Halloween and Bonfire Night have been and gone, and Cornwall is now turning its focus to Christmas, and one of the best ways to kick off the festive season is the Christmas lights switch-on that happens over the cities, towns and villages of the county.
In addition to the lights being switched on, there will be fireworks, lantern parades, Christmas markets, carol singers and late night shopping to get you started this Christmas season. Find out below about the Christmas lights switch-on events that are happening near our luxury cottages in the coming weeks, so you can join in with the festive cheer when on your Cornwall Christmas holidays.
St Ives: Saturday, December 2nd
This year, the Christmas light switch on, hosted by the Mayor of St Ives, will take place on Super Saturday. Kicking off a month of festivities, there will also be music and live entertainment from 5pm, including an appearance from Father Christmas in his very own grotto. The event will take place on the harbour front and there will also be a pop-up Christmas market where you will be able to shop for some festive treats or some special hand-made Christmas gifts.
Truro: Wednesday, November 22nd
The annual Christmas light switch on is accompanied by the beautiful City of Light parade, Truro’s midwinter lantern festival on November 22nd. The procession, which involves music and dancing, as well as home-made lanterns by schools, artist and local community groups attracts thousands of spectators every year. The family-friendly event gets more exciting every year!
Newquay: Friday, November 24th
Newquay is a hub of festive activity in November and December, and a highlight is the Christmas lights switch-on on Friday, November 24th. Beginning at 6:30 with a lantern parade at 6:30pm, follow the procession from Cliff Hill down to Marcus Hill, where the lights switch-on kicks off at 7pm. From 8pm, there will be festive fireworks over Newquay Harbour, where the fantastic display will light up the sky. With a range of family-friendly activities, make sure your kids keep an eye out for the reindeer too!
Helston: Friday, December 1st
The Helston lights switch-on is noted as being one of the biggest and best in Cornwall, and the whole event is one huge party! There will be an evening market selling crafts, gifts and accessories as well as food and drink – it’s the perfect chance to get your first mulled wine of the year! From 5pm, the kids will also love to see Father Christmas in his grotto, while listening to live music courtesy of the Helston Town Band on the main stage at 6pm. The event continues to into the night with live music and fireworks after the light switch on at 7:30pm.
Redruth: Saturday, November 25th
Lights and entertainment will be on the menu at Redruth’s light switch-on. The lights switch-on falls at the same time as Redruth’s Christmas Festival, and there will be a procession, bright lights, and carols to carry you on through the night.
Penzance: Saturday, November 25th
The town of Penzance also launches its festive season with its annual Christmas light switch-on, beginning at 7pm. There will also be a trail through the town to see the elaborate Christmas-themed window displays created by local artists showcased in the town’s shop windows. There will also be festive food and drink available on the trail, and you can stop off at pubs, cafes and restaurants offering their tasty Christmas treats.
Falmouth: Thursday, November 30th
On your family holidays in Falmouth, you won’t want to miss the Christmas lights switch-on with singing from local school children, a lantern parade featuring Father Christmas, and food and drink to keep you warm. The event also starts the beginning of a weekend of late night shopping in the town, which will be a great chance to pick up some festive bargains.
Mousehole: Saturday, December 16th
One of the best Christmas light switch-on events in Cornwall is Mousehole. Hugely popular with both locals and tourists to Cornwall, the lights hung up over the town and around the harbour consist of over 7,000 bulbs that create stunning displays of festive colour in the shape of whales, Christmas trees and reindeer. The big switch-on starts at 7pm, and the lights are turned on every evening between 5pm and 11pm from December 17th to January 6th next year.
If you can’t wait to get in the Christmas spirit, then why not take a look at our availability over the coming months? With so much more in store over the Christmas period, check out what’s on in November and December here for more information, or get in touch!