Christmas In St Ives

Christmas in St Ives is always special and this year is no different! With a number of exciting new events set to take place, you won’t need to look far to find that festive feeling in St Ives – it will be right here on your doorstep in Huntingdonshire. Join one of the town’s festive events or take a look at our top tips for a happy and healthy Christmas.

From mid-November, the town’s shopping streets will be lit up with beautiful Christmas lights and St Ives
Christmas in St Ives is always special and this year is no different! With a number of exciting new events set to take place, you won’t need to look far to find that festive feeling in St Ives – it will be right here on your doorstep in Huntingdonshire. Join one of the town’s festive events or take a look at our top tips for a happy and healthy Christmas.

Twinkling lights and festive windows
Launched during a fun-filled weekend in November, St Ives town centre is now lit up with beautiful Christmas lights and decorations. Enjoy them while you do your Christmas shopping or wrap up warm and plan a special visit to see them after dark. Keep your eyes open for the businesses competing in the “best dressed window” competition – there are some stunning entries!

Christmas Saturdays in St Ives
Don’t miss this brand new event - Christmas Saturdays in St Ives! Taking place on 4th, 11th and 18th December, the town will undergo a festive transformation with Christmas decorations, market stalls, on street entertainers, mulled wine and more! Follow the Facebook event for the latest news.

Local shopping for gifts and treats
You can find a wealth of local independent businesses on the high streets of St Ives, St Neots, Huntingdon and Ramsey. With shops selling everything from unique and locally made gifts and crafts, through to homewares, beauty products, books, beers, wines and spirits – you can tick off your whole gift list and perhaps even get a little something for yourself too. And don’t forget, many of our local independent businesses also sell gift vouchers – the ideal last-minute gift!

View a directory of shops in St Ives 

Make the most of Christmas with these three top tips…

1. Pre-order your festive food & drink from local businesses
No matter what’s on your shopping list – from meat, veg, bread and cake, to fruit, cheese, beer, and wine – our top tip for this year is to pre-order! Avoid a last-minute panic by shopping early, shopping safely and shopping locally. Many of the town’s butchers, bakers, grocers, delicatessens, beer and wine specialists are taking pre-orders, so why not ask at your local favourite shop?

2. Take a break from Christmas stress and excess with some fresh air and exercise
It’s easy to cosy up indoors with a box of festive treats and a screen, but why not use some of your downtime to explore the town’s beautiful parks and green spaces? There’s no need to wait until Boxing Day for that winter walk! Grab a takeaway hot drink and a piece of cake from your favourite café and head to Lady’s Wood, Great Raveley, Upwood or the neaby Fens and enjoy a winter wander. Or try somewhere new by downloading the two free local walk apps Go Jauntly and TrailTale. Fresh air and exercise not only keeps your healthier, it’s also proven to improve your mental health and well-being too! 

3. Ventilation and outdoor socialising is best 
Remember, Covid cases are currently very high in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. Don’t let Covid spoil your plans this Christmas - continue to follow Government guidance on hands, face, space and ventilation. Meeting outdoors is best. Please be considerate of others and only attend events or gatherings if you are symptom-free.