Whether you’re on campus for the holidays or heading home, if you want to find out what’s on and when – we’ve got you! Check out the full calendar of Christmas events on campus and in Plymouth:
Festive Events On Campus
On campus in December? Our weekly events, like Karaoke and Jam House, are running until 11th December. If you don’t fancy coming to a big event, but want to see some friendly faces, the Bar team will be on-campus and the Hive will be open as usual until Friday 19th December. Don’t be shy!
Karaoke Wednesday | SU Big Room | 3rd & 10th December, 7pm
It’s tiiiiiiiiiime! Fancy yourself as the next Mariah? Show off those high notes in a festive special of our Karaoke Wednesdays in the SU. Entrance is free.
Jam House | SU Big Room | 4th & 11th December, 8pm
Enjoy the last two Jam House sessions of 2025! Bringing all the entertainment until 1am, Thursday nights in the SU go OFF – don’t miss out. Free entry all night.
Friday Night Quiz | SU Big Room | 7th December, 7pm
For the last quiz night of 2025, join your hosts for a testing trial of general knowledge, pop culture, campus life and more. £2 entry, cash only.
Saturday Club Nights | SU Nightclub | 6th December, 11pm
DJ Supa’s got the anthems, the Bar team have the drinks deals, all that’s left is for you to bring the vibe. Don’t miss out on the last club night of the year:
Get Tickets Now
UoP Carol Service | Mutley Baptist Church | 5th December, 7pm
If a traditional celebration is more your thing, join the UoP Choral Society and University Big Band for an evening of carols and readings. Free tickets, bookable here:
Find Out More
Plus, make sure you’re following us on socials to enter our 12 Days of SU:mas giveaway! We’ve got prizes from some of your favourite brands and venues across the city to spread the festive cheer.
Events In Plymouth City Centre
If you’re looking for festive things to do in and around Plymouth, whether it’s with your flatmates or your family, here’s a list of what’s on in the City and surrounding areas:
Plymouth Christmas Market | City Centre | 27th Nov – 21st December
Whether you want to get in the holiday spirit with a mulled wine, explore the wooden cabin shopping village, or get a bite to eat with friends, the Market has it all to offer.
Winter Wonderland | Central Park | 21st Nov – 4th January
With live music, drinks, food, rides and ice skating, a visit to Plymouth’s Winter Wonderland will certainly spread some joy. Entrance £1, ice skating requires booking.
Find Out More
Festive Sessions In The Square | Drake’s Circus | 4th and 11th December
Have your late night shopping soundtracked by some of the city’s most talented singers and musicians as they perform in The Old Town Square (between Drake’s Circus and Turtle Bay).
Learn More
Santa Fun Run | The Barbican & City Centre | 7th December, 11am
Take part in a 2.5km or 5km fun run of the city, dressed as Santa! The money raised goes towards two important charities; Shekinah and Jeremiah’s Journey.
Register Here
Festive Folk with Alex Hart | The Box | 14th December
Enjoy an evening of festive folk songs with Alex Hart, supported by South West musician Jon Fazal. Keep an eye on our 12 Days of SU:mas giveaway for the chance to win tickets, too!
Learn More
Plymouth Rock Choir Seasonal Concert | Methodist Central Hall | 16th December
Sit back and soak up the atmosphere as Plymouth Rock Choir raise the roof with their special holiday concert.
Learn More
Family Friendly Events
Breakfast with Santa | Age UK, PL4 9RD| 22nd December
This is you chance to have breakfast with the big man himself. Dogs are welcome and encouraged to take part in the fancy dress competition – best dressed wins a prize!
Book Tickets
Naughty Elf Hunt | City Centre | 13th Nov – 5th January
Follow the clues to find out who is trying to spoil Christmas in the city – collect your answers and submit them online by 16th Jan to be in with a chance of winning some fantastic prizes.
Learn More
Barbican Christmas Trail | The Barbican | 15th Nov – 4th January
Pick up a trail map from the Tourist Information Centre (next to The Barbican Theatre) and find all the puddings hidden around the Barbican. Look out for The Grinch!
Find Out More
Christmas Magic at Pennywell Farm | Pennywell | All December
Bring the magic of The North Pole a little closer to home with Pennywell’s Christmas Experience. With a walking nativity, festive treats, animal cuddles and the chance to meet Santa, this is fun for the whole family.
Book Tickets
Zooluminate | Dartmoor Zoo | 12th – 28th December
Explore Dartmoor Zoo as you’ve never seen it before – brought to life after dark with stunning illuminations. Tickets include a hot drink and a mince pie.
Find Out More
Dick Whittington Panto | Theatre Royal Plymouth | 12th December – 10th January
Shane Richie stars in Dick Whittington as TRP brings us another family classic for their panto season. Get your tickets now to avoid disappointment!
Get Tickets Now
Nearby Events
Mount Edgcumbe Christmas Fair | Mount Edgcumbe Country Park | 13th & 14th December
A weekend of festivity on a backdrop of stunning scenery. Tickets must be booked and are £5, or £10 with boat travel included.
More Info & Tickets
Christmas At The Abbey | Buckland Abbey | 29th Nov – 4th January
The Abbey has been transformed into a twinkling, immersive experience through the story of King Arthur.
Learn More
If you’re leaving campus for the holidays, would you mind checking your cupboards to see if there are any shelf-stable food items you can spare? Some of our students can’t get home to see their families, and many students face food scarcity over the holidays. If you have a tin of beans or a box of cereal going spare, we’d be so grateful for a donation to our Student Food Bank – located in The Hive.
Thank you, and happy holidays!