Unlock the magic: how to spend Christmas in Cornwall
Cornwall takes on a special magic during the festive season. Think twinkling harbours, vibrant lights casting reflections on glistening waters and quirky Cornish Christmas traditions.
As the memories of the bustling summer season gradually fade, towns, villages and beaches enjoy a well-deserved respite before reawakening in a burst of technicolor for the holiday festivities.
In this guide, we highlight the best places to visit and the most enchanting activities for a truly Cornish Christmas experience.
Twinkling lights and harbour delights: christmas markets galore
Cobbled streets adorned with twinkling lights, the air filled with the scent of roasted chestnuts and the distant sound of carolers, Cornwall’s Christmas markets are a treasure trove of local crafts, artisanal goodies and all the festive feels you could ever wish for.
Truro BIG Christmas Market
Head to Truro’s BIG Christmas Market for a delightful mix of handmade crafts and seasonal treats. Little wooden chalets line Lemon Quay, while a pop-up market on Boscawen Street every Wednesday and Saturday boasts tasty street food, fresh seasonal produce and a bar. Don’t miss the 30-foot-tall Christmas tree slap bang in the centre as well as a giant snow globe for the perfect festive Instagram snap.
Padstow Christmas Festival
For a Christmas market that tantalises your taste buds, head to the Padstow Christmas Festival. This event is a culinary delight, combining the magic of Christmas with the gastronomic expertise of Cornwall’s renowned chefs.
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Padstow, a picturesque fishing town, comes alive with food stalls, cooking demonstrations and an array of delectable treats.
Fowey Christmas Market
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Nestled on the banks of the River Fowey, the Fowey Christmas Market exudes nautical elegance against the backdrop of stunning coastal scenery. This market is a haven for those seeking a mix of traditional and contemporary festive treasures.
Stroll through the narrow streets lined with stalls offering handmade crafts, locally produced foods and unique Christmas decorations.
Made in Cornwall Christmas Fair
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If you’re passionate about supporting local businesses and artisans, the Made in Cornwall Christmas Fair in Truro is the place to be. This fair showcases a diverse range of products, all crafted with care by skilled Cornish hands. From handmade soaps and candles to Cornish cheeses and preserves, you’ll find an array of authentic local products that make for wonderful gifts.
Coastal strolls and winter warmers: embrace the outdoors
Cornwall’s coastline is the gift that keeps on giving, and Christmas is the perfect time to unwrap it. Take a leisurely stroll along the deserted beaches, breathing in the crisp sea air and feeling the sand beneath your feet.
Winter surf lesson
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If you’re feeling adventurous, why not book a winter surf lesson? Head to the West Country Surf School at Watergate Bay for single sessions, three-day or five-day courses throughout December. Afterwards, warm up with a post-surf refuel at the Beach Hut cafe.
Festive dip
Sure to whisk away any lingering Christmas cobwebs, a brisk and festive plunge into the sea is an authentic Cornish tradition that predates trendy wild swimming and cold-water therapy.
From Christmas Eve to New Year’s Day, resilient locals brave the chilly waves, often donned in nothing more than swimwear and a Santa hat (wetsuits are considered cheating!).
Read where to dip in our guide to the best Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day swims in Cornwall.
Sauna by the sea
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For an extra special experience this year, how about a Sauna By The Sea? Venture to Baby Bay in Polzeath or Harlyn Bay near Padstow, where you can reserve your spot in a delightful wood-fired sauna, providing the perfect post-swim indulgence.
Lights, camera, Christmas: events and illuminations
Cornwall doesn’t shy away from transforming its towns into winter wonderlands. Wrap up warm, grab a hot chocolate, and wander through the dazzling displays – it’s like stepping into a Christmas movie set on the Cornish coast.
Mousehole’s famous Christmas lights
Steeped in history dating back to the 1960s, the Mousehole lights have become a cherished Cornish Christmas tradition.
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What originated as a modest string of coloured bulbs adorning the quay has evolved into a breathtaking spectacle, drawing thousands of visitors to this picturesque fishing harbour, and undoubtedly one of Cornwall’s loveliest villages, every winter.
The harbourside is adorned with vibrant lanterns, a colossal illuminated serpent shimmers on the quay, cottages glow with festive decorations and the hillside sparkles with light displays.
Charlestown’s Tunnel of Lights
Nestled among Cornwall’s charming villages, Charlestown boasts the Shipwreck Treasure Museum, the venue for a magical Christmas event known as the Tunnel of Lights.
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Set within the subterranean passageways initially designed to transport local clay to ships in the village’s historic harbour, the tunnels undergo a festive metamorphosis into the UK’s longest indoor tunnel of Christmas lights.
During this holiday spectacle, you can step into a giant snow globe, surrounded by fluttering snow, adding an extra layer of enchantment to the Christmas experience.
Eden’s magical biomes
Journey through an incredible immersive lighting and soundscape in the Rainforest Biome as Eden’s magnificent plants are transformed into a magical night-time tropical wonderland.
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Head to the Mediterranean Biome for a twinkling Christmas spectacle with a 1920s jazz twist! Nine live musicians will perform toe-tapping Christmas classics under the sparkle of a huge orb, producing a truly uplifting Christmas experience, guaranteed to get you and your loved ones onto the dance floor.
Don’t forget to get your skates on, too – there’s an ice rink until February 2024.
Sleep like a local: cosy Cornish self-catering cottage
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To truly immerse yourself in the Christmas magic, consider staying in a charming Cornish cottage. Wake up to the sound of seagulls and the gentle lull of the waves – it’s a Christmas morning soundtrack like no other. With flickering fires and quaint decor, our Cornish cottages are more than just a place to rest your head – they’re an integral part of your Cornish Christmas experience.
So, there you have it – a relaxed guide to spending Christmas in Cornwall. Whether you’re drawn to the festive markets, the coastal charm, or the light displays, Cornwall has a Christmas celebration that will warm your heart and create memories to cherish.