Cobbled lanes, twinkling lights and the personal touch make St Ives the perfect spot to really feel the festive spirit and to get ahead with your Christmas shopping.
Festivities kick off on Saturday 1st December with a Lantern Parade through the streets at 5.30pm, followed by the official switching on of the Christmas lights. This year shop windows entering the Christmas competition will be decorated with the theme ‘The Snow Queen’ which is also the title of the Panto from Kidz r Us this year (21st to 29th December). All participating shops will be judged on 15th December by artists Bob Devereux and Anthony Frost. They will be touring the town to decide on the winner of the Judge’s Shield for Best Overall Window Display with rosettes for: Best Interpretation of the Theme; Most Humorous Window; Best Small Window. Shoppers also have a chance to cast their vote in the People’s choice award.
There are also two annual Christmas shopping events that you won’t want to miss Nancledra School Craft Fayre November 23rd and 24th. A school fayre unlike any other. Stalls for this local gem are much sought after and you will find jewellery, accessories and local produce. From December 1st to 3rd in St Ives Guildhall you will find a real slice of festive bustle at the Etsy Makers Fair. Over 35 designers and makers will have stalls and there will also be live music and a pop-up cafe.
Highly anticipated every year is the arrival of Father Christmas. He is rumoured to be making an appearance on Friday 7th December at 6pm with the help of his good friends from the RNLI. The Mayor will be on the Wharf to greet him and the Phoenix Choir will serenade him with his favourite Christmas carols before he and his Elves take a sleigh ride around the harbour to say hello to all the waiting children. What better excuse could you need to head down to St Ives?
For more info head to https://www.stivesindecember.co.uk.
