The festive season is upon us, affording a whole range of things to do in Cornwall this Christmas that’s sure to leave you spellbound. Full of charm and brimming with atmosphere, this magical time of year promises some of the best activities, most indulgent food, and most magical moments for an experience unlike any other. What’s not to love?
So that you can waste no time in donning the cosiest layers and stepping out into the wintry air, we’ve put together a list of some of the best things to do in Cornwall this Christmas.
Portscatho Christmas Tree Carol Service
Just a pebble’s skim away from our doorstep, the harbourside village of Portscatho is a coastal delight. Beautiful throughout the year, it becomes even more enchanting in winter when decorative lights illuminate the harbour and bounce off the water in a kaleidoscope of colour. Needless to say, one of the best things to do in Cornwall this Christmas centres around the village’s Christmas tree carol service. Held on Sunday 10th December 2023 in the village square, this festive event beckons with Christmas carols, sparkling lights, mulled beverages, sugar-topped mince pies and even, if you’ve been good, an appearance from Father Christmas himself.
The Festival of Light
St Just in Roseland’s Festival of Light is a widely anticipated event on the Roseland Peninsula. One of the top things to do in Cornwall this Christmas, it invites revellers of all ages to draw out the festive spirit and gather together over good times and good food. Taking place between 4.30pm to 7.30pm on Friday 29th and Saturday 30th December, this luminous celebration transforms the village’s Grade I listed church into a magical light display with multi-coloured lights. Adding to the occasion, seasonal music performed by local choirs provides a soul-stirring soundtrack, while family-friendly activities and am-dram performances also star on the festive line-up. Rounding off each night is a hog roast feast, followed up with toffee apple treats.
Christmas Markets
If you are looking for things to do in Cornwall this Christmas, then why not consider a Christmas market or two? Held all around the county, these cinnamon-scented markets take place everywhere from harboursides to village halls to city squares in Cornwall and offer an unparalleled opportunity to peruse bespoke gifts and crafts. Whether you’re looking for the perfect present to gift to a loved one or are hoping to treat yourself to something special (well, it is Christmas after all), you are sure to find something just right amongst the artisan array. Amongst the cast of Christmas markets in Cornwall this year, festive highlights include Padstow Christmas Markets, Truro Christmas Markets, Porthleven Christmas Markets and Fowey Christmas Festival.
St Mawes Harbour Christmas Lights
The beautiful village of St Mawes on the Roseland Peninsula overlooks the waterways of the Percuil River, the Carrick Roads and the open sea beyond. Pretty as a picture, it is formed of a network of boutique and restaurant-lined streets that flow down towards a golden coastline and await for wintertime strolls. Even more magical at Christmas, St Mawes and its salt-kissed harbour are decorated with Christmas lights in December each year, luring merrymakers from near and far. If you’re looking for things to do in Cornwall this Christmas, head over for the annual lights switch on event on Friday 1st December at 6pm and gather around the tree in the village square. Think: carol singing, mulled wine, mince pies and festive frivolities.
Christmas at The Eden Project
Not only one of the most famous attractions in Cornwall, but the wonderful Eden Project in Bodelva also boasts some of the best things to do in Cornwall this Christmas. Sharing the magic of this season of goodwill, this family-friendly attraction promises a whole range of things to see and do across select dates throughout November and December. Don your skates and take to the seasonal ice rink, take part in winter workshops (including wreath making and Christmas card printing), test your courage with a night-time zipwire flight, and explore Eden’s world-famous biomes illuminated by Christmas lights. You can also pay a visit to the attraction’s much-anticipated Cornwall Christmas Fair – just remember to purchase a ticket in advance.
Mousehole Christmas Lights
At the top of the Christmas list, a trip to see Mousehole’s Christmas lights is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Cornwall this Christmas. First shining into life in 1963, the village’s Christmas lights have been a beloved part of seasonal celebrations for 60 years, fuelling wonder and nostalgia in all generations. For a dose of festive cheer, venture down to Mousehole harbour between 5pm and 6pm on Monday 11th December 2023 for the start of the village’s festive programme, including the lights switch on event and performances from Mousehole Male Voice Choir. Following on from this, live music performances are planned to take place each evening until 21st December, adding unmissable melodies to the village’s dazzling displays.
Heligan Night Garden
Lose yourself (metaphorically speaking) in a winter wonderland at Heligan Night Garden this year. One of the most captivating things to do in Cornwall this Christmas, Heligan’s family-friendly experience features spotlit garden paths, lantern trails, illuminated displays and breath-taking installations. Wend along the mile-long journey through the estate and look out for the festive sights along the way. With plenty of places to stop along the way, warm up with refreshments, soak up the atmosphere, and toast snow-white marshmallows over open firepits, you are sure to be won over by the festive feeling this year.
Looking for somewhere cosy to stay this Christmas?
Unwrap the most magical Christmas this year with a stay at Driftwood Hotel. Situated above the harbourside village of Portscatho on the Roseland Peninsula, our boutique sea-view hotel promises the most luxurious escape for solo retreats, romantic getaways, and family holidays. Choose from our collection of 14 beautiful rooms and dine in our onsite restaurant, ready to treat yourself to the dreamiest Christmas in Cornwall this year.
