Evie Freeman
17 October 2024
Wrap up warm in hats and scarves and discover North Cornwall's Christmas activities this December. From Christmas day dips to visiting Santa's grotto, we guide you through our favourite Christmas activities that are sure to get you in the festive spirit.
Santa by Steam
Santa by Steam is a magical train journey through the Cornish countryside, complete with a visit from the railway elves and Santa himself. The 1-hour rides depart on Saturdays and Sundays in December from Bodmin General Station, leading up to Christmas and includes a Christmas tipple or hot chocolate. Bodmin General Station is a 14-mile drive from Rock.
Christmas Day dip
Whether you prefer to wear your winter wetsuit or festive fancy dress, a winter dip is a common tradition on the North Cornwall coast. Head down to the beach for the Polzeath Christmas Day swim, usually starting from 11am with hot chocolates and mulled tipples served afterwards. Woolly hats, hot water bottles and dry robes are recommended!
Christmas at the Eden Project
From 21 November until 4 January, the Eden Project hosts a variety of festive activities for the whole family. Experience the joy of Christmas with a visit to Father Christmas and his elves, a skate on the ice rink, an immersive Christmas lights experience and much more. The Eden Project is near St Austell, just a 20-mile drive from Rock.
Christmas at Pentire
If you fancy a walk across the Rumps this winter, the National Trust visitor hub at Pentireglaze is hosting a selection of festive activities, along with serving seasonal treats in their cafe. The Reindeer Trail runs from 28 November to 4 January, with musical acts performing on the weekends during the run up to Christmas.
Fowey Christmas Market
Running from 14 to 16 November 2025, Fowey Christmas Market is a festive must. Wander around the harbour taking in the twinkling lights as they reflect off the water. Head to the Christmas marquee and indulge in locally produced food and drink or stock up on gifts from the lovely mix of market stalls. Fowey is a 25-mile drive away from Rock.
Heligan Night Garden
Image courtesy of Greg James/The Lost Gardens of Heligan
The Lost Gardens of Heligan are offering a whole host of festive activities from 15 November to 3 January. With 200 acres of gardens to discover and everything from a visit to see Santa to an enchanted evening lantern experience, there is lots to see and do. The Lost Gardens of Heligan are a 55-minute drive from Rock.
Father Christmas at Trerice
Image courtesy of The National Trust
You can meet Father Christmas within the beautiful Elizabethan walls of Trerice House in Newquay. Join him in the drawing room on weekends in December to share tales and traditions of Christmases past. Once you have finished your visit, you can explore the colourful gardens or visit the Barn Café for a festive treat. Trerice is a 23-mile drive from Rock.
Truro Christmas Market
Image courtesy of Proper Cornwall
Wander around the cobbled streets of Lemon Quay this winter and visit Truro Christmas Market. Running from 21 November to 24 December, you will find various local crafts, seasonal treats and festive tipples set against a backdrop of festive lights and music, giving the family plenty to explore. Truro is a 30-mile drive from Rock.
Feeling inspired?
Add a sprinkling of Cornish magic to the festivities this year and whisk your nearest and dearest away for Yuletide on the wild North Cornish coast. Take a look below at our availability this Christmas.
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.