Cornwall at Christmas is a treat. The crowds of summer are gone, harbours glow with lights, and towns fill with markets, lantern parades and carol services. Add a bracing beach walk and a warm pub, and it's a lovely time for a short break. This guide is in two parts: places to go and things to see, then where to do your Christmas shopping. Events change from year to year, so always check dates and details before you travel.
Places to go
Mousehole Christmas lights
The tiny fishing village of Mousehole, near Penzance, is famous for its Christmas lights, which have decorated the harbour since the 1960s. Illuminated boats, stars and sea creatures are reflected in the water, and the village draws visitors from all over the country. The lights are traditionally dimmed for an hour on 19 December in memory of the crew of the Penlee lifeboat Solomon Browne, lost in 1981. On 23 December, Tom Bawcock's Eve is celebrated with a lantern procession and Stargazy pie. The village gets very busy, and its lanes are narrow, so park in Penzance and take the bus, or walk the flat coastal path from Newlyn.
Truro City of Lights
Each year in late November, Truro marks the start of the festive season with City of Lights, a parade of giant lanterns made by local schools, artists and community groups, carried through the streets to music. It is free to watch and very popular, so arrive early to find a good spot. Truro Cathedral holds carol services through December, and hosts a well-known Nine Lessons and Carols service, a tradition that started at Truro in 1880.
National Trust houses at Christmas
Several National Trust places in Cornwall decorate for Christmas. At Cotehele, in the Tamar Valley, volunteers have made a huge garland of dried flowers for the Great Hall for many years, and Lanhydrock, near Bodmin, is dressed in Victorian festive style. Opening times and booking arrangements for Christmas vary, so check the National Trust website before you go.
The Eden Project
The Eden Project near St Austell usually runs a Christmas programme, which in past years has included light trails, an ice rink and festive events in the biomes. Details change every year, and tickets for popular evenings sell out, so check Eden's website and book early.
Christmas Day swims
Many Cornish beaches host a festive swim on Christmas Day or Boxing Day, often in fancy dress and raising money for charity. If you join in, only swim at organised events with safety cover, and never on your own. The sea in December is cold enough to cause cold water shock, even for strong swimmers.
Christmas shopping
Truro
Cornwall's only city is the county's main shopping centre, with a mix of high street names and independent shops in its Georgian streets. Lemon Quay, in the centre, often hosts a Christmas market with food and craft stalls, and the Pannier Market and nearby arcades are good for local makers. Late-night shopping evenings are usually held in the run-up to Christmas.
Falmouth
Falmouth's long main street is lined with independent shops, galleries, bookshops and delis. The town has a strong arts scene, thanks in part to its university, so it is a good place to find original gifts and prints. Falmouth usually holds Christmas events and late-night shopping in December. Check local listings.
St Ives and Penzance
St Ives is full of galleries and craft shops, from paintings and ceramics to jewellery, and is quieter and more relaxed in winter. Nearby Penzance has independent shops along Chapel Street and Market Jew Street, plus galleries and antique shops.
Padstow Christmas Festival
Padstow has hosted a Christmas festival in early December for many years, combining a food and craft market with cookery demonstrations by chefs, music and fireworks. It is a great place for edible gifts. Check the festival's website for this year's dates.
Lostwithiel and Fowey
The small town of Lostwithiel, Cornwall's medieval capital, is known for its antique and vintage shops. Nearby Fowey has independent boutiques, galleries and gift shops along its narrow streets.
Gift ideas from Cornwall
- Local food and drink: clotted cream fudge, saffron buns, Cornish cheese, gin, cider or sparkling wine.
- Art and prints from Cornwall's many galleries and studios.
- Handmade crafts from Christmas markets and makers' fairs.
- A National Trust or English Heritage membership, for days out next year.
Good to know
- Daylight is short in December. Plan outdoor visits for the middle of the day.
- Some attractions, cafés and seasonal businesses close over winter or between Christmas and New Year. Check before you travel.
- Public transport runs a reduced service around Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
- Storms are common in winter. Keep away from cliff edges and harbour walls in rough weather.
Photos: The Cotehele garland by Necrothesp, CC BY-SA 3.0; Mousehole Christmas lights by Bob Jones, CC BY-SA 2.0; via Wikimedia Commons.
