- 00Days until Christmas
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!
Upcoming Christmas Events, Fairs and Shows
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, 27th November, is a wonderful opportunity to experience the community spirit that makes Ilfracombe so magical at this time of year. Then on Monday 30th November, 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 and the switching on of the Christmas lights at Pip and Jim’s church at 6pm. Free car parking will be available in Ropery Road car park from 5pm.
Our wonderful shops are there to help you get those perfect gifts, with free parking available in the High Street and Ropery Road car parks all day on Saturdays during December. Saturday 5th December has been declared Shopping Super Saturday with a bumper day of discounts and offers.
Pip and Jim’s church will be celebrating its 10th annual Christmas Tree Festival from 26th November to the 2nd December and this year the event returns to the church itself. Pop in and look at the wonderful trees all decorated by local groups, organisations and businesses.
Throughout the festive period, enjoy a variety of fairs, markets, workshops and other seasonal events, along with theatre shows and cinema screenings that will fill you with Christmas cheer. Why not subscribe to our calendar of Christmas Events below, so that you don’t miss a thing!
Take a look at the Embassy Cinema Listings page for festive films and screened events such as Andre Rieu’s 2026 Christmas Concert: Let it Snow, and The Royal Ballet’s performances of The Nutcracker.
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!
On the 18th December, the Thatched Inn will be hosting their annual Christmas Party and silent disco.
The Carlton Hotel is hosting a range of festive experiences throughout the season, including party nights, a Festive Murder Mystery night, 2 or 3 course dinners, and delightful festive afternoon teas. Visit their website where you will find all of the details. They also have special menus for Christmas Eve dinner and Boxing Day lunch.
On the 11th and 12th December, The Combes Golf Park will be hosting a fantastic two night Christmas party with an amazing selection of local bands. It’s free to enter and they will have a minibus available to book for collection and drop-offs.
Shop local!
Free parking will be available all day on Saturdays during December in the High Street and Ropery Road car parks, thanks to Ilfracombe Town Council.
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 staying open on Friday 27th November for the Combe Christmas event. Perfect for grabbing some gifts from local shops.
On Monday 30th November, shops around the harbour, St James Place, Fore Street and the Promenade area will be open for a festive evening of late night shopping, eating and drinking. There will be Carols at Pip and Jim’s churchyard as they switch on their Christmas lights.
Support local shopkeepers for your festive shopping this year and help keep the town’s vibrant spirit alive.
You can get ahead with some lovely gifts all lovingly made in Devon at the Christmas Art Market arranged by Ilfracombe Art Trail and held at North Devon Resort on the 14th & 15th November. Browse more than 30 stalls and find unique presents, and make use of the free shuttle bus to make getting there easy.
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.
Hidden Valley Park are delighted to be welcoming guests in for Christmas Day lunch. Join them for a delicious four-course Christmas dinner, including a glass of champagne. No cooking, no washing up, and plenty of time to relax and enjoy Christmas Day with family and friends. To book, call them on 01271 813837
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 are offering a stylish 3 night New Year’s escape, which includes their signature Gala Dinner and Dance.
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 via the ‘book a table’ tab. Or see in the New Year at The Wellington Arms with a Roaring Twenties Gatsby Party! There will be complimentary fizz and canapes and entertainment by the marvellous Groove Collective.
Check back soon — we’re adding fresh updates and festive news about Christmas and New Year in Ilfracombe all the time.
