Christmas in Cornwall

Running from November 22nd to December 24th on Truro's Lemon Quay, this festive market is a must-visit for Christmas shoppers. It features local food, drink, arts, and crafts from Cornwall’s finest traders. Wander through the alpine-style wooden cabins, enjoy festive street food, sip mulled wine, and take a photo in the giant snow globe. With a rotating selection of stalls, it’s worth returning on Wednesdays for extended markets during Truro's Late Night Shopping.

In the lead up to Christmas you can join us twice a week on Boscawen Street as part of the Truro Christmas Market programme. From Saturday November the 23rd you'll find us every Saturday and late night shopping Wednesday right up until the Saturday before Christmas day (21st of December) brought to the city with the support of Truro BID and Visit Truro. Our festoon lit street market will be showcasing the very best locally created and curated seasonal gifts, contemporary craft, art & design, sustainable home & lifestyle wares, vintage finds and artisan food & drink from the award winning Truro Farmers Market all alongside a streetfood quarter, community connections and great live music.

Have a Nadelik Lowen at Trelissick this December with Father Christmas, local choirs and decorations inspired by a Cornish Christmas. We'll be celebrating Christmas at Trelissick daily from 7 December 2024 until 5 January 2025 (closing at 2pm on Christmas Eve and closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day).

The house will be decorated beautifully and inspired by a Cornish Christmas, with performances from local choirs and visits from Father Christmas at weekends and in the build up to Christmas.

There'll be plenty of festive gifts in the shop as well as the perfect winter warmers in the barn café and house tearoom.

Join Jingle the Elf and Father Christmas at Truro’s Royal Cornwall Museum for a magical festive experience! Running for eight dates from Saturday, 7th December, this enchanting event features storytelling and a chance for little ones to meet Father Christmas himself at his Kernow office.

Children can enjoy the heart-warming tale of Jim the Cornish Knocker, who dreams of becoming a North Pole Christmas Elf—perhaps you can help make his dream come true! Each child will receive a small gift, and the will be time for photos with Father Christmas.

Booking is required, and step-free access is available.

Festive Afternoon Tea
Enjoy seasonal sandwiches, Christmassy cakes, scones and other sweet delights, with a glass of piping hot mulled wine for £27 per person. With all the same yummy festive treats and a scrumptious hot chocolate to wash it down, the little ones can also enjoy this special occasion throughout December and on New Year’s Day between 12pm and 5pm, and on Sundays between 3pm and 5pm.

Festive Lunches
Eat, drink and be merry, with unforgettable cuisine on the menu at The Alverton this Christmas. From festive family gatherings and catch ups with friends, to celebrations with your colleagues – this is the perfect way to toast the yuletide season. If you’re looking for a Christmas menu in Cornwall that’s full of flavour and festive flair, head to The Alverton from 1st December between 12pm and 3pm.

Christmas Day Lunch
Experience Christmas Day lunch in Cornwall with an Alverton twist. With an expert team of chefs to take care of the cooking, you can leave peeling the potatoes, preparing the turkey and flambéing the Christmas pudding to them. Your only job will be to pull your crackers, eat unforgettable food, drink and be merry! Featuring a sumptuous three-course menu, make the most of a Christmas at this little oasis on the hill for £99 per person.

Boxing Day Lunch
Keep the Christmas spirit going with a three-course Boxing Day lunch in the heart of Truro. From scrumptious starters and roast sirloin of beef to warm apple and blackberry crumble tart, discover a menu full of festive delights. From £49 per person, it’s time to grab your nearest and dearest and head to the hotel on the hill for a very merry Boxing Day.

On 27th December, you’re invited to a marvellously magical performance by Near-ta Theatre, as they put on a show with their festive comedy, “Christmas.Time.” Showing at 3pm and 7pm, pull up a pew, sip on homemade mulled wine and enjoy a fun-filled afternoon or evening for the whole family in The Alverton’s Great Hall.

Welcome in 2025 in style at the annual Alverton New Year’s Eve black tie dinner party. Before the countdown and fireworks commence, enjoy an evening of fine dining, fabulous cocktails, and top tunes from the years gone-by, to celebrate another trip around the sun. With tickets at £99 per person, this will be one party you won’t want to miss.

This December, Trebah Garden invites families to an enchanting festive adventure with Santa himself! Journey into our garden and help Santa track down his playful elves. Children can write letters to Santa, post them to the North Pole, and then settle in for a heart-warming storytelling session inside Santa’s magical log cabin.

After the stories, capture the moment with a festive photo and receive a special gift from Santa. Enjoy a 45-minute group experience, the children’s trail, and full-day access to explore the garden.

Book early to secure your spot and make magical memories at Trebah this Christmas!

Gather your friends, family, colleagues or club pals and join us for a wonderful lunch in the run up to Christmas. We have 2 course and 3 course options … all served up with crackers, decorations and coffee after! We do recommend early booking because these lunches are very popular and get very booked up.

3 Course Christmas Lunch £35
2 Course Christmas Lunch £30
Children's Christmas Lunch £21
(11 years old and younger)

Both 2 and 3 course options also come with coffee after.

Join us this December and make your own Christmas Wreath with local artist Fiona Pullen. Create your wreath using a natural theme, traditional Christmas or modern asymmetrical design … all using locally made willow bases. There will be plenty of foliage and seasonal embellishments to choose from. On Tuesday lunchtime arrive early and enjoy lunch in our lounges or on Thursday stay on for a full traditional Christmas lunch in our hotel’s main restaurant.

Dates: Tuesday 10th December 2pm to 4.30pm | 7pm to 9.30pm Thursday 12th December 10am to 12.30pm | 7pm to 9.30pm

Get ready for winter magic with Duffy and the Stiltskin, Miracle Theatre’s new twist on an ancient Cornish folk tale. Join young Duffy on a fantastical journey where she discovers that some offers are too good to be true. Expect a delightful mix of comedy, music, physical theatre, and sharp writing—all trademarks of Miracle Theatre.

Perfect for all ages, this spellbinding story is full of heart, fun, and valuable lessons, ideal for warming up a chilly winter’s night. Running approximately 2 hours, including an interval.

Enys House welcomes you and your family to meet Father Christmas and his enchanted woodland helpers for a magical festive storytelling experience.

Enys House is once again transformed into a magical enchanted wonderland filled with festive cheer, family activities and a very special magical storytelling with Father Christmas himself. Suitable for all ages, a traditional heartfelt Christmas experience for one and all.

Join us for a wonderful 3 course Christmas dinner, live disco entertainment from the award winning team at DJ in Cornwall and an overnight stay at our beautiful hotel. Bring your dancing shoes and get Christmas started! Our Christmas Party Nights are inclusive of a 3 course dinner, party, overnight accommodation and breakfast and includes free use of the golf and leisure facilities. Standard rooms £110 per person
Signature rooms £140 per person
Based on two people sharing

Celebrate Christmas in true Cornish style with Nadelik, a magical, family-friendly show brought to life by o-region. Inspired by Craig Barr-Green’s heartwarming children’s book "A Christmas in Cornwall", this enchanting tale follows two sisters and their Gran as they prepare for Christmas Eve, awaiting the return of their fisherman father who’s caught in a fierce winter storm at sea. Full of anticipation, laughter, and a touch of festive magic, Nadelik combines live action, puppetry, and original music by Matthew Thomason, creating an interactive experience that draws children and families into the heart of a Cornish Christmas.

The National Maritime Museum Cornwall invites you to experience a truly Cornish Christmas. From decorating a festive sailing boat to exploring Cornwall’s unique holiday traditions, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Follow Charlie Chough’s Christmas trail through the Museum, discovering the magic of a traditional Cornish Christmas with fun, hands-on activities for children. Marvel at the stunning Lobster Pot Christmas Tree, a one-of-a-kind creation by local fisherman Nigel Legge, crafted from willow lobster pots and decorated with plaster starfish made by Museum volunteers.. Families can also dive into creative fun at Make & Take craft station, where kids can add their personal touch to our little Cornish boat or make a decoration to take home.

Christmas and New Year … one of our favourite times here at Budock Vean. Expect the best of all celebrations with carols, choirs, Champagne and much more. Our chefs create wonderful feasts using the very best local and seasonal ingredients, our spa team will be on stand-by for treatments and we're stocking up our log pile. With golf, tennis, swimming and snooker there’s plenty to keep you active and log fires, comfy sofas and cosy corners means there is plenty of relaxing to be done.

Festive Lunches
For exceptional Cornish cuisine with a festive twist and served with a seaside view, The Falmouth Hotel is the place to be this yuletide season. Whether it’s a romantic table for two to celebrate your first Christmas together, your friendship group or family gathering before the big day, or the entire office getting together for a yuletide celebration – you’ll be treated to an exceptional food from Executive Chef Nick Hodges and the team. From confit chicken and duck rillette, and salmon tartlet with fresh herbs, to our chef’s signature twist on roast turkey with all the trimmings, catch of the day caught across the road, and an utterly irresistible choice of yuletide-inspired desserts – the choice is yours.

Festive Afternoon Tea Kick off the Christmas season with a decadent festive afternoon tea on the cosy Cornish coast. Served throughout December, watch the waves roll in across Castle Beach as you tuck into three tiers of afternoon treats inspired by the season. Blending the traditional flavours of Christmas with a touch of seaside inspiration, indulge in a medley of savoury sandwiches and mini sweet treats, washed down with a cup of warming tea or coffee and a glass of mulled wine, all for £23 per person.

The most wonderful three-course meal of the year on the edge of the Cornish coast. For £95 per person, swap your yuletide pyjamas for your jolly jumpers or Sunday best and head on over to Falmouth’s stunning seafront from 12:30pm, taking in sweeping ocean views. A team of expert chefs will be merrily preparing three delicious courses followed by tea and coffee, while a pianist gently plays some jolly Christmas tunes.

Dive into 2025 at The Falmouth’s rockin’ New Year’s Eve dinner and dance. This seafront setting is the perfect place for getting all dressed up for a night to remember. At £75 per person, arrive and be greeted with something sparkling to sip as you get acquainted with the other guests, before taking to your seats for an extraordinary four-course Cornish feast, followed by tea and coffee. Once the tables have been cleared, it’s time to savour the last few hours ‘til the clock strikes midnight, with the soundtrack to 2024 from our DJ. Dance the night away as the floor is yours for the rest of the evening as the count down to 2025’s arrival begins.

Festive Afternoon Tea The perfect pre-Christmas treat to spread the joy of the yuletide season, enjoy a festive afternoon tea at The Greenbank with a wintry harbour backdrop for a jolly twist on this wonderfully British past-time. Served throughout December from 3.30pm until 5pm, indulge in three tiers of sweet and savoury treats with a cup of tea or coffee and a warming glass of mulled wine, all for £27. What’s more, rosy-cheeked little ones can enjoy a children’s version which comes with a hot chocolate.

Festive Lunches
Sit down to a signature festive lunch menu with all the trimmings in the Water’s Edge restaurant this yuletide season. Served throughout December between 12pm and 3pm, you can eat, drink and be merry with tasty twists on traditional Christmas dishes, delightful sweet treats and toasty tipples. At £29 for three courses, expect the likes of soul-soothing soups, wholesome turkey dishes and unmissable desserts, with a little something to suit all.

Christmas Day Lunch
Christmas Day lunch The Greenbank way means a jolly great feast with all the trimmings, created using the best ingredients sourced from around Cornwall and the southwest. Let the expert chefs fuss over the finer details as you’re treated to nothing but the best, unforgettable food. All you need to do is eat, drink and be merry.

Boxing Day Lunch
After Christmas Day’s festivities, escape the house and head to this coastal hideaway for the ultimate Boxing Day lunch in Cornwall. Relax, kick back and indulge in a mouth-watering menu curated by Head Chef Bobby Southworth, featuring delicious festive classics with a modern Greenbank twist. At £48 per person, each of these three courses is sure to prolong that warm festive feeling.

With party nights available in all shapes and sizes for you to pull crackers, sip cocktails and throw shapes on the dancefloor, The Greenbank is the place to celebrate this Christmas. Available every Friday and Saturday night from 22nd November at £48 per person, enjoy a festive menu with all the trimmings and a glass of fizz before dancing the night away with your favourite people. What’s more, exclusive hire options are also available on selected dates.

Promising a celebration to remember, the New Year festivities at The Greenbank are sure to put the sparkle into 2025’s arrival. Opt for a refined evening in the Water’s Edge, get footloose in The Riverbank Suite, or celebrate below decks at The Working Boat pub.

This December, Carbis Bay Hotel’s Orangery invites guests to experience its Nutcracker-inspired Festive Afternoon Tea. Transporting visitors into Tchaikovsky’s magical world, the tea features charming creations like homemade chocolate mice, fondant ballet slippers, and snow-dusted walnut whips.

As well as the festive desserts, the afternoon tea will be brimming with the usual favourites including a selection of seasonal finger sandwiches, turkey and cranberry rolls, sausage rolls, scones with Cornish clotted cream and local preserves. With stunning views over St Ives Bay and beautiful festive decorations dressing The Orangery it will be a Christmas treat to treasure.

Book your tickets for Trengwainton’s Winter Lights, with lanterns made by local schools, community groups and artists in collaboration with Tough Dough CIC. Stroll through the walled garden and orchard lit by these creative lanterns, fairy lights and feature lighting by students from Falmouth University. Make a Christmas wish by hanging a bauble on the wishing tree or capture the moment with a festive photo with your loved ones. Warm up with locally sourced food and drink from CAST café’s outdoor stall or explore the shop and bookshop, where children can make a Christmas craft. Note: Assistance dogs only at this event.

Open for 11 nights over 3 weekends: 29 Nov-1 Dec, 5-8 Dec, 12-15 Dec. Timed entry slots available every 15 minutes from 4.30-7.00pm. Adult: £8.00, child £4.00. Booking essential.

Celebrate the Winter Solstice at the Montol Festival and experience a revival of traditional midwinter customs and Christmas traditions historically celebrated in and around the Penzance area. Expect an array of activities, including the famous "guise dancing" where participants dress in elaborate masks and costumes, parading through the streets with lanterns. The festival culminates in the spectacular "Rivers of Fire" procession, ending with the symbolic burning of the "Mock," a traditional Cornish Yule log. The Montol Festival beautifully intertwines fire, music, and Cornish folklore, providing a unique way to experience Cornwall's cultural heritage.

The Mousehole Harbour Lights are a beloved Christmas tradition in Cornwall, illuminating the picturesque fishing village with festive cheer from mid-December until early January. This event, which began in 1963, features over 7,000 bulbs and iconic displays, including a floating sea serpent and festive boats.

Celebrate the season with a Festive Afternoon Tea at the Harbour Loft on St Michael’s Mount. Whether you’re looking for a special outing with friends or a festive addition to your visit, this seasonal treat is the perfect way to indulge.

Head Chef Greg Milne has crafted a delicious winter menu, highlighting the best of Cornish produce. Enjoy seasonal flavours like blackberries, cranberries, nutmeg, squash and traditional hogs pudding. Pair with a pot of locally grown Tregothnan tea or a glass of Polgoon sparkling wine for a truly festive experience.

Take some time for Christmas shopping in the island shops, offering unique gifts created by local artists and makers. Explore the cobbled streets of the harbour village and visit the art gallery.

Escape the holiday rush to enjoy tempting treats and a warm welcome set against the stunning backdrop of St Michael’s Mount.

Welcoming visitors from 5th to the 8th of December, the brand-new Cornwall Gold Christmas Market invites you to a hassle-free festive experience near Portreath, just minutes off the A30. Enjoy free parking and entry as you explore the fascinating indoor Tolgus Mill exhibition—a Grade II listed treasure full of Cornish history.

Discover over 40 local stallholders offering crafts and gifts, as well as stunning jewellery in the Cornwall Gold showroom. Indulge in festive treats at The Pantry, including mince pies, mulled wine, and hot chocolates. Santa might even make an appearance—with reindeers too!

Redruth’s Christmas Lights Switch-On is a magical event held on the last Saturday of November. The day features a lively lantern parade, the traditional Redruth Wassail, and a Mummers Play, all leading up to the moment when the town’s Christmas lights illuminate the streets. With festive markets, live music, and a special appearance by Father Christmas, it’s the perfect way to kick off the holiday season.

Kick off the holiday season in Looe with the Lantern Parade and Christmas Light Switch-On! Visitors can expect an enchanting evening with festive community carols, the magical arrival of Santa, a grand Christmas light switch-on, and a dazzling fireworks display to light up the night. Plus, enjoy extended hours for late-night shopping, perfect for finding Christmas gifts.

Ride with Santa and his elves on a heritage steam train this Christmas! Enjoy festive decor at our 1950s station, participate in kids' crafts, and indulge in mulled beverages at our new station bar. Each child receives a soft plush toy from Santa. The ride lasts about 50 minutes to 1 hour, from Bodmin Parkway and back. Don’t miss the lights tunnel and photo booth—make this Christmas memorable at Bodmin Railway!

Quiet Train Departure
Saturday 7th December
The "Quiet Train" offers a reduced sensory experience with fewer lights, quieter dispatch, and limited capacity—perfect for those seeking a calm festive atmosphere. Tickets are limited for a more relaxed journey.

New for 2024! Ride in an exclusive Victorian Saloon with your family and Santa alone. Begin with gingerbread cookie decorating, followed by a 20-minute ride with Santa, and finish with taking home your decorated cookies. Limited to 8 people per family.

Join an exciting evening of mystery with Murder by Appointment SW. Step aboard for a festive sleuthing experience and see if you can solve the case! Storyline coming soon.

Create festive wreaths and centerpieces in our steam-heated coaches! Led by a local florist, all materials are provided, along with arrival fizz, a pasty, and a hot drink. The wreath event is on 29th November, and centerpiece making on 6th December.

Dine at The Arundell, nestled near the River Tamar, for a festive season to remember. The festive menu showcases seasonal favorites like roast turkey with all the trimmings, alongside indulgent desserts such as a chocolate & orange delice and classic Christmas pudding. On New Year’s Eve, start the evening with a glass of fizz and savor exquisite options like pan-fried scallops with papaya salad and succulent hake in seafood bouillabaisse. With warm hospitality and a thoughtfully crafted menu, The Arundell promises a holiday feast to remember.

Click here to view the festive menu
Click here to view the New Year Eve's menu