Category: Festive

Christmas in The Village, Watergate Bay Cornwall

Wake up to the beach on Christmas morning with a stay at one of our eco lodges in Watergate Bay…

Fancy staying in a holiday retreat with a log burner? Check out our cottages with a log burner for a cosy getaway.

Book a Christmas stay at one of our Village properties in Watergate Bay and guests will arrive to a decorated Christmas tree and a bespoke luxury hamper, lovingly put together by The Cornish Hamper Company. Your festive hamper will include a selection of delicious chutney’s, flavoured cooking oils, Cornish Sea Salt, mince pies, Fairings Biscuits, crackers, chocolates and a Christmas pudding.

Properties included in this Christmas promotion are listed below, the price for the week is £42 pppn (£1465):

Merryn sleeps 5
Mawgan sleeps 6
Issey sleeps 5
Agnes sleeps 5
Erney sleeps 5
Minver sleeps 5
Ives sleeps 5
Mawes sleeps 5
Blazey sleeps 5

Book your Christmas stay.

The Village development is just a 2-minute walk to the golden sands of Watergate Bay and its collection of restaurants including The Beach Hut and Wax Watergate Bay who have a special Christmas lunch offer running throughout December. Guests will also be a stone’s throw from Watchful Mary, a brand new continental style-bar located on the sea wall. Stop off here Christmas Day between 12-4 for a cocktail or glass of fizz after your blustery morning walk.

Experience the magic of the season and discover festive nights at Watergate Bay.

After you have enjoyed your Christmas Day lunch in your property why not walk the coast path to nearby Mawgan Porth, or for the more energetic walk to the legendary Bedruthan Steps a little further afield.

Want to stay in Newquay? Have a look at our luxury holiday properties in Newquay.

Terms and conditions:

    • This special offer is only valid on new bookings for The Village properties only, booked between 8th November – 10th December 2019
    • No cash alternative.
    • The Christmas tree will be artificial and decorated for your arrival.
    • Some products within the luxury hamper may vary from the above description.
    • This special offer will end 10th December 2019

Keep an eye on our special offers page and book your stay at Watergate Bay this Christmas. 

Top 5 places to see Christmas lights in Cornwall

Experience Cornwall’s twinkling harbours this Christmas

Twas the night before Christmas and Cornwall was filled with glistening lights! We give you our top 5 locations to visit over the festive season.

We are now offering 20% off 5 or 7 night breaks on selected properties this Christmas. Or stay at The Village for 7 nights and arrive to a festive Cornish hamper and decorated Christmas tree.

Mousehole Harbour

Described as Cornwall’s brightest star and the King of Christmas Lights, our Number 1 place to go is Mousehole Harbour. Celebrating its 56th year with its switch on 15 December 2019, visitors can expect over 7,000+ twinkling lights making up a variety of animals and objects across the harbour.

Check out our holiday properties in Mousehole to experience everything the area has to offer.

Christmas Lights at Mousehole Harbour

Padstow Harbour

Padstow Christmas Festival is a unique experience and certainly one not to be missed. Not only do they light up the harbour, they also light up the sky with a spectacular fireworks show. This Christmas festival takes place 5-9 December 2019 with top chefs making an appearance with foodie demos and the chance to stock up on Christmas presents in the market.

Angarrock

A small village located close to Hayle in west Cornwall, Angarrock and its small community come together to create  an animated 12 Days of Christmas in sparkles. You’ll find their Christmas glow along its rivers, streets and even rooftops.

Looe

Looe has a December calendar full of festive fun. The big switch on itself will take place the first week of December at the rivers edge prior to a traditional lantern parade. Make a day of it with shopping and dinner, finishing the night off with an evening stroll as you watch the Christmas lights reflect on the water.

Truro

Last and by no means least we give you Truro. Here, a ‘City of light’ parade and Christmas light switch on marks the start of Truro’s festivities with over 30,000 visitors expected each year. Visitors will be serenaded by at least 100 local musicians and dancers whilst showcasing over 600 lanterns, made by local artists, school children, college students and community members. Head here Wednesday 19th November 2019.

See more Christmas inspiration here.

Looking for restaurants to visit at Christmas time? Check out our 10 favourite restaurants for a Christmas dinner.

Five hygge inspired self-catering holidays for winter

Get cosy by a log fire and watch the waves roll in.

You may have come across hygge this winter. Pronounced hoo-ga, it’s a Danish lifestyle concept for the long dark winters, based around cosy ideals of food, friends and family and the simple things in life. So why not try your own hygge holiday this winter.

Enjoy life’s (and Cornwall’s) simple pleasures this winter with our top five properties for a hygge holiday.

Interested in staying in our most luxurious holiday cottages? Check out our luxury coastal cottages.

Pilots Cottage, Mousehole

Sleeps 5

Nestled in the heart of Mousehole rests a 175-year-old fisherman’s cottage which has been sympathetically renovated to preserve the building’s original features.

This Grade II listed home is called Pilots Cottage and is the perfect place for a hygge escape. Surround by narrow, cobbled streets and yellow lichened houses, the cosy cottage offers a peaceful setting to read a good book and relax.

 

Oakfield, Crackington Haven

Sleeps 6

Perched high on the side of a valley in the pretty hamlet of Rosecare, Oakfield is an idyllic hygge retreat for those looking to explore the north Cornwall coast.

Wrap up warm with a woolly hat and scarf as you venture out into the wild countryside. On your walk, spot rabbits frolicking in the grass and birds foraging in the hedgerows.

Warm up by the log fire with your favourite drink and watch the great outdoors from the comfort of the sofa.

 

Wolf Rock, Widemouth Bay

Sleeps 6

Discover hygge living at its finest with state-of-the-art green technology combined with luxury comforts.

Situated on a long unspoilt stretch of sandy beach and rugged cliffs, Wolf Rock is in the perfect location for ultimate beach living.

With endless horizon views and the beach right on your doorstep, this eco-chic property offers a spot to unwind and explore the beauty of the north Cornwall coast.

Discover our other Widemouth Bay holiday properties.

 

3 The Old Cornstore, St Agnes

Sleeps 4

Tucked away in a picturesque village steeped with mining history, is a charming cosy holiday home filled with character and seaside interiors.

3 The Old Cornstore is perfectly positioned in St Agnes for you to explore the beach and the wild clifftops. Discover a headland of engine houses whilst walking in miner’s footsteps. This hygge holiday is great for those looking to experience Poldark’s Cornwall.

 

Far Horizon, Downderry

Sleeps 8

Built for an old sea captain because of its elevated position and outstanding ocean views, Far Horizon is located just 3 miles east of Looe, sleeping up to eight guests. This bright and spacious beach house is wonderfully situated within two acres of sub-tropical gardens and 180-degree sea views across Seaton Beach and out towards Looe Island.

The hidden gardens and beach right on your doorstep make it the perfect house to get away from it all with your loved ones.

Book your Cornish hygge escape.

Discover the essence of Cornish cosiness with Klysa, where every moment embraces the warmth and charm of this unique tradition.

5 ideas for a memorable New Year’s Eve in Cornwall

Fancy spending the last day of the year doing something different, having a last hurrah before January creeps in and it’s all calorie counting and salary saving (yaaaawn)? Make a head start on your bucket list and finish the year on a feel-amazing high…

Visiting Cornwall with an electric car? Check out our holiday lets with electric car (EV) charging points.

Go coasteering

Thought water-based adventures were just for the summer months? No, no, no. You’ll find the ocean-mad team at Newquay Activity Centre togged up in wetsuits and sharing their expert tips in everything from surfing to stand-up paddle boarding 360+ days a year (including throughout the Christmas holidays) and on New Year’s Eve they’re rallying up the locals for a charity ‘Cornish Castaway’.

Take the plunge with them as they coasteer around the coast, paddle their huge super stand-up paddleboard through caves and then use bushcraft skills to build a fire and toast marshmallows. You’ll not only experience the beautiful coastline around Newquay in the most thrilling way possible but also raise money for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.

31st December, 12pm.
£45 pp or an affordable charity donation.
Call 01637 877722 to book.
newquayactivitycentre.co.uk

Get your skates on at Eden

Whether you whizz, inch or tumble your way around the glittering ice skating rink at the Eden Project, you’ll be doing it with a huge, smile-till-your-jaw-aches grin. This is one for the whole family to enjoy and, courtesy of Eden’s legendary magic, is a NYE’s activity you’ll be revisiting year after year. The rink-side chocolate drizzled crepes and warm churros are worth it alone. Delish!

Sessions available from 11am – 3pm. Advance booking advised.
edenproject.com

See Falmouth light up

It wouldn’t be NYE without fireworks and Falmouth is the place to see them. They’ll be firing from iconic Pendennis Castle on the chime of midnight and casting a myriad of sparkling colours across the bay and harbour. Viewing spots will be right around the town so pick the vibe that’s right for you; join the party atmosphere in the buzzing main streets or snuggle up in a blanket and catch them from the beach.

Get dressed up in St Ives

Fancy waving goodbye to the year as your fave film star or seeing in the New Year as Superman? You’ll be right at home in St Ives. Join the throng of weird and wonderful revellers who cram the narrow, characterful streets and get caught up in the truly awesome party atmosphere. Live bands, street food and fireworks, it’s all going on. This is where fancy dress gets serious and the party goes way beyond midnight.

Thinking about staying in St Ives? Have a look at our luxury St Ives holiday properties.

Experience the last sunset

Sunsets in Cornwall are pretty special. Seeing the horizon ablaze in a mesmerising mix of red, gold and orange is a must-do experience whatever the date but when it’s the last sunset of the year, the wow-rating sky rockets. Grab a spot anywhere along the north Cornish coast and you’re in for a treat but for the best view in the house Watergate Bay and St Agnes Beacon are hard to beat.

Want to explore more of Cornwall in the New Year? Read our blog on our 5 favourite coastal walks in Cornwall.

Book your New Years retreat in one of our beach locations and keep an eye on our special offers page for seasonal discounts.

5 Cornwall Holiday Lets For This New Years Eve

Escape to the coast and bring in the New Year in style

Whether you are looking for a peaceful getaway beside the beach or a festive family break, Cornwall is the place to be. Eat at great restaurants, dance the night away on the beach or cosy up by the fire at home, however, you choose to bring in the New Year, Beach Retreats has a fantastic selection of places to stay. Here are five we have hand-picked for you for the perfect New Year in Cornwall.

See all available properties.

Find out why New Year is the best time to visit Cornwall and some of our holiday retreats to stay in for the New Year.

For Groups

Seamist, Watergate Bay

Sleeps 16 with 20% off

With eight bedrooms, seven bathrooms, two living rooms, a games room and plenty of space for the kids to run around, Seamist in Watergate Bay is the perfect haven for your family get together this season. Interior designed throughout, this house is exceptional in every way with its sense of space and light and design and finish. The living room big enough for all is perfectly placed on the first floor so guests can make the most of the ocean views in the distance.

Where to dine: Watergate Bay and its golden beach is just a five-minute car journey away. Restaurants include The Beach Hut and Wax Watergate Bay. If you want to stay in New Years and make the most of the house, we have some fabulous recommendations for private catering.

Book a New Year break at Seamist.

 

For couples

Harbourside Cottage, Boscastle

Sleeps 2 with 15% off

For a cosy night in with your loved one in front of the roaring fire, head to the romantic Harbourside Cottage in Boscastle this New Year. This beautiful Cornish location will give you an away from it all feeling, so you can bring in the New Year feeling refreshed and relaxed. Walk the coast path for awe-inspiring views, stop at the local pub for a bite to eat and glass of red, or simply put your feet up and enjoy the quiet surroundings.

Where to dine: Head to Napoleon Inn, a low beamed 16th century pub and restaurant serving delicious Cornish food and ales straight from the barrel. Dine in the pub or book into the restaurant for waitress service.

Book a New Year break at Harbourside Cottage.

Check out our other Boscastle holiday retreats.

 

For adrenaline junkies

Tides Watch, Fistral

Sleeps 4, now with 15% off

Jump from bed to board at this beautiful ground floor apartment, situation across from the renowned Fistral beach in north Cornwall. Tides Watch offers luxurious interiors throughout, with large bay windows offering jaw-dropping views across the Atlantic Ocean. Blow the cobwebs away with a morning surf, join Newquay Activity Centre for a New Year’s Eve charity Coasteer, or catch the fantastic annual fireworks display that will light up the sky and rugged coast.

Where to dine: You’re spoilt for choice when dining out at Fistral, head to the Fish House Fistral, Stein’s Fistral, Lewinnick Lodge or The Stable Newquay.

Book a New Year break at Tides Watch, Fistral

 

For families

The Oyster Bed, Mawgan Porth

Sleeps 5

With the beach forming your natural playground just 150 metres away, The Oyster Bed in Mawgan Porth is the ideal home for your family-friendly adventure this New Year. Enjoy an embracing walk New Year’s Day, play games and storm watch from the private balcony and visit the twinkling Padstow harbour less than 10 miles away. The Oyster Bed is a brand-new contemporary house with cosy coastal interiors throughout.

Where to dine: Stay close and dine at Catch Seafood Bar & Grill or head to neighbouring towns Padstow and Watergate Bay for Prawn on the Lawn and Rick Stein’s Seafood Restaurant.

Book a New Year break at The Oyster Bed, Mawgan Porth

 

For wagging tails

The Breakers, Porth

Sleeps 13, now with 15% off

Give your dog a New Year to remember with a stay at The Breakers, situated directly opposite the dog-friendly Porth beach. Wake up and play fetch on the beach, relax in front of a crackling fire in one of Cornwall’s many pet friendly pubs and walk the coast path to Watergate bay and beyond. This picture-perfect coastal house (featured in Ideal Homes Magazine) offers plenty of space for the whole family, an outdoor hot tub, breath-taking sea views and has surf and body boards for those feeling brave enough for a New Year’s Day dip.

Where to dine: Take your furry friend to the local Cornish pub the Mermaid Inn where you can taste local ales and a great choice of winter warmer food dishes.

Book a New Year break at The Breakers, Porth

Still considering about staying for the New Year? Find out the best way to celebrate and spend the New Year in Cornwall.

Looking for something different? See all available New Year properties and browse our beach locations to find your favourite place to see in the New Year. Keep an eye on our special offers page, too, for the latest seasonal discounts.

12 Days of Christmas in Cornwall

Looking for a reason to visit Cornwall this Christmas or looking for inspiration for what to do? You’re in luck. Here’s how we do the 12 Days of Christmas in Cornwall, by Beach Retreats. Book your Christmas break with Beach Retreats online or call our team on 01637 861 005.

Thinking about bringing your dog on holiday? Check out our dog-friendly holiday properties.

1. Ice skating at the Eden Project

Our favourite festive activity is back at the Eden Project from 14 October until 18 February. Get your skates on and book your spot here.

2. Outlaw Christmas Market

Not your usual craft event, the Outlaw Christmas Market will come to Falmouth town centre in December (dates to be confirmed). Celebrate handmade and artisan gifts this Christmas.

www.outlawevents.co.uk

3. Padstow Christmas Market

Cornwall’s favourite festive family market is back for its eighth year from 7-10 December. With more than 100 crafts folk and producers, 40 star chefs, fireworks, santa fun run and lots more, it draws a crowd of 45,000 and an electric atmosphere.

www.padstowchristmasfestival.co.uk

4. Mousehole Lights

Visit the picturesque fishing village of Mousehole on 16 December at 7pm for the big ‘switch on’ of the iconic Cornish illuminations. Or visit them in your own time until 6 January.

www.mouseholelights.org.uk

Check out our holiday properties in Mousehole to experience everything the area has to offer.

5. Christmas Day swims

For the brave – or mad – only. From Penzances’ promenade, Hayle and Gwithians’ golden sands to Sennen Cove or Polzeath. There will be an organised Christmas Day swim somewhere near you.

6. Watch a show

From the creative team that brought you hit shows Dick Whittington and his Mousehole Cat! and Jack and the Beanstalk, Hall for Cornwall are proud to present its own home grown production to enchant and entertain adults and children alike. Edward ‘Kernow King’ Rowe and Granville Saxton return in this year’s Christmas show Sleeping Beauty, the final chapter in a trilogy of adventures featuring our much loved Cornishman, Kenwyne and his extended family.

Purchase your tickets here.

www.hallforcornwall.co.uk/sleeping-beauty

7. Boxing Day walks

Blow away the cobwebs with a Boxing Day walk on your favourite Cornish beach. The perfect family activity and antidote to one too many sherries and mince pies on the big day. Here’s some inspiration.

8. Montol Christmas Festival

A six day arts and community festival in Penzance celebrating the midwinter solstice and Cornish traditions of the past, culminating in the main event on Montol Eve on 21 December. There’s a main parade, lantern making, storytelling, carol singing and more, take a look here.

9. Reindeer Parade

Meet Dasher, Dancer, Prancer and the rest of the herd in November as as they parade through Truro starting from Victoria Square. A magical experience for children. Dates to be confirmed.

10. Cotehele decorations

Visit the father Christmas of all Christmas decorations at Cotehele – the famous 60-foot garland made with tens of thousands of flowers grown in the gardens of the National Trust estate. Gawp above and then stick around to eat, shop and sing with various happenings from November through to December.

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cotehele

11. Pick your Christmas tree

Search for your favourite Christmas tree among hundreds in Cedar Croft Nurseries near St Tudy. Tie your personalised ribbon around your chosen tannenbaum and it will be cut fresh for whenever you want it.

www.cedarcroft.co.uk

12. Shop Cornish at Christmas

From coal and logs for a roaring fire, to mince pies and mistletoe, fine wine and fantastic food, Cornish Food Market have everything you need. All delivered in time for a proper Cornish Christmas.

www.cornishfoodmarket.co.uk

Check out our 10 favourite retreats for Christmas to celebrate the season in style.

Book your Christmas break with Beach Retreats online or call our team on 01637 861 005.

Amazing events for your 2018 Cornwall diary

You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to fantastic events to choose from in Cornwall throughout 2018.

We’ve hand-picked our favourites to add to your calendars. How many will you visit?

Discover unbeatable savings and unforgettable experiences with Beach Retreats’ exclusive special offers.

Porthleven Food Festival

Porthleven 20 – 22 April

Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2018, this is a festival we highly recommend for your foodie diary. Bringing around 30,000 people together in and around the stunning harbour in Porthleven, the event brings national and international chefs into the theatre, food stalls, street food, music day and night and entertainment for all. What are you waiting for? See you there…

Discover our Porthleven holiday properties.

St Ives Food & Drink Festival

St Ives 11 – 13 May

Get yourselves down to Porthminster beach in St Ives for another foodie treat. Attracting over 12,000 visitors each year, this festival brings you plenty of Cornish food stalls, Celebrity Chef Demos, pop up BBQs, music and more. Whilst you are in St Ives, we recommend a coastal walk along its white sand beaches.

The Great Estate

Redruth 1 – 3 June

A new event for 2017 and now returning for its second year, The Great Estate is a festival for all the family. Expect major international headline acts, a mix of comedy, theatre, music and the arts, all within the beautiful grounds of Scorrier Estate. Look out for their vintage fairground, woodland silent disco, secret gin garden, burlesque sessions, classical corner and the Swamp Circus. Buy tickets.

Royal Cornwall Show

Wadebridge 7 – 9 June

On its 223rd year and one of Cornwall’s biggest events, the Royal Cornwall Show hosts an exciting schedule of events exhibits, competitions, shopping, family activities and more. As an agricultural show, visitors can expect plenty of animal shows including the popular annual dog show, as well as a fascinating glimpse into rural life. Apart from the livestock judging, there is the famous flower tent, show jumping and a fast and furious inter-hunt relay.

Rock Oyster Festival

Rock 6 – 7 July

Located right on the famous Camel trail, making it one of the few festivals that can be easily accessed on foot or by bike, the Rock Oyster Festival is a haven for seafood lovers. This midsummer celebration of food, music and art, invites visitors to eat their way through thousands of Cornish oysters, as well as listen to live music, watch circus acts and enjoy children’s entertainment, alternative performing arts and a shopping bazaar. What more could you ask for?

Lusty Glaze Sundowner Sessions

Newquay, Various dates

Awarded the No.1 spot by The Times for ‘Most picturesque live music venue in the UK’ Lusty Glaze hosts various live acts throughout the summer months with in an incredible setting. Imagine a beer in hand, sand beneath your toes and a stunning sunset whilst watching your favourite band? Lusty Glaze welcomes Morcheeba 22nd July, a British band from the 90s, with other acts to be announced shortly.

Port Eliot Festival

St German 26 – 29 July

Port Eliot is a festival unlike any other. Whether you’re swimming in the estuary, picnicking under a 300-year-old tree, rocking out at the Park Stage, canoeing on the river, catching an intimate gig in the church, watching a cooking demo in the Big Kitchen or dancing in the Boogie Round. Make sure you save some time to look around Port Eliot House, a Grade I listed house over 1,000 years old. Will you walk up all 11 stair cases?

Boardmasters Surf & Music Festival

Newquay & Watergate Bay 8 – 13 August

The famous Boardmasters Festival is back offering a fantastic music and surf festival over two locations. Head to Fistral beach in Newquay for the main surfing and skate competitions, along with food stalls and music, or head to Watergate Bay where this year’s top acts include Craig David, The Chemical Brothers and Annie Mac.

Following the success of 2017, The Financial Times said Boardmasters is “fast becoming one of the UK’s most enticing summer music festivals”, while NME described the festival as “a perfect weekend mix of sun, surf and music in Cornwall.” See the full line-up and purchase tickets on the Boardmasters website.

British Stand Up Paddle Boarding National Championships

Watergate Bay 13 – 14 October

Celebrating its 6th year, the British Stand up Boarding Association National Championships returns to the bay. Over the course of two days there will be three main competitions, Men’s Open, Women’s Open, & Junior Under 16s. Wrap up warm, grab a hot chocolate from The Beach Hut and enjoy the action. Stand by for a fiery autumn sunset.

Padstow Christmas Festival

Padstow 6 – 9 December

See this Cornish fishing village come alive with celebrity chefs, culinary delights and festive fun. The free-to-attend spectacle has grown into one of the largest food festivals in Cornwall, with 45,000 visitors expected across the four days. This year sees 65 separate cookery demonstrations, workshops and masterclasses happening across two stages, with culinary names from Rick Stien, Paul Ainsworth, Nathan Outlaw and James Martin confirmed to attend.

But it’s not all about the food.

The popular Christmas market will also be open from midday Thursday with stalls featuring arts, crafts, food and drink producers from across the south west. Padstow’s shops and galleries will be open for extended hours offering special discounts throughout the four days, plus there will be a fantastic fireworks display.

Do you know any other events that should be added to our 2018 calendar? Let us know by joining the conversation on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

Want a relaxing holiday in Cornwall? Check out our favourite spas and saunas for a truly relaxing getaway

Book your Beach Retreats self-catering holiday.

Two extra days free in Cornwall in November

If you book a three or five-night break between 1 November and 20 December 2015 with Beach Retreats, we’ll give you two nights extra for free. What would you do in Cornwall with your extra days? If you’re interested in booking your holiday just search for your dates and call 01637 861005.

Discover unbeatable savings and unforgettable experiences with Beach Retreats’ exclusive special offers.

 

For families

Bonfire night

Cornwall goes off with a bang on 5 November. At Porth, The Mermaid Inn puts on a fantastic firework display set off from Porth Island (6pm-9pm) with the £3 carpark charge going to charity. In Penzance, head to Penzance AFC for a BBQ, music from the Golowan Band and fireworks at 7.30pm (doors open at 6.30pm).

Ice skating at The Eden Project

Eden’s popular ice-skating rink has frozen over and opened up early this year from Saturday 17 October until Sunday 28 February 2016. It’s worth booking in advance are sessions are popular. Penguin skating aids are also available for younger and more wobbly skaters.

Book your tickets online here.

 

For foodies

Fifteen Cornwall Winter Fayre

Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen Cornwall is putting on winter version of its popular food festival overlooking Watergate Bay on Saturday 28 November. This is your chance to pick up Christmas treats from local producers or some cooking tips from the demonstrating chefs. Jack Stein of Stein’s with Ross Geach of Padstow Kitchen Garden and Mathilda and John Eldridge from Strong Adolfos have been confirmed for the chef’s theatre. The free event will also have plenty of activities for children.

Here’s what happened at their Spring Fayre.

Fancy staying in Padstow? Check out our luxury holiday lets in Padstow.

 

For that festive feeling

Christmas processions and fairs

The City of Lights parade will light up Truro on Wednesday 18 November with handmade withy lanterns, dance and music – there’s late night shopping too. The Christmas City Markets will be open from Friday 13 to Sunday 15 November selling a high quality selection of food, drink, art and crafts. Or try the Made in Cornwall Christmas Fair in Truro’s Piazza from 25-29 November for a handmade focus. On the weekend of Friday 20 to Sunday 22 November, its Trereife Christmas Fair near Penzance, where you’ll find carol singing, a traditional brass band alongside food producers and craft stalls.

For culturists

The Nutcracker by St Petersburg Classic Ballet

The award-winning St Petersburg Classic Ballet is brining the eternal seasonal favouite to The Hall for Cornwall in Truro between Wednesday November 18 and Saturday November 21. The Nutcracker is the perfect introduction to ballet. With Tchaikovsky’s endearingly familiar score performed by a live orchestra, this an unmissable family treat.

Book your tickets online via The Hall for Cornwall.

Building Cotehele’s giant garland with the National Trust

Cotehele will be building this year’s 60ft Christmas flower garland on 10 dates between Thursday 5 and Saturday 14 November. ll of the flowers were grown and dried on the estate. There were 36,000 in 2014. How many will there be in 2015?

If you book a three or five-night break between 1 November and 20 December 2015 with Beach Retreats, we’ll give you two nights extra for free. Search for your holiday dates and call 01637 861005.

Start November with a bang by exploring the best local firework displays for Bonfire Night, offering spectacular shows and festive fun for the whole family.

Christmas in Cornwall – top five must dos

Christmas tree at Watergate Bay, Newquay

December is almost upon us, which means we can officially start to feel festive. Christmas in Cornwall is a truly magical time, with lots to see and do for the whole family. It was hard, but we’ve whittled down our top five Cornish Christmas must dos.

Find out why Christmas time is the best time to visit Cornwall and some of our holiday retreats to stay in at Christmas time.

Take a dip

Nothing shakes away the Christmas feeling of excess better than a Christmas or Boxing Day swim. And we’re talking about nothing more than a bikini or shorts and a string of tinsel. At a cool 10 degrees Celsius, it’s certainly bracing, but you’ll be surprised to find quite a few others getting into the spirit of things and taking the plunge. Organised swims take place at Bude, Gwithian and Sennen, but Watergate Bay is great for warming up with a hot chocolate afterwards.

Have a look at our Bude holiday properties & book your stay in Bude.

Ice skating at the Eden Project

Visit a rainforest and go ice skating all in one Cornish afternoon at the Eden Project. The covered ice rink is open until 22 February and costs £6 per person (in addition to an Eden admission ticket) for a 40 minute session starting on the hour. For little ones, penguin skating aids are available to lean on and hold on to.

Padstow Christmas Festival

The gastronomical delight that is Padstow Christmas Festival returns from 4-7 December, starring award-winning chefs and more than 100 artisans and producers. See Santa arrive on his horse-drawn Victorian bus, spectacular fireworks, live music, carol singing and a lantern parade, plus lots more. Over on the south coast at Fowey Christmas market from 6-7 December, you can expect BBQs, Cornish traders, mulled wine, Santa arriving on a boat and even a sheep competition.

Cornish gardens and the National Trust

Nothing feels more festive than wrapping up in a bobble hat and gloves and visiting one of the many beautiful gardens or old properties in Cornwall. At Cotehele, see the famous 60-foot flower garland in all its glory – and help if you wish. Meanwhile, Trelissick house and gardens will be illuminated and decorated during certain weekends in December, and the Elizabethan manor house Terice will be a craft heaven of Christmas tree decoration and mincemeat making workshops.

Santa Fun Runs

Don a red suit and white beard and take part in one of Cornwall’s many Santa Fun Runs in aid of Cornwall Hospice Care. Events are taking place across the county in Truro, Newquay, Padstow, Falmouth, St Austell plus many other locations. If you’re not feeling up to it, it’s still a great event to support and watch go buy from the comfort of the side lines.

 

Thinking about staying for the New Year as well? Find out the best way to celebrate and spend the New Year in Cornwall.

What’s on in Cornwall this winter

Christmas is a magical time in Cornwall. The county really gets into the festive spirit, lighting up harbour sides with festive illuminations, hosting food festivals and carol services and of course braving the sea in a Christmas day dip. There is so much to do in the county it’s hard to fit it into one post, but to start us off here are our top five events happening in Cornwall.

Find out why New Year is the best time to visit Cornwall and some of our holiday retreats to stay in for the New Year.

Keep checking back as we add more in the run-up to the most wonderful time of year, Christmas.

1. The Eden Project and ice rink

One of Cornwall’s most visited and iconic attractions, the Eden Project has a wonderful programme of events throughout the festive season from the extremely popular ice rink to lantern parades. Visiting the Eden Project at Christmas is a must.

2. Visit Mousehole

Mousehole, a picturesque village in South West Cornwall, puts on what’s argues to be the best Christmas lights display anywhere in the country. For two weeks the fishing village is transformed into a winter wonderland with lights all around the harbour and in the hills above.

Check out our holiday properties in Mousehole to experience everything the area has to offer.

3. Take a dip

It’s traditional to take a Christmas Day dip in Cornwall, but we suggest taking a dip regardless of what day it is. Take a deep breath and jump in the cold winter water and then head home for a well-deserved hot chocolate.

4. Truro Cathedral

Head to Truro Cathedral for their Christmas service, where real live stock feature in the best nativity you’ll ever see.

5. Christmas Markets

There are a host of Christmas markets to visit throughout Cornwall during the Christmas season all showcasing the delicious local produce Cornwall has to offer. Pick up some last minute gifts and indulge in some fine food and drink.

    • Fowey Christmas Market: 29th November – 1st December
    • Victorian Christmas Market, Truro: 10th – 15th December

Discover the top 5 places to see Christmas lights in Cornwall, where festive displays illuminate the Christmas spirit across charming towns and coastal villages.