Father Christmas Parade to Light Up Truro This November

The festive season in Truro will begin with the return of the Father Christmas Parade, taking place on Wednesday 26th November to mark the city’s first Late Night Shopping evening.

Parade Details

Organised by Truro BID and sponsored by Coodes Solicitors, the parade will set off from Boscawen Street at 6.30pm, following entertainment from Rock Choir Cornwall at 6pm. Inspired by Aladdin—Hall for Cornwall’s Christmas show this year—the procession will feature Father Christmas in his sleigh, elves, local dance groups, musicians and circus performers.

Families who attend the City of Lights Lantern Making Workshops at Hall for Cornwall on Sunday 16th November will also have the chance to carry their handmade lanterns in the parade.

Once the parade leaves Boscawen Street, it will make its way along St Nicholas Street, Kenwyn Street, Little Castle Street, River Street, then back along St Nicholas Street, before continuing through Princes Street, Green Street, Lemon Quay and finishing at Back Quay/Lower Lemon Street.

A Festive Evening in Truro

The parade will kick off the first of four Wednesday Late Night Shopping evenings, with a final extra event on Monday 22nd December. Many shops will remain open until 9pm, and the main shopping streets will be traffic-free. The City Centre Christmas Lights, installed and funded by Truro BID, will be illuminating the city throughout the season.

Both the Truro Christmas Market on Lemon Quay and the Boscawen Street Christmas Markets will also stay open until 9pm.

Alun Jones, Truro BID Manager, said:

“We’re delighted to be celebrating the start of Truro’s Late Night shopping evenings with Father Christmas, local dancers, musicians, and circus performers parading around the city. The Christmas Lights will be illuminating Truro, many shops and eateries will be open later and the festive markets will be in full swing. Following the parade, residents and visitors can enjoy a further three Wednesday Late Night Shopping evenings, plus a final, extra late-night on Monday 22nd December for those last-minute gifts.”

Elise Alma, Chair of Coodes Solicitors, added:

“We are delighted to, once again, be sponsoring The Father Christmas Parade. It is a wonderful, fun-filled celebration that showcases everything Truro has to offer during the festive season, giving everyone an extra reason to soak up the festive spirit. Truro truly knows how to embrace the season, and at Coodes, we’re eagerly looking forward to enjoying the vibrant atmosphere and festive energy that fills the city.”

Charlotte Williams from Truro City of Lights said:

“We are looking forward to parading Aladdin inspired lanterns through the streets of Truro with the local community for the Father Christmas Parade. Thank you to Truro BID and Hall for Cornwall, for supporting us to make this happen.”

Market Dates and Travel Information

The Truro Christmas Market, hosted by Truro Farmers Market and Cornwall Event Cabins, will take place daily from Friday 21st November to Wednesday 24th December. The Boscawen Street Christmas Markets are hosted by Truro Farmers Market, Cornwall Shop Small, and Truro BID.

The Truro Park & Ride will run later on all Late Night Shopping evenings, with the last service leaving the city at 9.30pm. Due to road closures, services to Tregurra Park will use River Street, and services to Langarth Park will use Victoria Square.

There will be no live reindeer at this year’s event. Father Christmas and his elf will travel in a locally built wooden sleigh.

Dates to Remember

• Father Christmas Parade: Wednesday 26th November

• Lantern Making Workshops: Sunday 16th November – Book here

• Late Night Shopping: Wednesdays 26th November, 3rd, 10th and 17th December, plus Monday 22nd December

• More info: www.visittruro.org.uk

• Follow: @visittruro on Facebook and Instagram

The Father Christmas Parade marks the start of a packed festive season in the city, with late-night shopping, live entertainment, and markets bringing a warm glow to Truro’s streets.