A Festive Guide To Christmas in Cornwall

Christmas in Mousehole

Mousehole epitomises a Cornish Christmas, its famous light displays creating the perfect backdrop for evening strolls and a properly festive atmosphere.

The Mousehole Harbour Lights date back to 1963 and now include over 60 displays – a beautiful sight, especially when reflected on the water.

Arriving just before dark gives you time to wander around the streets first, popping into galleries and independent shops just before the lights come on. Soak up the scene, then retreat to your cottage for a cosy night.

Mornings can be slow. Wander down to the seafront for coffee and breakfast. Afterwards, browse the local shops for Christmas gifts, pick up pasties for lunch, or walk up to the village of Paul for a pint at The King’s Arms, with lovely views over Mount’s Bay. If you enjoy a drive, visit nearby Newlyn and Penzance, then drive on to Marazion to see St Michael’s Mount.

Christmas in Newquay

Christmas in Newquay is so different to the summer. It’s certainly our choice for a livelier atmosphere, but the crowds have gone, leaving the beaches and coast paths much quieter.

Mornings are made for the beach. Walk along Fistral or out towards Crantock, then head into town for coffee, Christmas shopping and lunch. Back at your cottage, settle in for a cosy afternoon before heading out for dinner.

Newquay is also a good base for exploring the north coast, with Watergate Bay, Mawgan Porth and Bedruthan all within easy reach.

Christmas in Hayle

Hayle is where we’d choose to have a quieter Christmas in Cornwall, with long beaches for solitary walks, wide skies and the beauty of a wilder coastline.

Start the day with a walk across Hayle Towans and along St Ives Bay, perhaps continuing towards Godrevy if the weather is good. Afterwards, find somewhere for coffee before browsing the local shops.

St Ives is also easy to reach by train from Hayle. Spend the afternoon ducking in and out of galleries, antique shops and boutiques, then return to your cottage for a quiet evening.

Hayle is perfectly positioned for exploring this part of Cornwall too, with St Ives, Godrevy, Gwithian, Penzance and Marazion all within easy reach.

Christmas in Falmouth

Falmouth is a favourite for Christmas shopping, galleries, good places to eat and plenty of coastal walks, all within easy reach.

During the day, wander around the harbour and independent shops, stop for coffee and lunch, then walk along the coast towards Gyllyngvase or Castle Beach.

For something a little different, head out to Trebah Garden for one of its Christmas workshops, or simply spend an afternoon exploring the surrounding coastline.

Back in Falmouth, there are plenty of pubs and restaurants for a relaxed festive evening, followed by a short walk back to your cottage.
Best places in Falmouth

Christmas in St Ives

St Ives is beautiful all year, but the festive season adds something extra. The pretty gallery-lined streets feel quaint and intimate, the water in the harbour twinkles in the evening light, and there’s a sense of local Cornwall life that pervades the atmosphere.

Spend a morning wandering around the harbour, browse independent shops for Christmas presents, then stop for coffee and lunch. If the weather turns, there are plenty of galleries and museums to explore.

The train from St Erth or Hayle makes getting into St Ives particularly easy, and the station is right in the centre of town.