What to do for Christmas and New Year in Cornwall 2025
A Christmas or New Year escape to Cornwall ensures you end the year on the right foot. You’ll have ample opportunity to spend time with loved ones, attend parties with friends, immerse yourself in beautiful landscapes and round off 2025 with a spring in your step. Whether you’re looking for the best Christmas dinner in Cornwall or what to do on the days in between, keep reading to discover the best things to do for Christmas and New Year in Cornwall 2025.
What to do on Christmas Eve in Cornwall
Head to Truro for one of these festive events in the run up to Christmas Day.
Truro Christmas Market
Truro Christmas Market
Looking for last minute treats, table presents or simply to soak up the festive atmosphere? Truro Christmas Market is still open on Christmas Eve and offers a whole host of entertainment and street vendors. Expect crafts made by local makers, locally sourced produce and a full roster of entertainment. Feast on lipsmacking street food, listen to carols and appreciate the sparkling lights whilst surrounded by cute wooden cabins.
Aladdin at Hall for Cornwall
Aladdin at Hall for Cornwall
We love a Christmas pantomime and this year the Hall for Cornwall has a spectacular performance of Aladdin for all to enjoy. This one’s great for people of all ages and guarantees to leave you with a smile on your face. Our recommendation would be to tie this in with a meal at one of Truro’s excellent restaurants. Our favourites are The Longstore for Cornish steak and seafood, or Hooked! Truro for a full-on fishy menu.
Midnight Mass at Truro Cathedral
Truro Cathedral Midnight Mass
Make your way to Truro Cathedral at 11pm for Cornwall’s most atmospheric Midnight Mass. The room will be bathed in golden light, whilst the choir will elevate the feelings of hope and joy. There will also be services at the cathedral on Christmas Day and the days afterwards.
Where to eat on Christmas Day in Cornwall
Christmas Day is all about the food, and you can’t go wrong with these fantastic options.
The Working Boat, Falmouth
Working Boat Pub entrance, Falmouth
Don’t want to do the dishes this Christmas? Then head to The Working Boat for a delicious three-course lunch with all the trimmings. Perched overlooking Falmouth harbour, you’ll also be treated to fantastic views. Plus, their fifteen tap selection of local ales, ciders and beers. They’re a cosy dog-friendly pub and known for good portions too, so we know this one’s a winner (£79 pp).
The Alverton Manor, Truro
Alverton Hotel, Truro, Cornwall
Looking for something slightly more refined? The Alverton Manor in Truro will be cooking up a storm. Enjoy a traditional three-course Christmas lunch in an old restored convent. The beautiful building will be decked out with trees, lights and festive decorations meaning you’ll enjoy delicious food in a beautiful setting (£99 pp).
Harbour House, Flushing
Harbour House, Flushing
Harbour House overlooks the pretty harbour in Flushing just a short drive away from The Cornish Place. They specialise in fresh, local and sustainable food cooked over an open flame. Join them on Christmas Day for a cosy celebration including fizz, canapés and a traditional three-course meal. This is one of our favourite restaurants, so we know the food will be incredible (£99 pp).
Christmas Day swims in Cornwall
Festive swim, Cornwall
Going for a swim during the holidays is part and parcel of a Cornish Christmas. Bring a flask of hot chocolate and plenty of warm layers. Here are the best Christmas Day swims in Cornwall in 2025:
Gyllyngvase Beach, Falmouth – 10 am
Trevaunance Cove, St Agnes – 11 am
Porthtowan Beach, Porthtowan – 11 am
Coverack Harbour, Lizard – 12.30 pm
Where to eat on Boxing Day in Cornwall
The maritime town of Falmouth is the best place to be in Cornwall on Boxing Day. Take your pick from one of these eateries for coastal views combined with delicious food.
Beach House, Falmouth
Beach House, Swanpool, Falmouth
Enjoy a long, lazy brunch overlooking Swanpool – one of Falmouth’s tranquil beaches. No matter the weather, you’ll be able to enjoy spectacular coastal scenery – whether it’s bluebird skies or stormy waves crashing on the shoreline. Food will be served at Beach House from 9 til 5 and you’ll take your pick from a tantalising selection of sparkling drinks alongside comforting plates made from locally sourced produce. They’re known for their excellent seafood so expect to see some on their upcoming menu.
Greenbank Hotel, Falmouth
Greenbank Hotel, Falmouth
Enjoy festive cocktails and scrumptious food by the water’s edge. The Greenbank Hotel overlooks Falmouth harbour and will be decked to the nines, bringing the seasonal magic. Expect a three-course meal with a mouthwatering menu including a contemporary take on traditional Christmas classics (£49 pp).
Boxing Day Swims in Cornwall
Boxing Day swimming, Cornwall
Cold water dips are being hosted around the county on Boxing Day too. Head to one of these beaches to be part of the action:
Perranporth Beach, Perranporth – 9 am to 12 pm
Poldhu Beach, Lizard – 10.30 am
Portreath Beach, Portreath – 10.30 am
Porthminster Beach, St Ives – 12 pm to 2 pm
What to do on Boxing Day in Cornwall
For Cornish folk, getting outdoors is part and parcel of the festive season. Make the most of the stunning coastal location with these other Boxing Day activities.
Boxing Day Sauna
Kiln Sauna, Gilly Beach, Cornwall
Beach saunas have become a much-loved part of winter wellness in Cornwall – and they are opening their doors this Boxing Day in Falmouth. Enjoy the warmth of Kiln Sauna on Gyllyngvase beach or Flushing Quay after your festive dip, or treat yourself to the outdoor sauna next to the Greenbank Hotel before a boxing day feast.
Coastal Walk
Pentire Coastal walk in winter snow
If you’d rather stay dry whilst getting your fix of wholesome Boxing Day activities, then a coastal walk could be just what the doctor ordered. Get rid of any Christmas hangover, whilst making wholesome memories with your loved ones. Take your pick from one of these fantastic coastal walks to make the most of the Cornish setting.
What to do for New Year’s Eve in Cornwall
Wondering where to head for the best New Year’s Eve celebrations in Cornwall? Head to one of these events or street parties.
Fancy dress and fireworks in St Ives
St Ives New Year's Eve Fireworks
Ask anyone in Cornwall where to head for New Years Eve, and they’re sure to mention St Ives. Streets are traffic free and everyone puts a huge effort into fancy dress. At midnight expect a fantastic firework display which lights up the town and harbour. This one is great with kids and although busy has a friendly atmosphere. There are also plenty of pubs to enjoy and if you’re planning on eating out there are lots of great restaurants (though don’t forget to book ahead!)
Food and pub crawl in Falmouth
Falmouth Harbour
For another pub crawl alternative, Falmouth has an incredible range of pubs and bars packed into its high street. If you prefer an organised event, take your pick from a four course dinner, magician and DJ set at Falmouth Hotel. Or, head to the Greenbank for cocktails, refined dining and a party with plenty of dancing. The Working Boat is also offering a more casual menu, with plenty of toasts to bring in the New Year.
70s/ 80s night at Redruth Buttermarket
Buttermarket, Redruth
Looking for a more intimate venue where you can dance the night away? Redruth Buttermarket is a newly converted historic courtyard known for its streetfood, music and markets. This New Year’s Eve they’re hosting a disco ball featuring all of your favourite 70s and 80s tunes with plenty of dancing. Tickets include a welcome drink, midnight toast and a Cornish pasty!
The Cathedral Masquerade, Truro
Truro Cathedral Masquerade Ball
If you prefer an event where you can wear your best outfits, then bring in the New Year at Truro Cathedral. The beautiful building will be converted into an opulent venue complete with red carpets. Think welcome drinks and canapés as you mingle in the majestic halls, followed by street food and plenty of live entertainment. Then, round off the night with an exciting silent disco.
What to do on New Year’s Day in Cornwall
Make the first day of 2026 one to remember with a fantastic wintery escape at our luxury Cornish accommodation.
Cook a delicious meal
The Paddock, field kitchen and bar
You’ll love preparing a New Year’s Day dinner in our luxury self-catered holiday cottages in Cornwall. Our fully equipped kitchens come with hot water taps, dishwashers, and all the modern appliances. Or why not organise a New Year's Day Pizza party using the Ooni pizza oven in our field kitchen, The Paddock.
Take a woodland stroll
Fields at The Cornish Place
The field pastures and woodland surrounding our holiday cottages are perfect for a stroll post-meal. You’ll be able to enjoy the peace and tranquillity that comes with spending time in this hidden Cornish corner. Just half an hour across the fields takes you to our local village pub, The Seven Stars in Stithians. Afterwards, warm up with board games in your cosy living room complete with underfloor heating and a log fire.
Stargaze in your private outdoor hot tub
Night Sky, Cornwall
For something truly special, round off the night with a glass of something sparkling in our woodfired jacuzzi. If the sky is clear you’ll also be able to enjoy unrivalled stargazing. There’s no light pollution at The Cornish Place making it a truly magical nighttime location.
A festive escape at The Cornish Place
This December, we’re keeping our doors open over Christmas and New Year, so you can experience the magic of our coastal county. The Cornish Place offers cosy self-catered accommodation in the heart of the countryside. With easy access to Truro, Falmouth, and Newquay, you can take your pick from the best festive events while also enjoying a secluded bolthole. We are fully booked for Christmas, but Book now for New Year.