Without further ado, these are our seven favourite Christmas and New Year’s things to do in south Cornwall in 2022.

Sleeping Beauty Miracle Theatre

No Christmas is complete without watching at least one festive performance and Sleeping Beauty by Miracle Theatre promises to be nothing short of spectacular. Written by Bill Scott and Tom Adams and directed by Hannah Stephens, this scary-fairy-tale will uplift dreamers of all ages. Audiences will be transported to the stage of the Cornwall Riviera Holiday Camp in 1959 where the legendary Yellowjackets are bursting to entertain the campers with their mangled version of this classic story; told with a song and a dance; a wink and a nudge!

Performances will run from 8th – 31st December in St Ives and Falmouth.

Find out more and book tickets here

Christmas at the Eden Project 

During the Christmas season, the iconic setting of the Eden Project is transformed into an immersive music and light experience from 2nd – 30th December. In celebration of the festive season, their Mediterranean Biome will be filled with an orchestra experience, featuring modern versions of Christmas tunes, with 11 live musicians across multiple stages throughout the Biome. Their Rainforest Biome will see sparkly fairy lights, twinkly orbs, and fibreoptic illusions create an enchanted wonderland that visitors can follow. Their ice rink is also open for skating and Father Christmas and his newest helper Elfie will be waiting to greet guests in the tipis.

Found out more here 

12 Days of Christmas at Trelissik

Experience the Christmas traditions of times gone by at National Trust’s Trelissick Estate. Throughout December the house will be open to marvel at the decorations. Festive treats such as spiced apple juice, mulled wine, mince pies and festive spiced lattes can be found in the cafe, and Father Christmas storytelling sessions will be taking place on selected dates. For all of those who need last-minute Christmas gifts, the shop is full of amazing seasonal goods from garlands and Christmas Eve games, to festive tree decorations and luxury Christmas biscuits. Searching for something unique and locally made? Have a look in the Cornwall Crafts Association gallery for works of art, hand-crafted and inspired by Cornwall. 

Find out more here

Mousehole Harbour Lights

The talk of Cornwall during Christmas time, Mousehole Harbour Lights were first displayed in 1963 by local artist, Joan Gillchrest, who placed a string of coloured bulbs along both quays to make the village a bit brighter at Christmas time. Now over 50 years later, the lights are switched from the middle of December until early January and the port is illuminated by a thousand twinkling lights. Ranging from traditional Christmas shapes (a Christmas pudding, candles, the nativity) to the symbol of the lights (a mouse holding a lightbulb), and even some more obscure lights (a fish pie), there’s something for the whole family to enjoy. Important to note is that the lights are entirely free to enjoy, and throughout the festive period members of several Mousehole societies sing carols in the open air.

Find out more here 

Greenbank Festive Afternoon Tea

Christmas time is the perfect excuse to indulge in something gluttonous and at The Greenbank, they will be transforming their famous afternoon tea with added festive twists and a little sprinkle of magic. Eat, drink and be merry with three tiers of Christmas treats, a side of sea views, and a warming glass of mulled wine. Their festive afternoon tea is served in the Water’s Edge Restaurant from the 1st December – 1st January. All you have to worry about is pulling the crackers, sipping a few tipples, and catching up with friends and family. Expect mouth-watering parmesan mustard glazed pigs n’ blankets, a roast turkey club, courgette nut sausage roll, and delicious smoke salmon pinwheels, torched coconut meringue, white chocolate raspberry macaroon, and mini mince pies.

Book here

New Year’s Eve treats and local fireworks

We are excited to announce that this year all of our Christmas and New Year’s guests will receive a 10% discount off of their whole Cornish Food Box order.

Forget the hassle of the Christmas and New Year food shop and the desperate search for the last sprout in the supermarket aisle – we have teamed up with the Cornish Food Box company to make your festive shop easy, local, and delivered to your beautiful holiday home door. ⁠

With everything you need for a traditional family meal – there’s a fantastic range of boxes including whole turkey, beef rib, duck, goose, vegetarian pies, and much more. You can add cheese and deli boards (perfect for New Year), mince pies, festive wines, hampers, gifts, treats, and even extra sprouts…⁠

So settle in for a feast on New Year’s Eve and head outdoors with full bellies to watch the local firework display in Falmouth. 

New Year’s Day at Lost Gardens of Heligan

Whether you partied until early or tucked yourself into bed before the bells rang out for the New Year, grab a hat and shake off the cobwebs by heading out for a wintry and magical walk around a Cornish garden. The Lost Gardens of Heligan will open its gates in aid of their chosen charity on New Year’s Day 2023. Take a pleasant stroll through the working Victorian Productive Gardens and stretch your legs down the enchanting Woodland Walk leading on to Heligan’s sub-tropical Jungle. With the winter sun glistening on frosted leaves, Heligan is truly an experience for all the senses and becomes a fabulous winter wonderland just waiting to be explored. 

Normal garden admission charges will apply on these special days with all money raised being donated to their nominated charity.

Find out more and book tickets here