Get in the Festive Mood at These Christmas Events in Cornwall
The season to be jolly may be a few months away, but if you’re planning to visit Cornwall to experience some Christmas festivities you’d better plan in advance as some celebrations take place before the big day. While a week in Cornwall over Christmas would be absolutely lovely and by no means disappointing, it may well be a little too late to enjoy some of the festive cheer at Christmas markets and key seasonal events. To ensure you don’t miss out, we’ve compiled this shortlist of fantastic Christmas events in Cornwall this festive season.
Padstow Christmas Festival
Thursday 7th – Sunday 10th December
Padstow Christmas Festival is one of the county’s biggest and best known, and right on our doorstep. For one long weekend each December, this festival takes over the heart of the town with a huge harbourside marquee offering all sorts of festive crafts and treats. As well as displays from local artists and food producers, the county’s top chefs congregate for a series of cooking demonstrations. This is all complemented by carol concerts, live music, Christmas lights, lantern parade and a Santa Fun Run. See the festival website for the full line-up.
Victorian Christmas at Lanhydrock House
Friday 1st December – Monday 1st January
Throughout December, visitors are invited to celebrate a Victorian Christmas at Lanhydrock House near Bodmin. The halls, dining room and garden will be adorned with traditional decorations, while the kitchen will be busy with cooks preparing Victorian Christmas fayre. This event organised by the National Trust is also an opportunity to pick-up some last-minute gifts and treat yourself to festive food in the café.
Pencarrow Christmas Craft Fair
Saturday 18th – Sunday 19th November
Cornish arts and crafts, and local food and drink will be available to buy at the annual Christmas Craft fair at Pencarrow House near Bodmin. The fair will take place in a marquee beside the impressive Georgian House. While here, it is well worth a stroll around the beautiful gardens which still look stunning in late autumn.
Mousehole Christmas Lights
Saturday 16th December – Saturday 6th January
Each year the coastal village of Mousehole near Penzance, welcomes hoards of festive sightseers for its famous Christmas Lights. The seafront and harbour is festooned with colourful, twinkling lights creating a unique festive atmosphere for Christmas celebrations. Visitors are invited to treat themselves to mulled wine and festive food and continue their journey through the narrow streets to warm and cosy pubs and cafés.
Truro City of Lights
Wednesday 22nd November
Truro kicks off the Christmas festivities with a lantern parade featuring over 100 local musicians and dancers, alongside hundreds of paper lanterns made by local artists and school children. The City of Lights attracts thousands of people each year for the spectacular winter carnival.
Eden Project
Saturday 25th November – Sunday 24th December
The Eden Project always puts on a good show at Christmas. As well as ice skating and Christmas themed events, families are invited to meet Father Christmas and assist his little helpers in a huge tent filled with festive decorations and elves’ workshops.