Christmas in Cornwall: Where to go and what to see

Despite Cornwall's reputation as a summertime destination, year on year the county has become a prime destination for those eager to get away on a short break this Christmas. In terms of accommodation visitors are spoilt for choice as the region is well known for its self-catering cottages and the diversity of Cornwall hotels. Of course, when the festive season does roll around, there are also a great number of events seek out too.

Penzance
Almost as far west as you can get, Penzance benefits from a uniquely provincial location, but in Cornish terms is quite highly populated. Consequently, the town pays host to a popular and well established Christmas event: The Montol Festival. ‘Montol‘ simply means ‘winter solstice' and takes place between the 14th and the 22nd of December. The festival sees street parades such as the River of Fire, carol singing, a masked carnival, and the tradition of lighting the ‘Mock'.

Truro
Cornwall's capital also sees its fair share of parades and traditional events at Christmas. One of the most significant is the City of Lights Procession, a parade of hundreds of paper lanterns through the city. Upholding its reputation as a shopping destination, the city boasts a number of late night shopping nights, as well as Christmas food and gift markets featuring the best ni local produce and craft throughout the season.

Eden
In order to maintain visitor numbers throughout the winter months, over the last few years The Eden Project has erected a wintry and wondrous ice rink throughout the festive season. As well as still being able to visit the biomes and the sights, visitors can ride the rink, and enjoy a mulled wine in between. The Eden Project is located near St. Blazey and the larger town of St. Austell.

Mousehole
Perhaps the jewel in the crown of Cornish Christmas events occurs in the picturesque village of Mousehole in south Cornwall. The village is famed for its Illuminations that light up the harbour, and December 19th sees these turned off in honour of the Penlee Lifeboat Disaster of 1981 in which eight people died. December 23rd sees the celebration of Tom Bawcock's Eve which sees the consumption of Star Gazy Pie, a party and a lantern procession.

Sarah Maple writes about hotels in Falmouth Cornwall and short breaks in Cornwall.