It’s that time of year again – the festive season is upon us and Cornwall is the perfect place to be! With its stunning coastline, charming villages, and beautiful countryside, Cornwall isn’t just for the summer crowds, and has so much to offer during the Christmas season.
Whether you’re looking for traditional Christmas markets, festive events, or just a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, there’s something for everyone in Cornwall this Christmas.
Here are the top things to do in Cornwall this Christmas:
Go ice skating at The Eden Project
If you’re looking for a fun and festive activity, why not try ice skating? The Eden Project has a glittering outdoor ice rink which is open every day until January 29th 2023, and is perfect for those chilly winter days. You can also explore the 24 acres of elaborate gardens on a crisp Christmas stroll.
The rink is located in front of the iconic biomes of the Eden Project, which are filled with twinkling lights, fiber optics, and lasers create a dazzling display that is accompanied by live orchestral music. So you can enjoy the winter wonderland atmosphere while you skate.
Book skate lessons if you need some help getting around the rink or just want to learn something new over the holidays!
St Ives Lantern Festival
Join thousands of people in celebrating light during St Ives Lantern Festival an annual tradition which will take place on December 10th in 2022 between 6pm-9pm.
Visitors get together carrying illuminated lanterns that create an incredible spectacle against St Ives Harbour backdrop making it look like something out of a fairytale storybook!
You can get involved earlier in the day by making your own lantern at one of the lantern making workshops.
Enjoy a Christmas pantomime
A trip to the theatre is a must during the Christmas season, and Cornwall has a great selection of pantomimes to choose from.
The Hall for Cornwall in Truro has a pantomime every year, and this year’s offering is Cinderella. The production features a star-studded cast and promises to be a festive treat for all the family.
Carol Singing at Truro Cathedral
Enjoy some traditional carol singing in one of the most beautiful places in Cornwall – Truro Cathedral. The cathedral will be hosting a night of carols on December 17th 2022 starting at 7:30pm. Tickets are £15 per adults, under 18’s go free.
Mousehole Christmas lights
Cornwall is known for its beautiful Christmas lights, and the Mousehole Christmas lights are a must-see and a Cornish institution. With a history dating back to the 1960s, over 50,000 lights illuminate the streets of the village.
The lights are switched on every year on the first Saturday in December, and there’s also a firework display to enjoy.
Once switched on, Mousehole’s harbor comes alive with colorful lanterns hanging overhead and a giant illuminated serpent glimmering in the quay. The cottages are adorned with decorations, and the hillside sparkles with giant light displays. It’s an unmissable spectacle and a true highlight of a Cornish Christmas.
Visit Santa at Newquay Zoo
Head down to Newquay Zoo on December 17th-24th to meet Santa Claus in his grotto. Kids can take part in festive activities such as decorating gingerbread biscuits and writing letters to Santa before meeting him among his animal friends.
Santa’s magical grotto will be located in the heart of the zoo, and will be open from 10:30am until 4pm every day except Christmas Eve, when it will close at 2pm. Children will not only get to meet Santa, but they’ll be able to choose a special gift to take home too.
Charlestown’s Tunnel of Lights
Charlestown is one of Cornwall’s most picturesque villages, and it’s home to the Shipwreck Treasure Museum. Each Christmas, the museum hosts an enchanting event called the Tunnel of Lights.
The tunnels, which were originally used to deliver local clay to ships in the village’s historic harbor, are transformed into the UK’s longest indoor tunnel of Christmas lights.
Visitors can also step inside a giant snow globe, complete with fluttering snow. It’s a truly magical experience and a must-see during the holiday season.
Wild Swimming from Cornish beaches
If you’re looking for a unique and invigorating way to celebrate the holiday season, consider taking a freezing dip in the sea! This is a long-standing tradition in Cornwall, and it’s a great way to blow away any cobwebs and get into the Christmas spirit.
From Christmas Eve to New Year’s Day, you’ll see locals braving the cold waters of Cornwall’s beaches, often wearing nothing more than swimwear and a Santa hat (wetsuits are for the faint of heart!).
This year, why not take your experience to the next level by heading to Baby Bay in Polzeath? There, you can book your space in a wood-fired sauna for the ultimate post-swim indulgence. It’s sure to be an unforgettable way to celebrate the season.
Night Garden Event at The Lost Gardens of Heligan
The Night Garden event at The Lost Gardens of Heligan sees breathtaking display of flora and fauna beautifully lit by an eye-catching array of traditional lanterns.
A delightful, colourful trail weaves through glittering woodlands and glowing gardens. Wander at your own pace, stopping to toast marshmallows over the fire bowls. Admire the light installations and whimsical illuminations and pick up some street food.
If you’re in the mood for Christmas shopping, The Heligan Shop is open for festive treats, local produce, and a variety of beautiful gift ideas.
Visit a Christmas market
Cornwall has a number of fantastic Christmas markets and fairs, each offering a unique selection of gifts, food, and drink.
The Truro Christmas market is a must-visit, with over 100 stalls offering a range of local produce, crafts, and gifts. The market is set in the heart of the city, with a beautifully lit-up tree and festive atmosphere.
Another popular Christmas market is the Falmouth Christmas market, which takes place in the picturesque town of Falmouth. With over 50 stalls, there’s plenty to see and do, including live music, carol singing, and a festive food and drink court.
The Padstow Christmas Festival is another with over 100 stalls offering a range of local produce, crafts, and gifts. The festival also features live music and entertainment, so there’s plenty to see!
Visit Cornwall’s National Trust Properties
Cornwall is home to some of the best National Trust properties, and this time of year they’re all decked out in decorations and twinkling Christmas lights galore.
Christmas is returning to Trelissick this December – discover the stable yard like never before with its large indoor area beautifully decorated and open throughout December. Father Christmas will share his seasonal tales and hand out small gifts, while local choirs will entertain by singing carols in the stables.
At Lanhydrock the house and garden are closed over winter, but you and your family can have an exclusive audience with Father Christmas in his woodland cottage at Lanhydrock. There is also an option to bring along your doggie pals and get a gift for them too; just select a ‘dog included’ ticket option.
Every year Cotehele’s gardeners build a 60-foot garland from thousands of flowers grown on the estate. A tradition since 1956, the garland adorns the Great Hall throughout Christmas. You can also see Cotehele Mill fully decorated for a family Christmas before heading out on a frosty walk around the estate
One of our favourites in Cornwall, make sure to plan a festive visit to Godolphin this Christmas. With the house and colonnades decorated for Christmas as well as winter walks on the estate, Godolphin is a great place to visit with family over the festive period.
Christmas in Cornwall is Magical
Cornwall is especially wonderful at Christmas time. The twinkling harbours, colorful lights reflected on the shimmering water, and festive feasts with sea views make it a magical place to celebrate the holiday season. The hotels are immaculately dressed and the cocktail bars are cozy.
As the busy summer season comes to an end, the towns, villages, and beaches have had a chance to recover before coming alive again for the holiday season. With so much going on throughout Cornwall this Christmas season there is something for everyone…
Whether it’s enjoying some carol singing or visiting Santa Claus himself; there is plenty of festive fun waiting for you here this year! So why not plan your visit today and explore all that beautiful Cornish countryside has offer? Merry Christmas everyone!
Thinking of visiting neabry Devon during the Christmas season? Take a look at our Christmas things to do in Devon!
