Christmas events seem to happen earlier and earlier each year, so you’ve probably noticed a few events taking place already. Don’t worry though – there are still plenty of events lined up for those of us who like to keep Christmas in December! Most attractions are having their own celebration in one form or another, but here are some highlights you might otherwise miss.
Ice Skating at the Eden Project
Throughout Winter until 19th February 2017
Available throughout the festive season to anyone purchasing a regular ticket to the Eden Project, this popular ice-rink is a hit for families. Combine it with their Festival of Light events that occur in the evening between 5pm and 8pm (selected dates between November and January).
Padstow Christmas Festival
Thursday 1st – 4th December 2016
One of North Cornwall’s most popular festive events, Padstow Christmas Festival offers the expected high quality chef demonstrations and food stalls, along with late shopping, fireworks, carol singers and music, and a lantern parade. Not to be missed!
Bude Christmas Lights
Friday 2nd December 2016
An opportunity for late night shopping (until 8.30pm) combines with a lantern parade. The procession starts at the wharf following the lighting of the Christmas lights – it crosses Nanny Moore’s bridge, ending at the Grotto. Mulled wine available in the Castle Grounds.
Upton Cross Art and Craft Fair, Upton Cross (nr Liskeard)
Friday 2nd – 4th December 2016
10am – 8pm
There are always plenty of craft fairs going on in this season, but we have to mention one of the region’s biggest and best. Upton Cross Craft Fair takes place at Upton Cross Parish Hall and offers a huge number of local stalls, and new artists and crafters. Refreshments/raffle and parking.
Launceston Late Night Christmas Extravaganza, Launceston Town Square
Friday 2nd December 2016
5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Visit Launceston as the streets are filled with music and entertainment, magic, dancers, Fairground Rides, Reindeer, Shire Horses and of course Santa!! Shop til 9pm and we can guarantee it will be snowing!
Liskeard Lights Up
Saturday 3rd December 2016
Liskeard’s annual winter carnival is always a magical evening. There will be a procession of lanterns followed by the switching on of the Christmas lights and a firework display. This year the theme is ‘Carnival of the Animals’ so expect a veritable menagerie to be roaming the streets!
Festive Fun at Dingles, Dingles Fairground Heritage, Lifton
Saturday 3rd December -4th December 2016
From 10am each day
A new Christmas themed event for 2016! Come and meet Santa and his helpers. Zak Frost, the Winter Wonderland Wizard will entertain everyone with his magic. Face painting. Christmas balloon modelling, festive food and mulled wine.
Santa by Steam, Bodmin & Wenford Railway
Saturday 3rd December -4th December 2016
Another great festive railway journey for all the family – Bodmin and Wenford Railway welcome Santa for a one hour journey, with Christmas fun including elves, gifts and refreshments. Tickets £14.50.
Roadford Lake Christmas Craft Fair
Saturday 3rd December 2016
10:30 am – 3:30 pm
Browse and buy unique Christmas goodies. Mulled wine & mince pies will be available to get you in the Christmas spirit. For more info contact 01566 784859
Dartmoor Railway Polar Express Ride, Okehampton Station, EX20 1EJ
Sunday 4th December, 6th, 10th -13th, 15th -23rd, 27th -28th 2016
4pm, 5pm, 6pm, 7.30pm, 8pm.
A festive ticketed train ride from Okehampton station that fans of The Polar Express film will love. Interact with the familiar faces, enjoy the yuletide refreshments and the Christmas music.
www.dartmoorpolarexpressride.com
Christmas with Causley, St Thomas Church, Launceston
Tuesday 6th December 2016
7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
A very special way to start the Christmas season: Christmas with Causley – A service of traditional carols and seasonal poetry. Free admission. Collection in aid of the St Petroc’s Society for the homeless.
Yule Tide Craft & Gift Market, Dingles Fairground Heritage, Lifton
Saturday 10th December – 11th 2016
10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Yet another great seasonal event from Dingles. A popular Christmas Market that is now a two day event. Food and Craft Stalls, including over 30 stallholders with a good mix of Christmas Comestibles, Seasonal gifts, Hand Crafted Gifts, Glassware, Candles, Confectionery, Soft toys, Hand crafted cards, Lace, Pet foods, Jewellery, Leather crafts, Cushions, Soaps, Patchwork kits and more. Face painting for the children. Come and see our Christmas Fire Fairy. Meet Father Christmas, mince pies and festive refreshments.
Christmas Day Swim, Crooklets Beach, Bude
Sunday 25th December 2016
If you’re feeling robust, why not try Bude’s annual Christmas day swim? Bude Surf Life Saving Club annual Mike Moyle Christmas Day “no wetsuits” swim! Mulled wine, hot chocolate and sausage rolls will be served.
www.budeslsc.co.uk
Boxing Day Barbecue, Clovelly, North Devon
Monday 26th December 2016
Visit Clovelly for their Boxing Day Barbecue on the quay, with rare FREE entrance into the village. Why not have a walk on the estate then come along to the barbecue where there will be live music, mulled wine, and even a treasure hunt if you are up to it.
www.clovelly.co.uk
