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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 illuminatinons. There’s a variety of Cornwall Christmas lights to see!

Read on to find out our favourite Christmas lights in Cornwall 2023…


1. Mousehole Harbour Lights

Mousehole Christmas lights.

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

This Cornwall Christmas lights event has been running for over 50 years, beginning all the way back in 1963.

Traditionally, the lights are switched on during a large ceremony, which welcomes over 30,000 visitors. This however will not be the case in 2023.

Unlike last year, the lights will not have a staggered switch on with a formal ceremony. The switch on will take place between 5pm-6pm on the 11th of December.

Not only is the village Of Mousehole illuminated but so too is the hillside and harbour, with giant boats and sea creatures glowing on the water.

Guest musicians will play in the village from 6pm-7:30pm between the 11 – 21st December, and the lights will be illuminated from 5pm-10pm. The lights will be switched off at 8pm on the 19th December in memory of the Solomon Browne disaster.

Event Information

Date: Monday 11th December

Time: 5pm – 6pm light switch on

More: Mousehole Lights website


2. Falmouth Christmas Lights Switch On

This is a brilliant Cornwall Christmas lights event for all the family in Falmouth.

The evening starts when children of the town’s local schools and singing groups gather on Events Square with lanterns of all colours.

A processions makes its way through town, with Santa joining the parade to The Moor stage.

Enjoy more Christmas carols sung by the local primary schools, before the beautiful lights are switched on at 7pm.

Event Information

Date: Thursday 30th November

Time: 5:45pm lantern parade, 7pm light switch on

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


3. Penzance Christmas Light Switch On & Festive Market

Taking place on the 25th November, Penzance plays host to a magical Christmas market and festive light switch-on.

This Cornwall Christmas light switch-on event will be at 4:30pm, with the Mayor and Pirate FM hosting the countdown. There’s street entertainment and music throughout the town all day, along with a Santa’s grotto and youth market.

Once again there will also be a Christmas Window Competition. You can wander the scenic streets of Penzance with a hot chocolate from the markets and marvel at the beautiful displays!

Event Information

Date: Saturday 25th November

Time: All day event from 10am to 5:30pm, 4:30pm light switch on

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 an 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 Saturday 2nd December. The lights will then stay illuminated between 5:30pm and 9:30pm every day until Friday 5th January.

Event Information

Date: Saturday 2nd December to Friday 5th January

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 from 5:30pm and lasts until 8:30pm.

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 8th December

Time: Event from 5:30pm to 8:30pm, The Big Light Switch On 7pm-7:15pm

More: Fowey Christmas Market website


6. Polperro Christmas Lights Switch On 2023

The charming fishing village of Polperro is back with a big Christmas lights switch on for 2023.

Enjoy a whole afternoon of entertainment and family fun in Polperro. There will be carols, an array of food stalls, a church craft fair and Father Christmas himself will be making a special appearance.

Event Information

Date: Saturday 2nd December

Time: Event all afternoon, lights switch on after 5pm

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