From the buzzing nightlife to the windswept beaches nearby, Plymouth offers a varied and vibrant place to spend Christmas and New Year.

The South West’s largest destination it offers all the best elements of a city break while the rural charms of Devon are right on your doorstep.

And at this time of year there is an even more to do than usual.

From the outdoor ice rink at the city’s Winter Wonderland to the Theatre Royal’s all-star panto production there is plenty to get you in the festive mood.

Clare Phillips, visitor services manager at Visit Plymouth said: “Christmas and New Year is a great time to visit the city and our visitors really like the fact that there is lots to do in the city but just a short drive away they have the beaches and places like Dartmoor which are still fantastic at this time of year.”

The city boasts an array of great restaurants and is the premier shopping destination in the region - ideal for hitting the January sales.

And if you are planning to party this New Year then there is no better place in the South West. With its wealth of great pubs, bars and clubs there is a magical night for everyone’s taste.

Clare said: “Plymouth doesn’t have a big central event or fireworks display like some places but pretty much every club or bar as something going on. Whatever type of evening you are looking for you can find it here whether it is live music, a New Year’s ball or cabaret there is somewhere to go.”

So whatever type of festive break you are after, Plymouth can cater for your every need. Here is a quick guide to some of the festive highlights in the city this Christmas and New Year.

 Winter Wonderland, Piazza Ice Rink, Armada Way.

Type of event: Winter-themed visitor attraction.

Details:  Open-air ice-skating, Santa’s grotto and a wide range of other seasonal activities.

Great for: An outdoor Christmas activity that the whole family will enjoy.

When: Daily (closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.)

The centre of the city has been transformed into a sparkling ice rink, complete with Santa’s grotto and seasonal decorations.

And in addition to donning your ice skates there is a full programme of events over the festive period culminating in a special New Year’s Eve party.

With temperatures milder than usual this year, the Winter Wonderland is guaranteed to make sure you still feel like it is Christmas.

Cinderella, Theatre Royal, Royal Parade, PL1 2TR, 01752 230440.

Type of event: Pantomime.

Details:  Comedian Julian Clary stars in this classic festive production.

Great for: Some thigh-slapping, funny-bone tickling festive family fun.

When: Up until January 21. Call or check online for exact dates and times.

With a line-up that includes comic Julian Clary, Keith Harris and Orville The Duck you know you are in for a whole Santa’s sleigh full of seasonal panto fun.

Add stunning sets, eye-catching costumes and a classic fairytale story and it is now wonder that people have been flocking to the Theatre Royal this year.

An hilarious production that the whole family will enjoy.

Christmas Sleepover, The National Marine Aquarium,Rope Walk, Coxside, PL4 0LF, 0844 893 7938.

Type of event: Aquarium tour and sleepover.

Details:  Spend the night in the aquarium. Includes 4D film, twilight tour and sleeping in front of the shark tank.

Great for: An alternative Christmas experience.

When: December 28.

Experience the magic of the underwater world at night with the National Aquarium’s special Christmas sleepover.

You will be treated to a twilight guided walk before watching new 4D film Deepo's Underwater Wondershow in front of the newly re-themed Eddystone Reef tank and its collection of native sharks.

There are also arts, crafts, games and midnight snacks before you bed down for the night just a stone’s throw away from some of the sea’s fiercest predators.

January Sales, City Centre, Drake Circus, Barbican Quarter.

Type of event: Shopping.

Details:  Hit the January sales in the South West’s premier shopping destination.

Great for: Picking up a New Year’s bargain.

When: Most sales start from Boxing Day.

From the galleries and specialist stores of the historic Barbican area to the high street brands of the city centre, there are shops for every taste and budget in Plymouth.

And what better time to hit them than during the January sales with some Christmas cash in your pocket.

The biggest and best shopping destination in the south west, Plymouth also boasts Drake Circus, an undercover mall with more than 70 shops under one roof.

Coupled with the city’s Mediterranean-style cafe culture, a shopping expedition to Plymouth is a great way to spend a post-Christmas day off.

The Treasury New Year’s Eve Crystal Ball, The Treasury, Catherine Street,  PL1 2AD, 01752 672121.

Type of event: New Year’s Eve Party.

Details:  Live music, buffet and black tie event at one the city’s coolest venues.

Great for: Celebrating the New Year in style.

When: December 31.

One of Plymouth’s most stylish destinations, New Year at The Treasury is one of the hottest tickets in town.

Boasting live music, a buffet and black tie dress code it also features a giant balloon arch and ice sculpture vodka luge.

With its neo-gothic windows, high ceilings and chic decor this is undoubtedly one of the coolest places to see in 2012.

 

Revolution New Year’s Eve Party, Revolution, 1 Derry's Cross, PL1 2SW, 01752 666 138.

Type of event: New Year’s Eve Party.

Details:  DJs, fancy dress and cocktails are the order of the day at this New Year’s shindig.

Great for: A big New Year’s night to remember.

When: December 31 until 3am.

If you are looking for somewhere to let your hair down this New Year then Revolution could be the place for you.

Featuring fancy dress and DJs playing the biggest club anthems, this is the place to dance the night away.

There are also numerous drink promotions including shot cards and a cocktail wristband that allows you to queue jump and get three cocktails for £20 if bought prior to the party.

Plymouth Jazz Club New Year’s Eve Party Derriford Church Hall, Powisland Drive, PL6 6AB, 01752 774343.

Type of event: New Year’s Eve Concert.

Details:  Jazz concert featuring British trumpeter John Shilito.

Great for: A magical night of music to mark the New Year.

When: December 31.

If nightclubs and fancy dress aren’t your cup of tea then how about a night of top class music to see in 2012?

The Plymouth Jazz Club is hosting legendary trumpeter John Shilito’s Select Six.

John has worked with the likes of Mickey Ashman and John Bastable as well as fronting his own bands. He was also a major force in the formidable Roger Marks’ Armada Jazz Band.

 

Boringdon New Year’s Eve Ball, Boringdon Hall, Colebrook, Plympton, PL7 4DP, 01752 344455.

Type of event: James Bond-themed New Year’s Eve Ball.

Details:  Four course meal, casino, djs and Bond-inspired fancy dress.

Great for: Bringing a touch of glamour to the turn of the year.

When: December 31.

A favourite destination for everything from weddings to murder mystery nights, Boringdon Hall also throws one hell of a New Year’s Party.

This year’s Bond-themed Casino Royale ball offers a complimentary cocktail, live jazz and a delicious four course dinner as part of the ticket price.

And to add an extra layer of luxury to your New Year’s experience why not rent out one of the hotel’s opulent four poster doubles and make a night of it?

New Year’s Eve at Ride, 45-46 Tavistock Place, PL4 8AX, 01752 222305.

Type of event: New Year’s Eve party.

Details:  Live music, djs and a free glass of prosecco.

Great for: Letting your hair down and partying the New Year’s night away.

When: December 31 from 7pm.

One of Plymouth’s most vibrant venues, the twin-peaked tents of Ride offer a New Year’s night to remember.

Featuring djs, mash-ups and legendary live act Mad Dog McRea, there is something for everyindie kid or hardened rocker to enjoy.

There is even a free glass of sparkling wine for those arriving before 11pm.

Wembury New Year’s Day Dip, Wembury Beach, Wembury, PL9 0HP.

Type of event: Festive swim

Details:  Hundreds of hardy souls descend on Wembury to take a New Year’s Day dip in the sea or watch those brave (or foolish) enough to do so.

Great for: An alternative New Year’s Day celebration.

When: January 1, 1pm.

The hardy souls that take part swear it is the very best hangover cure. And if you are going to take a sobering plunge into the icy sea you might as well start do it for charity, with all the money going to the locally-based Shekinah Mission.

After braving the waves you can thaw out at the nearby Old Mill Cafe who are preparing a special ‘warm up’ soup with all the profits also going to Shekinah.