🎄✨ 10 Festive Things to Do in and Around Padstow This Christmas
🎅 1. Start your Christmas with a brisk sea dip
If you really want to feel alive, bundle up, grab your bravest friends and head straight for the Cornish sea! Winter dips are a big local tradition — some people go full Santa hat, others just run straight in and scream. Whether you stay in for five seconds or five minutes, you'll earn instant bragging rights and the warmest hot chocolate of your life afterwards.
🍰 2. Treat yourself to a festive afternoon tea
Cornwall does afternoon tea like nowhere else, and Christmas just makes it extra indulgent. Expect mini mince pies, spiced cakes, Christmas sandwiches and heaps of clotted cream on warm scones. Lots of cafés, hotels and tearooms around Padstow offer seasonal versions — perfect after a chilly harbour stroll.
⛸️ 3. Go ice skating at the Eden Project
Just a short trip from Padstow, the Eden Project transforms into a winter playground. Their seasonal ice rink is a favourite for families, couples and anyone ready to wobble around with a huge grin. Glide under twinkling lights… or cling to the penguin skate-aids — no judgement here!
🌌 4. Wander through the magical lights at The Lost Gardens of Heligan
Heligan becomes a glowing night-time wonderland for Christmas. Think lanterns, illuminated gardens, mesmerising installations and whimsical trails through the trees. It's peaceful, beautiful and perfect for anyone who loves a magical evening outdoors.
🎆 5. Visit Cornwall's famous Christmas lights displays
Padstow has its own gorgeous harbour lights, but if you're exploring further, Cornwall has some truly iconic displays:
Mousehole — one of the most famous Christmas light displays in the UK
Angarrack — the village with giant animated light-installations
Truro — big tree, bright streets, perfect for late-night festive shopping
All close enough for a twinkly evening road trip.
🚂 6. Hop aboard a festive steam train
Bodmin & Wenford Railway runs magical Christmas journeys where you can snuggle into vintage carriages, sip hot drinks and roll through the countryside on a proper steam train. Some services include Santa visits too — a great family treat.
🏰 7. Step into a Christmas past at National Trust houses
Cornwall's National Trust properties go all out for Christmas. You'll find giant trees, open fires, Victorian-style decorations and festive trails for little ones. It's the perfect cosy day out if you love history, heritage and a good wander.
❄️ 8. Explore Christmas markets & late-night shopping
Padstow, Truro, Wadebridge and beyond all host gorgeous festive markets filled with handmade gifts, artisan food, mulled wine stands and local crafts. They're brilliant for stocking-fillers and unique Cornish presents — plus you get to nibble your way around the stalls.
🎶 9. Soak up seasonal music & carols by the coast
Nothing says Christmas like music drifting across the harbour. From pop-up brass bands to carol singers by the Christmas tree, Padstow and nearby towns love bringing festive cheer through song. Many pubs and restaurants also host live seasonal sessions — ideal after a winter walk.
🌊 10. Take a crisp coastal walk followed by something cosy
The North Cornwall coast in winter is stunning — dramatic waves, fresh sea air and quiet paths. Wander around Stepper Point, St George's Cove, Harlyn or Constantine Bay… then duck into a pub for something warm and delicious afterwards. That's Christmas in Cornwall done right ❤️
🎁 Ready for a magical Cornish Christmas? Book your stay now!
Padstow is absolutely gorgeous at this time of year - sparkling lights around the harbour, cosy pubs serving festive favourites, fresh coastal walks, Christmas markets, chef demos, ice skating, sea dips and that special warm-and-wintery Cornish charm. Whether you're dreaming of a peaceful escape before the big day, a twinkling December weekend away or a New Year celebration by the sea, there's nowhere quite like it.
Our places fill up fast throughout December and especially New Year, so if Padstow is calling your name… now's the moment 🎅✨
Book your festive stay with Padstow Breaks today and make this Christmas one to remember. Cosy cottages, private hot tubs, roaring fires, dreamy harbour strolls - everything you need for the perfect winter escape ❤️
🎄 Secure your dates now and let the festive countdown begin!
