The streets of Falmouth were packed with festive revellers as crowds gathered to watch the annual Christmas lights switch on.
The event on Sunday was the biggest yet in the town, with giant lanterns paraded through town, watched by crowds wrapped up warm against the winter.
The parade started at 5pm at Events Square and, led by school children, a spectacular steam engine and the Rotary Christmas float set off through the town to the Moor.
The streets were closed to traffic allowing for traders to sell Christmas goodies such as holly, mistletoe and hot chestnuts.
The hard work of school pupils from the town was on display as they showed off their paper sculpture creations, giving Truro's parade of lights a run for it's money.
The stars of the show were giant glowing ship and a huge sea dragon made for the parade by students at University College Falmouth.
In a special treat for the youngsters Santa Claus took time out of his busy pre-Christmas schedule to say hello to the kids and pass out treats.
At 6pm he then flicked the switch to bathe the town in a festive sparkle for Christmas lights, before heading back to the North Pole.
The event ended with school pupils singing carols and some traditional tasty mince pies This year, security barriers and a reserved area for performers were erected to prevent the overcrowding witnessed in previous years.
Falmouth mayor Geoffery Evans said: "It really was excellent. A lot of people turned up despite the weather and although it was cold they really supported the event.
"It really was heart warming to see the children out singing."
"The parade looked spectacular and the lanterns and the steam engine were wonderful.
Mr Evans said that he was pleased with how the town looked with the lights ablaze and more could be added on the Moor and around the Christmas tree.
Falmouth businesses will fling open their doors for late night shopping i on Thursday December 3, 10 and 17