Christmas Breaks in Cornwall

Are you already counting down the days to Christmas this year?

Discover our guide to Christmas events in Cornwall and enjoy a diary full of festive ideas, events, experiences, foodie treats and getaways.

 If you are looking to book Christmas breaks in Cornwall this year, then you are in luck as there are plenty of goings-on in the Duchy during the festive season – from famous festive lights and meeting Santa Claus to Christmas markets and other fun events.

Heligan Night Garden

Date of event: 20, 21, 26, 27, 28 November; 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31 December; 1, 2 January.

 One event you can enjoy at the gardens during the festive period is the Heligan Night Garden experience which is being organised.

The Heligan Night Garden is an enchanting lantern experience set amidst the atmospheric Lost Gardens and following the success of last year’s event, which sold out, additional dates have been added for 2021/22. The event will allow you to explore the iconic locations of the gardens via a route that is beautifully lit by a variety of traditional paraffin lanterns and will take around an hour to complete.

 The Lost Gardens of Heligan told us a bit more about this event: “The Liverpool Lantern Company’s illuminated installations at Heligan holds up a nocturnal magnifying glass to the often-overlooked wonders and beauty of the natural flora and fauna on our doorstep. From owls to hares, foxgloves, butterflies and robins, and a joyful burst of fuchsias, this illuminated seasonal trail creates a treasure-filled space for families and friends to discover these beautiful indigenous species.”

Festive treats and Christmas gifts will be being sold in the Heligan Shop during the event.

Trebah Garden of Light

Date of event: 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11 December

 For a traditional Christmas atmosphere that the big man himself would be proud of, head to Trebah Garden just outside Falmouth. Masters at capturing the festive spirit, Trebah has become renowned for its popular Christmas events.

 Trebah told us about their special Trebah Garden of Light event: “Trebah Garden of Light is an opportunity for Trebah to connect with our local artist community, schools and families to create a magical atmosphere for all at this special time of the year. An opportunity for shared experience in an inspiring setting, the chance for people to gather again and celebrate the simple things in life. Light offers us hope in the dark winter months.

 “Our artists will be working with natural materials to create illuminated installations across the garden, using techniques pioneered in Cornwall as part of a legacy of lantern-making introduced to and developed in Cornwall by artists such as Sue Hill.

 “We hope Trebah Garden of Light will be a catalyst to inspire a Cornwall wide festival, ‘Cornwall Gardens of Light’ which will link gardens to their communities across the county in a winter-long celebration of light.”

 

Christmas at the Eden Project 

Date of event: From 3-30 December

The Eden Project can always be counted on to pull out all the stops and this year is no exception. Christmas at the Eden Project is set to be bigger and better than ever as you’ll be able to explore its Med biome and Rainforest biome as they are transformed into magical winter wonderlands with colourful lighting and the waterfall being illuminated.

There will also be an 18-piece Christmas Big Band that will be playing all your seasonal favourites and the popular ice-skating rink is back with its baby and toddler play sessions, and races and games for juniors. Remember to book your session to see Santa Claus who will this year be in a new home in the Tipis.

Santa Special Trains at Bodmin and Wenford Railway

Date of event: 4, 5, 11, 12, and 17-24 December

The Santa Special Trains at Bodmin and Wenford Railway will be returning after they didn’t run in 2020 as a result of Covid. The Santa Special trains will be hurtling through the Cornish countryside on selected dates throughout December in the run-up to Christmas.

During your visit you’ll be greeted by Santa’s elves before boarding the steam train and whilst aboard the children will have the chance to write their list to Santa. Once you are back at the main station, children will get the opportunity to take part in some Christmas themed activities, will get to meet Santa and will receive an age-appropriate gift!

 

Falmouth's Festive Weekend

Date of event: 11-12 December

Taking place at various locations across the town, Falmouth’s Festive Weekend is back this Christmas and you can enjoy a whole host of activities.

If you are staying with us in our Falmouth hotel on 11-12 December, you can experience a festive land train, an artificial ice rink, snowy streets, festive stalls, fairground attractions, a giant snow globe and more over the weekend of the event.

There will also be live choirs and music from local bands on The Moor and fairground rides will keep the children (both big and small) entertained for hours.

Newquay Zoo

Date of event: 18-24 December

 It may be more well-known for its mission to conserve species and habitats and for being home to over 130 of some of the world’s most rare and endangered animals, but Newquay Zoo also plays host to some great Christmas events.

 Newquay Zoo told us about this year’s Christmas event: “As most of our animals are on the Nice List this year, Santa will be taking time out from his busy Christmas schedule to take up residence in his magical grotto from Saturday 18th December up until Christmas Eve. Children can meet Santa and receive a special gift for £9.50 per child.

 “This year, not only have we added additional dates to meet Santa, but he is also bringing his most well-behaved elves along with him. Children can help the elves to make reindeer food at the Elf Workshop…”

 The café will also be serving lots of festive treats that the whole family can enjoy during their visit to the zoo.

Mousehole Christmas Lights

Date of event: Around 19 December

The Mousehole Christmas Lights are an iconic event in the county during the festive period as people flock to the picturesque fishing village to see the floating displays of lights in the harbour and around streets filled with the aroma of mulled wine and festive food.

Although following the coronavirus pandemic, the event will this year be scaled back with organisers telling us that around 50% of the lights will be going up around 19 December.

Lights that have been on display in previous years include fishing boats, sea serpents and whales. You can also walk around the narrow streets and see all the different lanterns illuminated.

National Trust Properties

Date of events: Throughout December

 For good old tradition and a dose of classic fun, there’s no one that does it quite like the National Trust. Most of the NT properties across Cornwall have festive events but stars of the season have got to be Cotehele, Trelissick, Godolphin, Lanhydrock and Trerice where Father Christmas takes centre stage.

 Christmas Markets in Cornwall

·         Fowey Christmas Market

·         Jubilee Wharf Christmas Fair, Penryn

 

Fowey Christmas Market

Dates of the market: 26-28 November

 One of Cornwall’s most enchanting festive events, Fowey Christmas Market sees the town quay come alive with the spirit of Christmas. You can enjoy seasonal music and enjoy quality locally produced food and drink, and festive gifts from more than 80 quality regional traders. In previous years, Father Christmas has arrived by sea, so keep your eyes peeled.

 

Jubilee Wharf Christmas Fair, Penryn

Dates of event: 11-12 December

 Buy your Christmas presents in an award-winning, community-focused development on the banks of Penryn River. In addition to the usual offering of a café, nursery and community hall, local potters, bakers and talented artisans will have their seasonal crafts on sale at the Jubilee Wharf Christmas Fair. And, of course, there will be tasty treats and warming drinks available.

 

Padstow Christmas Festival
 

The Padstow Christmas Festival has been cancelled for 2021 but is hoping to return in 2022. Keep an eye on their website for updates.

 

Cornish Christmas Getaways and Lunches

 

Here at St Michaels, we serve Christmas lunches and these are carefully crafted by our kitchen crew. We offer festive lunches (3 courses for £25 or 2 courses for £19) and a festive dinner (3 courses for £39). Find out more about our Christmas lunches and dinner here.

 

St Michaels Cornish Christmas breaks are the perfect excuse to visit Cornwall and below are some options:

 

Christmas Breaks 2021

From 23rd Dec 21 until 27th Dec 21

Enjoy the ultimate festive coastal resort stay at St Michaels.

These breaks include:

·         Classic King Room (upgrades available)

·         Breakfast each day, brunch on Boxing Day

·         3-course Christmas Eve celebration meal

·         Festive Christmas lunch and evening meal on Christmas Day

·         3-course Boxing Day feast

·         Complimentary Health Club gym & swim

·         Discounted spa use

 Find out here.

 

1-night Winter Wonders

From 21st Nov 21 until 22nd Dec 21

Don’t get dragged down by the winter blues and indulge in a spot of beachside bliss and book our 1-night winter wonders breaks.

The festive break includes:

·         1-night stay in Classic King/Twin room (upgrades from £10pp)

·         3-course festive feast in Brasserie on the Bay

·         Complimentary Health Club access for gym/swim/spa/sauna

 Find out here.

 

Twixmas Breaks

From 27th Dec 21 until 30th Dec 21

Twixmas is that magical moment between Christmas and New Year - the perfect time to slope off. These relaxing days can be spent however you please. This break includes:

·         Classic King/Twin room

·         Breakfast and dinner each day

·         Minimum 2-night stay

 

Find out here.

 

These are just some of the amazing events that you can enjoy in Cornwall over the festive period as well as a glimpse at some of the festive breaks we offer here at St Michaels Resort. To book our festive breaks, please call or email us.