Falmouth Lights Up for Christmas: Festivities Begin with Spectacular Switch-On

A Night of Music, Community Spirit, and Festive Cheer

Not even the Cornish mizzle could dampen the mood in Falmouth as over a thousand people gathered on The Moor to witness the town’s Christmas lights switch-on. Organised by Falmouth Town Council and Falmouth BID—known collectively as the award-winning Town Team—the event marked the start of an extensive Christmas programme, the most comprehensive in Cornwall.

The evening opened with Sing Choir performing on The Moor’s music stage, setting the tone for the festivities. Meanwhile, a parade led by Kernow Pipes and Drums wound its way from Events Square through the town. The procession included Betty Stogs on his bicycle and hundreds of local primary schoolchildren, spreading festive cheer along the route.

Once on The Moor, the parade was greeted by an appreciative crowd as Falmouth’s five primary schools delivered heartwarming carols and songs. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as Neil and Saffy from Hits Radio Cornwall compered the event, introducing a range of speakers who highlighted upcoming Christmas events in the town.

Honouring Community Heroes

This year’s light switch-on was performed by Steve Winnan, a cancer exercise specialist who has supported survivors for over 12 years through the Active Pants group exercise programme, funded by Pants Cancer. Steve’s tireless work has positively impacted hundreds of individuals undergoing or recovering from cancer treatment.

Joined by his family and friends, Steve took centre stage to light up the town, earning cheers and applause from the crowd. The celebration continued with an energetic performance by the Rock Choir, who rounded off the evening with well-known festive songs.

What’s on This Christmas in Falmouth

The lights switch-on is just the beginning of a packed Christmas calendar organised by the Town Team and its partners. Highlights include:

Falmouth Christmas main events:

• Christmas Tree Festival – Sunday 1st December to Thursday 2nd January
• Festive Weekend – Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th December
• Harmony Choir – Tuesday 24th December

Christmas Tree Festival – Sunday 1st December to Thursday 2nd January

• Community groups will carefully decorate their trees with a chosen theme.
• All the trees are then illuminated in a grand switch-on celebration on Sunday 1st
• December and will remain on display at the Princess Pavilion until Thursday 2nd January.
• Make sure you find time to appreciate this spectacle!

Festive Weekend – Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th December, 11am-5pm both days

• The Festive Weekend is back for all to enjoy, with local businesses and the community getting into the Christmas spirit right across town.
• There will be an artificial ice rink, giant snow globe and curling lane, as well as snow machines through Church Street creating some wintry fun.
• Brand-new attractions such as the Christmas Marquee with its arts and craft market and Santa’s Grotto, will complement local choirs, bands, performers and land train to create a lovely atmosphere, from The Moor to Events Square.

Harmony Choir – Tuesday 24th December

• Falmouth’s Harmony Choir will once again fill the streets of Falmouth with festive song as they have done for over 100 years.
• The choir will congregate near Five’s Cyderhouse before making their way through town, entertaining the crowds with their Cornish carols, before finishing at The Moor at around 12.30pm.

Additional Festive Activities

• The Poly Christmas Market – Friday 6th to Sunday 8th December You will find a selection of unique gifts created by local artists and craftspeople,
  giving you the opportunity to find that perfect gift!
• Falmouth Art Gallery – Saturday 7th December Enjoy mince pies, self-led card crafting and free family workshops.
• National Maritime Museum Cornwall – Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th December To support Falmouth’s Festive Weekend, the NMMC will be oGering free museum entry on both days.
• Fire Station’s Santa’s Grotto – Sunday 15th & Monday 16th December Falmouth Fire Station will transform into a festive wonderland as it hosts a
  magical drive-through Christmas Grotto.
• Cornish Cinema Club at Pendennis Community Centre – Thursday 19th to Sunday 22nd December Get into the festive spirit with Christmas drive-in movies on the stunning Falmouth headland.
• Free Car Parking – to support the activity and the business community, there will be three, free car parking days on Saturday 7th, Saturday 14th and Monday 23rd December in all Cornwall Council managed car parks as well as Falmouth Harbour’s Custom House Quay car park. The 7th of December coincides with Small Business Saturday.

For more details, visit www.falmouth.co.uk.

Acknowledging Falmouth’s Volunteers

Richard Wilcox, Executive Director of Falmouth BID, expressed gratitude to everyone involved in making the event a success:

“Richard Gates and I would like to thank all those who gave up time and energy to make the evening a special one. From Falmouth Town Council staff, particularly Hayley Nicholson, Ruth Abraham, and Adele Cole, to the many volunteers, as well as the Christmas Working Group, lots of people coming together for the good of Falmouth’s community. A huge well done to all the children who took part and to Steve Winnan for his cancer rehabilitation work in the community over the years. A worthy nominee to switch on our Christmas lights this year. We hope you all enjoy the lights, the rest of our festive events programme and have a peaceful and loving Christmas 2024.”

The partnership between Falmouth Town Council and Falmouth BID has been nationally recognised for its collaborative efforts, providing year-round festivals, public realm improvements, and business support.

This Christmas season, Falmouth promises to deliver an unforgettable experience for residents and visitors alike.