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Magic & Wonder - Christmas in Cornwall

Tucked beneath the trees & nestled in a winter wonderland, Badgers Sett Holiday Cottages offer a cosy escape where Christmas feels like a storybook come to life. Twinkling lights, crackling fires, and woodland walks set the scene for festive magic, all wrapped in the quiet charm of South East Cornwall. Yet within easy access of Cornish attractions on both the North & South coast of Cornwall via the A30 & A38 - the very best of both worlds are catered for during a stay in one of our gorgeous holiday cottages!

Take a stroll through some of our perennial favourites below for some festive inspiration:

Santa, Skates & Sparkle at Eden

This winter, the Eden Project transforms into a shimmering world of festive joy. From 21st November 2025 to 4 January 2026, visitors can explore glowing Biomes, meet Father Christmas, and twirl across the ice in a winter wonderland.

This year’s entrancing glittering production invites children to wander through magical scenes, introduce themselves to Father Christmas & his elf helpers & take home a special gift from the man himself!

Indulge in some festive food in the tranquil surroundings of the Mediterranean Biome, after which you can browse among a huge array of individual gifts for lucky recipients, in the Eden Christmas Shop!

Whether you come for the twinkle of fairy dust, festive tales, or an amazing skating experience, Eden’s Christmas is a celebration of nature, light & seasonal magic for all ages to enjoy!

Plan your visit to Eden

Eden Project at Christmas: Image Credit: Eden Project

Festive Twinkle at The Mousehole Lights

Each December, the tiny fishing village of Mousehole becomes a glowing postcard of festive wonder. From Thursday 11th December 2025, the famous Mousehole Harbour Lights will illuminate the quaint cottages, quayside & surrounding hillside with stunning displays — including a whale and serpent in the harbour and a 150-foot “Merry Christmas” sign shining across the bay!

Whether you’re sipping mulled wine, taking those all important shots, or soaking up those festive vibes, Mousehole’s lights offer a uniquely Cornish kind of Christmas dating back to 1963 & are very much part of the local community.

Take the time to visit this gorgeous harbour town for the sparkle, tradition & good old fashioned merriment with friends & family.

Plan your visit to Mousehole

Mousehole Harbour - Image Credit: Visit Cornwall

Harbour Lights & Holiday Bites, Padstow

From Thursday 4th to Sunday 7th of December, Padstow’s iconic harbour will transform into a festive wonderland as the town's Christmas Fayre makes a much anticipated return, along with fresh sparkle & lots of Christmas revelry!

Fronting the festivities will be Cornwall’s very own, Rick Stein and Paul Ainsworth, joined by guest chefs for live demos and masterclasses.

Take a meander down endearing wonky side streets & come across individual stalls crammed with handmade gifts, local treats, and festive crafts. Christmas carols & plenty of entertainment for the littlies will be sure to add warmth & jollity by the bucket load.

On Friday evening, the harbour sky will burst into a riot of colour with a dazzling display of fireworks reflecting onto the ocean below! Grab a delicious hot chocolate topped off with marshmallows from one of the many pop up stalls surrounding the harbour to indulge in whilst watching those twinkling bursts of colour explosion!

Padstow’s Christmas Fayre is a pure celebration of proper Cornishness, harbour charm, and good old fashioned festive holiday vibes!

Plan your visit to the Padstow Christmas Fayre

Father Christmas Arriving at Padstow - Image Credit: Visit Cornwall (Paul Watts)

Sixty Feet of Charming Festive Bloom , Cotehele

Step into a fairytale scene during a visit to Cotehele House throughout this festive season, as visitors are welcomed to gaze in awe at their beautifully, individual Christmas Garland which can be found within the historic Great Hall.

From Saturday 22 November 2025 to Monday 5 January 2026, the Hall will be embellished with a stunning 60 foot swag made from thousands of dried flowers all grown on the estate earlier in the year. This is a tradition that has been enthusiastically carried out by staff members working at Cotehele during the last 65 years!

Take an amble along the illuminated trail to Cotehele Mill, where sparkly lights and twinkly decorations create a magical atmosphere throughout the cold crisp air.
Join in with the many festive activities located at the mill down by the quayside, whilst you're there why not treat yourself to a delicous warming hot chocolate - a great way to warm your hands as you wrap them round a mug whilst joining in with carol singing by the tree! A perfect festive setting for all the family to enjoy, from tinies to grumpy grandad!

Plan your visit to Cotehele

Christmas Garland at Cotehele - Image Credit: Badgers Sett Holiday Cottages

Robins, river, and a touch of magic, Golitha Falls

Nestled on the edge of Bodmin Moor & just down the lane from Badgers Sett Holiday Cottages, Golitha Falls offers a woodland escape that feels like you are stepping into a fairytale. During the Winter months, the forest hides under a canopy of bare branches & the River Fowey tumbles via many sparkly waterfalls as it makes it's way through this beautiful haven.

The path winds through oaks and frosty covered stones, cheeky robins can be seen showing off their splash of red adding to the Wintery feel!

It’s the perfect place for the family to walk off that Christmas excess whilst sipping warming spiced tea or hot chocolate from a flask & allowing the quiet beauty of Cornwall to envelope you within a yuletide hug.

Plan your visit to the Golitha Falls

The Golitha Falls - Image Credit: Badgers Sett Holiday Cottages

Posted:11 November 2025