One of our favourite parts of the festive season is watching the local towns decorate their streets and get into the Christmas spirit. To kick off your yule, why not head to one of the events that celebrate the switching on of Christmas lights? Here are 10 such events in North Cornwall and Devon for 2017 in chronological order. If we’ve missed one, let us know in the comments below.
Barnstaple Christmas Light Switch On
Sunday 19th November
11am onwards (lights on at 5.15pm).
This popular event is an early way to get in the festive mood, with a street food party, live entertainment, music and even a Tapathon world record attempt, ahead of the annual switching on of the lights in the evening.
Launceston Big Christmas Lights Switch On
Thursday 23rd November 2017
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Come and join the fun and festivities in the square, with music, minces pies, entertainment and more, from 6pm. The Christmas Lights will be in place (thanks to the volunteers of the Chamber of Commerce) and the tree will be decked, so come and join us for the countdown to light up the town! Popchoir, Magic Martin and Launceston Town Band will be there too.
Camelford Christmas Lights Switch On
Saturday 25th November 2017
Sing Christmas carols and get into the spirit for the switch-on of Camelford’s Christmas Lights. This will be followed by a spectacular Fireworks Display. Children will also have the chance to meet Santa and his reindeer, and the grown ups can warm up with a glass of mulled wine!
Bodmin Christmas Lights Switch On
Friday 1st December 2017
At 6.30pm the children’s parade will commence from the library and make its way down to Mount Folly. The lights will be switched on at 7pm and there will be Christmas carols and refreshments.
Holsworthy Christmas Lights Switch On
Friday 1st December 2017
5:00 pm
This year promises to be the best yet, with real reindeer, a street market, live entertainment, and late night shopping.
Tintagel Christmas Lights Switch On (TBC)
Saturday 2nd December 2017
6.30pm
Funding issues mean the lights are not confirmed yet – please check before setting off! Starting at the council car park at 6.30pm, the congregation parades through the village, with services taking place at the parish, central and Catholic churches, with Father Christmas following behind on his sleigh.
Padstow Christmas Lights Switch On
Sunday 3rd December 2017
The festive lights will be switched on at 6 pm, the first Sunday in Advent. There will be a carol service on the band stand where The Padstow Carolers will be singing traditional Padstow Christmas Hymns.
Clovelly Christmas Lights in aid of the R.N.L.I.
Sunday 3rd December 2017
3.30pm onwards
Starting at 3:30 pm, a local brass band leads the procession down to the harbour with festive Christmas carols sung by a local choir. There’ll be a hog roast, hot dogs, Christmas grog and other refreshments Entrance fee: £5 per car at the Visitor Centre after 3 pm. All proceeds to RNLI
Bideford Christmas Light Switch On
Sunday 3rd December 2017
12pm onwards.
Late night shopping, Santas running through the town and aerial artists on the Quay will complete Bideford’s festive events in the countdown to Christmas. Expect school choirs, Santas galore, reindeer and fireworks.
Bude Christmas Lights
Friday 15th December
A Christmas parade, Santa, live music and dance and hopefully some late night shopping. Full line-up to be confirmed.
