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Whether you're visiting on the run up to Christmas or spending the big day here, here's just a handful of reasons on you should choose Cornwall to celebrate the festive season...
On the run up to Christmas the county has a plethora of festive events to get you in the Christmas spirit.
Head to the quaint harbour town of Fowey for their annual Christmas market – 8, 9 and 10 December – with plenty of stalls to browse spread across Fowey Town Quay, Albert Quay, Webb Street and Town Hall venues, you’ll have Christmas wrapped up in no time. There’s also a selection of yuletide fodder to enjoy.
From 7 – 10 December, visit Padstow during the Christmas market for a weekend of fun and foodie-filled festivities. Returning again for 2023, the festival offers fantastic festive demonstrations from top chefs, and an admirable selection of market stalls to enjoy.
padstowchristmasfestival.co.uk
Penzance is beautifully lit at Christmas time. Many windows are set to be created by local artists, forming a ‘trail’ in strategic streets of the town, with a map to find and enjoy all the windows. The switch on will take place on 25 November, while on 16 December The Humphry Davy Birthday Lantern parade, a lamp lit procession from Cuaseway Head to Humphry Davy Street and Chapel Street. You’ll be spoilt by street food and market stalls in Penzance over the festive season.
It’s also said that the big man in red is rather fond of Cornwall, and is set to be popping up in various locations across the county, just make sure you book ahead – he’s a busy man. Heads up, you’ll find him at the Eden Project, Bodmin & Wenford Railway and at National Trust properties in the county.
If you’re a sucker for those twinkling Christmas lights, it doesn’t get much better than the annual Christmas lights that adorn the village of Mousehole. A tradition starting back in 1963, the Mousehole Harbour Lights are switched on each December, illuminating the village until early January.
Speaking of lights, something a little different for your Cornish Christmas… this winter Heligan invites you back to enter the Heligan Night Garden and enjoy an enchanting lantern ticketed event set amidst the atmospheric Lost Gardens.
Or experience something totally different, and celebrate Christmas at the iconic Eden Project. Dates to be announced… there’s even an ice rink!
Cornwall’s beautiful beaches aren’t just to be enjoyed in the summer – they look just as stunning on a crisp winter’s day. If you’re visiting with your four-legged friend there are no restrictions on our beaches outside of peak season, so everyone is free to roam.
If you’re brrrr’ave enough many of Cornwall’s beaches also host Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day swims.
Hotel Meudon Bream Cove, © Adj Brown
We take pride in Cornish produce all year round, but as we celebrate the festivities through. From our award-winning bakeries serving the most scrumptious mince pies, you may also find a Christmas dinner pasty.
Festivities are in full swing at Restaurant Meudon near Falmouth. Serving a festive set lunch menu, featuring free-range turkey breast and seasonal vegetables (with duck fat roasties), while the festive afternoon tea, which includes a glass of mulled wine, boasts mince pies and turkey and cranberry sauce sandwiches as well as homemade scones, fresh from the oven and slathered in jam and clotted cream
Over in north Cornwall The Pig at Harlyn Bay is offering 25 mile December dining, with the majority of ingredients being sourced locally within 25 miles of the restaurant. On the menu there’ll be plenty of its own Kitchen Garden root veg, Trevilly Farm free range turkey and lashings of Christmas trimmings to celebrate the season.
