Home / Christmas Holidays in Cornwall
Harbourside fairy lights, star-dusted skies, seasonal feasts and cold water dips. The coast is beckoning this festive season.
Retreat to the beach this Christmas, infusing your festivities with sea salt. Gather at yuletide for coastal strolls and freshly caught dinners, before hunkering down for festive films by candlelight and cherished moments together.
Stay by the shore this season in a house that’s perfect for you. Whether you’re looking for an indulgent break in a hot tub hideaway, or a large family get-together in a coastal home, browse our selection of festive retreats.
Plus, save 20% on selected retreats for week-long stays between 20th December – 6th January. Before and after pricing is displayed below.
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This festive season, make the most of shorter daylight hours by the coast by creating snug ‘klys’ feelings – the Cornish version of Danish word ‘hygge’.
Find out moreThe Eden Project is a unique experience all year round, but it is a must see at Christmas especially. An impressive eco project with sustainability at its heart, Eden is dubbed the eighth wonder of the world by some and is home to a global garden housed in tropical biomes. Glide across their seasonal ice rink, gaze in awe at lantern parades and laser shows and explore the rainforest biome at night, mulled wine in hand. They also run a schedule of live music and events over the Christmas period and throughout the year.
Over Christmas in Mousehole the traditional fishing village is bought to life by a dazzling display of unique and wonderful lights dotted around the harbour, high on the hills above and even in the water. Wander the winding streets gazing at the display, before tucking into some night-time fish and chips on the harbour wall. The festive atmosphere here is like no other.
It’s tradition to take a Christmas Day dip in Cornwall, but we suggest taking the plunge regardless of what day it is. Take a deep breath and immerse yourself in the icy water, and then head home for a well-deserved hot chocolate. We suggest finding a safe and sheltered swimming spot, such as a local harbour, and always checking tides, weather conditions and safety advice before heading in.
Seek out one of the unique Christmas markets dotted around Cornwall during the festive season. From homemade chutneys, fine wines and one-of-a-kind crafts, a Christmas market is the go-to place to pick up some last-minute gifts or indulge in some delicious food and drink. Our favourites are the Winter Gift Fayre in Truro’s Lemon Quay or the Fowey Christmas market.
Even if it’s blowing a gale outside, getting togged up and out into the open is one of the best ways to spend a winter’s day in Cornwall. This is the time of year when the ocean is at its most powerful and you will spot scenes that would never occur in mid-summer. The breaking of the Cribbar (an enormous wave in Newquay), the surge of water through a cliff’s blowhole, the sight of lightning out on the horizon, or even a sunrise, which are always more striking in the winter months.
There’s no better time to get cosy in your beach retreat than when a storm is brewing outside. Your self catering holiday let will have everything you need to stay entertained, from TVs, speakers and games consoles to classic board games. You could even order in some Cornish cuisine from the range of home delivery boxes available. Rick Stein’s at home boxes feature fresh produce, already pre prepared for a delicious dinner- all you have to do is heat it up and tuck in. For the full five star experience, why not hire a private chef to cater for your evening in? Read about our top recommendations here.