Dates for your December diaries – Family festive fun!

December 06th, 2016

December is a fantastic time to visit Cornwall and make the most of all that the county has to offer. Many popular Cornish attractions put on great festivities, so here’s our guide to the best things to do on your Christmas break in Cornwall.

60th anniversary Christmas flower garland at Cotehele

12th November – 31st December

For the last 60 years, the flowers grown in the gardens at Cotehele have been dried and turned into a spectacular 60-foot garland which is then displayed in the house throughout December. To celebrate the 60th anniversary, gardeners have given it a new ‘diamond’ look which makes it a truly spectacular sight. Enjoy a variety of local choirs and groups performing under it, whilst the log fire burns into the night to keep you cosy.

Festive Weekend, Newquay Zoo

10th – 11th December

Get festive with the animals this Christmas with a tour of the zoo, ending with a trip to Santa’s Grotto. Here you can meet Father Christmas himself, along with the famous penguin called Pickle, who has become somewhat of a local celebrity! Book to avoid disappointment and there’ll be something for everyone to see and do at the zoo this December.

Santa Days at Trebah Gardens, Falmouth

18th – 20th December

If you’re stuck on what to do on your Falmouth holidays, check out the Trebah Gardens the weekend before Christmas between 10.30am – 3.30pm. Explore the seasonal trail through Elves Village before meeting Father Christmas and receiving a cheeky early treat. You can get creative with a Christmassy crafts workshop, as well as watching a professional ‘balloon bender’ at work. With tickets at just £3 per child, it’s an event you cannot afford to miss out on!

Santa by Steam, Bodmin Railway

2nd December – 24th December

Join Father Christmas aboard his steam hauled train for a magical journey you won’t forget. The trip lasts an hour, and you will be invited by the elves on board to visit Santa in his grotto to collect a special present. A great place to take photos, and a memory the family will never forget. Mince pies and seasonal drinks are on offer for the adults to indulge themselves as well, whilst enjoying some Christmas carols performed on the platform by the Liskeard Band.

Learn about Victorian Christmas at Lanhydrock, Bodmin

Throughout December

Over the festive period discover Lanhydrock House as it prepares for an unrivalled Christmas family feast. Children can enjoy some festive fancy dress or head outside and explore an array of garden trails. On certain dates, your family is invited to meet Father Christmas himself whilst the Camborne Youth Band will lead a procession. Check out Lanhydrock for nonstop festive fun, whilst raising money for Children’s Hospice South West.

Christmas at Camel Creek

Throughout December

This December, Father Christmas is visiting Camel Creek and to celebrate this momentous occasion they are hosting a full month of festivities. There are meet and greets and photo opportunities, as well as the chance to post letters directly to the North Pole. The scent of mulled wine fresh in the air, bells ringing and elves singing, is not to be missed if you’re in the area!

Winter Festival at the Eden Project

Throughout December

The Winter Festival is bound to get you in the Christmas spirit this year. A fantastic ice rink for the whole family, including penguin skater aids for young children to help them build their confidence on the ice. You can also meet the big man himself, and go backstage to check out the life of an elf. Storytelling goes on throughout the day, with wonderful tales told by tellers in authentic costumes. If you’ve not been before, the Winter festival is a great way to introduce your family to the Eden Project.