As the year winds down, Cornwall comes alive with a dazzling array of festivals and events that celebrate its rich cultural heritage and festive charm.

From the toe-tapping sea shanties of the Mevagissey Shanty Festival to the magical light displays at the Heligan Night Garden, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re exploring Cornish traditions at the Lowender Celtic Festival, indulging in a unique Christmas dining experience at Bedruthan, or wandering through a winter wonderland at the Eden Project, Cornwall offers unforgettable seasonal adventures for the whole family.

Here are some of our favourite events to enjoy the magic of Cornwall this autumn and winter…


Mevagissey Shanty Festival  

Date: 11 to 13 October
Distance from Rock: 1 hour

Immerse yourself in the rich tradition of sea shanties with performances from local and international shanty groups in this picturesque Cornish fishing village.

mevashantyfest.co.uk


Lowender Celtic Festival

Date: 25 to 27 October
Distance from Rock: 55 minutes

Explore the heritage of Cornwall and its Celtic connections through traditional music, dancing, Cornish language singing and storytelling as the Lowender Festival takes over the historic mining town of Redruth for 2024.

lowender.co.uk/festival

Three street musicians laughing and playing drum, violin and accordion
Picture © Lowender Peran Festival

Heligan Night Garden

Dates: 15 November – 4 January
Distance from Rock: 57 minutes (Lost Gardens of Heligan – PL26 6EN)

As the winter nights draw in, don’t miss this glittering, award-winning show for winter at the Lost Gardens of Heligan, offering a magical walk through stunning illuminated displays.

heligan.com


Christmas at Eden

Date: 22 November to 5 January
Distance from Rock: 45 minutes (PL24 2SG)

In the depths of winter, the Eden Project transforms into a winter wonderland, with stunning light displays, live music, and skating on Cornwall’s only ice rink. Plus you can meet Father Christmas and experience an all-new immersive light and soundscape in the biomes. It’s a festive experience not to be missed.

edenproject.com

A family in Christmas jumpers looking up at the Eden Project's biome with twinkling lights
Photo © The Eden Project

Cornish Winter Fair 

Date: 23 to 24 November
Distance from Rock: 15 minutes (Royal Cornwall Events Centre – PL27 7JE)

A free-to-attend event at the Royal Cornwall events centre showcasing Cornish farming life with local produce, crafts, and livestock as well as cookery classes, the chance to meet rare breed animals and even a Santa’s Grotto.

royalcornwallshow.org/cornish-winter-fair


Bedruthan Immersive Christmas Dining Experience

Dates: 1 to 21 December
Distance from Rock: 40 minutes (Bedruthan Hotel – TR8 4BX)

Father Christmas and his elves have arrived at Bedruthan for a unique festive dining experience this December. Guests will be led through a magical tree-lined passage to a Christmas grotto, where they’ll enjoy canapés, drinks, and a three- course festive feast in a snowy forest setting. Father Christmas himself is set to make a special appearance!

bedruthan.com

A wooden table laid with Christmas place settings, a fir runner and candles
Picture © The Bedruthan

Saltash Christmas Festival

Date: 7 December
Distance from Rock: 1 hour 5 mins

A vibrant community event with to get everyone into the festive spirit. Enjoy live entertainment, a Christmas street market, a Christmas light switch on and hundreds of Santa’s in the popular Santa Fun Run.

Find out more on Facebook


Cornwall Christmas Market

Date: 13 to 15 December
Distance from Rock:15 minutes (Royal Cornwall Events Centre – PL27 7JE)

Celebrate the festival season, Cornish style at this Christmas market held at the Royal Cornwall Events Centre. Kids and adults can all enjoy a feast of festive fun with Santa and his reindeer, a giant Christmas tree, two stages of entertainment, carol singers, street performers and hundreds of market stalls so you can sort your Christmas shopping.

Find out more on Facebook


Rogue Theatre’s Winter Wood

Date: December
Distance from Rock: 1 hour (Tehidy Wood)

Join Old Man Winter in Tehidy Woods at this immersive woodland theatre experience that brings magical winter fairytales to life. Twice listed in The Guardian’s Top 10 Christmas walks, expect storytelling, live performances, and a magical journey through the woods. Ideal for families and anyone wanting to experience an enchanting holiday season.

rogueotherworld.co.uk

A female performer twirling fire
Photo © Rogue Theatre

Montol Midwinter Festival

Date: 21 December
Distance from Rock: 1 hour 15 minutes (Penzance)

You’ll have to travel a bit further out to the wild west for this one, but it’s well worth it. Held in Penzance, this revival of ancient Cornish midwinter solstice celebrations brings together the community and visitors in celebration. Enjoy myth and magic as torchlit processions wend their way around the street, accompanied by traditional Cornish music, showstopping costumes and amazing fire performances. You can even get dressed up and join in! (suggestions for costumes on the Montol website)

montolfestival.co.uk