Christmas is fast approaching, and there are plenty of events and activities on the calendar in Cornwall to help get you into the festive spirit. We share some unmissable Christmas events for you to enjoy this holiday season in Cornwall.
Father Christmas and his elves will be spending plenty of time in Cornwall before the big day, so you’ll have plenty of chances to spot Santa and say what you want for Christmas. There are many places for you to meet Father Christmas in Cornwall, including at the Eden Project, Bedruthan Hotel, The Lost Gardens of Heligan, and even on a steam train at the Bodmin & Wenford Railway!
While many Christmas markets will kick-off in November, in the run-up to Christmas there will be many more chances to find some festive treats and local produce. December sees the Primestock Christmas Craft Fair and The Winter Gift Fayre hit the streets of Truro, bringing the city to life with festive spirit! There are many more Christmas markets near Truro throughout December, so you’ll have plenty of chances to find that perfect gift for your loved one. If you’re organised and have your presents more or less sorted already, then take the chance to feel festive and enjoy some of the delicious local cuisine from street food vendors and stalls.
30th November – 30th December 2019
This year, the Eden Project is hosting the Festival of Christmas to help get you into the Christmas mood. Nothing brings about Yuletide cheer quite like some Christmas tunes, so head to the Mediterranean Biome, where you’ll find 21 of Cornwall’s finest musicians playing some of your favourite festive hits. Visiting the Eden Project after dark, your night will be illuminated by the Avenue of Lights, where spectacular giant willow lanterns shaped like creatures light your way. The Eden Project is home to a fantastic ice rink during the winter season, and will also be playing host to Santa’s Grotto, so you’ll have plenty of festive fun when visiting.
14th & 15th December 2019
A fun event for all the family, Falmouth truly gets into the festive spirit with this weekend packed full of Christmas fun. Ride around the town on the snow train, go ice skating at the Church Street Car Park and enjoy the winter wonderland. For an exciting Christmas activity, head to Stein’s Falmouth for a gingerbread decorating workshop (booking necessary). You’ll spend the day entertained by festive music from local performers, as well as stilt walkers, dancers and fire acts. Relax at the end of a festive-filled day with a delicious glass of mulled wine.
Looking to keep fit and do your bit for charity? The Santa Fun Run is back in Cornwall for 2019, helping to raise money for Cornwall Hospice Care. There are many chances for you to take part throughout December. Entry into the race costs £7 for children (age 3-15) and £13.50 for adults (16+). Each race is only a mile long, so it is a great run suitable for all the family. You’ll receive a Santa suit for free, so you can look the part as you run. You must register online first, so visit Cornwall Hospice Care for more information – don’t forget to ask for some sponsors!
5th – 8th December 2019
One of the biggest and best Christmas festivals in the UK, the Padstow Christmas Festival is a chance to celebrate local chefs, food producers and craftspeople. With over 40,000 visitors to this event each year, the Christmas Festival is one of the most important dates on the Padstow calendar. One of the key aspects of the festival is the cookery demonstrations from some of the finest chefs in the country. This year, the likes of Michael Caines, Rick Stein, Paul Ainsworth, Angela Hartnett and Nathan Outlaw will all be in attendance.
If you’re on the lookout for Christmas gifts, then there are more than 100 local producers in attendance at the Christmas market, selling a wide array of potential gifts, from jewellery to jam. In addition to this, the festive fun continues with a fireworks display, carol concert, lantern parade and live music.
8th December 2019
The Nativity is brought to life in Falmouth, with a live Nativity parade proceeding through the town, organised by Falmouth and Penryn Churches. Follow Mary on her donkey, hear the choir of angels and seek the bright star. Your journey will lead to Mary cradling the baby Jesus surrounded by pens of live animals, which you can visit after the Nativity tale ends. Following the Nativity, you can visit the Methodist Church for free refreshments, children’s crafts and face painting!
Whether you’re staying for Christmas shopping and festive fun or you’d like to spend the special day in Cornwall with your loved ones, our luxury Cornish cottages are the perfect place to spend the holiday.
THE VALLEY is proud to be the only 5 Star Gold Self Catering holiday village of its size in the whole of Cornwall
