Christmas suddenly seems like it’s just around the corner. As you start to think about dusting off the decorations and untangling the fairy lights, it’s also the perfect time to plan some Christmas activities in Cornwall to fully unleash your festive spirit!
We’ve compiled a list of the five most Christmassy experiences in Cornwall this year. Covering everything from shopping essentials and spectacular light display, to steam trains and adventures on ice. Let the fun begin!
Santa pays a visit to Truro Farmers Market…
The BIG Christmas Market, Truro
If Christmas shopping at outdoor festive markets is your thing, Truro’s BIG Christmas Market is a must-visit. Running on selected dates from 24th November through to Christmas Eve, there will be a plethora of market stalls featuring a selection of the finest local food, drink, arts and crafts on Lemon Quay.
The market will include over 80 traders attending on a revolving basis, and will be open on Wednesday evenings for late night shopping. Expect everything from delicious festive foods and seasonal drinks to a treasure-trove of arts, crafts and homewares – it’s perfect for picking up locally made, thoughtful gifts.
The Tunnel of Lights at Charlestown’s Shipwreck Treasure Museum
Tunnel of Lights Arctic Adventure, Charlestown
If you’re searching for some festive sparkle, Charlestown’s Shipwreck Treasure Museum’s underground tunnels have been transformed into a shimmering wonderland of ice this festive season. Their spectacular immersive Arctic Adventure experience includes a brand new tunnel this year, with thousands of lights for Christmas.
They’re encouraging visitors to follow the footsteps of Polar explorers, discovering glittering waterfalls, giant icebergs, and frozen shipwrecks. Booking their Christmas experience ahead is essential, due to Covid-19 and social distancing measures.
Time to perfect your skating technique at Eden!
Ice Skating, The Eden Project
Visiting The Eden Project’s glittering ice rink this winter is bound to be quintessential festive fun. The rink will be open from October 2021 right through until February 2022. As well as booking family focussed skating sessions, you can book a series of skate lessons to hone your skills on the ice.
While you’re at The Eden Project, make sure you check out the Med Biome, which will be filled with beautiful lights and a glitter ball to make you feel like you’re in a snowglobe! The Rainforest Biome will be transformed into an enchanting and beautifully-lit tropical paradise, with a gorgeous illuminated waterfall. Eden has a Father Christmas experience too – booking ahead is essential.
A magical experience awaits at Bodmin & Wenford Railway this Christmas!
Santa by Steam, Bodmin & Wenford Railway
What could be more exciting for little ones this Christmas than meeting Santa on a steam train! Bodmin & Wenford Christmas trains are making a return to the heritage steam railway. Their Santa Special trains will be steaming from Bodmin General on selected dates throughout December in the run up to Christmas.
Perfect for history buffs and steam enthusiasts alike, this festive train trip will thrill all the family.
The Mousehole Lights are a festive must-see
Christmas Lights, Mousehole
After a hiatus in 2020, the famous Mousehole Christmas Lights display will return in 2021. The Christmas lights at Mousehole were started in 1963 by local artist Joan Gillchrest. Since then, each year the displays have developed and grown to be renowned across Cornwall as a must-see festive celebration.
This year there will be no formal Switch-on Ceremony and Carolaire, instead, a “soft switch on” will mean that throughout December, smaller individual displays will be switched on and illuminated across the village. This is intended to assist in social distancing and avoid crowds. For many, the return of Mousehole’s lights signals the return of an important festive local tradition.
Booking your festive fun early is advised with many activities this year – so get your skates on!
Make sure you check out our festive food shopping recommendations and this great recipe for the ultimate pigs in blankets to complete your Christmas in Cornwall!
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