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Two children looking up at a Christmas tree outside in the snow.

Embrace the festive spirit in North Cornwall at Christmas at these Christmas events!

A North Cornwall Christmas break is a fantastic idea, whether you’re a family with little ones or a couple seeking an escape. From steam train rides, to ice skating, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Relish the quieter streets brightly lit, and the near empty beaches in North Cornwall at Christmas. Meet Santa in his grotto at Newquay Zoo, or find him at the Eden Project with his elves.

Read on to discover some of the best North Cornwall Christmas events to visit this year…


North Cornwall Christmas Markets

Decoration at Christmas Cornwall market.


Port Isaac Community Artisan Christmas Market


The monthly Port Isaac Community Farmers Market is turning festive! This fantastic local market showcases local produce, baked goods and artisan crafts.

While you enjoy Christmas in Port Isaac, pick up some special and unique gifts, like some locally made spirits or cider.

When: TBC

Where: Near the main car park at the top of the village

More info: TBC


Padstow Christmas Festival


In North Cornwall’s favourite foodie spot you’ll find a fabulous Christmas festival!

Spread over a long weekend, Padstow is playing host to some of the biggest culinary names in the game.

Not only will this Christmas market in Cornwall have handmade products and perfect Christmas stocking fillers to boot.

It will also boast a host of food and drink stalls for you to indulge in. Local favourites will be there like Tarquin’s Cornish Gin and Sharp’s Brewery.

The weekend will also see well known chefs including Angela Hartnett, Rick Stein, Nathan Outlaw and Paul Ainsworth, perform cooking demonstrations.

When: Thursday 7th – Sunday 10th December 2023

Where: Centre of Padstow

More info: Padstow Christmas Festival website


Bude Christmas Castle Fayre


Another market makes its return to North Cornwall this Christmas.

Bude Christmas Castle Fayre has reduced the number of stalls in the Parkhouse Centre. This is to allow for more spacing, so some stalls have moved outside.

You can still find a great selection of products and gifts for loved ones from local sellers.

When: Sunday 3rd December 2023, 11am – 4pm

Where: The Castle, Bude

More information: The Castle, Bude website


The Cornish Winter Fair, Wadebridge


Celebrate all that’s great about Cornish farming with festive cheer in Wadebridge!

This popular event takes place in the Royal Cornwall Events Centre and is the perfect occasion to kick off your Christmas shopping.

As well as there being a Prime Stock Show on the Saturday, you’ll also find plenty of Cornish food and drink producers, as well as locally created gifts.

When: Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th November 2023

Where: Royal Cornwall Events Centre, Wadebridge

More information: The Cornish Winter Fair website


Meet Santa in North Cornwall at Christmas

 

Father Christmas meeting a young boy.

Have Breakfast or Tea with Santa

Santa is making a few pit stops in North Cornwall at Christmas!

Find Santa at Newquay Zoo in his special grotto in December, before joining him to enjoy a scrumptious breakfast or tea with the man himself!

When:  Breakfast – Saturday 16th December 2023 / Tea – Tuesday 19th December 2023

Where: Newquay Zoo, TR7 2NN

More information: Newquay Zoo website


Santa Special Bodmin & Wenford Railway Trains

 

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Adventure down to Bodmin on your North Cornwall Christmas holiday this year to enjoy a festive journey back in time!

The Santa Special trains have returned to Bodmin & Wenford Railway.

Embark on a scenic journey on a vintage steam train whilst children write their list to Santa before returning to the station to enjoy festive arts and crafts.

Santa and his elves will join you for the ride, spreading christmas cheer, eating mince pies, and sharing gifts!

When: Saturday 2nd & Sunday 3rd, Saturday 9th & Sunday 10th, and Saturday 16th – Sunday 17th December, Thursday 21st – Sunday 24th December. 2023.

Where: Bodmin General Station, Bodmin, Cornwall PL31 1AQ

More information: Bodmin and Wenford Railway website


Cornwall Christmas Events


Christmas at the Eden Project

Within easy reach of North Cornwall is Christmas at the Eden Project!

Around 30 minutes away from Padstow, Eden Project is a fantastic attraction at any time of year, but it sparkles at Christmas.

Enjoy the magic of the twinkling Med Biome whilst enjoying music from 11 live musicians across multiple stages.

You can even enhance your Christmas in Cornwall with some ice skating at Eden Project. Pick from two kinds of sessions; general skating and family fun skate, the latter ideal for those with little ones.

Father Christmas will be making a visit to Christmas at the Eden Project too! Children will discover how the reindeer fly and meet the elves and Santa.

When: 22nd and 23rd November 2023

Where: Eden Project, Bodelva, Cornwall, PL24 2SG

More information: Christmas at the Eden Project, Ice Skating, Father Christmas at the Eden Project


Enjoy some other activities during your North Cornwall Christmas. Adventure out on some stunning walks using our walking guides, or explore the secret coves of North Cornwall.

And why not take a look at winter short breaks for some respite before the Christmas chaos?