28th November 2024
If you’re lucky enough to be spending time on the Cornish coast this November or December, then you’re in for a treat. As well as the usual festive celebrations, you’ll also discover a host of incredibly unique Cornish traditional celebrations.
Below, we’ve rounded up some of our favourites to help you make the most of your time on the coast at Christmas.
Tom Bawcock’s Eve
If you’re looking for festive celebrations with a difference, then you should head to Mousehole on the 23rd of December to celebrate Tom Bawcock’s Eve. One of Cornwall’s most famous and historic feast days, it’s not to be missed.
The feast celebrates the heroic efforts of Tom Bawcock, who valiantly set sail during a turbulent storm to catch fish to feed the hungry villagers running out of food as storms battered the coastline. The story goes that he returned on the 23rd having landed a huge catch. The villagers quickly got to work making a huge pie with whole fish, and the famous ‘Stargazy pie’ with fish heads and tails poking out the crust was born.
To mark this eventful day, villagers now celebrate with a lantern procession through the village before someone dressed as Tom presents the pie accompanied by Tom’s song. There are other Cornish festive celebrations held on the day too, including carol singing on the beach. Just be sure to head to The Ship Inn for a slice of pie.
Mousehole is approximately an hour’s drive from Pentire Hotel, but the travel is well worth it to experience this uniquely Cornish celebration.
Newquay Xmas Lights Switch On
For something a bit closer to the hotel (less than a 10-minute drive or 30-minute walk), why not head to Newquay’s Christmas light switch-on?
This is one of our favourite Cornish festive celebrations, held on the 29th of November in the heart of Newquay town centre at The Killacourt, it promises to get you in the festive spirit. As well as a Christmas market with festive food and drink and craft stalls, you can enjoy live music, including traditional carols and street entertainers parading the streets. The market opens at 3pm with the light switch on at 6.30pm.
Nadelik – A Christmas in Cornwall
If you’re looking for authentic Cornish festive celebrations for the whole family, this delightful, interactive show at the National Maritime Museum will not disappoint. Celebrating Nadelik (Christmas), it tells the story of two young girls waiting for their father, a fisherman, to return home on a stormy Christmas Eve. But will he make it in time? Perhaps – but only with some extra special help!
This heartwarming tale features original songs, puppetry and a heap of festive cheer, sure to delight all the family.
Hosted at the famous cliffside Minack Theatre in Penzance, you’ll need to dress for cool December temperatures.
Tickets are available on the 14th, 15th, 21st or 22nd December at 11am or 2pm for just £5 per person (under ones go free), so advanced booking is advised.
The theatre is approximately an hour and a quarter drive from the hotel, so why not make a day of it by exploring the sights of Penzance during your visit?
See Father Christmas at Lappa Valley
A treat for the little ones, visit Lappa Valley and board the train for a nostalgic journey through the winter countryside to see Father Christmas and his elves in his Grotto. Enjoy music from a traditional fairground organ as your children write and post their letters to Father Christmas or let them loose in the indoor soft play area.
Tickets cost £17 per adult, £19 for children aged 1-15, and £10 for babies under one, which includes complimentary refreshments and a gift. You can even take your four-legged friends along for just £5 per dog.
Lappa Valley is just a 20-minute drive from The Pentire, so is within easy reach.
Montrol Festival Penzance
Hosted on the 21st of December, the Montrol Festival combines traditional Cornish folklore with traditional festive celebrations.
Taking place on the winter solstice, people dress in black and make traditional masks to parade through the streets before Old Father Time is burned at a beach bonfire to signify the death of the old year.
As the night unfolds, there are traditional mummers plays, acts by guise groups in costumes, carol singing, a torchlit parade and dancing in the streets.
The festival is free to enter and is suitable for all the family, although those with children may prefer to be out in the early afternoon before it gets rowdier.
This is a truly traditional Cornish festival, only a 50-minute drive from the Pentire hotel.
Your perfect ‘festive gift’ idea!
Book a surprise Twixmas Break at the Pentire Hotel, from £43 per person on a bed and breakfast basis, 27th – 30th of Dec 2024. Escape to our Cornish coast after all the festive chaos. Relax along our beautiful Cornish coastline. Make your Twixmas break a surprise Christmas present to share with someone special, and create time to relax and unwind together before the New Year’s celebrations begin. Also available to include Dinner if you prefer. Call our team to book and explore options on 01637 872334.
Secure your booking and start planning your dream Twixmas getaway in Newquay!
