What’s on in and around Ilfracombe in December
REGULAR EVENTS
1st Saturday – Ilfracombe Farmers’ Market – The Lantern Centre – 10am to 12.30pm Held on the first Saturday of each month plus a few extras, the market sells fresh local & organic produce, craft, refreshments & more. New traders welcome. 01271 864621 for information.
DECEMBER EVENTS
1 to 7 December – 10.30am to 3.30pm – Christmas Tree Festival – Pip & Jim’s Church
To celebrate Combe Christmas 2024 Pip and Jim’s are holding their eighth Christmas Tree Festival. We hope to see the church lit up with Christmas trees representing the life of the churches in the Ilfracombe area and the harbour and town communities. Free admission. Visitors may make donations towards Pip and Jim’s West Wall Revive Project.
1 December – 2pm – Mullacott Christmas Market – Mullacott Riding Centre
Santa’s Grotto, festive pony rides, hot food, crafts, gifts and much more. Free entry & parking.
1 December – 5pm – Community Carol Service – Pip & Jim’s Church
1 & 8 December – 10am to 4pm – Landmark Christmas Market
A selection box of seasonal gifts & treats from North Devon’s creatives, artists and small businesses.
2 December – 6pm to 8.30pm – Christmas Shopping Event – Harbour & Seafront area
Join us for a festive evening of late-night shopping, eating & drinking. Starts at 6pm with carol singers plus lighting up of Pip & Jim’s Garden.
4 December – 10.30 to 12.30pm – Christmas Coffee Morning – Ilfracombe Museum
Crafty Ladies Christmas gifts, guess the name of the bear, tombola & of course tea & coffee.
4 & 20 December – 7pm – Fun Print Workshops – Kingsley Printers
Would you like to design & print your own greeting cards, Christmas cards or calendars? The aim is for a fun experience
5, 12 & 19 December – Open until 7pm – Late Night Shopping – Ilfracombe High Street
Find unique gifts, enjoy and warm drink & soak up the festive atmosphere. Free parking in Wilder Road Car Park from 4pm.
5, 6 & 7 December – 7.30pm – Studio’s Christmas Stocking – The Space
Seasonal entertainment with a raffle & refreshments. NB Saturday 7 is a matinee at 2pm.
7 December – 11am to 3pm – Pop Up Christmas Market – Ilfracombe Yacht Club
Still have things to cross off your wish list? Then come along, you might just find what you are looking for.
7 & 8 December – 3pm to 9pm – Winter Wonderland – Cancelled due to the weather
Enter a magical world lit up with festive cheer. Food, drink and much, much more.
7, 14 & 21 December – Free Parking – Ropery Road Car Park
8 December – 6pm – RNLI Carol Service – Lifeboat House
The wonderful South Molton Town Band are joining us again this year for a fantastic evening of festive music and singing. Free entry – Refreshments & Mince Pies.
12 December – 7pm – Wreath Making – George & Dragon – Fore Street
Wreath making by the fire with charcuterie board and mulled wine on arrival. Booking essential.
14 December – 11am to 2pm – The Big Parish Christmas Craft Fayre – Holy Trinity Church
Bell ringing in the tower, music, craft stalls, games, face painting and more.
16 December – 7pm to 9pm – The Swiss – High Street
Come along for a festive evening including an Xmas quiz & seasonal singsong – accompanied by mulled wine and mince pies. To book call into the café or message them.
16 & 18 December – 9.30am to 11.45am – Christmas Wreath Making – Straw Patch Project
Come and enjoy a relaxing morning making your own Christmas wreath. All materials provided. Booking essential.
20 December – All day – Factory Friday Deal – The Combes Golf Park
Join us here for Factory Friday – 120 balls, drinks and pizza!
23 December – 11am to 4pm – Santa is Coming – Larkstone Café Bar
Come and meet Santa in his magical grotto. A printed photo included with each visit.
25 December – Christmas Day Dip – Ilfracombe Harbour
8 December – 2pm – André Rieu’s dazzling Christmas Concert
Celebrate the holiday season with André Rieu’s dazzling Christmas Concert, Gold And Silver, exclusively in cinemas! This magical event embodies the festive spirit of Christmas, bringing joy, warmth, and sparkle to the big screen.
10 December – 7.15pm – The Royal Ballet – Cinderella
This Christmas, be transported into an ethereal world where a sprinkling of fairy dust makes dreams come true. This enchanting ballet by The Royal Ballet’s Founding Choreographer Frederick Ashton is a theatrical experience for all the family.
17 December – 7.15pm – The Royal Ballet – The Nut Cracker
Discover the enchantment of ballet with this sparkling festive treat for the whole family. Join Clara at a delightful Christmas Eve party that becomes a magical adventure once everyone else is tucked up in bed.
Details of all films showing weekly can be found at https://ilfracombe.merlincinemas.co.uk/ and on our Diary page
7 December – 2.30pm & 7pm – ‘Alive’
The Rebecca Varley dance academy present ‘ Alive’. The students share their love and talents in a variety show of Dance, Musical theatre and Ballet. With a cast of over hundred dancers and some festival sparkle , this is a show for the whole family .
13 December – 7.30 pm – The Rat Pack – Christmas in Vegas
Swing into the Christmas season with The Rat Pack and their famous Christmas Concert. David Alacey (Lovejoy & Inspector Alleyn) stars as Frank Sinatra alongside Paul Drakeley (Inside Out – BBC) as Dean Martin. They are joined by former Eastenders star and ITV’s (Central News) “Mr Weather” – Des Coleman as Sammy Davis Jnr in the original Rat Pack show, now celebrating its 25th record breaking year.
15 December – 2pm – The Royal Ballet: Cinderella
Stuck at home and put to work by her spoiled Stepsisters, Cinderella’s life is dreary and dull. Everything changes when she helps a mysterious woman out…With a little bit of magic, she is transported into an ethereal new world – one where fairies bring the gifts of the seasons, where pumpkins turn into carriages, and where true love awaits.
20 December – 8pm – Christmas by Candlelight
Experience the Enchantment of Christmas in an Unforgettable Festive Musical Celebration by Candlelight. Prepare to immerse yourself in the holiday spirit as our incredible cast of singers and live musicians deliver a fresh take on your favourite classic Christmas songs, all performed live.
22 December – 2pm – The Royal Ballet: The Nutcracker
Join Clara at a delightful Christmas Eve party that becomes a magical adventure once everyone else is tucked up in bed. Marvel as Clara and her enchanted Nutcracker fight the Mouse King and visit the Sugar Plum Fairy in the glittering Kingdom of Sweets.
7th December 2024 – Flash Back
An evening of the biggest dance anthems & bangers from the 90s & 00s featuring: Judge Jules, Ian Van Dahl, Friday Night Posse, Ben Jammin, Troy Wyse, Arron Jones, Rickster, Laidgrooves Djs, Mc Genie.
21 December – 6pm – Ilfracombe Bingo Loco
Looking for the best bingo party near you? Gear up for a night out in Ilfracombe at the bingo rave where you will experience a show you’ve never experienced before.
AROUND & ABOUT THE WIDER NORTH DEVON
1 to 7 December – 4.30pm to 8pm – Glow at RHS Rosemoor
Create magical memories with loved ones this festive season as amazing illuminations light your way on our spectacular Glow trail. Experience this jewel of a garden on a wonderful after-dark trail of festive light and colour. Follow the illuminated route through beautiful garden rooms and for the first time ever our arboretum as RHS Rosemoor comes alive at night. Tickets must be booked in advance. choice.
1,6 to 8 &13 to 15 December – 4pm to 10pm – Clovelly Court Garden Lights
See the Clovelly Court Gardens like never before. Explore the historic gardens after dark as twinkling lights and seasonal cheer fills the air. There will be mulled wine and hot food served and live music.
7 & 8, 14 &15, 20 to 23 December – The Magic of Christmas is coming to the Milky Way
This festive season our visitors can look forward to lots of magical family Christmas fun! Visit our garland festooned train station made jolly with festive music and giant Christmas tree then a grab 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. Tickets must be booked online, in advance.
7, 14 & 21 December – 9am to 2pm – Christmas Market – The Big Sheep
Welcome to North Devon’s largest Indoor Market! Free range turkeys, organic meats, sprouts on stalks, cheeses, cakes, fresh fish and Christmas trees are just some of the delights which will be on offer! Don’t miss your chance to win a selection of Christmas goodies in our Prize Hamper Draw!
8 December – 10am to 1pm – Christmas Craft & Farmer’s Market – Woolacombe Village Hall
A selection of local produce, arts and crafts … free admission … everyone welcome!
8 December – 3.30pm – Barnstaple Ladies Choir – Arlington Court
Kick of the festive season with this joyous performance in the staircase hall, decorated in full Victorian Christmas splendour. Normal Admission applies
11 December – 6pm – Christmas Bingo – Combe Martin Village Hall
In aid of North Devon Hospice. Eyes down 7pm – Refreshments and a raffle.
12 to 31 December – Various times – Beauty and the Beast – Queens Theatre, Barnstaple
Be our guest in the magical land of Pantopia, where the air is filled with laughter and every twist and turn is a spectacle of joy. This production is a feast for the senses, a celebration of love, and a guaranteed rollercoaster of emotions, sprinkled with side-splitting humour and heartwarming moments for the whole family.
13 to 16 December – 9.30am to 3pm – Toddler Takeover – The Big Sheep
We’ll be joined by Jiggy Wrigglers for this fantastic Merry Christmas event full of snow, festive cheer and plenty of precious family memories and Christmas keepsakes. Make your own Reindeer Food for Christmas Eve – Parent–led Christmas Crafts & present for each child to take home.
14 December – 2.30pm – Beauty & the Beast – the Big Sheep
This Christmas, from the team who brought you Peter Pan, Jack and the Beanstalk and Sleeping Beauty, escape on a magical adventure with a fabulous funny pop-up pantomime Beauty and the Beast. Expect songs, silliness and some festive magic in the classic panto for all ages.
14, 21 & 23 December – 10am to 12pm or 1pm to 3pm – Elf Invasion – Quince Honey Farm
Help us find the cheeky elves and solve their secret message. Includes crafts, hot chocolate & cookie and time in the play hive.
14 &15,18 to 24 December – Santa Specials – Lynton & Barnstaple Railway
Wrap up warm and enjoy a delightful festive steam train ride! Santa and friends will be at Woody Bay Station to welcome all the children. Plus see Woody Bay Station festively decorated for the season. Pre-booking is recommended to avoid disappointment.
20 December – 10am to 12pm – Christmas Table Centre Piece Workshop – Quinze Honey Farm
Make a stunning centre piece for your Christmas Table using beautiful natural materials.
23, 27 & 30 December – 10.30am to 4pm – Dinosaurus Playzone – Combe Martin Wildlife Park
Come and have fun in the Dinosaurus Playzone this winter!
26 December – 1pm to 3pm – Boxing Day Barbecue – Clovelly Village
FREE entrance to Clovelly village all day, take a walk along the estate or explore the village in the morning. Then come on down to the quay to enjoy a lunch barbecue starting at midday with live music. There will be a Land Rover available to take you back up if you do not wish to walk.
28 to 31 December – 10am to 4pm – Lynton & Barnstaple Railway
Looking for something to do with the family after the big day? Why not treat yourself to a festive train ride and even a trip to our cozy tearoom! We will be running our usual services throughout the day. The Tearoom will be open serving a range of light refreshments including hot & cold drinks, along with our Station Shop with a range of gifts.
