Fancy doing something Christmassy that isn’t another shopping trip? Make a wreath, print your own cards, paint something for the mantelpiece or spend an afternoon getting creative with the children. It may feel slightly early to be starting to think about all things festive - but these events and activities get booked up early ad we wouldn’t want you to miss out!
There’s something rather lovely about unpacking a decoration you made yourself, especially when it comes with a memory of the people you made it with. And a wonky handmade present can mean every bit as much as something beautifully wrapped from a shop.
Here are 10 ways to make a little Christmas in Plymouth this November and December, from free family activities to workshops for a festive catch-up with friends.
1. Make a wreath with a story at The Box
Willow, fragrant foliage and a little seasonal history: The Box’s artist-led Yule wreath workshop offers more than a ready-made ring to decorate.
Karen from The Conscious Sisters CIC will show you how to shape your own willow base, before adding botanicals sourced locally by Plymouth City Council’s Parks team, alongside ingredients such as cinnamon and dried orange. You’ll also hear about the traditions and symbolism behind the materials.
Good for: An adult creative outing; check with The Box if booking for a younger participant.
Where: The Box, Tavistock Place.
When: Saturday 14 November or Sunday 22 November 2026, 10.30am–1pm.
Cost: £45, including materials, tools and instruction. Tickets are non-refundable.
Booking: Book your chosen date online. You can bring a personal decoration to add.
2. Give your Christmas cards a handmade touch
A card you designed yourself feels like a small present in its own right. At Devonport Guildhall, artist Jess Van Baalen will guide you through designing, carving and printing a festive image, ready to turn into cards for your favourite people.
The workshop welcomes beginners and includes materials. You’ll leave with a collection of cards and a new skill you can use long after Christmas.
Good for: Adults aged 18 and over.
Where: Devonport Guildhall, Ker Street.
When: Tuesday 24 November 2026, 6pm–8.30pm.
Cost: Paid workshop; check the ticket selector for the current price.
Booking: Book online. The venue is listed as wheelchair accessible; contact bethmunro@realideas.com about access requirements.
Book Make Your Own Linocut Christmas Cards
3. Put flowers on your Christmas tree
If traditional red and green isn’t your thing, a set of pressed-flower baubles could bring a different kind of colour to the tree.
In The Making’s workshop uses decoupage to decorate three glass baubles with pressed flowers. Choose your combination, add ribbons and take home decorations to keep or give away. No previous experience is needed, and hot drinks and pick ’n’ mix are included.
Good for: A creative evening on your own or with friends; ask the organiser about minimum ages.
Where: In The Making, Studio 12, Grow Studios, 14 Drakes Circus.
When: Tuesday 17 November 2026, 7pm–9pm.
Cost: £30, including materials.
Booking: Book online. The studio is not step-free accessible.
4. Paint a nutcracker with your own personality
Forget matching everything perfectly. Give a wooden nutcracker an outfit, colour scheme or expression that belongs entirely to you.
This beginner-friendly painting session at In The Making provides an approximately 18cm wooden figure, paints, tools and ideas to help you get started. It’s a manageable project with something ready for the mantelpiece at the end.
Good for: Friends or solo makers
Where: In The Making, Studio 12, Grow Studios, 14 Drakes Circus.
When: Wednesday 18 November 2026, 6.30pm–8.45pm.
Cost: Currently £20 early bird; the booking page also displays a £25 regular price.
Booking: Book online. Materials, hot drinks and pick ’n’ mix are provided. The studio is not step-free accessible.
5. Give your front door a gingerbread welcome
A festive doormat is a pleasingly practical thing to make. At this workshop, you’ll turn a plain mat into a gingerbread-style design, sketching out your ideas before adding the white painted details.
There’s inspiration available if you’re staring at a blank mat wondering where to start, and you’ll take your finished, sealed creation home that evening.
Good for: A creative evening with friends or by yourself; check minimum ages.
Where: In The Making, Studio 12, Grow Studios, 14 Drakes Circus.
When: Friday 20 November 2026, 6.30pm–9pm.
Cost: Currently £25 early bird; the page also displays a £30 regular price.
Booking: Book online. Materials, tools, hot drinks and pick ’n’ mix are included. The studio is not step-free accessible.
6. Make a small woolly Christmas character
A little wool can become something full of personality. Art Craft & Laughter’s Christmas needle-felting workshop invites beginners to choose a festive design and learn how to shape their own creation.
Materials, guidance and tea are included, making this a chance to sit down, concentrate on something small and enjoy a few hours of making.
Good for: Adults seeking a beginner-friendly craft evening; ask about suitability for younger participants.
Where: Art Craft & Laughter, lower ground floor, 6 Shelley Way, St Budeaux.
When: Thursday 12 November 2026, from 6pm. The listing gives conflicting finish times of 8.30pm and 9pm; confirm when booking.
Cost: £30, including materials.
Booking: Follow the Christmas needle-felting booking option on the organiser’s workshops page.
Find out more and book Christmas needle felting
7. Let the family design the wrapping paper
Sometimes the wrapping can be as personal as the present inside. Totally Emmeline’s festive family lino-printing workshop invites participants to create their own design and use it on cards and wrapping paper.
The organiser describes the session as suitable for all ages and abilities, with materials, tuition, tea, coffee and biscuits included. Check how the cutting activities are adapted if you’re bringing younger children.
Good for: Families making together.
Where: City Business Park, Plymouth, PL3 4BB.
When: Saturday 5 December 2026, from 10am; check the booking page for the finish time and any additional dates.
Cost: Paid tickets; check the current price online. Every attendee needs a ticket, including accompanying adults.
Booking: Book online. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Book Festive Lino Printing: Family Workshop
8. Make Merry Little Makes part of the school holidays
If the children need something absorbing to do between Christmas preparations, head to The Box for seasonal air-dry clay crafts.
On 22 and 23 December, families can make festive decorations inspired by The Way We Live exhibition. Return on 29 or 30 December and the activity switches to making tiles: a useful idea for those quieter days between Christmas and New Year.
Good for: Children aged four to 11 and their adults.
Where: The Box, Tavistock Place.
When: 22, 23, 29 and 30 December 2026, 10.30am–12.30pm and 1.30pm–3.30pm. Last entry at 12.15pm and 3.15pm.
Cost: Free admission; a £3 donation is suggested and welcomed.
Booking: Drop-in sessions. If the Learning Room is busy, try the Explore More tables while you wait.
Plan a visit to Merry Little Makes
9. Paint a present at ClayArt
A mug for someone who’s always putting the kettle on, a bowl for a keen cook or a small animal for a child’s shelf: a painted pottery gift can be as simple or elaborate as you like.
ClayArt on the Barbican offers bookable pottery-painting sessions for families, friends and solo visitors. This is a regular activity you can give a festive purpose, rather than a separate Christmas workshop.
Good for: Adults and families.
Where: 57 Southside Street, the Barbican.
When: Bookable two-hour sessions; the studio normally opens Tuesday to Sunday.
Cost: Depends on the pottery chosen. The homepage advertises £10–£50; the booking page also lists some small items from £5.
Booking: Reserve online; call 01752 665565 for groups larger than five. Pieces usually take eight working days to be ready, with longer waits possible around Christmas. Ask about the last painting date for Christmas collection before booking a gift-making visit.
Book pottery painting at ClayArt
10. Find festive inspiration at Native Makers
If you’d like a creative Christmas outing without committing to a whole workshop, Native Makers’ Winter Makers Market offers a good starting point.
Market Hall will host more than 60 makers and small businesses, alongside a programme of free creative activities, demonstrations, taster workshops and interactive experiences. Browse handmade work, meet local creatives and see what you might like to try yourself.
Good for: Families, friends and anyone curious about making.
Where: Market Hall, Duke Street, Devonport.
When: Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 November 2026, 10am–4pm.
Cost: Free market entry, with free creative activities advertised. Purchases and any separately ticketed experiences cost extra.
Explore the Native Makers Winter Makers Market
Whether you come home with a wreath, a gift or a slightly paint-covered child, making something together can become part of the Christmas tradition.
Details checked on 3 November 2026. Prices, availability and programmes may change. Check the organiser’s booking page before making plans; early bird prices may end.
