There’s something truly magical about Christmas in St Ives. Picture twinkling lights reflected in the harbour, the salty tang of sea air mixing with the scent of mulled wine, and cobbled streets buzzing with festive cheer.
This little Cornish town may be famous for its golden beaches and art scene in summer, but come December it transforms into a winter wonderland by the sea.
It even comes with Santa arriving on a lifeboat, bustling festive markets, and one of the UK’s best New Year’s Eve street parties.
St Ives In December
The main Christmas events in St Ives are organised by a group called St Ives In December. It is well worth checking out their website and social media later in year, as they start to post all sorts of lovely things.
St Ives In December website >>
Window Displays
Each year the St Ives shops enter a competition to win the best Christmas window display. It makes the town really magical - the shops make a super effort!
Christmas Markets
There are Christmas Markets, fairs, bazaars and fayres galore across Cornwall. We have so many local makers producing some beautiful things that make perfect, thoughtful presents. As Christmas 2025 approaches I will start adding in dates of the local markets. Ones to look out for are:
St Ives Farmers' Market
Little Market On The Front - they come back to the Salvation Army centre in the harbour for a Christmas market.
Nancledra School Christmas Fayre - there are lots of really good school Christmas Fairs around.
Bedruthan
St Ives Fair Mo
Carbis Bay
Una
Penzance
St Erth
Christmas Lights
Watch the Christmas lights being switched on. From St Ives to Falmouth, Penzance to Perranporth, there are some lovely Christmas lights switch on events across the county.
Some of the best are St Ives (biased I know), Newlyn and the amazing Mousehole Christmas lights. Angarrack is also really special - but it is getting incredibly busy year on year!
For us, Christmas isn’t Christmas without a visit to the Mousehole lights!
Lantern Parades
Lantern Parades are really popular down in Cornwall. From the peaceful lantern walk in Trengwainton Gardens to the crazy hectic Truro Lantern Parade, there are usually lots to choose from.
Ones to look out for are:
St Ives (they don't always have one but fingers crossed they will this year)
Hayle - always lovely
Penzance - as part of the Humphrey Davy celebrations
Santa Arriving On The RNLI Boat
A real highlight of Christmas in St Ives is Santa arriving by the RNLI boat. Around 6pm one evening in early December, children gather down at the harbour. The red flare goes up and Santa sails into the harbour. The boat goes up and down the prom, while he waves at everyone.
He then gets off the boat and parades into Royal Square for the Christmas Lights switch on. There is music, mulled wine and often snow (sadly fake as we are in the warm winds of Cornwall).
Santas Grottos
There are lots of lovely grottos, Winter Wonderlands and even Santa trains where your children can meet Father Christmas.
Again, I will add in dates nearer to the end of 2025, but ones to look out for are:
Trelissick National Trust
Paradise Park, Hayle
Trevena Cross Garden Centre
Lappa Valley
Truro Cathedral
Trerice National Trust
Newquay Zoo
Lost Gardens Of Heligan
The Eden Project
Bedruthan
Gwel An Mor
Late Night Shopping
Each town in Cornwall holds several late night shopping events. These ususally also have FREE car parking - an absolute blessing in St Ives!
Christmas Trees
Christmas isn’t Christmas to us without the annual choosing of our Christmas tree. If you are in St Ives, there is always a house on the Higher Stennack selling real Christmas trees. We have had one of these before and it was wonderful.
Other places to buy Christmas trees:
Ladydown at Polgoon Vineyard
Mole Valley at Ludgvan
Dobbies Garden Centre at Lelant
Trevaskis Farm at Connor Downs
There is also usually a Christmas tree seller on the A30 when you drive from St Erth to Penzance. I know a few people who like to buy them from there.
Christmas Crafts
There are always lots of lovely Christmas craft workshops going on where you can make your own Christmas Wreath or Christmas gifts.
I've been to some fab workshops in Carbis Bay Hotel and Una St Ives. I will update this page when I hear more information.
Ice Skating
Eden always has a brilliant ice skating rink which runs from late in the year to January. It is lots of fun to do, especially when you combine it with a visit to Santa there too.
I've heard rumours that this year (2025) there is going to be an ice skating rink at Newquay. I'll update this page when I hear more.
Snow!
Okay, we rarely get any snow down here, especially around Christmas time. However, Trevena Cross garden centre puts on an amazing Christmas experience each year. This usually includes a fabulous snow display, which my children LOVE!
Trevena Cross is at Breage near Helston and their Christmas experience is on every weekend in December. It is free to visit but you will no doubt end up spending £££ as they have some amazing stuff!
Carol Concerts
There are always lots of carol concerts in the churches and down at Carbis Bay hotel. In addition, on Christmas Eve, people go around the street from about 9pm singing carols.
Montol
Montol Festival is a vibrant midwinter celebration held annually in Penzance, Cornwall, on the 21st of December, coinciding with the winter solstice.
Revived in 2007, the festival draws inspiration from ancient Cornish traditions and customs associated with the old Christmas. The name "Montol" comes from the Cornish word for "midwinter" and is a nod to the festival's roots in the community's history.
The main event features a procession of masked revellers, fire performers, and 'obby 'osses (traditional Cornish hobby horses), creating a spectacle of light and sound through the streets of Penzance.
Participants often dress in elaborate costumes, embodying characters from Cornish folklore and adding to the festival's mystical atmosphere.
The evening culminates with the lighting of the "Mock," a ceremonial bonfire symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness.
Montol Festival offers a unique opportunity to experience Cornwall's rich cultural heritage and the warmth of community spirit during the darkest days of the year.
The Mousehole Cat
The Mousehole Cat is a beloved children's book by Antonia Barber, illustrated by Nicola Bayley, that brings to life a Cornish legend.
Set in the picturesque village of Mousehole, the story follows Mowzer, a brave cat, and her fisherman owner, Tom, as they venture out to sea during a fierce winter storm to save their starving community.
Their courageous journey, filled with magic and heroism, culminates in the creation of the iconic stargazy pie. First published in 1990, the book has captivated readers with its enchanting tale and beautiful illustrations, becoming a cherished part of Cornwall's literary heritage.
It has now been turned into a play which is performed over the Christmas period in the Solomon Browne Hall in Mousehole.
Tom Bawcock's Eve
Tom Bawcock’s Eve is a magical Cornish tradition held every 23rd December in the picturesque village of Mousehole.
The festival commemorates the legendary tale of Tom Bawcock, a brave fisherman who, in the 16th century, ventured out into a fierce winter storm to catch enough fish to save his starving community.
His return with a bountiful catch led to the creation of the iconic Stargazy Pie, a fish pie with heads poking through the crust, symbolising the fish gazing at the stars.
Today, the village celebrates with a lantern procession, the singing of the "Tom Bawcock's Eve" song, and, of course, the sharing of Stargazy Pie at The Ship Inn.
The evening is further illuminated by the enchanting Mousehole Christmas lights, making it a heartwarming highlight of Cornwall’s festive calendar.
Church Services
The churches in St Ives always put on really lovely family friendly Christmas services. The St Ives Parish Church has a Christmas Eve service around 5pm which is great for kids.
Christmas Swims In The Sea
A staple part of Christmas in Cornwall is a dip in the sea. There are lots of organised events, many of which are raising money for charity. There is the Christmas Eve Swim in Penzance, the Gwithian Christmas Day swim and the St Ives Boxing Day swim on Porthminster Beach.
There are also several New Years Day swims further up in Cornwall.
Read more about the St Ives Boxing Day Swim >>
Panto
Oh no he didn’t! Oh yes he did! Panto is a staple of any child’s Christmas. The very best panto (in my obviously unbiased opinion) is the ones put on in St Ives by Kidz R Us. This year (2025) I believe they are doing Cinderella - a lovely classic panto, perfect for that bit between Christmas and New Year.
Rogue Otherworld
Winter Wood is a captivating midwinter celebration held annually in Tehidy Woods, Cornwall. Organized by the award-winning Rogue Otherworld, this immersive experience invites visitors to wander through a magical woodland path adorned with faeries, fire dancers, and enchanting creatures.
At the heart of the journey lies the Midwinter Grotto, where Old Man Winter weaves tales of seasonal magic, inviting guests to catch wishes and embrace the wonders of winter. Blending outdoor adventure with intimate storytelling, Winter Wood offers a unique festive experience that celebrates nature, imagination, and the spirit of the season.
New Year's Eve Celebrations
The festive season in Cornwall is finished off in style by New Year’s Eve. New Year’s Eve is celebrated in St Ives by a big party in the harbour. Everyone dresses up in amazing fancy dress and parties in the street and on the beach. At midnight there is a spectacular fireworks display.
