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Mousehole harbour Christmas lights display

These Christmas lights in Cornwall are some of the best festive displays you’ll see this festive season!

Some of these Cornish Christmas light switch-ons and displays have been running for decades and are enveloped in tradition.

From choirs and carols to coastal-themed illuminations. There’s a variety of Cornwall Christmas lights to see!

Read on to find out our favourite Christmas lights in Cornwall 2024…


1. Mousehole Harbour Lights

Mousehole Christmas lights.

The Mousehole Harbour Lights are probably the most famous Christmas lights in Cornwall.

This beloved tradition has brightened the village of Mousehole in Cornwall every Christmas season since 1963. Each December, the lights are switched on, transforming the harbour into a festive wonderland until early January.

The switch-on in 2024 will occur on Thursday, December 12th, with the final night being January 5th, 2025.

The display is brought to life thanks to the dedication of the volunteer-run Mousehole Harbour Lights Committee, who work tirelessly to maintain and fund this cherished event.

Event Information

Date: Thursday 12th December

More: Mousehole Lights website


2. Falmouth Christmas Lights Switch On

This is a brilliant Cornwall Christmas lights event for all the family in Falmouth. Taking place on Thursday, 28th November, this magical evening promises fun for all ages.

The celebrations kick off with Sing Choir performing on The Moor stage, while a joyful parade led by Kernow Pipes and Drums winds its way through town from Events Square. Hosted by Neil and Saffy from Hits Radio Cornwall, the event will feature performances from five local schools, adding a heartwarming touch to the festivities.

As you enjoy treats like churros and hot drinks, the highlight of the evening arrives at 7 pm when the lights are switched on, illuminating the town in dazzling Christmas spirit. To close the night, Rock Choir will lead a lively sing-along, ensuring a memorable start to the holiday season!

Event Information

Date: Thursday 28th November

Time: 7 pm light switch on

More Info: Falmouth Christmas Lights

Find more Falmouth fun in our post on Things to Do in Falmouth!


3. Penzance Christmas Light Switch On & Festive Market

Taking place on Saturday, 30th November, Penzance plays host to a magical light switch-on.

This Cornwall Christmas light switch-on event will be at 5.15 p.m., with Christmas carols and festive snow machines.

There will also be a festive Christmas Market at St John’s Hall on Saturday 14th December and Saturday 21st December from 10am until 5pm. Not forgetting the popular Humphry Davy Lantern Parade, taking place on Friday 13th December, with more schools taking place than ever before.

Event Information

Date: Saturday 30th November

Time: 5:15pm

More: Love Penzance website

If you’re looking for things to do in Penzance, why not explore the coast? Check out our post on Penzance to Land’s End walk!


4. Angarrack Christmas Lights

Swans in lights at Angarrack Christmas Lights.

These Christmas lights in Cornwall are some of the best in the region!

The Angarrack Christmas lights display is a homage to the twelve days of Christmas. It features lights designed and built right in Angarrack.

The eleven pipers piping are 20m wide and nearly 10m tall!

Catch the lights being switched on for the first time on Sunday 1st December. The lights will then stay illuminated between 5:30pm and 9:30pm every day until Sunday 5th January.

Event Information

Date: Sunday 1st December to Sunday 5th January

Time: 5.30pm until 9.30pm

More: Angarrack Christmas Lights Facebook


5. The Big Light Switch On in Fowey

Head to Fowey town centre for a light switch-on to remember. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. and lasts until 8:30 p.m.

There’ll be singers performing festive hits, Santa will arrive on the tug at Berrill’s Yard to lead the Christmas light parade, and there’ll be singalong carols in front of the church.

This Cornwall Christmas lights switch-on coincides with the Fowey Christmas Market.

At least 80 quality regional traders display handmade crafts and locally produced food and drink, as well as shops selling high-quality items.

Warm up afterwards with a glass of mulled wine or a hot chocolate from one of the many food stalls.

Event Information

Date: Friday 22nd November

Time: 7pm

More: Fowey Christmas Market website


6. Polperro Christmas Lights Switch On

Start the festive season in style at the Polperro Christmas Lights Switch-On, happening earlier this year on Saturday, 30th November 2024.

As one of the best events in Cornwall, the Porperro Christmas Lights Switch On brings joy to the whole family with festive music, drinks, and the chance to meet Santa himself! The village will sparkle as the lights are switched on, creating a magical atmosphere. Stick around for live music in the local pubs throughout the weekend to keep the celebrations going.

A perfect way to welcome the holiday season with friends and loved ones!

Event Information

Date: Saturday 30th November

Time: Event all afternoon, switch on at 6:30pm

More: Polperro Christmas Lights Facebook page


Enjoy these wonderful Christmas lights in Cornwall on a winter getaway! It’s not too late to book yourself a Christmas break in Cornwall.

Discover a host of Christmas markets in Cornwall too, finding quality products from artisan makers all around the region.


Image credit: Alex LiivetCC BY 2.0