In 1963, a group of villagers in Mousehole, on Cornwall’s south coast, strung up a festoon of coloured lights along the quay to brighten up the harbourside for the festive period. Little did they know that this humble act would mark the beginning of an annual event which, almost 60 years later, has earned Mousehole a reputation as one of the best places to see Christmas lights in Cornwall.
But Mousehole Harbour Lights is no ordinary festive illumination. The displays, which now number some 60-odd, vary in scale and complexity, from the classic yuletide images of presents, stockings, and a partridge in a pear tree, to slightly less conventional ones, such as the spouting whale and the 10-metre long neon Nessie snaking through the harbour, and the 50-metre long Santa and sleigh dancing along the harbour walls, perhaps the most elaborate display to date. The pretty harbour, lit up with the multicoloured reflections of bobbing boats, Christmas trees, crackers and sea serpent, is a pretty special sight.
The entire spectacle is run by local volunteers, who start repairing the displays and inspecting all 7,000 bulbs at the end of the summer, before installation starts in the autumn. The event depends entirely on donations, with fundraising events and collections taking place throughout the summer. The displays use a whopping 90km of cable (that’s almost the distance from Mousehole to the Devon border!). Visitors can expect mulled wine and carols to accompany them round the village, and late night shopping on certain evenings.
Parking is limited, so visitors will need to be prepared for a short walk into the village. Visit the Mousehole Habour Lights website for all the latest information and to find out how to donate.
Fancy staying in Mousehole or nearby? See our collection of lovely holiday cottages in the Mousehole area.
