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A Cornish Christmas - what's on in December

Updated: May 23, 2023


The cottages at Middle Colenso Farm are a great location to celebrate the festive season. We can't promise you snow but there are plenty of events taking place throughout December to get you into the Christmas spirit. Here's our selection of what's on in West Cornwall and further afield.


West Cornwall


Tate St Ives in Colour

Until January 3rd

Peter Hudson's interactive and immersive light installation will transform the St Ives art gallery over the festive period.


Wintergreen at Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens

November 30th to December 5th

A number of makers and artists will take part in a curated feast of handcrafted gifts and workshops across both floors of Tremenheere Gallery.


Godolphin Christmas Show - A Christmas Made of Tin

December 7th and other dates

A Christmas show for all the family. Christmas is coming but Tiny Tin is too busy making his fortune down the Deer Park Mine. He's forgotten about his family and the people he loves. Will Sparkle, the Christmas Spirit, help him rediscover the true meaning of Christmas, or will it be too late?


Penzance Festive Market and Lantern Parade

December 14th

Penzance will host a Christmas market from 2pm - 6pm. There will also be the Humphry Davy Birthday Lantern Parade and The Royal Society of Chemists will be conducting a series of interactive scientific experiements throughout the town to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Periodic Table.


Mousehole Christmas Lights

December 14th to January 4th

Mousehole's famous Christmas lights display draws visitors from across the country. The switch on will take place on December 14 and will feature choral singing and open air service.


Montol

December 21st

Penzance marks the midwinter solstice with traditional pagan revels. The event includes a torch-lit procession through the centre of town.


Tom Bawcock's Eve

December 23rd

Mousehole's annual festival celebrates legendary fisherman Tom Bawcock who saved the village from famine by going out to sea in a severe storm. The festival includes a lantern parade and plenty of opportunities to sample the famous stargazey pie.


St Ives Boxing Day Dip

December 26th

If you're feeling brave or just want to cure a Christmas hangover then head to Porthminster Beach for this annual event.


New Year's Eve in St Ives

December 31st

St Ives is now a celebrated location for New Year's Eve festivities which include street food, music, fancy dress and a midnight fireworks display on the beach.


Further Afield


Christmas at Eden

Throughout December

The Eden Project is transformed into a winter wonderland with a host of festive events including ice skating, light installations, live music and Santa's Grotto.


Cotehele Garland

Until January 5th

The spectacular dried flower garland in the Tudor Great Hall at Cotehele is a popular annal tradition. Creating the garland, which is made up of more than 30,000 flowers, begins in November.


Truro Christmas Street Markets and Late Night Shopping

December 4th to 21st

Enjoy shopping and festivities in Truro. The streets come alive with markets and live entertainment.


The Padstow Christmas Festival

December 5th to 8th

Cookery demonstrations by leading chefs, a Christmas market and live music at Padstow's celebrated Christmas event.


Christmas at Trelissick

December 6th to 31st

Trelissick will host a fantastic array of festive events and experiences for you to enjoy this Christmas.

Meet Father Christmas with his reindeer and explore the illuminated house and garden after dark.


Fowey Christmas Market

December 6th to 8th

The Fowey Christmas market is an excellent opportunity to buy festive gifts. Arts, crafts and local food and drink will be on offer at the popular event.


Festive Falmouth

December 14th and 15th

Ice skating, a Victorian carousel and a Christmas tree festival are among the events taking place in Falmouth this weekend.


Heligan by Night: Art of Illumination

December 19th to January 4th

International light artist Ulf Pedersen will create thought-provoking light installations at the historic garden.


Lanterns and Lights

December 21st to January 5th

The National Maritime Museum in Falmouth offers a nautical take on traditional Christmas light festivals. The event includes workshops, family events and a spectacular light installation.


Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols at Truro Cathedral

December 23rd and 24th

The Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols is a much loved and historic part of Christmas celebrations in Cornwall. Devised here in 1880 by Bishop Benson, the first Bishop of Truro. There's no reserved seating to arrive early to secure your place.





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