Things to do in Cornwall this Christmas

You're trying to get into the Christmas spirit - but it's the same every year - the local late night shopping in town is the same as ever, with herds of people pushing and shoving through the high street, battling the driving winds and horizontal rain.

Ugh.

The parking costs almost as much as the Christmas shopping but what can you do?

Online shopping doesn't inject even a tiny tingle of festive cheer so sitting in the comfort of your living room with the laptop and a credit card just isn't the same.

What if instead you took a short break to Cornwall and filled your Christmas stockings with smiles, memories and happiness?

We've found some of the best events, festive markets and fun activities going on in Cornwall this Christmas that will give you the opportunity to make this Christmas the best ever.

1. Padstow Christmas Festival
Early December

Cooking demonstrations, mulled wine, spectacular fireworks, craft workshops, artisan gifts and more fresh festive food than you can shake a cinnamon stick at. And of course Santa's grotto. An absolute must see Christmas market.

(If you make it to the market, don't forget to book your table at Pucelli's Italian restaurant and tuck into classic warming dishes while enjoying views of the harbour and admiring your purchases).

2. Ice-skating at the Eden Project
Regular sessions through December

Book yourself an ice-skating session at the world-famous Eden Project and feel the wind in your hair as you glide gracefully around the rink.

(Or if you're less experienced, cling awkwardly onto the side trying to get your balance for an hour or watch from the sidelines while cradling a steaming hot chocolate and freshly baked cookie.)

3. Fowey Christmas Market
End November/ Early December

Traditional gifts, handmade crafts, festive food and Santa's grotto as well as entertainment, live music and fairground rides.

4. See Santa by Steam (Bodmin & Wenford Railway)
Throughout December

One that the little ones will remember forever. Hop aboard the traditional steam engine at Bodmin and Wenford Railway for an hour-long ride through the countryside. Meet Santa and the elves in his magical grotto carriage.

5. Christmas at Lanhydrock
Throughout December

Experience a Cornish Christmas at this beautiful traditional late Victorian house near Bodmin.

See how the Victorians celebrated Christmas, peek inside the decorated rooms, and sample some mouth-watering mince pies and mulled wine.

6. Mousehole Christmas Lights
From mid-December

Thousands of people flock to the area every year to the spectacle of the Mousehole lights and when you see what's on offer, it's easy to see why.

7. The Victorian Christmas Market, Truro
Early December

Enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of Christmas at the fabulous Victorian Market.

Stall-holders are in full traditional dress and there is loads to see and do in the food hall and the arts, crafts and gifts area.

8. BBC Radio Cornwall's Christmas Concert
Early December

Fla la laaaa! Warm up those vocal chords for a traditional heart-lifting carol concert in the magnificent Truro Cathedral.

9. Lostwithiel Dickensian evening
Early December

Watch the lantern parade meander through the village streets, enjoy the live music, indulge in some retail therapy in the shops and craft stalls, and treat the little ones to a go on the traditional merry-go-round before meeting Santa.

10. Christmas at Cotehele
Throughout December

Cornwall's finest artisan makers, designers and producers showcase fabulous crafts and gifts that you'll love.

Looking to make this Christmas extra special?

Christmas isn't just about what you buy and what you're given - can you remember what presents you were given last year? Me neither. But memories are worth a thousand gift-wrapped packages and last so much longer, so start planning yours now.

View Christmas short breaks in Cornwall and book.