Plymouth Christmas lights switch-on returns to the Barbican this festive season

This Saturday (15 November) sees the start of Plymouth’s festive season with the annual Barbican Christmas lights switch-on.

Santa will once again visit Plymouth, arriving with help from the RNLI, who will bring him ashore at the Barbican. 

He will join the Lord Mayor, this year’s Community Hero, and guests to flip the switch and light up the waterfront.

The event is being held in association with Dartmoor Zoo, with stallholders including Dartmoor Whiskey Distillery and S&J Fisheries.

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Sarah Gibson, Chief Executive of the Plymouth Waterfront Partnership, said:

"The Barbican Christmas Lights Switch-On is such a special community event here in Plymouth, Britain’s Ocean City. 

“A huge thank you to all the waterfront businesses, from independent shops and galleries to pubs, cafes, restaurants, hotels, B&Bs and offices, whose support makes this celebration possible. 

“Thank you also to our sponsors this year, Dartmoor Zoological Society, Cattewater Harbour Plymouth and PL1 Events Limited, whose support ensures the switch-on sparkles and brings joy this season."

Dr David Gibson, Chief Executive of Dartmoor Zoo, added:

"The team at Dartmoor Zoo are thrilled to support the Plymouth Waterfront Partnership with this year's launch event for the Barbican and waterfront Christmas Lights. We look forward to joining the thousands of people who attend each year. 

“As a local charity, we try to support family-focused community events, and we wish the Plymouth Waterfront Partnership every success for this event and future ones."

Festivities will begin at midday on Saturday, with a range of stalls, entertainment, and activities leading up to the lights switch-on. 

Children can enjoy free and paid-for activities, including face-painting, bouncy fun in the snow globe, and Christmas storytelling at The Maritime.

Local choirs and dance schools will perform on the main stage, sponsored by Cattewater Harbour, while The Salvation Army will sing carols on West Pier.

ABOVE: A day of events and entertainment is planned (Credit: Plymouth Waterfront Partnership)

The popular Gables Dog Show will take place on Commercial Wharf from 2pm to 3.30pm, with entry costing £2 per class and all proceeds going to Gables.

Santa is expected to arrive at the Barbican Landing Stage near The Mayflower Steps at around 4.30pm, with the Christmas Lights scheduled to be switched on at approximately 5.15pm.

This event highlights the connection between Plymouth and the surrounding region, including Dartmoor, as local organisations come together to celebrate the festive season.

Christmas shopping in the city centre has also been made more attractive this year with special free bus travel and £1 parking offers.

From the Christmas lights switch-on until Sunday 21 December you can catch the 200 bus between the Coypool park and ride and the city centre for free every Thursday evening and on Sundays.

If you want to drive, you can park at Western Approach car park for just £1 from 3pm every Thursday from 13 November to 18 December. (Normal charges will apply at all other times.)