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Twinkly Lights & Starry Skies - Christmas Comes to Cornwall ...

Cornwall takes on magical vibes during the festive season! Our pretty hamlets, villages & towns are bathed in the soft sparkly glow of colourful lights, shining through the velvety darkness of winter. Pantomimes are a plenty with a barrel full of Ho Ho Ho’s echoing throughout our lovely county (oh yes they are ….), ensuring all the family enter into the spirit of this special time.

Christmas markets abound with a huge variety of delicious homemade festive goodies & crafts to purchase for either yourself or perhaps as a gift for that lucky friend. Our stately homes & gardens embrace the spirit of the season & are a fantastic way to spend an afternoon with family during your festive stay in Cornwall. The fun, magic & sparkle continues through to New Year's Eve with many organised firework displays being held, alongside some amazing displays of light.

Take a peek at the list below to view some of our favourites:

Tunnel of Lights (Charlestown):Last Christmas

A visit to this iconic Christmas event, which has taken place every December from 2019, is a must this year for people of all ages. For one last time you will be able to immerse yourself within the festively lit, historic tunnels that lie deep within the bowels of Charlestown’s Shipwreck Museum. Thousands of tiny twinkling silvery lights together with softly falling snow, create an ethereal background to popular glittering scenes recreated from previous years, alongside additional magical displays, guaranteed to evoke the spirit of Christmas into the hearts of all ages, from tiny tots to the oldest of oldies!

Don’t miss the chance to jump inside the awesome Giant Snow Globe with your nearest & dearest as you travel through this enchanting land - perfect for capturing that festive family pic to look back on later down the years!

A very important fella called Father Christmas might be seen taking a wander through the tunnels on certain days, if you happen to bump into him make sure you take the chance to introduce yourself, whilst perhaps mentioning that oh so special present you are hoping to find in your stocking on Christmas day & don't be shy ... ask for a selfie with him!

Click on the link below for additional information on the Tunnel of Lights:Last Christmas

Plan your visit to Tunnel of Lights:Last Christmas

Tunnel of Lights (Charlestown) - Image Credit: The Shipwreck Treasure Museum

Bodmin Railway

For an extra special dollop of magical fun on the move for all the family this Christmas, make sure you book a ride with Father Christmas & his mischievous elves on one of Bodmin Railway's vintage steam trains.

Seasonal treats abound when you arrive at the station, whilst immersing yourselves back in time within 1950's style festive decor. The kids can get involved with festive craft making & a children's activity sheet, whilst grown-ups can enjoy sampling an assortment of mulled beverages or a deliciously warming hot chocolate from the brand new station bar - what's not to like here !

Each child (if they have been very good) .. will receive a gorgeous soft toy as a present from Father Christmas himself, this might also be a great time to mention that oh so coveted gift, just to hopefully ensure it gets sent to your house on Christmas Eve!

Be sure to take a stroll through the amazing light tunnel during your visit, taking family members inside the photo booth with you, creating fun memories to keep as a special souvenir of the day.

There will also be a 'Quiet Train' ride option, where station lights & festive music will be turned down. A brand new event is being introduced this this year in which a Private Santa Train Ride can be booked in the Victorian Saloon for the exclusive use of your family & Father Christmas!

Click on the link below for additional information on Santa by Steam:

Plan your visit to The Bodmin Railway

Father Christmas at Bodmin Railway - Image Credit: Bodmin Railway

A Selection of Cornish Festive Lights

Who can resist the excitement of wrapping up all warm & cosy before venturing out into the gloaming of an early winter's night to visit a nearby village or town & wait in anticipaton for that sudden explosion of shimmering festive lights to appear.

Some of our favourites are as follows:

Padstow Christmas Light Switch on : November 30th
These lights are always amazing & well worth a visit. The switch on just happens to be taking place on the same day as Nadelik Lowen, Padstow's community festive event located around Duke Street & Market Place. There will be lots of local craft stalls, free fairground rides & the Tree of Lights, a christmas tree located on the bandstand near the harbour surrounded by a display covered in dedications & messages from local people.

Mousehole Harbour Lights Switch on : December 12th, time tbc
Perhaps the most famous & beloved of all within Cornwall, these lights are an absolute must to visit if you possibly can! With over 60 gloriously festive displays, using over 7000 bulbs lighting up the harbour and surrounding cobbled streets, they really are a sight to behold evoking those special Christmas vibes within all who visit!`

Mevagissey Christmas Lights Switch on : December 7th at 18.00
This gorgeous ancient harbour town lends itself to all things Christmas during the festive season. Twinkly lights festooned around the harbour reflecting in the water below create a fantastic backdrop to the arrival of Father Christmas in his very own boat! After the event, why not take the chance to refuel in one of the many pubs, restaurants or take-aways surrounding the harbour area.

Click on the link below for additional information on Festive Light Switch on in Cornwall:

Festive Light Switch on in Cornwall

Festive Lights at Padstow Harbour - Image Credit: Kate Whis Photography

Christmas at Trelissick - National Trust

A visit to The National Trust's Trellisick House during December will be sure to bring on those warm & cheery vibes of Christmas. From 7th December to 5th January the house will be beautifully decorated throughout, interweaving both local heritage & ancient cornish traditions as the inspiration for developing a magical space in which people can meander through & enjoy whilst taking in the wonderfully festive atmosphere!

Local schools & choirs will be performing a mixture of traditional & modern carols, creating a celebratory backdrop within the Stable Yard, where Father Christmas will be dropping in this year to captivate his young guests with magical tales of Cornish Christmases. When the stories have been completed, each child (if they have been very good) .. will receive a special gift as a reminder of their visit.

Venture outside into Trelissick's spectacular gardens & embrace the festive activities, whilst joining in the search for the fish required by Cornish fisherman Tom Bawcock & his loyal cat to help feed the entire population of Mousehole village!

Satisfy those invitable hunger pangs & visit the house cafe where delicious mince pies, locally produced cakes & other festive fayre will be available to purchase. There will also be a 'pop up teepee' within the Stable Yard serving delicious hot chocolate & other naughty treats to devour!

If you happen to be visiting between 5th & 8th of December, be sure to visit the Trelissick Christmas Craft Fair taking place in the barn, a fantastic opportunity to purchase those last minute christmas cards & presents for family & friends!

Click on the link below for additional information on Christmas at Trelissick:

Plan Your Visit to Christmas at Trelissick

Meeting Father Christmas at Trelissick Gardens - Image Credit: Visit Cornwall/National Trust

Looe - Fireworks on New Year's Eve

Head on down to lovely Looe this New Year's Eve & join in the fun & revelry with the crowds to bid farewell to 2024 & welcome 2025 in style, whilst watching a 'phiz, bang, sparkling' firework display to remember!

All ages are catered for on the night, with two fantastic firework displays being held. The first one starting at 18.00 is for families. It's recommended that you arrive at least one hour beforehand, heading to the town's 'Millpool car park, leaving your vehicle there & walking to your chosen viewing point. The second takes off at Midnight for all those party animals out there! Fancy dress is the order of the day (or evening) …, why not plan ahead & see if you can 'one up' some of the more outlandish outfits on display!

A selection of hotels, restaurants, pubs & bars in & around the Looe & Polperro area will be open to join in with the New Year's Eve celebrations. Entrance to most of these venues will be strictly via prior reservation (click on link below for additional information).

Whilst the fireworks are set off from Looe's iconic Banjo Pie, the best viewing points can be found at: Hannifore, Pennyland & West Looe Quay, be sure to arrive early to allow time to select one of these locations in which to see these iconic shows!

Click on the link below for additional information on the Looe New Year’s Eve Fireworks:

Plan Your Visit to Looe's New Year's Eve Fireworks

Looe - New Years Eve Fireworks: Image Credit: Looe Tourist Information Centre

Date of Post: 21 November 2024