Christmas In Cornwall: The Port Isaac Illuminations
The most magical time of the year is almost upon us, and where better place to spend the festivities than in beautiful Cornwall?
Explore pretty fishing villages where twinkling lights reflect back at you from the ocean, immerse yourself in the Christmas spirit of days-gone-by at one of Cornwall’s National Trust properties, take a wintery walk along the coast path or across the moors, and return to a cosy cottage to light the fire and eat well.
Courtenay House with its Christmas garland
Christmas in Port Isaac is a special experience, where else will you find a sparkling Christmas tree created from lobster pots?! From Friday 6th December visitors can enjoy the annual Port Isaac Illuminations, decorating the narrow old streets, fisherman’s cottages, shop fronts and pubs. This year the theme is ‘A Thousand Stars’, with the village’s historic center set to become a twinkling galaxy. Houses and local businesses will be competing to have the best-decked windows and doors, plus you’ll find an exhibition of star-themed windowsills in the church.
If you’d like to support the Port Isaac Illuminations this festive season you can do so by purchasing your own little star. Local businesses throughout the village will be stocking Port Isaac Christmas Lights star badges, with all proceeds going to the illuminations fund. Wear your badge to spread the word about ‘A Thousand Stars’! To find out more about the star badges and the Christmas lights, click here.
Throughout the festive season and holidays many of Port Isaac’s eateries and shops will be open, including Peapods, Port Isaac Trading Co, The Boathouse, The Golden Lion, The Mote and Outlaw’s Fish Kitchen to name but a few.
Christmas at the Lost Gardens of Heligan
A stones throw from the coast you’ll find plenty more festive activities. Explore the beautiful 17th Century house and gardens of Lanhydrock; carols and crafts, trails and ten-foot Christmas trees - this National Trust property puts on a proper Victorian Christmas show. Towards the south coast you’ll find the stunning Lost Gardens of Heligan and their famous Night Garden that lights up the undergrowth throughout December and into January. A family favourite with locals and visitors alike, booking is essential to get involved in the magic.
Night Garden at The Lost Gardens of Heligan
The Eden Project also get involved with the Christmas spirit by turning the Tropical Biome into a nighttime wonderland and hosting live Christmas music in the Mediterranean Biome, plus ice skating and Father Christmas encounters. Over weekends in December, including the 23rd and Christmas Eve, children are invited to meet Santa By Steam on the Bodmin and Wenford Railway. Enjoy the 1950s station decked in Christmas cheer, take part in the children’s activities, and adults can grab a mulled Christmas tipple in the station bar. The Bodmin Railway are also running a Quiet Train Departure, aimed at children and adults who need reduced sensory stimulation, with limited tickets available.
Bodmin and Wenford Railway
If you’re hoping to spend the festive season in Port Isaac, check out website for any last minute availability. We look forward to welcoming you soon!