Top 10 festive things to do around Falmouth

Wrap up warm, feel the festive vibes, and get set for the season: here,
we share ten of the best festive things to do in and around Falmouth.

We all know that the Christmas spirit officially arrives when the lights start sparkling – so why not head along to one of our local switch-on events? The city of Truro’s spectacular lights will be going on this year on 18 November, followed by Falmouth’s on 24 November and Helston’s on 25 November. And of course, if you’re not around for the big switch-on, you can still appreciate the lights at any time after this, perhaps with some Christmas shopping ticked off your list?

If you enjoy getting hands-on in good company, make a beautiful festive wreath to take home with you. Potager Garden in nearby Constantine is hosting a wreath-making workshop on 3 December, during which you can make a long-lasting alternative to the norm, featuring succulents and living plants.

Falmouth dedicates an entire weekend to weaving Christmas magic. Head into town on 10 and 11 December to experience all that’s in store, from a live nativity to an ice rink, market and music. Whatever the weather, it’s sure to be a white Christmas, with a snow machine transforming the streets into a winter wonderland.

From 17 December to 1 January, experience the National Maritime Museum Cornwall from a fresh and festive perspective. Especially for Christmas, the museum and its boats will be illuminated for Lanterns & Lights: its winter celebration of light. There will also be crafty ‘make and take’ activities for children, and a museum trail with a festive nautical twist.

For many of us, food is an integral part of the Christmas season. Start building up your store – or simply begin the feasting – with a visit to the Food Barn’s festive markets. On 3 December (and each Saturday after that), you’ll find a wealth of local food producers offering Christmas treats, while on 4 and 18 December a range of artisan craft stalls will pop up, selling unique Christmas gifts.

If you’re in the mood for some serious Christmas shopping, there are a number of other gift fairs and markets at which to browse. In Falmouth, Mylor Christmas Gift Fair takes place at the Tremayne Hall on 26 November, while the Poly’s Christmas Market is running from 9-11 December. In Truro, the Made in Cornwall Christmas Fair is held in the awe-inspiring environs of Truro Cathedral, from 25-26 November. If you fancy going further afield and taking a trip down the road to St Ives, the Spa at Una will be hosting its Christmas Fayre on 24 November and 1 December.

Music has the power to conjure instant Christmas vibes, and you’ll find a packed calendar of concerts and sing-alongs taking place in Cornwall’s churches, squares and village halls throughout December. It’s a long-standing Falmouth tradition that on Christmas Eve, choirs from all over Cornwall gather to sing carols throughout the town, winding their way from The Mariners to The Moor. If you’re staying with us for Christmas, it’s one not to miss.

There’s nothing more cheerful than a Christmas tree – or indeed, a whole forest of them. On 27 November, the Princess Pavilion in Falmouth is hosting its annual Christmas tree festival, with the lighting of trees decorated by local community groups, as well as carols, mince pies and mulled cider.

Try something new and create something one-of-a-kind at Inspire Makers in Falmouth. On 25 November, have a go at making your own festive rubber stamp for personalised cards and gift tags, and on 26 November, get an introduction to working with fused glass, creating your own Christmas decoration.

Take in a show while you’re here: many local theatres and venues are hosting Christmas performances. From 15-18 and 20-23 December, The Poly is staging Christmas. Time., a “yuletide musical comedy” directed by Kneehigh’s Simon Harvey. Or, at the Princess Pavilion from 15-30 December, Miracle Theatre will perform a dark re-imagining of Sleeping Beauty.

’Tis the season to eat, drink and spend quality time together. Make your Christmas extra special by spending it on the Cornish coast: we have a range of festive breaks to choose from.