Christmas in St Ives is a magical experience like no other. Whilst many of you might associate St Ives with the warm sunshine and seaside beaches with turquoise sea, St Ives is buzzing with Christmas spirit in the weeks leading up to the big day, the 25th.
The top annual event picks are the: lantern parade, Christmas markets, and a special visit by Father Christmas himself arriving by lifeboat.
Each year the festivities commence with Father Christmas leading a procession, accompanied by a joyous crowd. Once the journey commences, excited crowds follow Father Christmas through the Wharf, then Fore Street, followed by Market Square, the High Street, and Tregenna Place. The procession reaches its final destination at Café Art in Royal Square, where the Mayor of St.Ives greets everybody warmly.
The grand illuminations ceremony usually takes place at Café Art in Royal Square. This captivating moment sees a magnificent tree in the square beam brightly with an enchanting glow. The evening features talented local musicians, carol singers, and of course a tempting collection of hot chocolates.
Each year Santa visits the St Ives Grotto, you will find this in the local library around the Christmas period.
Location:
Gabriel Street, St Ives, TR26 2LX
More info:
StIves-Cornwall.co.uk
During the festive period, you can take a look around and witness the twinkling Christmas lights around the St Ives’ streets and harbour. There are 3 main sets of lights, the winter lights along fore street, the fishermen’s lights up to the lighthouse and the Christmas lights that are switched on by Father Christmas.
Christmas markets are an excellent opportunity to purchase gifts and hunt for goodies to hand to your loved ones. St. Ives prospers in the Christmas market tradition.
The Christmas market is situated at the Island Centre, near Porthgwidden beach. There are over 30 different stalls selling art, crafts, and festive goodies with live music and festive drinks such as mulled wine on offer. This market is the perfect way to discover local artists and kick-start your Christmas gift-hunting spree.
Christmas shopping in St Ives offers a marvellous mixture of artistic flair, coastal charm, and festive spirit. Whether you’re hunting for handmade treasures, indulgent treats, or unique gifts, you will be sure to find some really lovely things. Browse the independent shops in St Ives and you are guaranteed to find something special for someone. Shops usually stay open most evenings in the run-up to Christmas.
It isn’t Christmas without a panto. Each year our local youth theatre company ‘Kids R Us’ put on their annual festive panto. All are welcome to attend.
Location:
Lower Stennack, St Ives, TR26 1QG
Fancy a festive drink on Christmas day? The Sloop Pub has got you covered. The Sloop is perfect for strolling down to on Christmas Day. It’s a minute down the hill from St Peters Studio with a warm and welcoming atmosphere, what more could anyone possibly want? It is everything you would want from a local pub at Christmas.. As you make your way inside you are greeted by a snug, festive ambience with locals as well as visitors, all in good spirits wishing each other a very Merry Christmas, and of course the strong scent of mulled wine makes everything just that little bit more Christmassy.
Most people will sit outside with their cracker-pulled paper Christmas hats on if the weather permits it. The picturesque backdrop of St. Ives harbour is right in front of you making the tradition extra special. All in all, The Sloop Pub makes the perfect spot to absorb the breathtaking views and enjoy the build up to Christmas and the big day itself. Christmas lunches at The Sloop are renowned for their local ingredients, great value and fabulous taste. They are served throughout December.
Every year St Ives has a Christmas window competition as part of the seasonal tradition. A number of shop owners across the town compete to see who can create the best-looking/dressed windows. There are prizes for Best Overall Window Display, Best Small Window, Most Humorous Window, and Best Interpretation. Both the public and professional artists roam the town examining each entry.
The Boxing Day dip takes place at Porthminster Beach. You can wear your swimming attire (a swimming costume, wetsuit, or perhaps even a Santa outfit if you’re feeling brave, it’s totally up to you!) Dogs and children are welcome too. There’s a charity collection for those wishing to donate. Anyone is welcome to come along and support the participants.
Location:
Porthminster Beach, St Ives, TR26 2EB
The St. Ives New Year’s Eve Party is the best way to end the holiday season. During the party, the town takes on a carnival atmosphere, with a procession weaving its way along the streets. Locals come together with visitors from all across Cornwall and England. Everyone dresses up in fabulous costumes. Crowds pour into the town centre in the early evening. If you have small children, then we suggest you arrive early to enjoy the experience. There are festivities for all ages. As the night progresses, celebrations continue, and people start spilling out from various bars and pubs onto the streets. The crowd streams onto the harbour during the evening where they gather for the final countdown to midnight, before a fantastic firework display. The party livens up with live music playing up to midnight and beyond.
Escape the crowds by visiting St Ives in the winter season. Aside from Christmas there are virtually no crowds. If you’ve visited St Ives in the summer, you’ll know just how busy it gets! If you’re looking for a holiday by the sea filled with peace and quiet, apart from the splendid sounds of the sea, then now is the time to visit.
St Ives is a surfing hotspot, but if you’re looking to catch the next wave without the hassle of a handful of other surfers, then the winter season is perfect. Winter surfing is very much possible and is a time when all the pros go, though be wary and go at your own risk because the waves are pretty wild. Although most surf schools are closed at this time of year, you can still book private lessons with the St Ives Surf School. The team at St Ives are all fully trained lifeguards.
Perfect for a sunny winter day, enjoy the gorgeous views of Carbis Bay and Lelant. This scenic train ride commences from St Ives and takes you to St Erth. This is a brilliant budget-friendly activity and only takes ten minutes. This is highly recommended for those who enjoy snapping photos, so get your camera ready! For those who want to get their steps in and absorb the scenery for longer, you can hike one way and get the train back the other.
Location
Station Road, St. Ives TR26 2BP
Website
https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations/st-ives-cornwall/
Address:
Porthgwidden Beach, The Island, St Ives, TR26 1PL
Information:
This stunning sandy beach is accessible with a gently sloped slip road down to the beach. Porthgwidden beach is dog-friendly for the majority of the year, however from the 1st July – 31st August between 10am – 6pm dogs won’t be able to access it.
Address:
303 Porthmeor Beach, St Ives, TR26 1JZ
Information:
A beautiful sandy beach, located just a minute away from the house, with a gorgeous café. Beach wheelchairs and buggies can be hired from the cafés on Porthminster beach and Porthmeor beach. Dogs are permitted on this beach apart from the 15th May – 30th September between 10am – 6pm. Lifeguard cover daily from 1st April – 29th October with patrol times from 10am – 6pm
Address:
Porthminster Beach, St Ives TR26 2EB
Information:
Sandy beach that stretches for miles! Dogs are permitted except 15th May – 30th September, between 10am – 6pm. Wheelchairs are provided by Cornwall Mobility and are available from the café which make the beach wheelchair accessible. Daily lifeguard cover 14th May – 25th September between 10am – 6pm.
Address:
St Ives Harbour Beach, St Ives, TR26 1PU
Information:
A very pretty beach not far from the shops and a couple of minutes walk away from the house. At low tide there is a huge sandy expanse. Dogs are permitted except from 1st July – 31st August between 10am and 6pm. This is a wheelchair-friendly beach with ramps on either side.
Location:
Beach Road, St Ives TR26 2NP
Information:
A remarkable sandy beach, dogs are permitted except from the 15th May – 30th September between 10am – 6pm. A concrete ramp leads directly onto the sand, and there are designated disabled parking spaces available in the Carbis Bay Hotel Car Park. Additionally, beach wheelchairs and buggies can be rented from Porthminster Beach Café. Lifeguard cover daily from the 8th July – 3rd September from 10am – 6pm.
Address:
Wheal Dream, St. Ives, TR26 1PR
Information:
A gorgeous sandy dog friendly all year around beach. Steep steps down to the beach so not recommended for those in wheelchairs or for those who struggle to walk.
