ENJOY THE ST IVES SANTA EXPERIENCE

While you might associate St Ives with warm Cornish summers by the sea, the town thrives all year-round and really comes alive at Christmas. With the festive period fast approaching it is well worth planning your trip to the town to ensure that you can benefit from all that the holiday season has to offer. Pick of the events bunch are the lantern parade, Christmas markets and a special visit by who else but Santa Claus himself on Monday 2nd December between 6.30pm.

The festivities will kick off with Santa leading the procession, accompanied by a joyful crowd, as they make their way through The Wharf, Fore Street, Market Square, High Street, and Tregenna Place. Finally, the procession will arrive at Cafe Art in Royal Square, where a warm welcome awaits from the Mayor of St. Ives.

The grand illumination ceremony is scheduled to take place at Cafe Art in Royal Square, commencing between approximately 7 pm and 7:30 pm. This enchanting moment will also see the majestic tree in the square aglow with lights. The evening promises to be a delightful affair, featuring local musicians, carol singers, and the tempting allure of hot chocolates.

Discover all the reasons why celebrating the festive season in St Ives is a splendid choice this Christmas.
Stay in one of our luxury self catering holiday cottages this Christmas or New Year. Whether you’re looking for a large house with sea views or a cosy hideaway just paces from St Ives harbour, we’ve got a holiday property to suit everyone this Christmas at So St Ives

TAKE A LOOK AT OUR CHRISTMAS AVAILABILITY

MEET OLD MAN WINTER

Meet Old Man Winter in the St Ives Library as he enchants you with festive tales to lift your spirits and fill the air with holiday cheer. Afterward, follow his lead to our cosy Elf Workshop, where little hands can create sparkling decorations to hang on our tree—and even bring a bit of that magic home!
Book your tickets early for each child eager to experience this special story time and workshop.
Tickets available here.

The Cornerstone, St Ives Library on 14th December at these times: 13:30 – 14:30 – 15:30

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS IN ST IVES

The winter street lights will be on from Friday, 25th October 2024, brightening up the darker evenings and adding some light & magic to St Ives before the Christmas lights are switched on Monday 2nd of December. The twinkling Christmas lights around St Ives’ streets and the picturesque harbour are the first glimmers of the holiday season, casting a warm and radiant glow on our evenings and ushering in the joyful spirit of festivity.

CHRISTMAS MARKETS IN ST IVES

Christmas markets are an excellent opportunity to find holiday goodies and pantry fillers. St Ives, as you might expect, excels in the Christmas market tradition, providing you with seasonal sundries of every kind.

There are several Christmas Markets on from Saturday 7 December in the following locations, Cornerstone Library Building, St Ia Church & Salvation Army.

The following weekly markets are held in the Island Centre in December:
Farmers Market – Mondays (up to 23^rd) – 09:30-14:00
Artisan Market – Wednesdays (up to 18^th) – 10:00-16:00

There are different stalls selling art, crafts and festive goodies with live music and festive drinks on offer. This market is the perfect way to kick-start your Christmas gift shopping and explore local artists.

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING IN ST IVES

Christmas shopping in St Ives offers a delightful blend of artistic flair, coastal charm, and festive spirit. Whether you’re searching for handmade treasures, indulgent treats, or unique gifts, you will find some excellent stocking stuffers or a delightful addition to your Christmas feast. Browse the independent shops in St Ives, you will discover something special for everyone on your gift list!
Shops stay open most evenings in the run up to Christmas.

THE SLOOP PUB FOR A FESTIVE DRINK ON CHRISTMAS DAY

One of our most cherished Christmas traditions is strolling down to The Sloop for a festive drink on Christmas Day. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, a heart-warming experience that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the season in St Ives.

As you step inside you are greeted by a cosy, festive ambiance with locals and visitors in good spirits wishing each other a Merry Christmas, with the accompanying smell of mulled wine making it feel extra Christmasy.

If the weather is nice most people sit outside with their Christmas hats on, and with the picturesque backdrop of St Ives harbour this tradition becomes even more special. Sipping your festive drink while taking in the breathtaking views you can’t help but be swept away by the beauty of the season.

If you happen to be in St Ives this Christmas don’t miss the chance to partake in this local tradition – it’s an experience that will make you want to come back year after year.

ST IVES CHRISTMAS WINDOW COMPETITION

The St Ives Christmas window competition is an annual tradition. Dozens of shop owners around the town compete to see who can create the best-dressed windows. Prizes include Best Overall Window Display, Best Small Window, Most Humourous Window, and Best Interpretation.

Who wins is determined by both the public and professional artists who tour the town investigating each entry. You can vote for your favourite window in a variety of ways… by posting a picture of the shop that you like most with the name on it to the ‘St Ives in December’ Facebook page, or by taking a picture of the window and uploading to Instagram with the hashtag #SIDwindow2023. You can also do things the old-fashioned way by casting your vote in one of the town’s Post Offices.
There also will be a treasure hunt around the town.

BOXING DAY DIP IN ST IVES

Gather on Porthminster Beach on Boxing Day at 12.00 for the annual hangover cure. Wear a swimming costume, wetsuit or even a Santa outfit, it’s entirely up to you! Sea-dogs and hardy kids are welcome too.

It’s a free event, but if you want to make a £1 donation, there’ll be a collection for a charity. If you’d rather not leap into the sea half-naked in December, come along and support your freezing friends by holding their towels.

ST IVES NEW YEAR’S EVE

The St Ives New Year’s Eve Party is the climax of the holiday season in the town and a fitting end to a month of celebrations. During the New Year’s Eve party, the whole town takes on a carnival vibe, with a continuous procession snaking its way along the streets.

Locals mix with visitors from all over Cornwall who all dress up in fun and exciting costumes. There’s never a dull moment when the carnival is in town. The crowds start pouring into the town centre early in the evening. If you have small children with you be sure to arrive early to enjoy the experience. The atmosphere is lively, and there are age-appropriate festivities.

As the night goes on, the celebrations continue and people begin spilling out from various bars and pubs onto the streets. The crowd tends to flow towards the harbour during the evening where the crowds gather for the final countdown to midnight.

Later on the party really livens up with live music playing up to midnight and beyond. Enjoy fireworks over the harbour as you celebrate seeing the New Year in at midnight.

Check out our blog post everything you need to know about New Year’s Eve in St Ives.

So there you have it, all the things to do in St Ives this Christmas season. Whatever you chose to do we wish you all a very merry Christmas.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key events to look forward to in St Ives during Christmas?

St Ives hosts various festive events during Christmas, including the lantern parade, Christmas markets, Santa’s visit, and the grand illumination ceremony. These events create a magical atmosphere and offer memorable experiences for visitors of all ages

Where can I find Santa’s Grotto in St Ives, and do I need to book in advance?

Santa’s Grotto is typically located in St Ives Library, and entry usually costs £3 per child, with each child receiving a small present from Santa. No booking is required; you can simply turn up on the day and enjoy the festivities, including stilt walkers, singers, and musicians around the town.

When do the Christmas lights illuminate St Ives, and what does it signify?

The Christmas lights in St Ives are illuminated on a specific date, usually in late October or early November, marking the beginning of the festive season. The twinkling lights around the town and harbour create a warm and radiant atmosphere, ushering in the joyful spirit of Christmas.

What are some unique Christmas traditions in St Ives that I shouldn’t miss?

St Ives boasts unique Christmas traditions, such as festive drinks at The Sloop Pub on Christmas Day, the annual Boxing Day Dip on Porthminster Beach, and the New Year’s Eve party with carnival vibes and fireworks over the harbour. These traditions offer memorable experiences and opportunities to celebrate the holiday season in style.

Make this Christmas magical and stay in St Ives

Stay in one of our luxury holiday cottages in St Ives or Carbis Bay. Whether you desire a spacious seaside house with breathtaking ocean vistas or a charming, intimate hideaway just steps away from St Ives harbour, our range of holiday properties ensures there’s a perfect Christmas retreat for everyone at So St Ives.
Our very own So St Ives elves will even be busy decorating our properties with some Christmas sparkle and Cornish goodies for your stay!
Why not enjoy a glass of mulled wine outside The Sloop Inn on the harbour-front on Christmas Day before returning to your cosy holiday cottage for a relaxing afternoon? If you’re feeling really brave then how about joining the traditional Boxing day dip on Porthminster beach? Wear a swimming costume, wetsuit or even a Santa outfit, it’s entirely up to you, but whatever you wear it’s a guaranteed hangover cure! Whatever you do in St Ives you are sure to have a fabulous relaxing Christmas.

Take a look today and make your Christmas extra special…

CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR PROPERTIES IN ST IVES