2023: A Unique Christmas in Cornwall

Christmas in Cornwall sees coastal towns awash with artisan food markets, characterful pubs drawing in passersby with roaring fires, and colourful festive lights reflecting off the harbours. There’s something so special about spending Christmas beside the seaside, and we just had to put our finger on what makes Christmas in Cornwall so unique. So from harbour swims to festive feasts, read on and be inspired to spend Christmas 2023 in Cornwall …

Christmas shopping

At Christmas, festive emporiums packed full of beautiful, thoughtful gifts pepper the county; handmade Cornish jewellery, festive foodie hampers, delicious soaps and coastal artwork are displayed by local makers. From the creative, independent shops in Falmouth and St Ives, to the ambient Christmas markets in Fowey, your quest for the perfect stocking filler has never been so enjoyable.

Festive Strolls

If you’re spending Christmas 2023 in Cornwall, nothing beats a festive stroll. The beauty of our coastline is best enjoyed with the company of loved ones, and Cornwall offers the most spectacular locations for Christmas afternoon walks. Children burn off some excitement, dogs bound free across the sand and families enjoy a blast of wild, winter air. You may even get one of the last seal sightings of the season.

Here are a few of our favourite Christmas walks …

• Pentire Headland and Fistral Beach: Blustery with breathtaking views, just how we like our festive walks to be! From the wide sandy beach, we like to extend the stroll up to the headland, offering views of Crantock beach and the far reaching ocean.
• Perranporth to Trevellas: This five mile loop starts at beautiful Perranporth Beach, following the coast path around Droskyn Point and back through the valley.
• St Ives to Carbis Bay: Pass the beaches of Carbis Bay, Porthminster and Porthmeor as you follow this accessible and beautiful section of coast path.

Boxing Day Dips

If a gentle beach amble just isn’t adventure enough, then why not a bracing ocean dip? From Porthminster to Fistral, with its plethora of breathtaking beaches to choose from, it’s no surprise that Cornwall is top of the list for an icy, Boxing Day swim. Whether you’re up for making a splash this Boxing Day, or prefer to stay ashore with towels and hot chocolate at the ready, why not partake in this very Cornish Christmas tradition? If your ready to sprint into the sea in 2023, don’t forget your St Ives Chilly’s Bottle to keep your post dip drink warm!

Festive Feasting

Nothing gets us more in the mood for Christmas in Cornwall than the smell of festive street food, mulled wine and wood-fired treats. Padstow Christmas Festival bring celebrity chef cooking demos, food markets, live music and a community spirit to the streets of the harbour town, and a for an inspiring and delicious yuletide menu, Dine Indulge offer lip-smacking Christmas cuisine, cooked in your holiday Gem by one of their talented private chefs.

Mousehole Christmas Lights

The much loved Mousehole Harbour Lights are back for another year to make the harbour twinkle. The iconic display signals the start of Christmas 2023 in Cornwall, adorning the harbour village with the most beautiful array of colour and shape – including the famous Mousehole Cat.

Where to stay: Morvoren, Glas Mor, Gull Cottage, Mill Leat.