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Ten Cornish Christmas Traditions

October 16, 2024 | News

If you’re looking for a new festive tradition to put the sparkle in your eye this season, we’ve collected some of our favourite Cornish Christmas pastimes. The question is, which will you try first?

1. The Montol Festival

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

 

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2. Falmouth Lights Switch On

Every year Falmouth’s streets fill with festive fun as onlookers gather for the annual Christmas light switch on. Taking place on 28th November this year, a song or two by Sing Choir will start the evening off with joy before Kernow Pipes and Drums lead the parade through town from Events Square. Expect performances from local schools, steaming hot drinks and freshly made churros as you take it all in. At 7pm sharp, Falmouth will be aglow with the Christmas lights, making the start of the yuletide season.

📸: Falmouth

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3. Stargazey Pie

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

Try your hand

4. Mousehole Christmas Lights

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.

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5. Christmas Markets

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 at The Falmouth Hotel, with the Creative Christmas Market taking place on 16th and 17th November. Free to attend, and with a stunning ocean backdrop, where could be a better place to get into the Christmas spirit?

📸: Stewart Girvan

See you there

6. Heligan Night Garden

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

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7. Festive Afternoon Tea at The Falmouth

‘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 just £23 per person. Sound like your idea of a magic Christmas moment?

For the sweet tooths

8. Wreath Making Workshops

If you’re feeling creative this Christmas, a wreath making workshop might be just the thing get you into the spirit of the season. As part of their Mistletoe Market on 16th November, Penventon Park Hotel will be offering up the chance to make your very own wreath. With a mince pie and a warm mulled wine standing by, this hands-on workshop offers a relaxed and fun way to embrace the season’s charm.

Snap up your space

9. Christmas Carols at The Working Boat

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.

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10. A Boxing Day Swim

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.

Something for after

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Christmas Breaks

Our Christmas getaways are filled with exquisite dining, live music, and festive treats by the bucket load.

Read more on the Christmas Breaks page Find Out More

Festive Lunches

Join us for our festive lunch this December – enjoy three courses for £29.

Read more on the Festive Lunches page Find Out More

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