Experience a Magical Christmas in Cornwall: Activities, Accommodation and More

With Christmas just around the corner, we’re getting ready to celebrate the season at The Cornish Place. For us, Christmas is a cherished time to slow down, reconnect, and savour what truly matters. As life gets busier and our children grow older, we’ve come to treasure our Christmas breaks here in Cornwall even more. There’s something special about celebrating amidst Cornwall’s natural beauty – the crisp air, coastal scenery, and stunning winter landscapes make every moment feel nourishing and restorative.

This year, we’re excited to welcome you to experience your own magical Cornish Christmas with us. Whether you're seeking a peaceful retreat, a cosy family gathering, or a memorable New Year’s celebration, The Cornish Place offers the perfect setting for a festive escape. Book your stay over the Christmas and New Year period, and make this holiday season truly unforgettable.

Christmas accommodation in Cornwall 

Our luxury self-catered holiday cottages in Cornwall provide the ultimate family retreat this festive season. Tucked away in tranquil farmland with easy access to both Cornwall’s north and south coasts, you’ll enjoy the peace of nature whilst staying close to Cornwall’s many holiday attractions. Imagine starting your day with a brisk Christmas swim – a cherished Cornish tradition – or sourcing fresh ingredients for your holiday feast from Cornwall’s renowned local suppliers. Bring in the New Year with a spectacular seafront celebration or cosy up in your cottage with family, friends, and pets by your side, as our cottages are dog-friendly and perfectly suited for children of all ages. 

Each cottage is equipped with modern amenities to make you feel at home, while wood-fired hot tubs and log burners create the perfect cosy atmosphere. Whether you’re here to relax, explore, or celebrate, The Cornish Place offers the perfect balance of festive comfort and natural beauty.

Ready to plan your Christmas getaway in Cornwall?

Contact us today to check availability and find out how we can make your holiday truly memorable.

The ultimate Cornish Christmas dinner 

Our cottages have modern, open-plan kitchens, perfect for cooking up a Christmas meal. But what makes Christmas dinner at The Cornish Place truly exceptional is having access to top-quality Cornish suppliers. Over seventy percent of Cornish land is used for farming in some way, with mild climates and nutrient-rich soil making for premium growing. This also helps livestock to thrive, with many small farms producing hand-reared grass-fed beef. 

Cornwall is also known for its world-class cheeses, wines, spirits, and preserves. And of course, for those looking to incorporate seafood into their Christmas celebrations, you have easy access to some of the best in the world. 

For a hassle-free Christmas, the Cornish Food Box Company can supply everything you need for a delicious Christmas meal – including superb produce from the farms and fields of Cornwall. 

Other suppliers you may be interested in include: Soul Farm for organic vegetables; Treway Farm for award-winning turkeys and beef; Baileys Country Store for a selection of fresh, locally grown, reared and baked produce; and Cornish Yarg for award-winning cheese. 

Christmas events in Cornwall 

There are a whole host of fantastic events and activities on offer in Cornwall this Christmas, for those looking for some entertainment during the festive period. Whether you’re looking to indulge in food and drink, spend time in nature, or enjoy some Christmas-themed activities, The Cornish Place is perfectly located to access many of them. 

Watch a show at the Hall For Cornwall 

Cornwall’s new state-of-the-art live performance venue has a range of exciting shows to watch during the Christmas period. Whether you’re looking for a festive pantomime, a musical or a suspenseful drama, the Hall For Cornwall has plenty to offer.  

Drink mulled wine in Falmouth 

Falmouth is one of Cornwall’s most beloved towns and is just a short drive from The Cornish Place. It’s also home to an excellent selection of pubs with ocean-front views and cosy wooden fires.  Amongst our favourites are the Moth & Moon, Star & Garter and Pennycomequick for mulled wine and Cornish mulled cider. 

Go for a wintery walk 

Cornwall is famed for its stunning walking trails, offering a variety of landscapes from dramatic coastlines and serene woodlands to tranquil lakesides and sweeping moors. Bundle up and step outside for a brisk walk that will invigorate your senses and help you unwind as you soak up the beauty of the great outdoors.

Visit Santa at Trelissick or Enys Gardens 

Every year, Santa comes to Cornwall, spreading joy to children. This year, join him at National Trust Trelissick for an afternoon storytelling session, plus games, carol singing and a garden trail. Or, take a trip to Santa’s grotto at Enys House for an alternative version of Santa’s storytelling, set amidst an enchanting woodland. 

Enjoy Mousehole’s Christmas lights and puppet show 

Since 1963, the Mousehole Harbour Lights have been a well-loved Cornish tradition, lighting up the village each December with a breathtaking display. Make the most of your visit by tying it in with the Mousehole Cat puppet show, a charming performance based on the classic Cornish children’s story about a fisherman and his cat.

Get creative with some Christmas pottery painting 

Starglazers in Falmouth offers a festive lineup of pottery painting events, perfect for all ages. For a bit of grown-up holiday cheer, join their adults-only evening session featuring mulled wine and mince pies to get you into the Christmas spirit. Daytime sessions are also available, providing a fun and creative activity for families and friends to enjoy together this season.

Indulge in a festive afternoon tea  

No trip to Cornwall is complete without indulging in an afternoon tea – and if you’re visiting in the winter, why not make it festive! Our favourites are at Hotel Meudon in Falmouth, where you can choose from traditional, savoury, or Christmas-inspired treats. Or, the Ugly Butterfly in Carbis Bay, known for its commitment to sustainability and exquisite, high-end cuisine.

Go ice skating at the Eden Project

Each year, Cornwall’s only ice rink opens at the Eden Project between October and February. For fun for all ages, gliding across the ice truly gets you in the Christmas spirit. The Eden Project is also one of Cornwall’s most popular attractions, so why not tie in your visit with an exploration of its exhibitions and impressive biomes. 

Be amazed by Heligan Night Garden

This award-winning winter light trail has quickly become a firm favourite in recent years. Set within the atmospheric Lost Gardens of Heligan, it’s a mesmerising experience for all ages. Wander through sparkling tunnels of light, marvel at jewel-lit trees, and encounter enchanting, larger-than-life wildlife lanterns that bring the gardens to life in magical new ways.

Shop for gifts at Truro Christmas Market 

Take a trip to Cornwall’s only city to enjoy Truro Christmas Market. Here you can snap up festive treats whilst supporting local traders in Cornwall. Each trader has their own wooden cabin, adding to the festive atmosphere. Including gifts, jewellery, art, plants and clothes – you’ll also have the chance to enjoy street food, drinks, music and seasonal produce. 

Brave the waters on Christmas Day 

Are you brave enough to join in the Cornish tradition of a Christmas or New Year’s Day swim? Each year, thousands of people take to the chilly waters at beaches across Cornwall, celebrating the season with a refreshing dip. Popular spots include Portreath Beach, Gyllyngvase in Falmouth, Trevaunance Cove in St Agnes, Perranporth Beach in Newquay, and Porthminster Beach in St Ives. To join in, check local Facebook pages a few days beforehand to confirm event details and times.

Wear fancy dress to New Year’s Eve in St Ives 

St Ives has got to be one of the best places in the UK to celebrate New Year’s Eve. Each year the streets are filled with revellers in impressive fancy dress, creating a friendly and festive atmosphere. Be sure to pre-book your taxi, pack your outfits, and get ready for a family-friendly celebration that’s sure to be memorable. As the clock strikes midnight, enjoy a breathtaking fireworks display lighting up the harbour, welcoming the New Year in spectacular fashion.

Other popular New Year’s Eve events include the Masked Ball at Truro Cathedral or the Harbour House New Year’s Eve party in Flushing. 

Go for a surf 

Winter in Cornwall brings some of the best waves of the year, making it the perfect time to kick off your new year with a surf session. You can easily rent boards at surf schools in St Ives, Gwithian, or Newquay, or even sign up for a lesson. Surfing has a way of unlocking your inner child and igniting your spirit, so don’t miss out. Don your wetsuit, embrace the crisp ocean air, and dive into the invigorating waters, regardless of whether you're a seasoned pro or a first-timer.

Are you ready to experience the magic of Christmas in Cornwall? Get in touch today to secure your place at one of our luxury holiday cottages. 

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