Experience the Charm of Cornwall at Christmas

There is something especially wonderful about Cornwall at Christmas – twinkling harbours, colourful lights reflected on the shimmering water, festive feasts with sea views, immaculately dressed hotels, cosy cocktail bars, and quirky Cornish Christmas traditions. As memories of the busy summer season fade away, towns, villages, and beaches recover before bursting back into vibrant colour for the holiday season. Here, we round up the best places to visit and the most enchanting things to do for a very Cornish Christmas.

1. Ice Skating at the Eden Project

Each year, the Eden Project transforms into a mesmerising winter wonderland. Its glittering ice rink, spectacularly located in front of the iconic biomes, offers a striking setting for a delightful skating experience. The festivities continue inside the biomes, which dazzle with twinkling lights, fibre optics, and lasers, accompanied by live orchestral music. Moreover, there are 24 acres of elaborate gardens to explore on a crisp Christmas stroll – be sure to pick up a hot chocolate to keep you warm as you wander.

Address: The Eden Project, Bodelva, Par PL24 2SG
Price: Adult ice skating from £8 per person

2. Festive Wild Swimming

Guaranteed to blow away any Christmas cobwebs, there is nothing quite like a freezing, festive dip in the sea – a true Cornish tradition long before wild swimming or cold-water therapy became fashionable. From Christmas Eve to New Year’s Day, beaches across Cornwall see hardy locals running into the water, often wearing little more than swimwear and a Santa hat (wetsuits are considered cheating!). This year, to elevate your experience, head to Baby Bay in Polzeath, where you can indulge in a gorgeous wood-fired sauna for the ultimate post-swim relaxation.

Address: Baby Bay, New Polzeath, Wadebridge PL27 6UX