Cornwall has long been pitched as the ultimate summer holiday destination, but Christmas in Cornwall is actually just as wonderful; there are opportunities a-plenty to soak up the festive atmosphere, and maybe even sample a mulled Cornish cyder or two!

We’ve rounded up a few of our festive favourites, and with so much variety there’s bound to be something for everyone.

Night Gardens at the Lost Gardens of Heligan

Heligan Night Garden Selected dates between 18^th November 2022 and 2^nd January 2023

On selected dates between 18^th November and 2^nd January, enter the Heligan Night Gardens and experience an enchanting lantern display as you wander along the illuminated garden route.

Journey through the magical garden trail, exploring woodlands and gardens beautifully lit with installations and lanterns. Discover breath-taking displays of fauna and flora all illuminated within Heligan’s much-loved and iconic locations.

Much of Heligan’s gardens are pushchair and wheelchair friendly, and there are alternative routes available for where the terrain may not be suitable.  It is not recommended to take dogs to this event.

Padstow Christmas Festival 

Padstow Christmas Festival Thursday 1^st December to Sunday 4^th December inclusive

Padstow Christmas Festival is on from Thursday 1^st December to Sunday 4^th December, and with a huge Marquee next to the harbour crammed full of local produce, artisans and creatives, food, drink and gifts galore, you’re almost guaranteed to find something for even the trickiest recipient.  

The chef cooking demonstrations situated around the harbour in the Sharp’s Chef’s Theatre and The Festival Stage attract huge crowds, with culinary masters such as Paul Ainsworth, Nathan Outlaw and Rick Stein (to name but a few!) cooking up seasonal delights.

Meet Father Christmas at Lanhydrock

Father Christmas at Lanhydrock Dates TBC (see website for booking details) 

Although the National Trust are closing Lanhydrock House and Gardens for Christmas this year, Santa will still be paying a visit! He will be in his very own magical woodland cottage so you can combine a fresh, counryside walk around Respryn and the outer Lanhydrock Estate with a festive encounter with Santa. This year, Lanhydrock are also offering doggy Santa visits too!  You can book your puppy pals in to receive their very own wrapped gift via the website.

Santa by Steam at Bodmin and Wenford Railway

Santa By Steam Selected dates between Saturday 3^rd December and Saturday 24^th December  

All aboard!  Enjoy a ride on one of Bodmin and Wenford Railway’s finest steam trains before arriving back at Bodmin General to meet Father Christmas in his very special Victorian train carriage.

Each child will receive an age appropriate gift, with photo opportunities. Christmas arts and craft themed activities are being held on the platform, with the Café offering light bites and hot and cold beverages.

Cornwall Christmas Fair at the Eden Project

Cornwall Christmas Fair Wednesday 23^rd November and Thursday 24^th November

Cornwall’s biggest, most vibrant Christmas fair returns to Eden on 23 and 24 November 2022, raising funds for Cornwall Community Foundation. Complete with up to 70 independent stalls from within Cornwall and beyond, the annual Cornwall Christmas Fair, hosted in the sparkling surroundings of the Eden Project, heralds the start of the season of goodwill in our county.

The fair features an abundance of gifts and home accessories, clothing and jewellery, and an array of the finest produce in the Food Hall. It’s perfect for picking up Christmas treats, stocking fillers and local gifts.

In need of Accommodation?

If you’re thinking of heading to the North Cornish Coast this Christmas with the family be sure to check out our hand-picked range of self-catering holiday accommodation in the coastal villages of Rock, Polzeath and Daymer Bay.

Featuring anything from contemporary apartments to large holiday cottages suitable for multiple generations we have a property to suit most needs.