Looking to add some magic to your winter escape to the coast? Here’s where you can find the best Christmas events in Cornwall 2021!
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas down here in Cornwall!
After the locked-down advent of last year, we’ve all learned the importance of those merry, humble traditions that make Christmastime so special. So, let’s live in the moment, take that trip and see that sparkle! Keep reading for the most up-to-date information about what’s on and where for Christmas 2022, and get ready for the most wonderful time of the year.
The Eden Project
This year, The Eden Project celebrates Christmas with one legendary festival! Presenting an array of festive delights, warm your heart with the spirit of Christmas at The Eden Project this December.
Each of their famous Biomes offer an enchanting experience. Discover beautiful lights in the Mediterranean Biome, as well as a glitter ball reminiscent of a giant snow globe! Head to the Citrus Grove to enjoy an 18-piece Big Band, playing all the Christmas classics. In the Rainforest Biomes, you’ll find a glowing, tropical paradise complete with a beautiful illuminated waterfall.
Attending with children? Make sure you visit Santa and his trusty elves in the grotto, and let them know what you’d like for Christmas this year!
Fancy a twirl on the ice? Glide across their glittering rink before enjoying a warm glass of mulled wine!
Christmas doesn’t get more magical than this!
Rogue Theatre’s Winter Wood, Tehidy Woods, Sat 11 Dec – Thurs 30 Dec
“There is a wood in the wildest part of Cornwall
Where the land meets the swirling sea
And here in the middle of winter
You will find Old magic in the trees
Step this way
Wander into wonder
Experience the wild magic
Of the woodland in midwinter.“
Rogue returns once more to the enchantingly untamed Tehidy Woods North Cliffs this December with a captivating celebration of winter!
Follow the path deep into the Winter Woods to experience an otherwordly festival of nature and elemental magic. Discover Old Man Winter’s snowglobe of stories, fairies and forgotten connections and see them come to life in this theatrical land of myth, legend and festive magic.
Angarrack Christmas Lights
The quaint village of Angarrack lies 35 minutes west along the coast from Newquay, and lights up during the festive season. Their 12 Days of Christmas display started as a humble fundraiser in 1986, and has evolved into an unmissable event. Getting bigger and brighter with each passing year, Angarrack is a staple on the Cornish Christmas calendar
All the lights are designed and made by locals, making the occasion even more special! Take a circular walk around the village to view the 12 days of Christmas in perfect order. You can see the lights throughout December between 5pm and 10.30pm every day until Twelfth Night.
Mousehole Harbour Lights
If you find yourself in Cornwall this December, we can’t recommend a trip over to Mousehole enough! The famous Mousehole Harbour Lights are well worth the drive to this charming, picturesque coastal village.
A Cornish Christmas tradition, the Mousehole Harbour Lights are now in their 57th year! Showcasing nativity scenes, stargazy pies, village favourites and thousands of other, twinkling lights.
What started as a single string of lights hung for the first time in 1963, this beautiful display sparks joy for all spectators. In December, the illuminations are complemented by musical entertainment and local carollers.
The lights will undergo a ‘Soft Switch On’ this year, with the displays being illuminated in stages. All displays will be completed by mid-December, so come and see them sparkling in the winter light.
The Mousehole Cat, Solmon Browne Memorial Hall, Mousehole, 11th – 24th December 2021
One of Cornwall’s most beloved tales is coming to life once more this Christmas!
The Mousehole Cat – a magical story of friendship, community and bravery is taking to the stage this Christmas in a puppet and live action performance sure to warm the cockles of your heart.
Taking place in the heart of Mousehole amongst their famous, twinkling lights, this Cornish legend is a must-see production for those who want to truly experience not just the spirit of Christmas, but the spirit of Cornwall.
Tickets are selling out fast for this hidden Christmas gem!
Santa Specials, Bodmin & Wenford Railway, 11th & 12th, 17th – 24th December 2021
Bodmin & Wenford Railway’s Christmas trains are making a welcome return to the heritage steam railway!
The Santa Special trains will be steaming from Bodmin General on selected dates in the run up to Christmas. Visitors will be greeted by Santa’s elves, then board the steam train to Bodmin Parkway. Once aboard the train, children can write their list to Santa. After returning to the Bodmin General station, children will enjoy some Christmas activities before visiting Santa in his charming Victorian coach. Here each child will receive a special gift, and the chance to have their photo taken with Santa himself!
Tickets must be booked in advance.
Cinderella, Hall for Cornwall, Thurs 2 Dec – Sun 2 Jan 2022
Expect nothing but traditional fairy tale magic from this spectacular adaptation of the classic tale, Cinderella. Packed with big laughs, incredible dance numbers, live music and plenty of singing.
This homegrown retelling promises to be an absolute ball for adults and children alike, with plenty of Cornish heart thrown in.
Nine Lessons and Carols, Truro Cathedral, Thurs 23 and Fri 24 Dec
The ‘Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols’ services are a much loved and historic part of Christmas celebrations in Cornwall. Devised in 1880 by Bishop Benson, the first Bishop of Truro, and then adopted almost universally by every church of every denomination, these services are usually filled to capacity so arrive early to avoid disappointment. The first service will be sung by the choir and the girl choristers, the second, with its boy choristers – and live streamed on their YouTube channel if you can’t attend in person.
