Christmas is a magical time of year in Cornwall, with stunning light displays, festive markets and a host of other family friendly events to enjoy. Here are just some of our favourite things to do during the Christmas period.
Wonder at the Christmas lights
The picturesque village of Mousehole has one of the most popular displays in Cornwall, with strings of coloured bulbs adorning both quays, as well as displays around the streets and incredible floating designs within the harbour itself. This year’s switch on will take place on Saturday 16th December at 7pm.
Other displays not to miss, include Angarrack with its animated displays and sequence of the Twelves Days of Christmas which will be switched on at 7pm on Saturday 2nd December.
Padstow also has its own spectacular offering with lights around - and floating on - the harbour. The official switch on will take place on Sunday 3rd December at approximately 6pm.
Finally, we couldn’t talk about Christmas lights without mentioning the Eden Project’s dazzling Festival of Light and Sound. Running on 1st - 3rd, 8th - 10th, 15th - 23rd and 27th - 30th December, head over and see the landscape transform with light projections, soundscapes and live music. Why not make a day of it and enjoy a visit to Father Christmas, explore the festive plant displays in the Mediterranean Biome and try your hand at ice skating?
Get into the festive spirit at a Christmas fair
Cornwall is full of fantastic festive markets, with beautiful gifts, delicious delicacies and plenty of mulled wine to keep you warm whilst exploring.
Some of our favourites include Padstow’s Christmas Festival (7th – 10th December) with its many events, demonstrations and markets, the Made in Cornwall Christmas Fair (29th November – 3rd December), Etsy Made Local Christmas Fair in St Ives (1st – 3rd December), Healey’s Cyder Farm Christmas Craft Fayre (2nd and 3rd December), Flambards Christmas Craft Fayre (2nd and 3rd December) and Truro’s Winter Gift Fayre (12th – 17th December).
Santa by steam!
Treat the kids to a trip they’ll never forget! On this 1-hour journey from Bodmin General Station on a steam hauled train, you’ll journey with the elves and visit Santa’s grotto where each child will receive a gift and have the opportunity for a photo. Find out more...
Enjoy Christmas the Cornish way
Head over to Pendennis Castle on 16th and 17th December to enjoy Nadelik Lowen – Cornish Christmas. With fireside tales, mulled wine, traditional dancing, mince pies and carol singing in the castle keep – you’re sure to leave firmly in the festive spirit!
Treat yourself to a Christmas panto
Christmas just wouldn’t be the same without enjoying a festive pantomime! This year the Hall for Cornwall is putting on the fairy tale adventure Sleeping Beauty, whilst Miracle Theatre will be breathing new life into the second most famous Christmas story in the world – Charles Dickens’ heart-warming masterpiece A Christmas Carol.