Penzance, Cornwall's most south westerly town has a unique Christmas calendar to celebrate the festive season in 2015. Beginning on November 28th, the town comes alive with a mix of Christmas lights, entertainment and culture. Penzance's locals are passionate about their rich historical past which also plays a unique part in the town's festive celebrations, which are open to all.

Christmas Lights – 28th November 2015

Penzance's High Street comes to life with the switch on of the Christmas lights and the opening of the Christmas Window Trail. The Mayor, David Nebesnuick will begin celebrations by riding on a horse drawn bus turning on the lights as he goes. Penzance's fabulous shops will also host an array of lit windows designed and created by local artists.

The Christmas lights switch on starts at 4.30pm on 28th November leaving from Wharfside Shopping Centre at 4.30pm. www.facebook.com/Penzance-Christmas-Lights-Market- 

Christmas Grotto & Christmas Market – 3rd December 2015

Inspired by JR Tolkien's letters from Father Christmas, the Christmas Grotto sees Old Father Frost basing his Christmas operations in an empty furniture shop in Penzance. Promising to be a great theatrical experience, it allows children to enjoy some Christmas wonder and magic and meet a Santa Claus figure. For the adults, a Christmas market will offer a collection of stalls from local artisans selling a variety of gifts.

Tickets for Old Father Frost's Grotto are £4 with concessions available, running every Thursday – Sunday between 3rd and 20th of December at the Causewayhead pop up shop. www.popuppenzance.co.uk 

Sir Humphry Davy's Birthday - 17th December 2015

Penzance celebrates the birthday of Sir Humphry Davy, a local chemist and inventor who designed the miner's safety lamp. In his honour the centre of Penzance will be filled with light as a lantern parade processes through the town to the Market Place where Sir Humphry's statue will be lit up with a giant Davy Lamp suspended from Market House. Penzance promises a lively evening with celebrations continuing into the night with music, dancing, a market and “talking heads” with guests including England Rugby player Jack Nowell and internationally renowned Theatre director Michael Grandage.

Profits from the event will raise funds for Abigail Birch a 12 year old student from Mounts Bay Academy living with dwarfism so she can compete in the World Dwarf Games in 2017. http://www.penzancebid.co.uk/ 

Montol Festival – 21st December 2015

Closer to Christmas, Penzance hosts the annual festival of Montol. This ancient event celebrates the 'coming of the light' and Winter Solstice, with a vast parade of lanterns meandering through the streets of Penzance to light the Midwinter Fire. Anyone can join the parades, and most dress in the traditional style of masks, ribbons and formal hats. http://montol.info

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