Where to See Christmas Lights in Cornwall
The countdown to Christmas is on. From twinkling harbour towns to fairy-lit trails around country estates, feel the yuletide sparkle at Cornwall’s Christmas light displays.
Mousehole’s world-famous lights are a must-see, but you’ll discover magical displays across the county. Here are some of our favourite places to see Christmas lights in Cornwall.
Padstow
We think all holiday adventures should start in Padstow, and Christmas is no exception. Alongside wild coastal walks and foodie delights, our pretty harbour town is buzzing with festive vibes – kicking off the Padstow Christmas Festival.
The big night for illuminations is 5 December, which starts with a lantern parade followed by a fireworks display. Then the harbour will twinkle and shine throughout December, with many of the light designs based on traditional myths – including a sea serpent ‘swimming’ in the water.
Angarrack
The small village of Angarrack near Hayle shines brightly during the festive period, thanks to the 12 Days of Christmas light displays – including 10-metre tall pipers piping and an equally impressive twelve drummers drumming.
Download the Angarrack Christmas Lights activity sheet and tick off the lights you see on a circular stroll around the village. This spectacular display, that started as a small fundraiser in 1986, has become a must-see event on the festive sightseeing trail.
Eden Project
The Eden Project always celebrates Christmas in style, and this year is no different. Visit after dark for a mesmerising journey through the Christmas Lights Experience – a shimmering paradise of seasonal sparkle and hidden surprises. You can also meet Santa and his elves in an interactive theatre experience, take a whirl on the ice rink, and sip a warming glass of mulled wine in the magical biomes.
Looe
Looe is another pretty fishing village that embraces the spirit of Christmas. During the festive period, the boats in the harbour are adorned with multi-coloured lights which reflect and shimmer in the water.
The big switch-on takes place on the evening of 28 November this year, when visitors will be treated to a lantern parade, harbourside food and drink, carol singers and a visit from Santa.
Trelissick
For a magical experience, head to Trelissick Gardens near Truro. During Christmas at Trelissick, the trees and pathways at this National Trust estate are decorated with fairy lights and festive displays to celebrate the run-up to Christmas.
You can stroll through this beautiful, illuminated wonderland, then visit Trelissick House, where volunteers have decked the halls in vintage style with traditional Christmas decorations, flower displays and twinkling lights.
Mousehole
If you’re visiting Cornwall in December, it’s worth taking the time to travel down and see the Mousehole Lights near Penzance. Seeing the little harbour and surrounding buildings lit up with colourful lights in the shapes of boats, sea creatures and Christmas characters is a spectacle worth the trip from any corner of the county.
The big switch on is on 11 December, and on several evenings you can also be serenaded along the cobbled streets by musical entertainment and local carol groups. If you visit on the 23 December you’ll experience a lantern procession and the serving of a huge Stargazey pie – a pilchard pie made in commemoration of the legend a local fisherman who braved stormy winter seas to go fishing and save the village from famine.
Heligan Night Garden
Ignite all your senses as you’re immersed in an enchanting lantern experience set amidst the Lost Gardens of Heligan. Wait for night to fall to follow the magical trail through the gardens, discovering breathtaking illuminations that magnify the wonders and beauty of nature on our doorstep. Pause to roast marshmallows on the fire, visit the farm animals, and don’t forget to write your letter to Father Christmas.
Visiting Cornwall at Christmas
With so many Christmas displays to visit in Cornwall, it’s a fun time to visit for a holiday. To book a holiday home for a festive break in December, check our remaining availability for Christmas and New Year.
