Christmas shopping in St Ives

Charlotte Ballam

Christmas trees flanking the streets, lights twinkling in the harbour and stunning window displays - Christmas in St Ives is a feast for the senses! Whether you're coming to St Ives for a luxury holiday prior to Christmas or for the big day itself, there are plenty of events taking place throughout the town to help you on your way to feeling festive and of course - numerous places to purchase unique and thoughtful gifts. Sail Lofts luxury self catering apartments in Cornwall provide the perfect base from which to stroll into St Ives for whatever is on the agenda. With the town centre on your doorstep, you'll be meandering along Fore Street in a matter of minutes. Be sure to look out for this year's contending shop windows - all vying for the coveted Judges Shield - Bob Devereux and Anthony Frost will be judging around 60 competing shops and galleries this year!

Choose a Luxury Holiday in St Ives this Christmas

The town centre will be closed to traffic on 1st December for Christmas shopping and a flurry of festivities. Take a stroll along Fore Street and the harbour and you'll find a myriad of independent boutiques and galleries - don't forget to cast your vote for your favourite window display! The end of the day will see a lantern parade through the streets, culminating in the turning on of the Christmas lights at 6.30pm. When you've shopped to your heart's content, why not drop the shopping off at your luxury apartment and head back out for your favourite tipple or a warming glass of mulled wine?

During the first weekend of December, St Ives Guildhall will play host to Etsy Made Local – St Ives, a collective Christmas Fair showcasing over 40 independent crafters and designers. Everything from art and illustrations to hand blown glass, jewellery and ceramics will be available from the very makers themselves. The fair is a goldmine for those unique and thoughtful Christmas gifts that loved ones will cherish. The Guildhall will open its doors at 6pm on Friday 30th November for late night shopping accompanied with music and refreshments and will be open from 10am on Saturday and Sunday - entry is free and a visit is an absolute must. If you can't make the fair, stop by Sloop Studios for a similar and permanent collective of locally made gifts by talented people.

For those who are a little trickier to buy for (we all know one), why not take inspiration from the welcome hamper in your luxury apartment and gift them some beautiful local produce? I Should Coco offers artisan chocolate and truffles handmade on the premises - some chocolate can even be personalised! Johns the Liquor Cellar is a treasure trove of beer, cider, spirits and even cigars from both near and far and the Searoom is home to St Ives Gin, where you can pick up bottles and glasses to take home. For a one stop shop, head to St Ives Farmers Market, based in the Guildhall every Thursday from 9.30am-2pm, the Farmers Market showcases the best local produce from bread and cakes to plants, gin and jam.

Luxury apartments in St Ives

Christmas time adds an extra element of magic to St Ives and it really is a beautiful time to visit, whether you're planning a getaway in the run up to Christmas, or planning to celebrate the 25th in seaside style, the Sail Lofts self catering accommodation are perfect for a luxury holiday in St Ives and are well furnished with everything you'd need in a home away from home. Why not take a look at our luxury apartments and start counting down to your festive break in St Ives?