Fancy experiencing the magic of a Cornish Christmas? From festive craft markets with artisan Cornish produce to Christmas lights in fishing villages and enjoying hearty pub grub and your favourite tipple next to a roaring fire, Cornwall has so much to offer! With its dramatic skies, windswept beaches, miles of coastal paths and wide-open spaces, enjoy a well-earned break from the chaos of crowds to spend quality time with loved ones with a winter holiday in Cornwall. Perfect for getting back in touch with nature on wild windy days, we are lucky at Little Gwendreath to have direct footpath access to the South West Coast Path to get out and about exploring, on to dog friendly Kennack Sands beach and beyond.
Christmas Markets
Truro Big Christmas Farmer's Market - 22nd November-24th December - with fantastic makers, artists and crafters showcasing creations from gin to vintage homewares, willow weaving to handmade soaps and eye-catching jewellery - perfect for picking up unique gifts. Traders will be housed in wooden cabins decorated with a festive feel, and will be open on Wednesday evenings for late night shopping.
Healeys Christmas Markets - every weekend from 9th November - 15th December - the farm is transformed into a fairy tale world of mulled cyder and hearty food, Christmas songs, and crafts. Bring family, friends, and a healthy appetite, for a taste of authentic Healeys Christmas spirit.
St Ives Christmas Market - 2nd December - festive fun at the Island Centre with the return of St Ives Christmas market. Santa is also arriving by the RNLI lifeboat in St Ives at c.6.30pm and the lantern parade is on the 10th December, starting at 5:30pm in Royal Square.
Porthleven Christmas Market - 29th November - set at The Shipyard, it coincides with the town’s Christmas lights switch-on, creating a magical atmosphere with local traders offering handmade gifts, food, and Christmas decorations. It’s a perfect opportunity to support small businesses while soaking in the festive cheer. Wander through the market, enjoy mulled wine, and discover unique Cornish Christmas gifts.
Falmouth Festive Weekend - 7th - 8th December - as well as the Christmas Market, enjoy fun children's rides, the festive land train, the ice rink, the curling lane, a live music stage, the snow globe photo attraction and visit Santa's Grotto.
Christmas Lights
Angarrack Christmas Lights - 1st December - 5th January from 5.30pm - 9.30pm - taking you through the 12 days of Christmas in lights! Impressive displays are on every street of the village near Hayle.
Trengwainton Gardens, National Trust - open for 11 evenings over 3 weekends: 29 November-1 Dec, 5-8 Dec, 12-15 Dec. Timed entry slots available every 15 minutes from 4.30-7.00pm. You can stroll through the walled garden and orchard adorned with lights. Along the route there will lighted structures made by local schools and artists. Booking is essential.
Mousehole Christmas Lights - 12th December – 5th January from 5pm-10pm - a spectacular Christmas lights attraction over the picturesque Mousehole harbour with over 60 displays. Started in 1963, the small village of Mousehole, on the western side of Mount's Bay has lit up the harbour with a display of lights. On 19th December the lights are turned off to remember the brave men who lost their lives when the Penlee Lifeboat and the Union Star were lost in a storm on the Cornish coast in 1981.
Christmas Experiences
Christmas at the Cornish Seal Sanctuary - 1st December - 1st January - Christmas Lights & Story Trail - enjoy a festive wonderland in Secret Creek, following the heart-warming story trail with Norbert the Beaver!
Christmas at Trelissick - 7th December - 5th January (closing at 2pm on Christmas Eve and closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day) - the house will be decorated beautifully and inspired by a Cornish Christmas, with performances from local choirs and visits from Father Christmas at weekends and in the build up to Christmas. There'll be plenty of festive gifts in the shop as well as the perfect winter warmers in the barn café and house tearoom.
Santa at Lappa Valley Steam Railway - 30th November - 24th December - enjoy the wonder and magic of Lappa Valley during the festive time. Meet Father Christmas in his grotto, where he has a present for every child. Take a nostalgic steam train ride through the wooded valley into Lappa, where you’ll find lots of festive fun. When you disembark, you’ll be able to enjoy music from a traditional fairground organ - as well as all the usual fun of our woodland railway, crazy golf and our adventure play areas while you wait to see Santa.
Bodmin and Wenford Railway - dates throughout December - for little ones, the Santa By Steam and Story Time With Santa on board the steam train will be a special experience to spark their imaginations! For the grown-ups, The Christmas Murder Mystery nights will have you living your best detective life as you unravel the clues and expose the murderer at the Steam Railway!
Christmas at Eden - selected dates 22nd November – 5th January - enjoy an immersive music and light experience in the biomes, book to see Father Christmas and go ice-skating. The Eden Project Christmas experience will take place at the following times: 5–8pm on 22–24 and 29–30 November; 1, 5–8, 12–23 and 27–30 December; and 2–5 January. Entry is only guaranteed with a pre-booked time slot.
Heligan Night Garden - select dates in November, December and January - explore the Lost Gardens of Heligan as dusk falls and enjoy the Night Garden experience, a journey through the iconic location’s magical garden trail, exploring woodlands and gardens beautifully lit with installations and lanterns. From badgers to fungi, bees to butterflies, and a joyful family of cheeky Tamworth pigs. Explore at your own pace, stop to take in the smells, toast marshmallows by stunning fire bowls, be wowed by glittering oak trees, and enjoy seasonal warming take away refreshments and meals amid a truly festive backdrop for your Winter’s evening.
Christmas Theatre
Hall for Cornwall - 6th - 31st December - presents Jack and the Beanstalk, a Christmas adventure starring Edward Rowe (Kernow King, Fisherman’s Friends The Musical, Bait) who bags his bucket list role of Dame Trott alongside a cast of homegrown heroes and West End wonders, Jack And the Beanstalk is perfect for children of all ages (grown-ups and grandparents, that means you as well!).
Miracle Theatre - 14th December - 4th January - Miracle Theatre is excited to bring you Duffy and the Stiltskin – a new take on an ancient Cornish folk tale. Told with the company’s trademark blend of comedy, music, physical theatre and sharp writing, the show follows the young Duffy on a fantastical adventure, through which she learns the surprising fact that life can sometimes be too easy, and some offers are too good to be true! Gather round for a spellbinding story, with huge heart, full of fun and delight for all ages. Located at Princess Pavillion, Falmouth, this show is suitable for all ages.
Minack Theatre - 20th - 21st December - presents A Christmas Carol. See this show with the backdrop of the beautiful cliffs of Porthcurno and the Atlantic Ocean crashing on the rocks below. A truly magical experience in any weather.
Comments