- 00Days until Christmas
With Christmas just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to start planning your festivities! Whether you’re looking to book a sumptuous Christmas Day Lunch or a festive party, this guide has everything you need. Explore the details of venues hosting Christmas meals, complete with sample menus to help you choose the ideal spot.
A highlight of the season is Combe Christmas, when the whole town comes together to celebrate the switching-on of Ilfracombe’s Christmas lights. This special event, taking place on Friday, 29th November, is a wonderful opportunity to experience the community spirit that makes Ilfracombe so magical at this time of year. Then on Monday 2nd December, shops around the harbour, St James Place, Fore Street and the Promenade area will be open for a festive evening of late night shopping, carols, eating and drinking.
Our wonderful shops are there to help you get those perfect gifts. High Street shops are staying open until 7pm on Thursdays during December, with free parking available in Wilder Road, and there will be free parking in Ropery Road car park on Saturdays in December.
Throughout the festive period, enjoy a variety of fairs, markets, and other seasonal events, along with theatre shows and pantomimes that will fill you with Christmas cheer.
Looking ahead to New Year? We’ve got you covered with details on exciting New Year’s Eve events. Why not make it extra special this year and ring in the New Year by the sea?
Keep checking back, as we’ll update the page with new events as they’re announced.
Book your Christmas Meal or Party
Get into the festive spirit and start planning your Christmas celebrations! Whether you’re looking to enjoy a meal with friends, host a memorable staff party, or simply indulge in some seasonal treats, Ilfracombe has plenty to offer this holiday season. We’ve rounded up some of the best local spots for your festive gatherings—check out the menus below and see what catches your eye!
The Carlton Hotel is hosting a range of festive experiences, including a special Christmas menu, lively party nights, and delightful afternoon teas. They are also offering Christmas Day and Boxing Day lunches. Visit their website where you will find all of the details.
Ilfracombe Golf Club is offering a delicious Christmas menu perfect for a memorable celebration with friends or colleagues. If you’re looking for a venue for your works, family or just a social gathering with full on Christmas fayre then look no further. They have a fantastic menu and are all set up and ready to start taking group bookings now. Available from Saturday 16th November – Pre-Bookings only – tel: 01271 862176 or email: secretary@ilfracombegolfclub.com
Monkey Puzzle Restaurant is offering festive meals and fun from 1st to 23rd December. Enjoy a special Christmas menu, festive drinks, and adult-friendly activities like soft play and a Nerf gun range. Book for families & friends directly or inquire about corporate events with exclusive hire and discounts.
The Hele Bay Pub would love to host your Christmas Party. Their restaurant will be transformed into a winter wonderland which can dine up to 36 people. The price for 3 courses is £29.95 per person with a mulled cider or mulled wine on arrival. You can book by phoning 01271 867795 or via their Facebook page.
At Larkstone Cafe Bar, you can enjoy a delicious 3 course meal amongst stunning sea views in their beautifully decorated Christmassy Cafe. 🎄 A special menu will be available every Sunday throughout December (1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd), and booking is highly recommended. Included is a 3 course meal as well as a soft or alcoholic drink for each person. This menu is also available for any party or Christmas get together any day throughout December. They also offer a Christmas Buffet for parties at £20 per person. Please get in contact for more information.
The Lime Kiln Cafe & Bar will be hosting their famous Christmas Supper Clubs on the 11th or 14th of December. Perfect for a festive date night, family get together or works Christmas party! £40 per person which includes mulled wine, Christmas crackers, 3 course meal and Lots of Christmas music. Book via their website, over the phone 01271 447 812 or by email to hello@thelimekilncafe.co.uk. (Pre orders from all guests are required 1 week prior).
At Score Valley Retreat you can enjoy a festive overnight stay which includes a beautifully selected menu to enjoy, complimented by wine, followed by coffee liqueurs by the open fire. Call or email them to book your stay.
Fairs, Markets and other Seasonal Events
Please send details of any community events, fairs and markets to events@visitilfracombe.co.uk so that they can be added to our site.
Wrap up warm and enjoy a delightful festive steam train ride that’s sure to enchant visitors of all ages!
The Magic of Christmas is coming to the Milky Way on the 7th & 8th, 14th & 15th and 20th to 23rd December 2024.
This festive season, visitors can look forward to lots of magical family Christmas fun! Visit their garland festooned train station made jolly with festive music and giant Christmas tree then grab a hot chocolate to enjoy on your Festive Train ride. Then enjoy Merlin’s special themed show created just for the season … and keep an eye out for Santa’s naughty elves as you make your way around the park. Their mischievous antics are bound to give you a chuckle!
Tickets for The Magic of Christmas at The Milky Way are now available to book online! The festive season may seem a long way off but they expect to sell out on most days. PLUS, if you have an EX, TQ or PL postcode you can save 15% on standard adult and child age 3+ tickets when you book online before 10th November – just use the code XMAS24 at the checkout!
From Friday 13th to Monday 16th December, The Big Sheep’s Christmas Toddler Takeover is back to bring festive joy to little ones and their families!
This magical Christmas event is designed for little ones to enjoy a winter wonderland brimming with holiday cheer, snow, and charming Christmas keepsakes. Toddlers can revel in festive entertainment, including the Jiggy Wrigglers Christmas Music Show, the Barnwood Bears Magical Wonderland, and Christmas workshops hosted by Bloom North Devon. There’s plenty of indoor fun at EWEtopia Soft Play, opportunities to make reindeer food for Christmas Eve, and festive crafts led by parents.
Kimmie-Marie Photography will be capturing the day’s special moments, and each child will receive a Christmas present to take home. For more information and to book tickets, visit their website.
Christmas Shopping
Ilfracombe has many lovely independent shops, where you will find plenty of inspiration for Christmas gifts. Around the Town Centre, Fore Street, Harbour and Sea Front you’ll find award-winning food and drink, arts and crafts, homewares, clothing and unique special gifts.
High Street shops will be open late on Friday 29th November for the Combe Christmas event and then on Thursdays 5th, 12th and 19th of December. Visit a participating store and enter their draw for a fabulous hamper!
On Monday 2nd December from 6pm to 8.30pm, shops around the harbour, St James Place, Fore Street and the Promenade area will be open for a festive evening of late night shopping, carols, eating and drinking.
Support local shopkeepers for your festive shopping this year and help keep the town’s vibrant spirit alive.
North Devon Council are offering free parking in Wilder Road car park from 4pm on Thursdays from the 28th November to the 19th December. And Ilfracombe Town Council are offering free parking in Ropery Road car park on Saturday the 7th, 14th and 21st of December.
Shows and Entertainment
There’s nothing quite like a Christmas show to fill you with festive cheer! Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit by exploring the exciting line-up of performances at the Landmark Theatre in Ilfracombe and the Queen’s Theatre in Barnstaple. Whether you’re in the mood for a heartwarming panto or a lively musical, there’s something for everyone. Visit their website to discover the full schedule and book your tickets early!
Studio Theatre Ilfracombe are holding a special Christmas show on the 5th, 6th and 7th December. Book tickets online or get them on the door.
North Devon Resort are hosting a number of events in the run up to Christmas. Check out their website to see what’s on and get into the party spirit.
The Big Sheep are hosting another great box office busting Family Christmas Panto on Saturday 14th December. Early Bird Tickets are now live! Book your tickets on their website.
Take a look at the Embassy Cinema Listings page for festive films and screened events such as Andre Rieu’s 2024 Christmas Concert: Gold And Silver on the 7th December and The Royal Ballet’s performances of Cinderella on the 10th and The Nutcracker on the 17th of December.
Combe Christmas is the annual switching on of the Christmas lights in Ilfracombe, incorporating a Lantern Parade through the High Street, stalls, food and drink and local organisations. Many shops will be open late, with special offers available.
The Big Day
This Christmas, skip the stress of cooking and cleaning and indulge in a hassle-free day. Let someone else take care of everything, so you can sit back, relax, and fully enjoy the festivities.
At The Carlton Hotel, you can start your Christmas lunch with a glass of Prosecco and indulge in a delicious menu that ends with a comforting coffee. If you’re celebrating on Boxing Day, they’ve got you covered with a special lunch perfect for gathering with family or friends.
Ring in the New Year in Style!
Whether you’re looking for somewhere to celebrate New Year’s Eve, to eat on New Year’s Day, or perhaps you’d like a New Year’s break, we’ve got you covered!
The Carlton Hotel have a special 3 night New Year’s stay, which includes their Gala Dinner and Dance. Alternatively you can book the Gala Dinner and Dance itself, or perhaps a New Year’s Day Brunch or Lunch.
The Lime Kiln Cafe and Bar are hosting a New Year’s Eve Masquerade Party with a 5 course meal and DJ until 1am. You can book on their website (Select the 7pm option for a full ticket or 8.15pm for the post 9pm ticket).
Make a reservation with The Terrace Tapas and Wine Bar to celebrate the New Year with their award-winning Spanish Tapas.
As the festive season draws near, Ilfracombe is ready to welcome you with open arms and a warm holiday spirit. Whether you’re planning a cozy Christmas Day lunch, exploring festive events, or celebrating the New Year by the sea, our town offers something truly special for everyone.
With so many wonderful events and activities lined up, there’s no better place to create lasting memories with your loved ones. Keep an eye on this page for updates, and be sure to book your favourite festive experiences early. Here’s to a magical Christmas and a sparkling New Year in Ilfracombe!