Ten Cornish Christmas Traditions

A six-day arts and community festival, Montol celebrates Cornish midwinter traditions of the past, the midwinter solstice, and customs associated with ‘Old Christmas’. Culminating in Montol Eve on the 21st December, locals and visitors from all around are invited to dress up and join in on the longest night of the year in chasing away the darkness and celebrating the annual return of the light.

📸: Ian Mayou Photography and Cornwall News Images

Taking place on Thursday 27th November this year, the festivities begin at 5pm on Events Square with a performance from Cornwall Dance School. Fourteen festively decorated tractors will then lead the Christmas parade through town accompanied by Sing Choir. Along the way, enjoy heart-warming carols from local schools – a true community celebration. Then comes the big Christmas switch-on, led this year by Danny Trick, his family, and members of the Falmouth Marine Band. The evening rounds off  with a traditional performance from The Oggymen.

📸: Falmouth

One particular dish that is celebrated in Cornwall at this time of year is the famous Stargazey Pie. It is said that hundreds of years ago, a brave local fisherman saved the little Cornish village of Mousehole from starvation during a raging storm with a miraculous haul of pilchards. Now, every 23rd December on Tom Bawcock’s Eve, the famous pie makes a reappearance in Mousehole, while the heart warming tale is celebrated with a lantern parade. Why not have a go at making your own stargazey pie at home, with a little help from Rick Stein?

📸: BBC Food

Aside from the magic of Tom Bawcock’s eve, Mousehole is also famous for its collection of festive lights that line the harbour, illuminating the village throughout December and into early January. The best part of this particular display is that you can witness the switch on night after night throughout December! And if you miss it, simply wandering through the village after dark is a wonderful way to enjoy this charming Christmas tradition.

This time of year is a wonderful opportunity to explore all that Cornwall’s local artists, makers and bakers have to offer as we seek that special something to pop under the tree. Wandering amongst pretty stalls laden with wares of all kinds, hot drink in hand, is a yuletide tradition that many of us are familiar with. This year, one such opportunity will be hosted in the form of the Lemon Quay Truro Christmas Market. Running for 34 festive-filled days right up to Christmas eve, discover a delightful range of local crafts, unique gifts, and seasonal treats, all lovingly created by skilled artisans from the region.

📸: Stewart Girvan

For an evening of enchantment to delight both young and old, Heligan’s Night Garden events are not one to miss when winter comes around. Enjoy an immersion into the gardens after dark with a lantern experience amidst the atmospheric Lost Gardens throughout November, December and January. Discover glittering tunnels of light, trees alight with jewels and enchanting larger-than-life wildlife lanterns as you explore the estate as seen when the sun goes down.

📸: Heligan Night Garden

‘Tis the season to be jolly, and a festive afternoon tea at The Falmouth Hotel is the perfect way to enjoy a moment of yuletide indulgence by the sea. With three tiers of treats inspired by the season, traditional Christmas flavours are blended with a touch of seaside inspiration.

Enjoy a medley of savoury sandwiches and mini treats, with a hot cup of tea, coffee or mulled wine to get you into the spirit, from £23 per person. Sound like your idea of a magic Christmas moment?

If you’re feeling creative this Christmas, a wreath making workshop might be just the thing get you into the spirit of the season. With a range of dates in early December, Trebah Garden will be offering up the chance to make your very own wreath. This hands-on workshop offers a relaxed and fun way to embrace the season’s charm.

At the most wonderful time of the year, a good ol’ singalong never goes amiss, and this year you can hear the soulful sounds of Eight in a Bar in The Working Boat pub on Christmas Eve. With a pint in hand and a piping hot pasty, you’re sure to be in good spirits after an evening of Christmas song by the water.

A tradition that many hardy Cornish folk partake in year after year is the Boxing Day swim. Taking place all over the Duchy, The Falmouth just so happens to sit across from the perfect location for a festive dunk – Castle Beach. If conditions are safe, grab your Christmas hat and join all those brave enough to wade into the chilly water, with the promise of a nice hot drink and something to eat back at the hotel.