Montol takes place in Penzance every year on 21 December, with the 2026 celebrations expected on Monday 21 December. The organiser describes it as a re-imagining of West Cornwall’s midwinter customs, with guise dancing, music, processions, strange beasts and the Ceremony of the Sun.
The festival began in 2007. Its official history explains that it draws on Christmas and midwinter customs once found in West Cornwall while deliberately creating a modern community event rather than claiming an unchanged ancient ceremony.
Visitor information
Date: Expected Monday 21 December 2026. Check the programme before arranging travel.
Location: Central Penzance, with the parade route running between Causewayhead, Greenmarket and the seafront at the Jubilee Pool. The exact route can shift a little from year to year.
Admission: The main street festival is free to attend. Some associated workshops or indoor events may charge separately once the 2026 programme is published.
Programme: The date and Montol’s recurring elements - guise dancing, the Sundowner Parade, the Summoning of the Sun and the Burning of the Sun - are settled features of the festival. The 2026 running order has not been published yet; the 2025 evening ran from a 2pm gathering through to a 10:30pm Chalking of the Mock ceremony at the Jubilee Pool.
Check the official timetable page nearer the day for the confirmed 2026 running order, since the festival is community-led and details can change year to year.
Where to stay
See Penzance visitor information and browse places to stay near Penzance.
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