Falmouth’s Festive Calendar Unwrapped: Christmas Events You Won’t Want to Miss!

Falmouth is ready to light up this holiday season with a vibrant schedule of Christmas events and attractions designed to bring festive cheer to residents and visitors alike. Despite the challenges faced by town centres, Falmouth’s Town Team and partners have organised a variety of seasonal favourites alongside new additions, promising a lively festive experience for all.

Main Christmas Events In Falmouth

Christmas Lights Switch-on – Thursday 28th November

The countdown to Christmas begins with the Christmas Lights Switch-on, one of Falmouth’s most eagerly awaited events. Scheduled for Thursday 28th November, the evening will include a community nominee illuminating the town, accompanied by local schoolchildren performing carols and Christmas songs. The event features choirs on both sides of the 7 pm switch-on, creating an atmosphere full of seasonal warmth and cheer.

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

Starting on Sunday 1st December, Falmouth’s Christmas Tree Festival will bring together community groups who will decorate their trees with unique themes. The trees, displayed at Princess Pavilion, will be illuminated during a grand switch-on ceremony and remain on view until 2nd January.

Festive Weekend – Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th December

Falmouth’s annual Festive Weekend returns with fun for everyone. From 11 am to 5 pm each day, visitors can enjoy an artificial ice rink, snow globe photo opportunities, and a curling lane, as well as snow machines along Church Street. New attractions, including a Christmas Marquee with an arts and crafts market, Santa’s Grotto, and performances from local choirs and bands, will add to the holiday spirit stretching from The Moor to Events Square.

Harmony Choir – Tuesday 24th December

On Christmas Eve, Falmouth’s Harmony Choir will fill the streets with traditional Cornish carols, as they have for over a century. Starting near Five Cyderhouse and ending at The Moor around 12:30 pm, the choir will offer an authentic taste of Cornwall’s festive heritage. Informal practice sessions will be held on 1st and 15th December at the Sports Club for those interested in joining.

Additional Festive Activities and Offers

Several events and offers are set to complement Falmouth’s holiday atmosphere:

• The Poly Christmas Market (Friday 6th – Sunday 8th December): Shoppers can find unique gifts from local artists and craftspeople.
• Falmouth Art Gallery (Saturday 7th December): Visitors can enjoy mince pies, card crafting, and free family workshops.
• National Maritime Museum Cornwall (Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th December): The museum will offer free entry during the Festive Weekend.
• Fire Station Santa’s Grotto (Sunday 15th & Monday 16th December): Falmouth Fire Station will host a drive-through Christmas Grotto.
• Cornish Cinema Club (Thursday 19th – Sunday 22nd December): Holiday films will be shown drive-in style at Pendennis Community Centre on the Falmouth headland.

Free Car Parking Days

To support festive activities, free car parking will be available on Saturday 7th, Saturday 14th, and Monday 23rd December in all Cornwall Council-managed car parks. The 7th December coincides with Small Business Saturday, encouraging local shopping during the holiday season.

Further information on Falmouth’s Christmas events is available via www.falmouth.co.uk, the official destination website for Falmouth and ‘Falmouth Cornwall UK’, the town’s official Facebook page. Do share your festive images via #FalmouthChristmas.

Photo Credit: Richard Wilcox