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Cornish Christmas traditions and events you don’t want to miss

Planning a Christmas getaway to Cornwall? From cosy pubs with log burners to crisp winter walks, it’s safe to say December in Cornwall is where festive cheer meets rugged coastal beauty.

And, here at Lewinnick Lodge, we’ve got all the top tips to help you make the most of the season! Check out some of our favourite Cornish Christmas traditions and events happening across the county, so you can make the most of your festive escape.

Newquay Christmas Lights

Kickstart this festive season right here in Newquay with the Christmas lights switch on. Join in the fun on Friday, 29th November, in the heart of Newquay’s town centre at The Killacourt for a night of festive celebrations.

From the Christmas market (open all weekend) to the official light switch on Friday at 6.30pm, there’s plenty to get you into the Christmas spirit! Plus, it’s all topped off with a spectacular fireworks display over Newquay Bay – one of our favourite ways to start the seasonal festivities.

Mousehole Lights & Tom Bawcocks Eve

Enjoy the floating Mousehole Harbour Lights from 12th December, with a switch-on ceremony filled with music from the local male voice choir, mulled wine and more. This quaint fishing village is known far and wide for its beautiful Christmas lights display in and around the harbour, with dazzling displays of marine life, festive scenes, and even a stargazey pie (don’t worry, we’ll explain)!

The stargazey pie is all part of Tom Bawcock’s Eve – a celebration on 23rd December that happens every year to honour the legendary fisherman Tom Bawcock, who’s said to have braved stormy seas to fish and save the village from famine. During the celebrations, revellers feast on stargazey pie (a mixed fish, egg and potato pie with protruding fish heads), sing carols and watch a local lantern parade.

Christmas and Boxing Day Swims

Can you take on the cold like a local? One of our favourite Cornish Christmas traditions is the Christmas (or Boxing Day) swim. Bracing, yet surprisingly invigorating, you can join in community sea swims from Newquay’s Fistral Beach to Sennen Cove, with locals and visitors alike donning Santa hats and plunging into the icy waters to raise funds for charity (or simply to embrace the Cornish spirit of adventure).

You can usually find the specific times and dates closer to the big day, but there’ll be plenty of locations to choose from! If you’re not sure, just ask one of our team members at reception for more information.

Christmas markets and events

Throughout November and December, explore the many Christmas markets happening across Cornwall, showcasing the county’s best artisan makers and local produce. From hand-crafted gifts to delicious treats, there’s something for everyone. Our top market highlights include the Fowey Christmas Market and Healey’s Christmas Market (near Truro).

You can also make the most of Christmas at the Eden Project, where you can wander the Cornwall Christmas Fair, go ice skating and take in the beautiful light show in the world-famous biomes.

And (speaking of light shows), you won’t want to miss the Heligan Night Garden – an enchanting lantern experience amidst the historic Lost Gardens of Heligan (running from 22 November to 4 January). With mulled wine, toasted marshmallows and fire pits, it’s all about feeling festive in the great outdoors.

Plan your festive escape at Lewinnick Lodge

Perched on the edge of the Atlantic, Lewinnick offers a cosy retreat with breathtaking sea views and luxury boutique hotel rooms. After a day of exploring Cornwall’s festive delights, return to the warmth of our roaring log burner and indulge in our specially crafted Winter Warmer menus.

If you’re looking for the perfect venue for a festive gathering, we can help with that, too. Host your Christmas party at Lewinnick Lodge and let us treat you and your guests to signature dishes made from the best local and seasonal ingredients! You can find out more, right here.