Christmas in Cornwall
Winter is coming and the rush of the summer holiday season has waned, yet there is still plenty to see and do in Cornwall in the run up to the Christmas season, whether it’s stocking up on some of the amazing artisan foods on offer, or visiting some of the best places for Christmas Lights, we have provided you with a snapshot of some of the festivities on offer in the county.
Padstow Christmas Festival: 7-10 December 2023
Celebrity and local chefs come together for culinary demos across three days, combined with one of Cornwall’s largest Christmas markets. There are also many local community events taking place across the duration of the festival including Santa charity cycle ride, live music and carols, a lantern parade and fireworks.
15 minutes from Demelza Cottage by car.
Lost Gardens of Heligan: 17 Nov – 2 Jan 2024
An enchanting evening set within the Lost Gardens of Heligan. Lanterns, giant flowers and woodland creatures are lit up as you are taken on an evening tour around the gardens. The tour lasts about one hour and booking is required in advance. Dress for the outdoors and take a torch.
20 minutes from Demelza Cottage by car
Truro Christmas Market: 29 Nov – 24 Dec 2023
Set in the beautiful cathedral city of Truro, the annual Christmas market in Truro is home to more than 100 local traders providing food, drink, arts and crafts. It is one of the biggest Christmas markets in the county and is a great place to snap up some artisan produce, complete the Christmas shopping and experience the beautiful Christmas lights across this Georgian town.
The market can be found at Lemon Quay and opens every day from 9am to 5pm. Sunday 10am – 5pm. Late night opening on Wednesday, until 9pm.
30 minutes from Demelza Cottage by car
Mousehole Christmas Lights: 12 Dec – early Jan 2024
Illuminating this quaint fishing village in Cornwall, the annual Christmas lights have become quite a local attraction. The tradition started in 1963 with just a string of lights around the harbour to brighten it up. It captured the imagination of a couple of local carpenters who set to work creating a number of displays in and around the harbour. It’s a lovely place to spend the evening, walk around the village, and book into a local pub for dinner. From 11-21 December, there will be performances from local musicians and choirs.
On 19th December, the lights are dimmed between 8pm and 9pm in remembrance of eight local men who lost their lives aboard lifeboat vessel Soloman Browne, trying to rescue a stranded cargo-carrying coaster that had lost control amidst a severe storm.
The Eden Project at Christmas: Throughout December
Throughout December, the Eden Project will stage a series of light shows in its huge rainforest biome. An immersive experience of lights, combined with the flora and fauna of the tropics and toe tapping jazz classics in the Mediterranean Dome, it is an experience like no other. There is also ice-skating and visits to Father Christmas. Check out the Eden Project website to find out dates and to book.