on 24/10/2024
Looking for magical festive experiences in Cornwall this December? Whether you’re a local or spending the holidays in one of Cornwall’s charming holiday cottages, you’ll find plenty of cheer at this magical time of year by the wild Cornish coastline. From enchanted gardens and festive harbour markets to stunning Christmas lights and scenic winter beach walks, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Here’s our top recommendations and yout go-to guide to the best things to do in Cornwall this Christmas.
The Heligan Night Garden returns this December and promises an enchanting and crisp winter evening – maybe even a sprinkling of snow! The gardens transform into a magical illuminated trail through the jungle. This festive light display takes you on an evening journey, weaving through ancient woodlands with twinkling lights and spectacular installations. It’s perfect for a family-friendly evening, as you explore and immerse yourself in the beauty of the garden transformed into a winter wonderland. There are always lots of treats and mulled wine to be had, children love toasting marshmallows over the huge fire pits.
Dates: Weekends towards the end of November, all weekends and some mid-week dates in November.
Location: Lost Gardens of Heligan, St Austell
Ticket Information: Booking essential, adult non-members £20.50 per person.
The Eden Project is a must-visit year-round, but during December it truly sparkles with festive joy with the addition of its large ice rink. The iconic biomes are decorated for the season, and you can enjoy meeting father Christmas on selected dates. The biomes and gardens come alive with twinkling lights and shows, offering a magical day out into nature.
Dates: Throughout December
Location: Bodelva, near St Austell
Highlights: Ice skating, Santa’s Grotto
Ticket Information: Check website for event-specific price. Ice skating & santa are additional.
The Charlestown Tunnel of Lights returns this December in the historic underground passageways from the shipwreck museum, in Poldark country. 2024 may be the final year to explore this festive paradise, as the museum is for sale. Travel through immersive scenes in a winter wonderland, journeying through huge tunnels of lights.
Dates: Selected dates from 6th December until 31st December
Location: Shipwreck Treasure Museum, Charlestown
Ticket Information: Booking essential, early-bird adult tickets from £8.50
Cornwall’s Christmas markets are the perfect place to pick up unique gifts, artisan food, and festive treats. Here are some of the best markets to visit this December:
Running from late November through December, this market is set in the heart of Cornwall’s capital, held in Lemon Quay, with stalls selling handcrafted gifts, artisan local produce, and festive food. It’s a festive sight to see, with a snow globe, festive bar and decorated scandi-style cabins!
Dates: Daily from 22nd November -24th December.
Held in the picturesque harbour town, the Fowey Christmas Market features a range of local vendors offering gifts, crafts, and delicious food. This is one of Cornwall’s most magical events and the most beautiful location to visit in the winter months. The market fills the charming harbour town, brimming with nearly 100 regional traders offering local food, drink, and hand-crafted gifts across Fowey Town Quay, Albert Quay, and Webb Street. It’s the perfect spot to wrap up your holiday shopping while enjoying a joyful community atmosphere.
Dates: 22nd – 24th November
Celebrate the magic of the season at Healeys’ Cyder Farm’s Christmas Market weekends, back for their 8th year. Over six festive weekends, the farm transforms into a winter wonderland filled with mulled cyder, delicious food, Christmas crafts, and carols. Alongside the market, visitors can enjoy cyder press tours, guided tours, and distillery experiences for a full taste of Healeys. Go hungry!
Dates: Weekend dates from 9th November – 15th December.
Cornwall’s coastal towns shine brightly during the festive season, with Christmas lights transforming the streets into dazzling displays. Here are some of the best places to see Christmas lights:
Mousehole: Famous for its spectacular harbour lights, Mousehole is a top spot for festive illuminations. The tiny fishing village sparkles every evening in December with scenes of Christmas trees, lanterns, and a floating whale lit up in the harbour.
Truro: The capital city of Cornwall is filled with festive cheer throughout December. Wander the streets, grab a hot chocolate, and enjoy the atmosphere and dazzling displays across the historic streets and the grand Christmas tree in the centre by the historic cathedral.
Angarrack: For something truly special, take a stroll around Angarrack, where you’ll find festive displays and twinkling lights in the form of a 12 Days of Christmas display.
Cornwall’s beaches are just as beautiful in the winter, and bonus- walking is free! Wrap up warm and head to places like Porthcurno, Gwithian Beach, or Perranporth for a peaceful walk with breathtaking views. The cooler weather makes it the ideal time to explore with fewer crowds, and you might even spot some winter wildlife along the way.
Festive Woodland Walks: If you prefer the woods to the sea, head to Tehidy Woods for a magical winter walk. The trails are free to explore, and the peaceful surroundings are perfect for a festive stroll with the family.
Christmas Light Trails: While many events may have entry fees, many towns and harbours, including Newquay, put on dazzling Christmas light displays that are free to enjoy. Wander through the festive streets and soak up the holiday atmosphere without spending a penny.
Cornwall knows how to ring in the new year in style. If you’re staying over the Christmas period, don’t miss out on the New Year’s Eve celebrations:
St Ives New Year’s Eve: Known for its fancy dress tradition, St Ives is a brilliant place to celebrate New Year’s Eve. The town turns into one big party, with music, fireworks, and plenty of lively pubs.
Looe New Year’s Eve: This small town puts on a big celebration, with fireworks on the beach and a fantastic family-friendly atmosphere.
Plan Your Perfect Cornwall Christmas with so many exciting things to do in Cornwall this Christmas, there’s no shortage of festive fun to enjoy. Take a look at our holiday homes and group accomodation for a fun, festive trip to the coast, or plan a romantic retreat just the two of you to our 5* reviewed lodges and cottages! Whether you're hunting for gifts at the Christmas markets, enjoying a magical light display, or just relaxing with a winter walk along the beach, Cornwall has it all. Be sure to book early for popular events like the Heligan Night Garden and Eden Project to avoid disappointment, and make this December a holiday to remember.
