Festive days out in Cornwall

When it comes to this time of year, Cornwall is a fantastic place to embrace your festive spirit. From food festivals, harbourside Christmas lights and visits to Santa, there are plenty of events taking place this holiday season to get you and the family outside and away from the inevitable board-game squabbles.

Below we have listed some of the top festive days out Cornwall has to offer to keep yourself busy  and maybe even burn off some of that holiday time over-indulgence.

Ice skating at The Eden Project

The Eden Project near St Austell always puts on a proper festive showing. For the whole month of December, head down to the re-purposed quarry to join in on some ice skating, listen to the brass band play their Christmas tunes, get hands on with some craft workshops and even a chance to meet Father (and Mother!) Christmas. We have a huge range of stunning cosy cottages located in Charlestown, a beautiful seaside village just a 10 minute drive from the Eden Project.

Mousehole lights

A popular event with locals, why not head down to Mousehole to watch the spectacular harbour Christmas lights? The beautiful setting of this small fishing village and the superb light display will surely get you in the holiday spirit. After checking out the display, head to one of the cosy local pubs for a warming mulled wine, or head back to your Cornish cottage to snuggle up next to the fire.

Santa by Steam

For a slightly different Santa experience, why not catch him when he comes to visit Cornwall by train. Bodmin and Wenford railway hold an extraordinary, unique Father Christmas experience throughout December. Enjoy some mince pies and carols on the platform at Bodmin, before departing on an hour long journey through the wonderful countryside on a magical steam engine. Children will get the chance to meet and have their photo taken with the big guy, and will also be gifted a present.

Christmas at Trerice

The National Trust at Trerice House hosts a splendid Christmas Day out for families. Located just outside of Newquay, Trerice is perfectly positioned for guests in our Newquay cottages as well as the rest of central Cornwall. Craft workshops, a festive Tudor banquet, Christmas choir performances and yet another chance to meet Father Christmas all under one roof highlight Trerice as a must-see family festive destination this Christmas.

Christmas Day swims

A local tradition, a brisk swim in the ocean on Christmas Day is a must see when staying in Cornwall at this time of year. Brave it yourself or just enjoy the spectacle, there are Christmas Day swims taking part across many of Cornwall’s beaches. One of the most popular swimming events across the county takes place in Bude. Why not stay at the gorgeous Combermere Cottage, a short walk away from the beach where you’ll be able to quickly warm up in the shower before tucking into your Christmas lunch?