19/11/2025
🎄 My Christmas Calendar Begins… and it’s looking wonderfully busy! 🎄
The countdown to Christmas in Ilfracombe has officially begun, and I’ve somehow created a five-week schedule that might just require its own sleigh team…
It all kicks off Saturday 22nd November, when I’ll be easing into the season with a wander round the RNLI Ilfracombe Christmas Fayre – Snow White will be there, so clearly I must go and compare festive outfits.
On Sunday 23rd, I’m rolling up my sleeves for the free lantern workshop at the The Landmark. The grand plan? Craft something vaguely presentable for the big parade at Lighting of the Lights… wish me luck.
Once I’ve recovered from my glue-stick escapades, I’m off to Santiago's on 25th November for a cosy wreath-making workshop, followed by the magic moment itself on Friday 28th November – Combe Christmas Lighting of the Lights! Lantern in hand, I’ll be joining the parade and soaking up that first proper sparkle of the season.
Then it’s a full-throttle weekend: Keypitts Off Road Adventures Locals Day on 29th November (up to 25% off – yes please!) and the Christmas Market at The Landmark on the 30th.
Monday 1st December brings late-night shopping around the harbour, Fore Street and the promenade, with carols at Pip & Jim’s to keep everything perfectly joyful.
A few days later, 3rd December, I’m settling in for a festive dinner with friends at Monkey Puzzle Restaurant, followed by Friday evening shopping on the 5th – and yes, I’ll be making very good use of that free parking.
The next day, 6th December, it’s straight into the magic of Ilfracombe Winter Wonderland at Bicclescombe Park, before a double-festive Sunday on 7th December: a Christmas Carvery at Larkstone Cafe Bar, then carol singing with South Molton Brass Band at the Lifeboat Station.
By 8th December, I’ll be wandering through the sea of beautifully decorated Christmas trees at Pip & Jim’s community centre, followed by a glowing pause for the Kin Wellness Devon Wellness Glow event on 11th December.
Then it’s time for some drama – literally! – with a Festive Murder Mystery at The Carlton Hotel Ilfracombe on 12th December, before hopping aboard the Santa Special steam train at Lynton & Barnstaple Railway Woody Bay on the 13th. Pure nostalgia.
The celebrations continue with The Magic of Christmas at The Milky Way Adventure Park on 14th December, Toddler Takeover at The BIG Sheep Family Attraction on the 15th, and something scrumptious on 17th December: a chocolate wreath-making workshop with the Ilfracombe Chocolate Emporium Ltd.
And finally, to coast gently into Christmas week, on 21st December I’ll be savouring a festive afternoon tea at The Brasserie at The Carlton Hotel Ilfracombe – because by then, I think I’ll have earned a sit-down!
✨ And that’s just my plan. There are loads more workshops, Santa visits, festive menus, family days out and alternative dates popping up across town.
🎅 Stay ahead of the Christmas sparkle and keep your own diary full of cheer:
👉 visitilfracombe.co.uk/christmas for the latest festive fun.
If you’re already plotting your own festive countdown, tag someone who should join you for a Christmas adventure — or share this post with a friend who needs a little inspiration to get into the spirit!
🎄
