Christmas in cornwall: Events to get you into the Christmas spirit

As the weather starts its inevitable cool-down after a sun-drenched summer of lazy days on the beach, coast path exploring and ocean adventures, it’s only natural to start looking ahead to the festive months. 

Christmas in Cornwall is a magical time. With the busy tourist season out of the way, crowded cobbled streets give way to twinkly lights and festive shop windows; sunglasses are swapped for comfy coats, and the odd local may even consider putting away the flip-flops (for a few months, at least). 

But far from hunkering down for the winter, it’s a time when the real Cornwall comes to life in a whole new way. With a jam-packed events calendar, it’s just the beginning of a season filled with festive fun for locals and visitors alike. 

Here, we’ve picked six that you won’t want to miss… 

Cornwall Christmas Fair
Where: Eden Project, St Austell
When: 10th-11th November

The Eden Project’s annual Christmas Fair is back after a year’s break and set to be more festive than ever! This year’s event will be raising money for the Cornwall Community Foundation, with all funds from ticket sales going towards the cause.  

Book into the preview and shopping evening on 11th November for a chance to enjoy supper and sip on wine while you browse the artisan delights, or treat yourself to lunch and a spot of Christmas shopping, with free admission to the biomes, the next day. 

Christmas Lantern Parade and Lights Switch On
Where:Newquay
When:TBC 

Head into town for an evening walk under the sparkly Christmas lights and enjoy the local lantern parade as Newquay welcomes in the festive season. This bustling evening event is always a big hit with families, friends and couples alike. 

The icing on the Christmas cake is almost certainly the fireworks display, which you can view from one of the town’s stunning local beaches, all wrapped up with a mug of mulled wine. 

The Johnny Cowling Christmas Show
Where: Newquay
When: 16th December

Join one of Cornwall’s most-loved comedians for an evening of live entertainment at Lane Theatre. Sure to be a barrel of giggles, Johnny Cowling will be heading to Newquay for his Christmas Show special, with his usual mix of fun and music. 

If you’re all about festive cheer, this is one you won’t want to miss.  

Heligan by Night
Where: Lost Gardens of Heligan, nr St Austell
When: December – January, TBC

See the stunning Lost Gardens of Heligan in a whole new light (quite literally) with the attraction’s annual illumination walk. Wander through woodlands and gardens as they’re transformed into a vibrant wonderland, and embrace the magic of nature and light combined. 

Top tip: Pop into the café on your way through and treat yourself to a tasty hot chocolate to keep you warm (just don’t forget your refill cup). 

Mousehole Harbour Lights 
Where: Mousehole, nr Penzance
When: December – January

Every December, this tiny historic fishing village comes to life with one of the best Christmas lights spectacles in the UK. A tradition that has been going for more than 40 years, the trip is well worth the view as you amble up the cobble streets and look down on the hundreds of twinkling lights and illumination displays* that are scattered across the harbour. 

*Note that every year on December 19th, the lights are dimmed between 8pm and 9pm to remember those lost in the 1981 Penlee Lifeboat Disaster.  

Ice skating at the Eden Project
Where: Eden Project, St Austell
When: October 2021 – February 2022

If you love sliding across the ice, combine a trip to the world-famous Eden Project with a session at their seasonal ice-rink! While open for the entire winter season, visiting before Christmas is the perfect way to get into the festive mood. 

Skate – or stumble, depending on your abilities – across the glittering rink as you listen to festive tunes and finish things off with a warm cider from the bar. 

Book the ultimate Cornish getaway 

After a long day soaking up the festive cheer, slow things down at Lewinnick Lodge with our luxury hotel accommodation.  

The perfect way to unwind? Wrapped up on our cliff-side terrace with a mulled wine in hand and the crashing waves below. Or why not lounge by the fire and peruse our locally-inspired menu, celebrating the best of Cornwall’s food producers and suppliers?  

Finally, as you settle in for the night, embrace the elemental freedom outside your bedroom window and fall asleep to the sound of the Atlantic. 

To start booking your ultimate Cornish getaway, click here.