Why Cornwall is the most Magical place to spend Christmas and New Year

Celebrating Christmas and New Year is a magical time of year and where better to experience magic and festivities than Cornwall? Home of dramatic coastlines and world renowned harbourside villages, it offers a perfect retreat to escape the rat race and create unique memories.

Eden Project

First up – the Eden Project. A popular destination throughout the year for all visitors being one of the most visited attractions. Offering a whole programme of events including an unmissable visit from Father Christmas himself, after dark illumination shows and live music till late. Visitors can also take advantage of Eden’s very own ice rink. A perfect treat for those young and old and it’s assured to get you in the South West Christmas Spirit.

Mousehole Christmas Lights

Arguably the best Christmas Lights Display in the Country, Mousehole will not disappoint. The stunning display of lights both floating in the harbour and around the streets illuminates the cottages and quayside. Drawing in thousands of visitors each year this unique and extraordinary experience in unlike any traditional display you have ever seen before.

Christmas Day and Boxing Day Swim

For the brave, a seasonal swim is a popular festive tradition and where best to take it than the clear blue waters of the Cornish Coast? The perfect way to give yourself an adrenaline rush after downing your turkey and all the trimmings. Taking place across the peninsula from Bude to Charlestown it’s an unmissable experience – even if you prefer supporting from the short.

Cornish Christmas Markets

Who doesn’t like a Christmas Market? A tradition up and down the country the Christmas markets in Cornwall don’t disappoint. Being touted as a shopper’s haven, towns and villages across Cornwall have some of the best Christmas markets full of locally sourced products, arts and crafts and handmade goods, it’s the perfect place for gift inspiration. Even if you’re already set for Christmas the markets are lingering with the sweet aroma of mulled wine and are the perfect opportunity to get into the spirit and indulge in festive food and drink.

New Year’s Eve in St Ives

After a few days break, the festivities start again, and this brings us to New Years Eve. London may have their new years eve fireworks display and Big Ben, but Cornwall has St Ives. The annual St Ives firework display welcomes thousands of visitors to the seaside town to join in the festivities and commemorate the new year in style. Seeing in the new year in St Ives is a must do for visitors with live music, street parades and excellent street food, it offers something for every generation.

Cornish Pasties

And of course, you can’t possibly say you have been to Cornwall until you have tried the local delicacies including the traditional Cornish Pasty. With seasonal flavours including turkey, stuffing and cranberries in shortcrust pastry it’s the Cornish way to celebrate one mouthful at a time.