Cornwall is a fantastic place to spend Christmas this year – it’s not just a summer destination! Not only is it renowned for being one of the most beautiful locations in the country, backed by outstanding scenery and long, breathtaking beaches, but it’s full of cosy Christmas markets, fewer crowds for a more peaceful getaway, incredible local food, and a range of festive winter activities to enjoy with your family, partner, or friends.
There’s truly no better way to unwind during the Christmas holidays than by making yourself at home in our luxury holiday village, surrounded by the atmospheric Cornish magic and festivities.
We’ve put together the perfect itinerary to get the most out of your Christmas break in Cornwall. Even if you don’t follow it entirely, our suggestions will hopefully leave you with ideas on spending Christmas in Cornwall with a range of merry activities to get involved in, inspiring you to enjoy a special and memorable Christmas.
Day 1: Arrival and Settle In
For most of us, the first day of our holiday is usually spent travelling. Whether you’re within a couple of hours of the country or maybe a little further afield, why not listen to some festive tunes in the car to get you in the mood for your Christmassy week ahead?
Once you’ve arrived at our exclusive 5-star holiday village in Cornwall, it’s time to settle in. Unload all your belongings out of your car, enjoy a refreshing hot drink, and then set off to do your weekly food shop. Alternatively, if you fancy saving time without the hassle of a shopping trip, why not order one of our festive hampers on Christmas Day? We also do a party hamper which is available during the festive season, so you can indulge and relax without a worry. Our hampers are made by our talented Masterchef from our on-site Azura restaurant, so you won’t be disappointed!
Fill your cupboards with all of the sweet and savoury treats that represent this wonderful season. Honey roast ham, stuffed turkey, nut roast, pigs in blankets, cheeses, mince pies, Christmas puddings, hot chocolate and cinnamon swirls – delicious!
After you’ve settled in, you could drive to one of our nearby beaches and take a walk along its golden sands or head into Truro’s city centre for an evening stroll along the river whilst marvelling at the festive lights. If you’re exhausted by all the travelling from today, there’s no harm in cosying up to a festive film with your feet up!
Day 2: Winter Walk and a Pub Refreshment
Cornwall is famed for its outstanding landscape, and despite the potential for a cold wind or a little downpour, we’d suggest casually heading outdoors to enjoy it! Wrap yourselves up in coats, hats, gloves and scarves and immerse yourself in the beauty of the surrounding scenery. A crisp walk around the stunning Lost Gardens of Heligan is the perfect way to energise yourself and your family!
Being Europe’s largest garden restoration, a vast two hundred acres, you’ll have an abundance of wildlife, woodland, and farms to explore – you certainly won’t run out of things to see.
If you’re looking for an exceptional garden light show display, then make sure to check out Heligan’s Night Garden and absorb the beauty of this captivating lantern experience, one of Cornwall’s most iconic Christmas events. The route will take approximately one hour to complete and is suitable for wheelchair users, too.
Following your walk, it’s time to head to a pub where you can warm yourselves by an open fire, enjoy a bite to eat and maybe a tipple or two!
Day 3: Watch a Christmas Show
The theatre is guaranteed to fill you with festive cheer as the stage sparkles and shines and the performers dress to dazzle. Watching a theatre play can be heart-warming, inspirational and effortlessly festive – even the grinches in the group will come away filled with seasonal merriment and cheer.
The Miracle Theatre in Falmouth and the Burrell Theatre in Truro always put on a fantastic festive performance, and you can find a wide range of shows at The Hall for Cornwall. Booking is recommended for both, as seats fill up fast!
Day 4: Explore the Christmas Markets
If you haven’t quite finished your Christmas shopping or you simply like to be surrounded by a festive atmosphere, then a Christmas market is the place to be. Head to the capital of Cornwall, Truro, home to a fantastic selection of independent shops and this year’s ‘Big Christmas Market’, perfect if you’re looking for something as individual and unique as the person you will be gifting it to.
Christmas markets not only provide some fantastic retail therapy, but you’ll be able to witness some of the most authentic, artisan gifts available made by Cornish talent, indulge in locally sourced food, take part in festive activities, such as arts and crafts, cooking classes, or even skating, and admire the abundance of sparkling Christmas lights living the streets of Cornwall.
Cornwall has many Christmas markets, and we recommend the best ones to visit in our guide below.
Day 5: After-dark Music and Light Experience at The Eden Project
When it comes to things to do at Christmas in Cornwall, we highly recommend visiting the Eden Project during your break here. With two diverse biomes to experience, rainforest and Mediterranean, this is the perfect place to bring your family as you have the opportunity to explore the vast range of plants, take a ride on the country’s fastest zipline, the invisible Worlds exhibition, and more.
That’s not all, though, as the Eden Project comes alive at Christmas, with a range of live music acts to listen to and an incredible display of lights that everyone will enjoy.
Day 6: Wreath Making and Festive Films
A day filled with Christmas crafts and films whilst you cosy up to a warm cup of mulled wine, hot chocolate, or a crisp glass of prosecco will get you in the festive spirit – if you’re not there already! Head to one of the picture-perfect coves or beaches or in-land through the open fields and expansive views. During your winter walk, why not gather some evergreen foliage which you can use to craft a Christmas wreath? If you’d like to know more about our neighbouring beaches, our previous blog, 12 of The Best Beaches Near Truro, can help.
You’ll need a generous amount of holly, moss and a selection of evergreen pines, and for a splash of colour, consider adding dried segments of an orange.
Once your Christmas decoration is created and hung, you could start baking some festive treats, such as mince pies, Christmas cookies, or gingerbread men. After a day of creativity, it’s time to snuggle up with your loved ones for an evening of Christmas films and homemade sweet treats or savoury snacks.
Day 7: Departure
As your time in Cornwall draws to an end, the memories you will have made in this beautiful county during the festive period will last a lifetime. As you pack your belongings, you can begin to look forward to next time.
If you’re considering a Christmas break in Cornwall, our cottages can provide a wonderful experience to sit back and relax by letting us do the hard work, so you can enjoy all the festivities that only happen once a year. From an exceptional Christmas dinner, decorated cottages, and a whole lot more, why not book your Christmas and New Year’s break today?