Discover What’s on in December 2023

It’s time to pull up your festive socks and jump into the holly jolly season feet-first. We’re giving you a rundown of what’s on in Cornwall this December. From festive cocktails to Christmas theatre, and Boxing Day swims, there’s a lot to keep you busy this festive season.

Throughout December: Festive afternoon tea at The Greenbank

Where: The Greenbank, Falmouth

Something sweet is coming to town! Gaze across Falmouth’s scenic harbour and tuck into the perfect pre-Christmas treat. The famous Greenbank afternoon tea makes its triumphant return, exclusively throughout December.

Tuck into three-tiers of festive favourites, from seasonal savouries like roast turkey subs, to yuletide-inspired desserts, and mouth-watering scones with jam and cream. All served with tea or coffee, and a mulled wine, for £25 per person.

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Throughout December: Cornish Christmas markets

If you’re looking for local, artisan gifts for your nearest and dearest, you’ll be spoilt for choice in Cornwall this December.

From intimate craft markets to festive extravaganzas, there are Christmas markets taking place all over the county this month.

Discover your nearest market

Every day in December: Festive cocktails at The Greenbank

Where: The Greenbank, Falmouth

Join us at the Water’s Edge bar this December for a boozy treat of heady, yuletide inspired cocktails. A perfect post-shopping wind-down, or festive catch-up with loved ones. We’re putting the spirit into Christmas this year!

Get festive with us

Selected dates in December: Christmas lights at Trengwainton

Where: Trengwainton Gardens, near Penzance

Browse the lighted structures made by local schools, artists, and partner organisations at these beautiful National Trust gardens. Warm up with a glass of mulled wine and a snack, and squeeze in a spot of Christmas shopping at the on-site café and shop. Tickets must be booked in advance.

Book here

From 11th December: Mousehole Christmas lights

Where: Mousehole, near Penzance

Visit the charming, quintessentially Cornish fishing village of Mousehole, and you’ll also get a glimpse of Mousehole’s famous Christmas lights.

Started in the 1960s, there are now over 60 displays to marvel at, with visitors coming from far and wide to view them every night.

Book now

9th-10th December: Falmouth’s festive weekend

Where: The Moor, Falmouth

Falmouth’s festive weekend is returning for 2023! Enjoy a full schedule of exciting events that are taking place in the run up to the big day. Strap on your skates and take to the ice rink, give ice-curling a try, ride the festive land train, or use the opportunity to do some last-minute Christmas shopping.

Don’t forget, we’re just up the road! Stroll up to the Water’s Edge bar and restaurant for a bite to eat, or a warming mulled wine.

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24th December: Christmas Eve at The Working Boat

‘Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the night, The Working Boat team were up pulling pints! Join us for a jolly good knees-up on Christmas Eve. We’ll be celebrating with plenty of tipples, and the soulful sounds of Eight In A Bar to get you into the spirit of things before the big day.

Head below decks

25th-26th December: Christmas swims

Where: all over Cornwall

It’s not a Cornish Christmas until you’ve plunged into the icy waters off the county’s coasts. If you’re brave enough to take a chilly dip, you’ve got a long list of Christmas swims to choose from over the festive period.

Discover our list

27th December: ‘Christmas.Time’ by Near-ta Theatre

Where: The Alverton, Truro

In the interval between Christmas and New Year’s Eve, The Alverton have the perfect family afternoon planned for you. Head to our sister hotel in Truro, and take a seat in The Great Hall for a special performance of Near-ta Theatre’s hilarious seasonal comedy – ‘Christmas.Time’.

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