The countdown to December has begun! The end of November kickstarts the countdown to Christmas and heightens the longing to open our advent calendars. This year, we have compiled a list of some events taking place throughout Cornwall and in Plymouth for you to add to your festive calendar.
Beginning with Launceston, Charles Causley’s hometown and where he spent the majority of his life, the Christmas Lights switch-on will take place on the 3rd of December. Head to the town centre to watch Launceston fill with light and Christmas cheer.
Then on Friday 10th of December the Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a ‘Spirit of Christmas’ event that includes a late-night shopping evening and a carol service around the Christmas tree. Take a stroll through the narrow medieval streets of Cornwall’s only walled town and explore its boutique shops and eateries as they extend their opening hours. There will also be a children’s magic show and nativity performances between 4:45 and 7:15 pm. For more information, see the event’s dedicated Facebook page.
Following this on Saturday 11th of December, the annual Christmas Market will return from 9 am until 2 pm. Take a trip to the town square for a mixed market hosting a wide range of stalls including, arts, crafts, gifts, homewares, food and drink and local produce.
Every Friday and Saturday in December, the Market House Arcade will host its Magical Winter Experience. Here, families can meet Father Christmas, make balloon characters, and purchase gifts. The event is co-run by arcade businesses Maddielilli Photography, Once in a Blue Balloon and Queen of Bombs.
Moving on to nearby market town Tavistock, from Thursday 2nd until Saturday 4th of December there will be a Christmas Craft shopping experience called ‘Tinsel in Tavistock.’ Set in the historic surroundings of the Tavistock town hall, you can purchase unique hand-crafted products from a collection of artisan makers.
Then on Sunday 9th of December from 10 am until 4 pm, Miss Ivy events are hosting the Tavistock Christmas Festival. The day will be full of festive treats from over 60 artisan, upcycled and gift exhibitors selling a selection of jewellery, candles, gifts and many other items. There will also be a gnome trail for little ones, a choir, elves, and a festive bouncy castle. The event, which takes place at Pannier Market and Butcher’s Hall, is free to attend. For more information, see the Visit Tavistock website.
Over in Bodmin, the Bodmin and Wenford Railway’s popular Christmas trains are making a return to the heritage steam railway. Visitors will be greeted by Santa’s elves, before boarding the steam train to Bodmin Parkway. Whilst aboard the train, children will have the chance to write their list to Santa before returning back to Bodmin General. Back at the main station children will have the opportunity to do some Christmas themed activities before they go and visit Santa in his unique Victorian coach. Each child will receive a gift and the opportunity to have their photo taken with Santa. These Santa Specials begin on 4th of December and subsequently run on the 5th, 11th, 12thand 17th-24th of December. To book tickets, see the Bodmin and Wenford Railway website.
In Plymouth, the annual Christmas Market will be taking place from the 2nd until the 19th of December at The Piazza in the city centre. Covered in Christmas decorations and fairy lights, the market is full of unmissable stalls, in which you can sample, eat and buy a whole variety of goodies. Local artists and creators will be selling exclusive Christmas products, from stained glass ornaments, local gin and vodka to hand-knitted garments and artisan biscuits. See the Visit Plymouth website for more information, including opening times.
On the 11th of December, Plymouth’s annual festive concert will be returning. Hosted by The Arts Institute Plymouth, the event will feature a popular selection of seasonal choral and instrumental masterpieces from the University of Plymouth Choral Society and Sinfonia. The concert will take place at the Minster Church of St Andrew, Royal Parade in Plymouth. Visit the University of Plymouth website to purchase your tickets.
Finally, over at The Eden Project, the Christmas at Eden outdoor experience is back from the 3rd until the 30th of December. Wrap up warm to explore their twinkling Med Biome, wander around their enchanting Rainforest and marvel at their beautiful illuminated waterfall. Alongside this, there will be an 18-piece Christmas Big Band playing seasonal favourites as well as some original scores in their Citrus Grove. For more information, see The Eden Project website.
For a longer list of events taking place in Cornwall this Christmas, see the Cornwall 365 website.
Don’t forget to follow our social media (@causleytrust) to access all of our Christmas news and content.
We wish you a very festive December!
