A very Cornish Christmas! The top things to do in the Duchy this festive season

Looking for family-friendly events in Cornwall this Christmas? Look no further! From Christmas music to festive markets, Cornwall’s got a huge range of events the length and breadth of the county. Here are our top five picks for the holidays…

1. Mousehole Christmas Lights

Where: Mousehole Harbour, Penzance

What: Who doesn’t love a Christmas light switch on? The Mousehole Harbour Christmas lights are famous across the county for their display, which is beautifully reflected around the harbour. The Rev. Julyan Drew will switch on this year’s display at 6.30pm on the 15th of December. There will be carol singing from the Mousehole Male Voice Choir and members of the local Methodist Church accompanied by Pendeen Silver Band. The display will keep shining until the new year, although the lights will be dimmed on the 19th to commemorate the Penlee Lifeboat Disaster.

If your little ones (or you!) loved the classic children’s book ‘The Mousehole Cat’, there will be a live performance of the heartwarming tale of one fisherman and his cat every night and, this year, you can even make your own Mowzer puppet! Festive fun for all the family.

2. Eden Christmas – Shadows and Light extravaganza 

Where: The Eden Project, St Austell

What: The Eden Project always puts on a great show at Christmas – with Cornwall’s only indoor ice-skating rink, Santa visits, craft activities and storytelling. This year though, Eden has installed a dazzling light display leading visitors around the attraction (it’s so incredible that it’s won national acclaim!) Expect to be wowed by eight different light and sound installations across the gardens, both biomes and the Core building. Plus, three different acts will be performing live music in the Mediterranean Biome.

Free with Eden admission or a local’s pass, no booking is required. Why not bring the kids along to see Eden as you’ve never seen it before and warm up with a hot chocolate from one of the cafés afterwards?

3. The Diaspora Carol Service 

Where: Truro Cathedral

What: You might think that carol services are all very much the same at this time of year, but you won’t hear (all of) the classic carols at this service! For the first time this year, Truro Cathedral is hosting a service featuring Cornish Christmas carols that were taken across the world with migrating Cornish miners over a hundred years ago.

Three choirs drawn together across Cornwall have been learning these beautiful and unusual pieces, which were loved by overseas Cornish communities of Grass Valley in California, and the Copper Triangle towns of South Australia. It’s free to attend, and there’ll be a chance for all to join in the singing at the end of the concert – the perfect way to get into the festive spirit!

4. Padstow Christmas Festival

Where: Padstow

What: The Padstow Christmas Festival is a firm favourite of the festive season, drawing people from all over to this picturesque north coast fishing village. Expect fantastic demonstration from famous chefs such as Rick Stein, Paul Ainsworth and Nathan Outlaw, live music from a host of local acts, a Santa Cycle and Santa Run, a Christmas market featuring artisan crafts as well as food and drink – and even a Santa’s Grotto, lantern parade and fireworks! This is definitely a must-do event with something for everyone!

For more details, check out this blog.

5. Victorian Christmas at Lanhydrock House

Where: Lanhydrock House, Bodmin

What: Step back into Christmas past with a visit to Lanhydrock House near Bodmin in north Cornwall. With several rooms magically decorated in the style of times gone by, drop into the beautiful historic house for a glimpse into how a Victorian family living might have celebrated the festive season.

Every day (except Christmas day and Boxing Day) from 11am-4pm you’ll have a warm welcome from attendants dressed as the Victorian family’s servants. There’s a large decorated Christmas tree in the hall and a roaring fire to warm you on chilly days.

Little ones can help the cook and kitchen maids prepare the festive food and decorations in the kitchen, and they can also visit Father Christmas by calling our booking office.

Well – looks like we’ve got Christmas in Cornwall all wrapped up for you! All that’s left to sort out is where you’re going to be staying. At Atlantic Reach, we’re conveniently located for easy access to the county’s top spots – with everything you could need for a festive break for all the family, but the festive season is a popular time and properties are filling up fast! Check out our accommodation options here, and festive greetings from team Atlantic Reach.