A Family Christmas in Cornwall
October 29, 2024For many, Christmas is a time to create everlasting family memories – the type that we look back on and refer to as ‘the good old days’. A family Christmas in Cornwall is a magical experience, and with not long to go until the special day, we are looking forward to the wholesome feel and festive sparkle that transforms our county at Christmas time.
In this blog, we round up our favourite family Christmas events in Cornwall, and some beautiful large holiday cottages and multi-generational homes to welcome everyone you love; from grandparents, to babies. Think bubbling hot tub dips with frosty coastal views, Christmas storytelling by crackling log burners, and Christmas dinner in luxurious surroundings…
festive feast nights at Nancarrow, ice skating at Eden, and the Mousehole Lights?
Events for a Family Christmas in Cornwall
There’s lots of family Christmas events happening in Cornwall 2024. From timeless traditions to exciting new ones, we invite you to create lasting childhood memories in Cornwall this Christmas…
Nancarrow’s Winter Feast
Hidden in a secluded valley near Truro, Nancarrow is a working organic farm and rustic venue. Here, guests are invited to immerse themselves in the charm and warmth of farm life.
Savour a welcome drink and bites from the Woodfired Kitchen before settling in for a four-course feast. Home-reared meat, complemented by a medley of local, seasonal flavours – including freshly picked vegetables straight from the kitchen garden – await.
Where to stay
Beautifully rustic and cosy for your Christmas break, Shilly Shally is characterful retreat in St Agnes, offering up to six guests a stay full of rest, rejuvenation and plenty of festive feasting at nearby Nancarrow! Bring your dog, wrap up warm and head out on country trails. A wholesome Christmas awaits at Shilly Shally.
Mousehole Harbour Lights
The living definition of ‘small is beautiful’, Mousehole is full to the brim with Cornish ambience and heritage, especially at Christmas time. For a jolly dose of Cornish festive spirit, enjoy the light display that adorns the harbour, accompanied by mulled wine and carols from 12th December to 5th January.
Where to stay
Seaclusion, way down in the West of Cornwall near St Buryan, is a light-filled modern barn with lots of space for smaller families to settle into a week or two of Cornish festivities. Take the 20 minute drive to see Mousehole’s Christmas lights, or the 30 minute journey to St Ives, where the famous Sloop Inn hosts live music.
Heligan Night Garden
Wander through illuminated pathways and experience the magic of the Lost Gardens of Heligan after dark, until 4th January. With wildlife lantern displays, tunnels of light, and a festive atmosphere, this is one for the whole family. There are wheelchairs available too. Throughout the walk there’ll be a feast of pulled meats, cranberry and mustard sausages, rich hot chocolate, mulled wine, and fire pits to toast marshmallows over.
Where to stay
The best place to stay nearby is Admiral House, in the heart of maritime Fowey. With impressive sea and harbour views, this coastal residence in Fowey is outstanding when it comes to family-friendly holiday homes in Cornwall. Admiral House sleeps up to 15 merry folks, keeping the whole family entertained over Christmas with a cinema room, hot tub, bar area with pool table, and cosy yet spacious living areas.
Santa by Steam
Hop on board a nostalgic steam train journeying through the scenic winter countryside, to Lappa Valley, where Father Christmas and his Elves eagerly await your arrival with a gift for each child. Enjoy the sounds of a traditional fairground organ as you write and post your letter to Father Christmas, and tuck into a mince pie or cookie with hot chocolate before catching the steam train back. There’s a soft play too – perfect for burning of that Christmas excitement before bedtime!
Where to Stay
Tregonce Farmhouse is tucked away in the rural hamlet of St Issey, yet lies just moments from the festive buzz of Padstow, and a 30 minute drive from Lappa Valley Railway. This home combines its endearing cottage character with a gorgeous colour palette and dreamy furnishings. The bath in the master bedroom, the hygge lighting, a crackling log burner, and those ever-changing views of the estuary…. it’s always a cosy family Christmas at Tregonce.
Truro Christmas Markets
Transforming Lemon Quay into a Christmas village throughout December until Christmas Eve, Truro Christmas Markets showcases local crafts, unique gifts, and seasonal treats created by skilled local artisans. You’ll be able to soak up the atmosphere and tuck into delicious street food amidst twinkling lights and festive tunes. Whether it’s a spot of last minute shopping, or you simply enjoy a mooch around the stalls with mulled wine, this is a wonderful way to support our local makers whilst having a fabulously festive time.
Where to Stay
Shangri La is one of our latest Extraordinary Gems, showcasing incredible sea views, beautifully bright interiors (created by our in-house team), and strong eco-credentials for a feel-good family Christmas in Cornwall. You couldn’t be better placed for your Christmas day walk, with the beaches of Porthtowan, Perranporth and Newquay all within easy reach.
Christmas day sea dips
If a gentle Christmas day stroll isn’t Cornish enough, then why not partake in the somewhat crazy tradition of a bracing ocean dip? Whether you’re up for the challenge, or prefer to stay ashore with towels and hot chocolate at the ready, everyone if welcome to partake in this very Cornish Christmas tradition. From Hayle in the West, to Polzeath in the North, join brave locals as they flock to the beaches and run into the waves.
Where to stay
Connecting to the raw, winter beauty of nature couldn’t be easier that at Dune Hideaway. This Eco-Consious retreat features floor to ceiling glass windows to connect guests to the elements, and located just behind to Upton Towans Nature Reserve, where you can wind through a network of sand dunes and down to the beach for an icy dip.
Large Homes in Cornwall For Christmas
The most wonderful time of year calls for a setting equally as wonderful. Designed for special celebrations, our large family homes for Christmas are where lasting childhood memories are made. These multi-generational homes gift you and your family a unique and indulgent setting, where family fun and festive cheer flows throughout each space. Panoramic ocean views, serene wellness areas and cosy cinema rooms await your family Christmas in Cornwall…
Somers Place, St Ives, Sleeps 14
How about a Christmas Eve sauna after Father Christmas has done his rounds? Or a soak in the hot tub overlooking the ocean? This exclusive residence is moments from St Ives’ festive buzz, flaunting a gym, cinema room, and beautiful social areas.
- Soak up the festive feel of St Ives
- Enjoy panoramic ocean views
- Sink into the sea view hot tub
- Feel great in the sauna & gym
- Choose from 7 bedrooms and 8 bathrooms
- Bring your dog
Casa Bella, St Ives, Sleeps 8
St Ives Bay is the backdrop to this chic family home, where merrymakers will enjoy drawn-out evenings overlooking the sea. Roll the classic Christmas films and huddle on the sofa, or walk into St Ives where festive cheer, pretty lights and cosy pubs will warm your heart and cheeks.
- Walk down to Porthminster Beach
- Gaze out over St Ives Bay
- Warm up beside the fire
- Clink glasses in the bubbling hot tub
- Bring your dog
The Haven, Carbis Bay, Sleeps 10
A family-favourite with guests returning year after year, The Haven occupies a prominent position above the bay. Imagine waking up to this view on Christmas morning, or looking out for Santa’s reindeers soaring above the sea?
- Incredible sea views
- Cliff-top hot tub
- Spacious, quality social areas
- Near the beach
Chycoose, Trevone, Sleeps 6
Trevone is ideal for a family Christmas, from Chycoose you can stroll to the beach for a dog walk, call into the local pub or beach cafe for some festive cheer, and spend quality time together within the luxury interiors of the dog-friendly home in North Cornwall.
- Creative, fun design by Gems Interiors
- Sea views
- A cosy living room with log burner
- A bright snug room for the kids
- AGA oven and plenty of space for a special family meal
Book a Family Home-From-Home For Christmas.