The countdown to Christmas is on. Whether you live in Cornwall, or are planning to spend Christmas in Cornwall, it really is a magical place to be during the festive season.
From wintry walks, Christmas light displays to roast dinners by the fire, Cornwall Christmas activities are plenty!
Here’s our guide to the best Christmas activities in Cornwall:
Ice skating at the Eden Project
Every winter, the Eden Project has some amazing festive events. One of its top Christmas activities for the family has to be ice skating. With a family fun skate, skating lessons and even a toddler skate session, it’s the perfect festive pastime.
As daylight fades, you can also enjoy Eden Project’s Christmas light experience where the biomes transform into a festive wonderland.
Christmas lights
Nothing makes you feel more festive than Christmas lights, and Cornwall has plenty to choose from.
One of the most famous Christmas light displays is in the charming village of Mousehole. Located close to Penzance, Mousehole’s beautiful lights line the harbour walls and turn the village into an array of colour.
Night Garden at The Lost Gardens of Heligan takes you on a journey through the magical garden trail, exploring woodlands and gardens beautifully lit with installations and lanterns. Walk around the gardens and be sure to stop for a toasted marshmallow around the fire pit. The Night Garden is the perfect Christmas activity for all the family, with an array of food stalls to enjoy a hot dog and a mulled wine.
Christmas markets
There’s something about Christmas markets that can make you feel especially Christmassy.
Cornwall’s biggest Christmas market takes place in Truro from November 21st until Christmas Eve, with over 100 stalls you’ll be sure to find some Christmas gifts or simply enjoy sipping on mulled wine or mulled cider.
The quaint harbour town of Fowey comes alive with festive merriment from the 14th-16th November, with local artisans and locally made produce showcasing the best of Cornwall. The market opens with a chance to meet Santa and a parade with Fowey town band.
Winter Wonderland comes to Cornwall at Pool market from 21st November- 4th January. With Santa’s grotto, a festive fun fare, ice rink, alpine bars and festive food stalls, it’s the perfect Christmas activity for the family.
Christmas sea swims
Christmas in Cornwall wouldn’t be complete without a bracing sea dip. On Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, hundreds of people start their day with a swim in the Atlantic, some even dressed as Santa!
If you’re not so keen on swimming, why not try surfing? Many of the popular surf beaches hire out wetsuits and boards.
*Check the Surf School’s websites for Christmas hours.
National trust
Cornwall Christmas activities don’t get much better than visiting one of the many National trust houses and gardens.
Lanhydrock
A beautiful Victorian house, complete with gardens and over 1000 acres of parkland, woodland and heath. Why not hire bikes and explore the many cycle trails through the woodland?
Levant Mine and Beam Engine
Part of the Cornish mining world heritage site, Lelant mine offers some family-friendly tours for you to learn about the Cornish mining industry.
St Michael’s Mount
Explore St Michel’s Mount at a gentler pace. Wander the cobbled village streets and historic harbour and take in the views. You can even enjoy a Christmas afternoon tea at the Island Cafe. (Booking in advance)
Montol Festival
Enjoy this colourful yearly festival on the 21st December in Penzance. Get a glimpse of Cornwall’s revival of traditional Cornish midwinter customs and traditions that stretch back for hundreds of years. Expect masks, folklore and a welcoming atmosphere.
Christmas panto
Enjoy a Christmas activity for all the family by enjoying some local theatre.
This year’s Christmas Panto is Aladdin, showing at Truro’s Hall For Cornwall.
Rouge Theatre returns to Tehidy Woods with a wild-magic celebration of winter; Winter Wood! Follow the path into the Winter Wood and lose yourself in the dreamscape of nature. Winter Wood is an immersive adventure for families.
Winter walks
Christmas in Cornwall is the perfect time to slow down and connect to nature.
Make the most of the beaches and coast paths being quiet and head out on a walk, followed by a cosy lunch in the pub.
You’re spoilt for choice in Cornwall for walks- here’s our guide to best walks around St Ives
If you think spending Christmas in Cornwall sounds like the perfect way to end your 2025 then you’re probably pondering the best place to stay. At Cornish Riviera Holidays, we have a range of properties in St Ives and the surrounding areas.
Nestled on the West coast of Cornwall, St Ives is an idyllic harbour town with plenty of beaches, cosy pubs and Christmas activities for the family.
Spend your St Ives’ Christmas with Cornish Riviera Holidays.
Check out our self-catering cottages.
