The secret is out! For a truly special festive getaway, nothing beats Christmas in St Ives, Cornwall. The summer crowds have long gone and the town glows with a unique winter charm of coastal calm and Yuletide cheer.
If you’re dreaming of sea air, twinkling lights, and a proper Cornish Christmas, our guide has everything you need to plan the perfect escape. Secure your luxury base with The Cottage Boutique and prepare for an unforgettable stay.
Twinkle, Twinkle: St Ives Christmas Lights
The St Ives Christmas Lights are, quite simply, stunning. The entire harbour is draped in a shimmering net of twinkly lights, creating one of the most beautiful coastal displays in the county.
The Festive Kick-Off: The Christmas cheer in St Ives begins with a uniquely Cornish splash. Father Christmas makes his grand entrance at the West Pier via an RNLI Lifeboat. His high-tide arrival is followed by a procession in his sleigh to Royal Square for the Official Christmas Lights Switch-On.
- When: Friday 5th December, 5:30pm at West Pier, followed by 6:30pm at Royal Square
Angarrack Lights: For the serious light hunter, a short drive will take you to the village of Angarrack, famed for its magnificent “Twelve Days of Christmas” light display.
- When: From Saturday 6th December, 5.30pm until 10pm every evening until Monday 5th January. (Parking on Marsh Lane is recommended)
More spots for twinkling lights:
- The Harbour Glow: The most iconic view is from the Wharf, where the colourful fisherman’s lights are beautifully reflected in the winter water. Grab a hot chocolate from nearby Mor Beach Cafe, and enjoy a truly magical coastal moment.
- Window Displays: Don’t miss the town-wide window dressing competition. Local shops on Fore Street and St Andrew’s Street go all out, turning the cobbled lanes into a fun, festive gallery of creative light and decoration displays.
Shop & Stroll: Finding Your Perfect St Ives Christmas Market
Looking for unique, last-minute gifts without the high-street rush? St Ives Christmas Market season is brimming with opportunities to shop local and enjoy that irresistible festive atmosphere.
A Castle Market: The beautiful Tregenna Castle hosts one of the largest artisan markets, offering a grand setting to browse stalls from talented local makers.
- When: Friday 21st November, 12pm – 7pm, Saturday 22nd November, 9am – 7pm and Sunday 23rd November 9am – 5pm.
A Town Market: For a truly traditional St Ives Christmas Market experience, don’t miss the annual Fair Mo Christmas Fayre at St Ia Parish Church. This beautiful church event offers a charming mix of locally made products, craft stalls, food, drink, and live entertainment – perfect for finding unique gifts and supporting local art and charity efforts right in the heart of town.
- When: Saturday, December 6th, 10 am – 4 pm.
A Beach Front Market: Just down the road, the Coastal Christmas Market at the Carbis Bay Hotel is a must for your Christmas breaks in St Ives Cornwall, featuring over 40 artisan stalls, live music, a magical Santa’s Grotto, and delicious festive food – all while supporting the Cornwall Air Ambulance.
- When: Saturday & Sunday 6th & 7th and Saturday & Sunday 13th & 14th of December, 11am to 5pm.
A Touring Park Market: The first-ever Polmanter Christmas Market will debut this year, providing another fantastic stop for your Christmas breaks in St Ives Cornwall. Head to the Stable Bar for a cosy mix of local makers selling unique gifts, and grab warming festive treats like mulled wine and giant pigs-in-blanket hot dogs.
- When: Saturday 29th November, 10am – 6pm and Sunday 30th November, 10am – 4pm (Dogs welcome)
Bonus points for also finding the Rugby Club Market and another at the Salvation Army on The Wharf.
Festive Feasting: Christmas Lunch St Ives Style
One of the great joys of St Ives at Christmas is being able to ditch the kitchen duties and dine out. If you plan to eat out over the festive period, booking is non-negotiable!
Indulgent Christmas Day: For a spectacular St Ives Christmas day lunch, you’ll want to target the premium hotels and restaurants. The Gannet at Carbis Bay Estate is one of the top spots, offering a luxurious Christmas Day menu (expect this to be in the region of £120+ per person).
Festive Christmas Dinner in St Ives: Throughout December, local pubs and restaurants offer special festive menus. We recommend checking out The Lifeboat Inn or The Harbour Hotel for a brilliant Christmas lunch St Ives style, with a view.
A Pint on the Big Day: A proper St Ives tradition involves a festive drink at The Sloop Inn on Christmas Day. The atmosphere is famously warm and welcoming, offering a perfect post-present pit stop.
Extra Festive Fun during Christmas Holidays in St Ives
The Big Dip: Don’t forget the ultimate local tradition – the Boxing Day Dip! Join the sea-dogs (and perhaps nurse a hangover) with a refreshing plunge into the Atlantic at Porthminster Beach. For supporters and cheerers, Porthminster Cafe will be serving festive hot chocolates and bacon butties to keep everyone warm.
- When: 11:30 – 12:30pm (donations to charity are welcomed)
Santa Super Saturday: The streets will be filled with roving performances and music! Keep an eye out for stilt walkers, elves, a flying elephant ride, a children’s snow globe, and a dazzling LED light show. The soundtrack to your festive shopping will be provided by the St Ives Concert Orchestra and the St Ives Ukelele Band. For the little ones, a Santa’s Grotto will be open at St Ives Library, where children can meet the big man and receive a small gift (for a small fee – no booking usually required.
- When: Saturday 6th December, Starting from 11:00am.
The Phil & Friends Event: a spectacular evening of musical magic, featuring show-stopping songs from hit musicals like The Greatest Showman, Wicked, Les Misérables, and Disney classics.
- When: Saturday 6th December at St Ives Theatre – The 6:00pm show allows guests to meet characters like Glinda and Elphaba before the performance and during the interval, with all profits going to support local causes, including Kidz R Us and St Ives In December.
Ready for your magical Cornish getaway?
We have a stunning selection of cosy, sea-view cottages in St Ives ready to be your festive sanctuary. With a Cottage Boutique property, you’ll be perfectly placed to step out the door and straight into the magic of Christmas in St Ives.
