What’s on this Christmas in Cornwall – 2025 guide
Cornwall isn’t just a summer destination. It’s also a wonderful place to venture in the winter months. We can particularly recommend spending Christmas in Cornwall. Read on for my guide to what’s on in Cornwall this Christmas.
As I’m publishing this post well before the summer don’t be surprised if some regular events are marked as still to be confirmed. I’ll be updating this guide as the year progresses.
Having said that, it won’t be long before ticket sales for some of the most popular Christmas days out go live. Don’t delay in booking your tickets for these Christmas events happening in 2025. They’re bound to get snapped up fast.
You might also like to read my top Christmas days out in Devon, festive events around the country, illuminations and light trails, and my guide to UK Christmas Markets in 2025.
Know of an event or experience not included? Get in touch! I’m adding and updating listings all the time based on the information I spot online and receive.
*This post contains affiliate links. If you click and buy something, I may earn some commission. This is at no extra cost to you but helps me cover the costs of running this website. See my privacy policy and disclosure policy for more information.*
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The best places to visit in Cornwall this Christmas
From Santa’s grottos to illuminations and markets, here’s where to keep an eye out for festive events happening in Cornwall in 2025.
Christmas events in Cornwall 2025
Here’s where to head for festive spirit and maybe even a mulled Cornish cyder!
Night Gardens at the Lost Gardens of Heligan – Selected dates from 15 November 2025 to 3 January 2026
Enter the Heligan Night Gardens and enjoy an enchanting lantern experience set amidst the atmospheric Lost Gardens.
Explore the Gardens as they are beautifully lit by a variety of traditional paraffin lanterns and discover a breath-taking display of flora and fauna lanterns, illuminated within Heligan’s much-loved and iconic locations.
Heligan Night Gardens, St Austell.
Christmas at Camel Creek – TBC
Enjoy story time with Father Christmas during which every child receives a gift, plus join Santa’s Elves in their workshop for festive arts and crafts, send your letter to Santa and take the Naughty or Nice Test..
This is all on top of the park’s usual Winter fun and excitement, including the indoor play area at Creeky’s Playhouse, the Carousel and Wave Rider swings. Animal lovers have the chance to explore The Stables, Reptile House and the Meerkat Enclosure.
Camel Creek, Wadebridge.
Christmas at the Eden Project – selected dates 21 November 2025 to 4 January 2026
Eden will be even more magical this Christmas with a market, Father Christmas and illuminations. Buckle up because here’s what’s on…
The ice rink opens from October and continues throughout the winter season. Don’t forget to book your tickets separately if you want to skate.
From November, the biome will be transformed into a glittering wonderland with lights, projections and installations after dark. Book a time slot in advance.
Father Christmas returns to Eden Project for a brand new theatrical immersive experience from November to December. Go behind the scenes to see what happens in the run up to 25 December and meet Santa himself.
Then on a weekend in November the Eden Christmas Fair takes place.
Christmas at Eden, St Austell.
Christmas at Paradise Park – selected dates from 30 November to 24 December 2025
Visit Santa’s grotto complete with elves and enjoy a bracing walk around the park to see the animals.
Book your visit in advance for the best price. You’ll be given your exact time slot when you arrive at the park and Santa’s assistant elf or fairy will meet you and take you into his magical grotto.
Santa will greet the children, have a little chat and give them their gift – have your camera ready for this lovely experience.
Paradise Park, Hayle.
Christmas at National Trust places in Cornwall
Here’s what’s on at National Trust properties in Cornwall this Christmas:
Christmas at Cotehele – 22 November 2025 to 5 January 2026
See Cotehele’s famous Christmas garland decorating the hall of this Tudor house. The garland has been created using fresh foliage and flowers for the past 60 years.
If you’d like to see the garland being made by volunteers visit in November. This year construction takes place between 10 and 20 November.
You can also see Cotehele Mill decorated for a family Christmas and head out on a frosty walk around the estate.
Please be aware that only the hall in the house will be open.
Cotehele, near Saltash.
Christmas at Trelissick – 6 December 2025 to 4 January 2026
Father Christmas and local choirs will be leading the seasonal celebrations at Trelissick this year. See the house decorated for a Cornish Christmas and book an audience with the big man on selected dates.
Read more about our last visit to Trelissick.
Trelissick, near Truro.
Christmas lights in Trengwainton Garden – TBC
See the walled garden at Trengwainton and orchard lit with fairy lights and lanterns made by local schools and local artists.
The lights can be viewed from an accessible trail that’s open for bookable visits over three weekends in December.
Trengwainton, near Penzance.
Godolphin Christmas – weekends from 5 to 21 December 2025
This festive season experience see Godolphin adorned with Christmas finery, enjoy a warming mince pie and mulled wine, and listen to the festive chorus of local choirs performing.
Godolphin, Helston.
Santa trains in Cornwall
Want to ride a Christmas train? Here’s where to find them in Cornwall:
Christmas at Lappa Valley – selected dates from 29 November to 24 December 2025
Take a festive steam train ride through Lappa Valley at this fun Christmas event.
Santa and his elves will be waiting to greet children in their grotto and there will be seasonal refreshments for all. Every child receives a present.
The soft play and woodland train will also be available.
Don’t delay – this event always sells out!
Lappa Valley, Newquay.
Santa Specials at Bodmin & Wenford Railway – weekends in December plus 23 and 24 December 2025
Take a ride with Santa and his elves on this heritage steam train. There will be an activity sheet and crafting task for kids while adults can indulge in a Christmas tipple at the brand new station bar.
The brandling ride last between 50 minutes and and hour. Each child will be gifted a soft plush toy from Santa himself.
There will also be photo opportunities at the station where there’s a light tunnel and photo booth.
Take a look at our visit to Bodmin & Wenford Railway.
Bodmin & Wenford Railway, Bodmin.
Santa’s grottos in Cornwall
Here’s where to Meet Santa in Cornwall this Christmas:
A Night before Christmas at Bedruthan Hotel – 29 November to 22 December 2025
Santa is checking into the Bedruthan Hotel for some much needed R&R before the big day. While he relaxes he’s more than happy to meet children over lunch or dinner.
There might be an early Christmas present too.
Bedruthan Hotel, Bedruthan.
Don’t forget the grottos at Paradise Park, Eden Project and the National Trust places listed above!
Ice skating in Cornwall
Here’s where to find ice rinks in Cornwall this Christmas:
Ice skating at the Eden Project – 18 October 2025 to 22 February 2026
The Eden Project’s annual ice rink returns from October.
Book your session in advance and in addition to your entrance ticket to The Eden Project. Family skating sessions take place each morning with skating aids.
Eden Project, St Austell.
Read about what you can expect when visiting the Eden Project.
Christmas markets in Cornwall
Want to pick up a unique Christmas gift or sample some delicious Cornish mulled cider? Here’s where to find Christmas markets in Cornwall this year:
Fowey Christmas Market – Prov. Dates: 14 to 16 November 2025
Visit this Cornish coastal town to experience a very West Country Christmas with 200 stalls packed with locally produced food and drink, and festive gifts.
Fowey Christmas Market is one of the top things to do in Cornwall this Christmas.
Over the course of three days it takes over the town with traders spread across picturesque Fowey Town Quay, Albert Quay, Webb Street and Town Hall.
Fowey Christmas Market, Fowey.
Cornwall Christmas Fair at The Eden Project – 19 to 20 November 2025
This annual charity event raises much needed funds for community and grassroots non-profit organisations through Cornwall Community Foundation.
The fair takes place in the Eden Kitchen, between the two Biomes, with a huge range of festive stalls including a glorious selection of Christmas gifts, decorations, home accessories, clothing, jewellery, skin care and artwork.
There’s also plenty of food and drink in The Cornwall Bakery Food Hall.
Christmas Fair, The Eden Project.
The BIG Christmas Market, Truro – 21 November to 24 December 2025
The Big Christmas Market in Truro takes place at Lemon Quay with range of local crafts, unique gifts, and seasonal treats to be found among the stalls.
The Big Christmas Market in Truro takes place at Lemon Quay with range of local crafts, unique gifts, and seasonal treats to be found among the stalls.
The Big Christmas Market, Truro.
Find more days out in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland in my big round up of 101 UK attractions for families.
Where to stay in Cornwall this Christmas
We love staying in Cornwall, particularly in the quieter winter months. Here’s a few of the places we have stayed and recommend for families:
- Bosinver Farm Cottages, near St Austell
- The Valley near Truro
- The Point at Polzeath
- China Fleet Club in Saltash
- Waterside Resort near Bodmin
Looking for something different? Search for your perfect place to stay in Cornwall*.
More things to do in Cornwall
If you’re looking for more places to visit in Cornwall then we can recommend days out when it’s raining in Cornwall, great things to do in the summer and dog-friendly days out around Cornwall.
Or why not read our guide to family holidays in Cornwall.
If you know of something happening that isn’t listed already then let me know. I’m adding listings all the time based on the information I spot online and receive.
