Top Picks
Top Picks for Christmas Family Fun
'Tis the season to be jolly. Here are 15 family-friendly events you can enjoy this Cornish Christmas.
1. The Mousehole Cat
Sat 11th – Fri 24th December, 2021
The Solomon Browne Hall, Penzance
Based on the well-known Cornish legend, this uniquely heartwarming story of the friendship between a fearless fisherman and his devoted cat will warm the cockles of everyone’s hearts.
This magical show has an hour-long run time allowing families to soak up the atmosphere of one of Cornwall’s most famous Christmas light displays and enjoy a live performance all in one evening.
2. A Day Before Christmas
Until 16th December, 2021
Bedruthan Hotel and Spa, Mawgan Porth
Father Christmas has checked in to the Bedruthan Hotel, each child will have a private meeting with Father Christmas and receive their own gift.
After meeting the man in red, sit down together at the Wild Cafe for a more casual take on winter dining; sit down to a choice of proper, gourmet burgers. A sweet chocolatey yule log comes to share as afters.
3. Trebah Garden of Light
Thu 9th – Sat 11th December, 2021
Trebah Garden, Falmouth
Experience the garden at night; navigate the sub-tropical pathways by the warm glow of your own handcrafted lantern and watch mesmerising flames and reflections on the shoreline. Explore the garden on your return journey through tunnels of twinkling lights to find local artist-created lantern installations, as well lanterns from the community and education programme designed and created by schools across Cornwall.
Make your very own lanterns or lantern to guide you and your family to the beach. The artists will be on hand to support you through the process of designing and building your lantern and to help you achieve your creative potential.
4. Meet Santa at Newquay Zoo
Sat 18th – Fri 24th December, 2021
Newquay Zoo, Newquay
This year, you and your little ones can visit the magical grotto at Newquay Zoo to meet Santa himself! Other festive activities include making reindeer food at the elf workshop, sprinkle it on your lawn at night, the moon will help it sparkle bright. As Santa’s reindeer fly and roam on Christmas Eve, this food will guide them to your home!
5. The Christmassy Christmas Show of Christmassy Christmasness
Sun 12th December, 2021
Tolmen Centre, Constantine
The Christmassy Christmas Show of Christmassy Christmasness! is a celebration of everything Christmassy, from fir trees, fairy lights, sleigh bells and snowflakes to crackers, carols, presents and puddings!
Join Craig as he goes on a quest to find The Twelve Sprouts of Christmas, and along the way spot some naughty elves, meet a wise-cracking snowman, say hello to an over-excited Christmas puppy, endure the world’s worst Christmas jumper and gaze in wonder at the “beautiful” Christmas fairy…
6. Festive Family Fun Day
Sun 12th December, 2021
Wheal Martyn, St Austell
Come along for a full day of festive activities in the historic grounds of Wheal Martyn. Including Christmas arts & crafts for the whole family, storytelling, local choirs, and more fun activities from the Family Forest School.
Explore the woodland trails to spot the woodland crafted reindeer, and inside, discover and vote for the best dressed Community Christmas Tree in the Discovery Centre.
7. Multistory Theatre – Beauty & the Beast
Sat 11th December, 2021
Landrake Village Hall, Saltash
The Spirit of the Moor transforms the angry young man who threatens her terrain into a hideous monster. It will take someone adventurous and with courage, to help him redeem himself.
The show is a fun, communal experience – the audience creates simple props before the story starts so everyone can be part of the action. Children and adults alike can enjoy the tale as it unfolds.
8. Christmas Fancy Dress Children’s Party
Mon 20th December, 2021
Raze the Roof, Penryn
At Raze the Roof, you can meet Santa in his grotto and even take a present home.
There will be a range of party games and activities as well as prizes for best dressed and game-winners in the disco. Included with all tickets are Yule Dogs and Berry juice for all! Adults tickets are free, everyone is welcome to come and enjoy a great family event together.
9. Lanterns and Lights
Sat 18th Dec – Sun 2nd Jan, 2022
National Maritime Museum Cornwall, Falmouth
From beautifully lit vessels to merry Make and Takes and starry trails, Christmas at the Museum takes on the theme of Lanterns and Lights with a magical nautical twist.
Decked in festive lights and sparkly stars, traditional wooden boats carry Christmas cheer. Using the Flying Flotilla, hung high from the Museum’s ceiling, the boats are lit with subtle ocean coloured hues and set amongst glistening starbursts.
10. Jack Frost 5: Lost in Time
Wed 22nd December, 2021
Victoria Gardens, Truro
This December, Coppice Theatre are back with another brand new winter storytelling show Jack Frost 5: Lost in Time.
This year Jack has found himself a time machine and he could be anywhere and anywhen! Disaster! Join Celia the Elf and help search for him across time. Hear a host of wonderfully wintery tales along the way! The show is suitable for children and adults alike. Dressing up as your favourite winter character is also encouraged.
11. Christmas at Eden
Fri 3rd – Thu 30th December, 2021
Eden Project, Par
Don’t miss the magic of Christmas at Eden. Discover the twinkling Med Biome and fill up on festive cheer with their Big Band playing all of the seasonal favourites. Wander around the enchanting Rainforest which will be awash in colourful lighting and marvel at the beautiful illuminated waterfall.
The Med Biome will be filled with beautiful lights and their glitterball will make you feel like you’re in a snowglobe, creating the perfect atmosphere to kickstart the festive season.
12. Family Art Workshops
Until Sat 18th December, 2021
Falmouth Art Gallery, Falmouth
Each week there are Art Workshops for all of the family, with different fun activities that are themed to the gallery’s current exhibitions. Take part in these fun family workshops tare led by the artist facilitators at Falmouth Art Gallery.
13. The Piskie in the Garden
Wed 29th Dec – Sun 2nd Jan, 2022
Minack Theatre, Porthcurno
Trouble begins when an old gardener is woken late at night by mysterious noises coming from the potting shed and opens the door onto a world of pesky piskie mischief.
A mixture of puppets, music and wonderful storytelling, Brolly’s new one-man show is full of mischief and fairy magic. All the family will enjoy this charming story as the hapless gardener is outwitted by the piskies.
14. Santa Special Trains return to Bodmin & Wenford Railway
Sat 11th & Sun 12th, Fri 17 – Fri 24th December, 2021
Bodmin General Station, Bodmin
The Santa Special trains will once again be steaming from Bodmin General on selected dates throughout December in the run-up to Christmas.
Visitors to the station will be greeted by Santa’s elves, before boarding the steam train to Bodmin Parkway. Whilst aboard, children will have the chance to write their list to Santa before returning to Bodmin General.
Once back at the main station children will have the opportunity to do some Christmas themed activities before they visit Santa in his unique Victorian coach. Each child will receive an age-appropriate gift and the opportunity to have their photo taken with Santa.
15. Tunnel of Lights: Arctic Adventure
Until Sun 9th Jan, 2022
Shipwreck Treasure Museum, Charlestown
Add some real sparkle to your winter nights with an adventure packed with frosted fun and dazzling displays. It’s the perfect way to spend time with family and friends this festive season.
Immerse yourself in the multi-sensory underground world and join in on the sensational polar expedition with gigantic icebergs and frozen shipwrecks and then dive into our brand-new, never before explored tunnel complete with thousands of lights that are set to dazzle.
