UPDATE FOR 2019: Mousehole Light Switch on 2019
Christmas doesn’t truly start in Cornwall until the impressive lights surrounding Mousehole harbour are switched on each year. One of the most stunning light displays in the county, the event is turned into an evening of festive entertainment, with performances from various local choirs.
For those who haven’t seen the Mousehole Christmas lights before, you may be wondering what the big deal is. Unlike many other towns, Mousehole truly makes the most of its waterside location, illuminating their harbour with an incredible floating display of lights.
The big switch on will be taking place on Saturday 15th December this year at 6.30pm, and the lights will remain on each day from 5pm to 11pm until the 4th January, giving you plenty of time to pop down and see them! As part of the switch on, there will be a community singing performance, led by the Mousehole Male Voice Choir and the Mousehole Methodist Church Choir.
The village itself will also be aglow with colour, with decorations displayed on every street and lanterns leading you down the winding passages. Here you will find an assortment of quaint local gift shops and cafes.
You’ll also be able to spot the Celtic Cross light that stands proud on St Clements Island, 500m off the coast from Mousehole. The lights that illuminate the cross are powered by solar energy, making part of the display more environmentally friendly.
The Christmas lights have been a part of Mouseholes’ festive calendar since 1963, when a local artist, Joan Gillchrest added strings of lights along the harbour to brighten the area and bring in some festive cheer. Since then, the displays have only gotten bigger and brighter, with the largest piece which reads ‘Merry Christmas Happy New Year’ containing around 1000 lightbulbs!
For those planning on visiting on the lights switch-on date, be sure to check for road closure details, as some roads are set to shut prior to the lights switch on. Parking may also be harder to find on this night, so parking outside of the village or getting the park and ride bus may be a better transport option for this night. Following the switch on night, from the 16th December to 4th January, all roads are set to be open as usual, making visiting Mousehole a little easier if you just want to see the lights!
If you are thinking of visiting Mousehole this Christmas, then be sure to check out their charming performance of The Mousehole Cat, a live-action adaptation of the classic children’s book by Antonia Barber. A perfect play for families, the performance lasts for an hour and tickets cost £11 each. Two or three performances are running each day between the 15th December and the 31st December 2018.
Planning on visiting Cornwall this Christmas? There’s plenty to see and do this year, including Christmas activitiesand Christmas markets! If you’re looking for a place to stay then you certainly can’t beat our 5-star cottages in Cornwall!
THE VALLEY is proud to be the only 5 Star Gold Self Catering holiday village of its size in the whole of Cornwall
