth’s Winter Wonderland is the place for you! With festive music, ice skating, rides, festive food stalls and even an apres ski bar, this is not one to miss. </p> <p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.visitplymouth.co.uk/whats-on/plymouths-winter-wonderland-p3406043" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">15 November- 1 January 2025 @ Central Park </a><br /></p>
<p dir="ltr">The Plymouth Christmas Market transforms the city centre into a festive wonderland, featuring charming log cabins adorned with twinkling lights. Visitors can explore unique gifts, crafts, and festive decorations while enjoying a variety of delicious treats, including mulled wine, churros, crepes, and more. With daily live entertainment from local choirs, jazz bands, and Christmas performers, the market offers a vibrant holiday atmosphere. </p> <p dir="ltr">For a stress-free visit, take advantage of Plymouth Citybus’s Ticket 2 Ride offer with £2 single fares.</p> <p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.visitplymouth.co.uk/be-inspired/blog/read/2024/11/all-you-need-to-know-about-the-plymouth-christmas-market-b1489" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">28 November- 15 December @ Piazza, Armada Way, Plymouth City Centre</a><br /></p>
<p dir="ltr">Our incredible Students Union are hosting an all things Christmas themed quiz night, open to students, staff and their friends. Bring your team of up to six people for a chance to win prizes worth £150! It's a £1 entry fee which goes towards the Student Union Food Bank Christmas Appeal, so you will be donating towards a good cause whilst proving your festive knowledge. </p> <p dir="ltr"><a href="https://fb.me/e/54Roh1i8f" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">3 December @ Arts University Plymouth: Students' Union</a> <br /></p>
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<p dir="ltr">Join us on Wednesday, 4 December, for a public lecture by Professor Stephen Felmingham, as part of the MIRROR exhibition Beyond What We Know. This special event celebrates the artistic and educational contributions of Professor Paul Fieldsend-Danks and Professor Stephen Felmingham, highlighting their impact at Arts University Plymouth and beyond. Stephen will share insights from his research on creativity, perception, and human potential in the technological age. This lecture is part of a series celebrating new professors at Arts University Plymouth, offering a chance to explore their academic achievements and creative work. Free and open to all!</p> <p dir="ltr">4 December @ Arts University Plymouth: Students’ Union, 3.30pm <br /></p>
<p dir="ltr">Join Real Art Make Print for an evening of creativity and connection at their Print Social event. Get hands-on with their vibrant RISO printer, meet like-minded creatives, and explore new ideas in a collaborative and welcoming environment.</p> <p dir="ltr">Whether you're looking to experiment with RISO printing, grow your creative network, or simply enjoy an evening surrounded by artistic energy, this event has something for everyone.</p> <p dir="ltr"><a href="https://royalwilliamyard.com/whats-on/riso-social-ocean-studios" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">04 December @ Ocean Studios </a><br /></p>
<p dir="ltr">The Festive Good Food &amp; Craft Market is back, showcasing the South West’s finest artisans, makers, and producers. Six festive markets will offer the perfect opportunity to shop for unique gifts, enjoy delicious treats, and soak up the seasonal atmosphere. Held in the Melville building and its charming courtyard, visitors can shop under the stars on Wednesday evenings or enjoy a relaxed Sunday wander. With Christmas menus, seasonal entertainment, and festive cheer in abundance, this is a must-visit destination for the holidays.</p> <p dir="ltr"><a href="https://royalwilliamyard.com/whats-on/festive-good-food-craft-market-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">4, 8, 11, 15, 18 December @ The Royal William Yard </a><br /></p>
<p dir="ltr">In collaboration with Plymouth Zine Library, The Plot and The Sewcial Guild, Queer Out Loud is hosting a fun workshop where you can hang out, make and sew patches, learn how to customise your clothes and take the opportunity to meet some new people.</p> <p dir="ltr"><a href="https://fb.me/e/57x8mJQk6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">07 December @ The Plot</a><br /></p>
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<p dir="ltr">Get hands-on with clay in this lively 2-hour workshop, perfect for beginners and creatives alike! Sip on a glass of prosecco as you sculpt anything that inspires you—whether from your imagination, personal reference images, or life model references provided on the day. Tickets are £30. </p> <p dir="ltr"><a href="https://royalwilliamyard.com/whats-on/sip-sculpt-ocean-studios" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">11 December @ Ocean Studios, Royal William Yard</a></p>
<p dir="ltr">Gather your friends and head down to Steel Brew for a night of murder mystery! Step into 1923 at Amherst Hall for an evening of intrigue and suspense! Inspired by the discovery of Tutankhamen’s tomb and whispers of a Pharaoh’s Curse, this immersive murder mystery event invites you to uncover the truth behind a chilling threat. Is it the curse, or is foul play at hand?</p> <p dir="ltr"><a href="https://royalwilliamyard.com/whats-on/murder-mystery-night-the-pharaohs-curse-steel-brew" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">12 December @ Steel Brew </a><br /></p>
<p dir="ltr">The UK’s biggest vintage kilo sale is returning to Plymouth, with a huge variety of vintage clothing up for grabs. Grab a bag and fill it with your favourite finds, all for £20 a kilo! Shopping sustainably is a great way to consume mindfully, especially this winter, so get shopping!</p> <p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/plymouth-vintage-kilo-sale-tickets-1091209760769?aff=erelexpmlt" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">14 Dec @ Plymouth Methodist Central Hall </a><br /></p>
<p dir="ltr">Don’t miss this extra Yard Sale event this month, hosted at St.Saviours Hall. As well as vintage secondhand, reworked fashion, handmade jewellery and homeware, you will also find workshops and an art exhibition! </p> <p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DCofdtrKZhb/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&amp;igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">14 December @ St. Saviours Hall </a><br /></p>
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<p dir="ltr">Make sure to save the date to visit the Native Makers annual winter market, hosted at Real Art Make Print, Ocean Studios. With 3 rooms across 2 floors, Native Makers have ensured that you can get all of your Christmas shopping done whilst being able to shop independently.</p> <p dir="ltr">You might even spot some of our Arts University Plymouth students, staff and grads!</p> <p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.nativemakers.co.uk/events/2024/9/18/festive-markets" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">14-15 December @ Ocean Studios </a><br /></p>
<p dir="ltr">With over 50 quality artisan food and gift stalls, the Mount Edgcumbe Christmas Fair is nothing short of magical! This is a great place to get something special for your loved ones (or yourself, we don’t judge) as well as experience carol singing and more festive entertainment. This event is ticketed, so make sure you book!</p> <p dir="ltr">Why not take the <a href="https://www.plymouthboattrips.co.uk/ferries/cremyll-ferry/#tab26" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cremyll ferry</a> to get there, running every 30 minutes from 08.30-18.00. </p> <p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/mount-edgcumbe-christmas-fair-tickets-1005076208997" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">14 &amp; 15 December @ Mount Edgcumbe House </a><br /></p>
<p dir="ltr">Explore Beyond What We Know, an exhibition celebrating the artistic and educational work of Paul Fieldsend-Danks and Stephen Felmingham. Reflecting on artistic practice and learning as fluid, evolving traditions, the exhibition draws inspiration from figures such as Richard Hamilton, Joseph Beuys, and Roger Ackling. Marking the conferment of their professorships, this showcase highlights their dedication to contemporary drawing and the pedagogies of the Art School, offering insights into ideas that transcend shared knowledge.</p> <p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/events/beyond-what-we-know" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">16-19 December &amp; MIRROR </a><br /></p>
<p dir="ltr">Join Plymouth’s favourite and cosiest pub this winter for a festive quiz! Not only will you be testing your Christmas knowledge, but there is also a Christmas Jumper competition - get booking! </p> <p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DC6B_wGqh-G/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">17 December @ The Lord High Admiral </a><br /></p>
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<p dir="ltr">Celebrate the festive season with Merry Moonlight Mixes this December, hosted in a stunning venue with high-beam ceilings, stained glass windows, and twinkling lights. Enjoy live music from the Unknown Jazz Collective from 7–9pm, followed by a lineup of resident and guest DJs spinning jazz, funk, soul, dub, deep tech, chilled house, and more.</p> <p dir="ltr">Free entry all night! Hosted by The Cosmic Collective.</p> <p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.fatsoma.com/e/m9wl1uce/cosmic-sessions-merry-moonlight-mixes-live-music-djs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">20 December @ Cosmic Kitchen </a><br /></p>
<p dir="ltr">If you find that you’ve had enough of watching Christmas films, losing at board games and eating all of the leftovers, a boogie might be what you need! The Warehouse Party will be taking place at Plymouth’s Millenium Complex, closed for 20 years but open to CASA this Boxing Day for a night full of house and techno, featuring Symbiosis, Wallis Ryan and many more. Tickets will sell out fast, so make sure you book now. </p> <p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/523959667093949/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A%5B%7B%22surface%22%3A%22external_search_engine%22%7D%2C%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22discovery_custom_tab%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D%5D%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">26 December @ The Millennium Building</a><br /></p>