Top Winter Events in Cornwall

Updated: October 2023

Must-See Events and Attractions for Your Winter Holiday in Cornwall

As well as blustery beach walks and crowd-free attractions, there are plenty of events to look forward to on a winter break to Cornwall. From ghoulish goings-on to yuletide festivities, here are some must-see happenings and top winter events in Cornwall to tie into your winter holiday to the West Country.

Halloweden at Eden Project

For an alternative spin on Halloween this year, head to the Eden Project and help the legendary Tree Giants on a special quest to protect the world’s forests. On this Halloween-themed adventure around the biomes you’ll discover ancient wisdom and extraordinary tales, and don’t forget to take a spin on the wickedly fun ice rink and get hands-on in the bewitching wand-making workshops

Dates: 18-29 October 2023
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Go Darker Heritage Trail at Bodmin Jail

This Bodmin attraction is a spooky place to visit any time of year, but at Halloween you can take one step further into this Victorian prison, reliving the darkest stories and grimmest tales, from the gallows to the grave.

Dates: 1-31 October
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Halloween at the National Maritime Museum Cornwall

More Halloween-themed shenanigans can be enjoyed at this fantastic museum in Falmouth. As well as listening to hair-raising stories from ghostly fishermen and following the spooky trail of the pirate ghost, you can watch eerie shadow puppet shows, join in Halloween mask workshops and go ‘underwater’ in the tidal zone exhibit.

Dates: 21-29 October 2023
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Fireworks Spooktacular at Flambards Theme Park

Go bump in the night as many of Flambard’s exhilarating rides stay open beyond dark for some Halloween thrills and spills. As well as week of tricks and treats throughout half term, on Wednesday 25 October the skies above the theme park will light up in a fireworks extravaganza, alongside live music and spooktacular family entertainment.

Date: 25 October
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Tunnel of Lights at Shipwreck Treasure Museum

Step into a magical winter wonderland in the dazzling Tunnel of Lights that returns to this Charlestown museum for another year. Explore the underground caverns bedecked in thousands of twinkling lights, step into a brrr-illiant snow globe and treat yourself to delicious festive treats. You can also visit Santa on select dates.

Dates: 25 November to 31 December
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Ice Skating at the Eden Project

Eden’s event space will be transformed into a winter wonderland when the annual ice rink returns this season. Skaters can take a spin around the ice and then warm up with a steaming hot chocolate and other yummy food and drink available from the festive stalls.

Dates: 14 October 2023 – February 2024
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Santa Trains at Bodmin & Wenford Railway

Hop aboard a historic steam train ride through Cornwall with Father Christmas at your side. As Santa and his elves join you on a scenic journey, jingling all the way from Bodmin and back, there’ll be much merriment, mince pies and the chance to write your festive wish list.

Dates: Various dates in December
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Heligan Night Garden

From owls to hares, foxgloves, butterflies and robins, and a joyful burst of fuchsias, this illuminated seasonal trail creates a treasure-filled space for families and friends to discover these beautiful indigenous species of these glorious gardens. Pause to toast marshmallows and tuck into festive treats along the way, and get some stocking fillers in the wonderful gift shop.

Date: 17 November 2023 – 2 January 2024
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Mousehole Christmas Lights & Tom Bawcock’s Eve

The Christmas light display in Mousehole makes a trip to this picture-postcard village a must at any time over the festive period. Seeing the harbour 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 country. However, save your visit for the 23 December, and as well as seeing the lights, you can also witness a lantern procession and tuck into traditional stargazey pie – a pilchard pie made in commemoration of the legend of Tom Bawcock, a local fisherman who braved stormy winter seas to go fishing and save the village from famine. This is one of the best places to see the Christmas lights in Cornwall.

Dates: 11th December to 2nd January
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Book Your Winter Break in Padstow

Browse our collection of coastal cottages and book your winter holiday by the sea. And read our blog for more reasons to visit Cornwall in winter.