Christmas in Cornwall is always a magical experience, from the twinkling lights that cast the towns and villages in a colourful glow to the variety of Christmas and Boxing Day swims that add a certain rush of adventure to the big day.
Of course, when it comes to festive appearances, there’s one in particular that puts smiles on rosy-cheeked visitors – a visit from Father Christmas himself! Whether arriving by boat in St Ives or waiting to regale you with stories in his cosy log cabin, Father Christmas makes the most of a variety of events around Cornwall in the run-up to Christmas.
Looking forward to meeting Cornwall’s jolly VIP? Here are the best places to see Father Christmas in Cornwall this holiday season…
Father Christmas at the Eden Project
TBC 2026 (usually various dates throughout November and December)
Step inside a cosy log cabin to see behind the scenes of Christmas. Meet Father Christmas and his elves, discover the magic of giving, and leave with a Christmas present you can watch grow for many years to come. Children can sit down and enjoy an enchanting interactive experience before meeting Father Christmas himself. They also run relaxed sessions for children who prefer a quieter, less crowded experience. Booking in advance is strongly advised, and you will need to book entry into the Eden Project as well. You can turn your visit into the ultimate festive experience with a visit to the famous ice skating rink!
A Day Before Christmas at Bedruthan, Mawgan Porth
TBC 2026 (usually various dates throughout November and December)
Visit the enchanting woodland grotto at Bedruthan for their magical 'A Day Before Christmas' experience, where you'll be led by friendly elves to Father Christmas himself! You can visit as a group alongside other families, or you can book a one-to-one meeting with the man in red. You'll get to wander through the spectacular winter wonderland, decorate gingerbread biscuits, and post a letter to the North Pole, before enjoying a delicious festive feast.
Santa by Steam at Bodmin & Wenford Railway
TBC 2026 (usually every weekend in the run-up to Christmas)
Embark on a rail journey with a difference at Bodmin & Wenford Railway’s Santa by Steam events throughout December. This year, Father Christmas will be joining you for the train ride as he jingles and jangles through the carriages, handing out gifts and munching on mince pies.
Santa arrives by lifeboat in St Ives
9th December 2026, 6pm - 7pm 2026
The start of Christmas in St Ives is marked by the impressive arrival of Santa; instead of arriving on his sleigh, Santa likes to arrive in St Ives via lifeboat with the RNLI! After waving to the crowds of children and families gathered around the harbour, Santa will lead a procession through the town to Royal Square, where carol singers and the town band await - not to mention copious amounts of mulled wine!
Father Christmas at Lappa Valley, near Newquay
28th November - 24th December 2026
Throughout December, families can board an extra special train bound for Santa’s magical grotto, where children will receive an early Christmas present from Father Christmas himself. During the train journey, there will be tasty mince pies and hot chocolates for all, and kids will have the chance to write and post their letter to Santa.
Father Christmas at the Museum: A Chattering of Choughs
TBC 2026
Join Lowen the Elf on an immersive storytelling journey through the museum, where songs, lights and magical projections create an unforgettable atmosphere. Listen to the heartwarming tale of how Cornwall’s birds helped save Christmas, before meeting Father Christmas himself. The experience concludes with a photo opportunity and a gift from Santa.
Excited to meet Father Christmas? Explore our cosy Christmas cottages and start planning your next festive stay in Cornwall.