The Christmas season in St Ives is truly special, whether you love the shimmering reflections of the Christmas lights in the harbour or the merry myriad of festive events that turn December into a month-long celebration.
Christmas markets spring up, offering shoppers the chance to pick up some amazing local gifts, while the cobbled streets of St Ives take on a festive feel as all the local shops turn their window displays into winter wonderlands for the annual competition. Following the paths a little further, the many beautiful beaches in St Ives are perfect for sandy strolls and a hot chocolate.
Of course, all this excitement is sure to cause a hearty appetite, giving you every excuse to duck into one of the many incredible pubs or restaurants (many boasting beautiful sea views) for a bite to eat, from festive burgers to locally caught crab.
Feeling festive? Here’s everything you need to know about Christmas in St Ives in 2026…
Christmas markets in St Ives
St Ives Christmas Market
14th November 2026 (TBC, usually coincides with the lights switch on)
With stalls across the town, including the St Ia Church, St Ives Institution, and the Rugby Club, this festive favourite invites you to soak up the festive atmosphere in one of the county's most vibrant coastal towns. Over 30 different stalls fill the town, with local creatives showcasing their wares for an uber-special gift this Christmas. Indulge in a foodie treat at the market, or head down to the beach for something at the Porthgwidden Beach Café afterwards. The market ties in with the town's festive weekend, so you can make the most of the Yuletide goings on during your visit.
St Ives Christmas Market at Polmanter
28th - 29th November 2026
Held at Polmanter near St Ives, this Christmas market returns for its second year to ply you with mulled wine, mince pies, and as much festival shopping as your feet can take. The stalls are laden with trinkets and decorations by local makers, while The Stable Bar provides the perfect place to refuel during your spree. There's also an excellent indoor play area, so the whole family can let off steam. Oh, and dogs are welcome too!
Coastal Christmas Market
TBC (usually early to mid-December)
Combining the coastal delights of West Cornwall with all your favourite festive happenings, the Coastal Christmas Market is a snowstorm of festive fun at the Carbis Bay Hotel. The little ones will love meeting Santa in his winter woodland-themed Christmas grotto, while live music fills the air with seasonal songs as you browse the many artisan stalls – not to mention the foodie stalls selling the likes of brie bites and giant pigs in blankets. Money raised goes to the Cornwall Air Ambulance, giving you extra incentive to go back for a round two of mince pies and mulled wine.
Christmas events in St Ives
Santa by boat
9th December, 6pm - 7pm 2026
We are all familiar with Santa’s usual transport at Christmas, but did you know he travels a little differently in St Ives? Oh yes, appearing in true Cornish style, Santa arrives in St Ives with the help of the RNLI in one of their lifeboats, before leading an evening of festive fun for the whole family. Carol singers, the town band, and flowing mulled wine ensure this beloved local tradition is a night to remember.
Christmas lights in St Ives
14th November 2026
The countdown to Christmas begins in November in St Ives, with everyone eager to see the coastal town lit up like a Christmas tree for as long as possible. Live music and festive songs set the atmosphere, ready for the festoon of lights to illuminate the cobbled streets, from Royal Square, across Market House, and along Fore Street. Alongside the colourful spectacle, you can look forward to the town's famous Christmas market, where you can browse, shop, and drink mulled wine to your heart's content.
Super Saturday Street Entertainment
14th November, 11am - 5pm 2026 (TBC, usually coincides with the light switch on)
Expect an action-packed day in St Ives as musicians, stilt walkers, elves and more take to the streets to spread festive cheer throughout the town. There will also be a flying elephant ride, a children’s snow globe and an LED light show. It’s set to be a spectacular occasion!
Santa's Grotto
14th November, 11am - 4pm 2026 (TBC, usually coincides with the light switch on)
Come along and meet the man in red for yourself at Santa’s grotto, located in the library. Best suited for children aged 4 – 14 years, they’ll be greeted by cheerful elves before getting to share their Christmas wishes with Santa.
Boxing Day swim
Porthminster Beach, 12pm
With such an incredible array of beautiful beaches, it will be of little surprise that sea swims are year-round in Cornwall – especially when it comes to celebrating Christmas with a mad dash into the ocean (fancy dress optional but always encouraged). One of the biggest festive swims in Cornwall, the Boxing Day dip at Porthminster Beach is always a roaring (or shrieking) success. It’s free to join in, but you can donate to the chosen charity if you wish. You can also simply stand by and cheer, as the atmosphere is always unbeatable, whether you enter the water or not.
Festive feasts in St Ives
Hub St Ives
When it comes to festive feasts in Cornwall, nowhere does it quite like Hub’s original restaurant in St Ives. Swapping the traditional Christmas lunch for wickedly wintery burgers, you can sup on the likes of the Merry Cheesemas, Flirty Turkey, or Mac Cracker burgers, with brie bites and festive fries (complete with frazzle dust if you so choose) alongside. Finish things off with one of their toothsome desserts and a festive cocktail for a truly button-popping experience.
Pedn Olva
Another of St Ives’ incredible restaurants to boast far-reaching sea views, Pedn Olva enjoys a prime position overlooking Porthminster Beach. Of course, the tumbling waves aren’t the only things to draw the eye, as their festive menu paints a picture of full bellies and satisfied smiles. Think roast turkey with all the trimmings for your mouth-watering main, and chocolate and clementine torte to finish – perfect! Dogs are welcome in the bar too, so you can enjoy a festive foodie outing with the whole family.
The Rum and Crab Shack
Looking for something a little different and totally awesome this Christmas? Head to The Rum and Crab Shack for their toe-tapping (and possibly ear-popping) Christmas Karaoke session! Each slot earns you one and a half hours of caterwauling in the private Dead Man's Fingers karaoke room, with two microphones and a host of Yuletide classics. You also get access to the 'thirsty button' to wet your whistle and prime your vocal cords. After, why not sit down for a festive feast, from sharing boards and finger foods to a three-course Christmas dinner.
Looking forward to experiencing Christmas in St Ives? Explore our cosy cottages in the festive harbourside town for a wonderfully Cornish Christmas.