MyCornwall: Christmas Guide 2022

It’s

WHITE CHRISTMAS AT HALL FOR CORNWALL

Kick-start a magical family Christmas with the spectacular, toe-tapping West End production of White Christmas, the classic musical by Irving Berlin. An all-star cast includes Jay McGuiness, singer with The Wanted and 2015 Strictly Come Dancing winner; Michael Starke, Brookside’s Sinbad; and Lorna Luft – daughter of Judy Garland.

At the heart of White Christmas is a timeless romantic comedy to warm the hearts of all ages: singers Bob Wallace and Phil Davis ask sister act Betty and Judy Haynes to perform a Christmas show to save the failing inn of their former commanding general. It’s all backed by a soundtrack to die for, including Sisters and, of course, the titular track – the

most famous festive song of all. It’s the first time the show has visited Truro, thanks to the size of the stunning new Cornwall Playhouse auditorium.

November 12 to 19.

Hall for Cornwall, Back Quay, Truro. T: 01872 262466 www.hallforcornwall.co.uk

THE ALVERTON, TRURO

Gather friends and family and head to this historic hotel in the Cornish capital, which is ready and waiting to kick-start your Christmas celebrations with jolly festive lunches, party nights, Christmas breaks and special events. Whether it’s an intimate table for two or a merry gathering, get ready

to embrace the yuletide season with tasty tipples, Christmas crackers, cheery service and festive events throughout December. The hilarious Near- Ta theatre will return on December 27 for an unforgettable Christmasthemed performance, and the New Year’s Eve Party is sure

to help you see off 2022 with a bang. Get in touch for further information.

The Alverton, Tregolls Rd, Truro TR1 1ZQ T: 01872 276633 E: stay@thealverton.co.uk www.thealverton.co.uk

THE GREENBANK

Christmas at The Greenbank is truly magical. From cocktail shaking and carol singing to festive afternoon tea and feasts that will make you fit to burst, our feel-good festive traditions will make it an unforgettable one this year. Celebrate in our cosy coastal hideaway and let our attentive team look after you, whatever your plans are

this yuletide season. And if you have any questions, we’re just a phone call away. Get in touch for information on all our festive happenings.

The Greenbank Hotel, Harbourside, Falmouth, TR11 2SR. T: 01326 312440

E: reception@greenbank-hotel.co.uk www.greenbank-hotel.co.uk

THE WORKING BOAT

Established in 1876 and rebuilt in 2015, The Working Boat is a cosy little harbourside pub downstairs at The Greenbank. This festive season, it’s the perfect spot to eat hearty seasonal dishes, drink toasty tipples, and be merry with your nearest and dearest. Whether you’re planning a cosy catch up or a jolly-knees up, enjoy their deliciously festive menu with two courses for £22 or three courses for £26.

T: 01326 312440 www.greenbank-hotel.co.uk

Christmas in... TRURO

Enjoy a capital Christmas in Cornwall’s only city

• Truro’s celebrations launch on Festive Friday, November 18 with a Christmas lights switchon and a Father Christmas parade, plus The Big Festive Shop Small Market on Lemon Quay until 9pm (continuing the following day). www.visittruro.org.uk

• Wednesday Late-Night Shopping arrives on November 23, with traffic-free shopping streets from 2pm to 9pm; and Christmas illuminations in Victoria Gardens, to be switched on daily at selected times. www.visittruro.org.uk

• Discover the true meaning of Christmas at Truro’s magnificent cathedral. Highlights include

include G4 (November 30); Handel’s Messiah (Saturday, December 10); Follow The Star – Truro Cathedral Choir’s Christmas concert (Saturday, December 17); the famous Nine Lessons and Carols service (December 23 and 24); the Christmas Day Service, and the adorable Pets Carol Service on December 29. www.trurocathedral.org.uk

• Truro Farmers Market BIG Christmas Market kicks off on Friday, December 2, running on selected dates, then daily from December 14 to Christmas Eve. www.trurofarmers.co.uk

• The Finding Father Christmas Grotto with Coppice Theatre

returns to Truro Cathedral on selected dates from Wednesday, December 7. Booking essential. www.visittruro.org.uk

• A warm welcome awaits at Trelissick, where the house has been adorned with Christmas decorations, stunning flowers and twinkling lights. Can you spot the 12 days of Christmas during your visit? Father Christmas visits on selected days, and there’s a winterthemed children’s trail around the garden. From December 3; Christmas craft fair in the stables, December 3 and 4. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/trelissick

CHRISTMAS GIFT FAIRS, MYLOR BRIDGE

Look out for two Christmas gift fairs in Mylor Bridge near Falmouth, selling delectable artisan gifts. A traditional festive fair will take place at Tremayne Hall, Mylor Bridge on Saturday, November 26 from 10am to 4pm, showcasing work by local artisans: silver jewellery, ceramics, woodwork, organic cosmetics, children’s clothes and toys, textile art, preserves, cakes, plants and more. Further details from Jan Robson on 01326 375252.

On December 3 from 10am to 4pm, members of the Creek Arts and Crafts group will sell their wares from the Ord Statter Pavilion. Participating artists include jeweller Lucy Spink, sculptor Reece Ingram and colourful Colombianinspired homewares from Republic of Happy. Catering by Baileys of Penryn.

Facebook: @creekartsandcrafts

TREGEW FOOD BARN, FLUSHING

The weekly Saturday food market at the Food Barn is a popular destination throughout the year, and in December its festive events take the experience to a whole new level – bigger, better and with jingle bells to boot! Stop by to pick up all your Christmas essentials and goodies (and maybe a mince pie and coffee!), all from local growers and producers and small independent businesses. There will longer opening hours and live music. Look out for Sunday Festive Makers Markets too, with a variety of artisan craft stalls selling quirky Christmas gifts. Free Parking; family & dog friendly.

Saturday Food Market open throughout December, 9am to 3pm (1pm on Christmas Eve). Sunday Festive Makers Market open December 4 and 18, 10am to 2pm.

The Food Barn, Tregew Rd, Flushing, Falmouth TR11 5UQ E: foodbarntregew@gmail.com www.foodbarn-tregew.co.uk

CORNWALL CRAFTS ASSOCIATION AT TRELISSICK GALLERY

Cornwall Crafts Association’s stunning gallery at Trelissick is a hub for vibrant creativity. This busy, colourful space is certainly one of Cornwall’s best and most popular galleries, and is now occupying upstairs too, allowing even more fabulous

work to be displayed, making for an exceptional Christmas. If you are searching for a a unique gift, look no further than the selling Member’s Exhibition; the exquisite work on offer spans every craft, discipline and price, with something for everyone.

Open daily, 10am to 4.30pm. Closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Cornwall Crafts Association, Trelissick Gallery, Trelissick, Feock, near Truro TR3 6QL T: 01872 864514

www.cornwallcrafts.co.uk

BAILEYS COUNTRY STORE

At Baileys Country Store, the shelves are stocked with the very best in amazing food, drinks and treats that Cornwall has to offer. By supporting local artisan producers and small businesses, you are choosing the perfect gift this Christmas. From stocking fillers to luxury hampers, bubbles to the “Christmas in a Box” festive food ordering service,

the Baileys team can help you: there’s a range of hampers already filled with delicious goodies, or you can select and fill one to your personal requirements.

Located in beautiful Penryn, Baileys is easy to visit - follow Commercial Road towards Falmouth and turn right after Penryn Bridge. If you’re unable to visit the store, visit the

website and shop online. Simon, Emma and the team look forward to welcoming you and wish you a wonderful, happy and healthy festive season.

Open Monday to Friday, 8am to 5:30pm; Saturday 8am to 5pm.

Eastwood Road, Penryn, TR10 8LA. Free parking.

T: 01326 379888

www.baileyscountrystore.co.uk

MAKERS

The hugely popular Makers Cornwall Christmas Fair is back after a three-year break, with 70+ of the best designers, makers and artists in Cornwall coming together from November 4 to 6 in the Sports Hall on Penryn’s university campus. It’s the perfect opportunity to find unique, affordable and meaningful gifts in the lead-up to Christmas,

with products including modern ceramics, stylish homewares, hand-printed textiles, unusual jewellery, original art and prints, eco-beauty products and artisanal food gifts. There will be cocktails and live music on the opening Friday evening, food stands perfect for lunch and snacks, and a cafe for the allimportant teas, coffee and cake. Parking and admission is free.

Opening times: Friday, November 4, 6 to 9pm; Saturday, November 5, 10am to 4pm; Sunday, November 6, 10am to 3pm.

Venue: Sports Hall, Penryn Campus, Falmouth and Exeter University, TR10 9FE. www.makerscornwall.co.uk

JUST DELIGHTS, PENRYN

Just Delights has created a little haven of joy, magic and a little escape from the chaos around us. The shop is filled with delightful decorations to suit all budgets; gifts and beautiful stationery, candles and cosy throws; gorgeous

homewares, and an abundance of stocking fillers – a one-stop shop for all things festive. Jemma, Daun and the staff look forward to welcoming you, and wish customers old and new a very Merry Christmas and a peaceful 2023.

Open daily, Monday to Saturday 9.30am to 5pm, Sunday noon to 4pm.

Just Delights, Commercial Road, Penryn, TR10 8AQ. Free customer parking.

T: 01326 379075

www.just-delights.co.uk

Christmas in...

FALMOUTH

Get festive with snow machines, a Christmas tree festival and a live nativity

• Falmouth’s fabulous Festive Weekend takes place on December 10 and 11, with ice rink, curling lanes, festive land train, live music and more – plus snow machines to provide that special Christmas factor!

• The Christmas Tree Festival at the Princess Pavilion is launched on November 27, when trees decorated by community groups and schools are lit up for display throughout December.

• Organised in partnership with Falmouth and Penryn Churches Together, the Live Nativity sees Mary on her donkey, led by Joseph through town as they search for somewhere to stay. Date

TBC. www.falmouth.co.uk/ falmouth-events

• The National Maritime Museum follows the theme of Lanterns & Lights with a magical nautical twist. Enjoy magically lit boats, merry Make & Takes and a Museum Trail from December 17 to January 1. www.nmmc.co.uk

• Near-ta Theatre’s cult festive comedy Christmas.Time. returns to The Poly from December 15 to 18 and 20 to 23. It’s Christmas Day; Charlie and Toby are serving time at His Majesty’s pleasure, and decide to create Christmas in their cell. Join them in a festival of carols, Claus, Christ and custody. www.thepoly.org

THEATRE: SLEEPING BEAUTY

Welcome in the festive season with the return of Miracle Theatre’s much-loved Christmas show. This year’s offering is a re-imagining of Sleeping Beauty, following the adventures of a resourceful princess with insomnia when a resentful fairy’s wicked spell goes horribly wrong. Audiences will be transported to the stage of the Cornwall Riviera Holiday Camp in 1959, where the legendary Yellowjackets are bursting to entertain the campers with their mangled version of this classic story - told with a song and a dance, a wink and a nudge! A scary-fairy-tale to uplift dreamers age 7+. 2hrs with interval.

December 8 to 11: Guildhall, St Ives, TR26 2DS December 15 to 31, Princess Pavilion, Falmouth, TR11 4AR Matinees and evening performances throughout. www.miracletheatre.co.uk

THE GREY LURCHER, FALMOUTH

We love Christmas at The Grey Lurcher, and this year is no exception. The excitement starts at Halloween - any excuse to get out the garlands and fairy lights! As stock starts arriving, the shop is dressed with a fabulous selection of gifts: bath and beauty products,

luxury scented candles from Illumens and St Mawes Scent Room, gorgeous homewares, shaving products and Durance aftershaves for guys - we think we have everyone covered.

Pop up to the High Street –we promise you won’t leave empty-handed.

Open Tuesday to Saturday, 11am to 4pm.

The Grey Lurcher, 20 High Street, Falmouth T: 01326 618240 (WhatsApp 07881 533895) www.greylurcherfalmouth.com @thegreylurcher @thegreylurcher

INSPIRE MAKERS, FALMOUTH

Located towards the top of historic Falmouth Old High Street, Inspire Makers is a creative space showcasing the talent of over 50 small Cornish creative enterprises. There is a wide range of contemporary, design-led gifts plus a selection of Christmas cards and decorations, all from both well-known and emerging artists and craftspeople. From stocking fillers to statement pieces, there is sure to be something to inspire you, and

you’ll be showing your support for local businesses by giving unique gifts created by hand. A Happy Christmas all round!

Open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm.

Inspire Makers, 5 High Street, Falmouth TR11 2AB.

T: 01326 531176

E: create@inspiremakers.com www.inspiremakers.com

@inspiremakers

@inspire_makers

CORNWALL HERITAGE TRUST

Give the gift of Cornwall’s heritage this Christmas! From just £15, Cornwall Heritage Trust membership is the perfect present for a loved one who enjoys discovering, exploring and supporting Cornwall’s unique and distinct heritage. Members receive a wealth of benefits including free entry to Cornwall’s English Heritage sites, free entry to Geevor Tin Mine Museum, heritage partner discounts, guided walks, exclusive events and much more. Christmas gift memberships come festively wrapped and even have special yuletide surprises inside. Order online today.

T: 01209 707008

E: membership@cornwallheritagetrust.org www.cornwallheritagetrust.org

TRENANCE CHOCOLATE

From luxurious truffles to perfect chocolate pasties, there are plenty of gorgeous gifts at Trenance Chocolate.

Everything is hand-crafted by the chocolatiers in their Mullion workshops, using fine Belgian couverture and all sorts of delicious ingredients.

There are beautifully packaged boxes of individual chocolates, as well as fun shapes for kids and topped chocolate bars that make wonderful stocking fillers. Buying your Christmas presents couldn’t be easier.

Sit back, visit our website and order your chocolates in time for Christmas. If you prefer to pop into the shop, Trenance Chocolate in Mullion is open 7 days a week from 10-4.

Opening Times: Seven days a week, 10-4pm.

HOG HOUSE, HELSTON

From hamsters to horses, rabbits to reptiles, the Hog House caters for all types of pets, animals and the humans who love them. As well as a large range of feeds, beds, toys, treats, gifts, homewares, hardware and accessories, the new Hog House store

has a fabulous showroom for clothing, footwear and equestrian kit. You’ll find a gift to suit any budget, or a gift voucher to put towards any item. With a friendly and knowledgeable team on hand, a visit to the Hog House is must for your Christmas shopping.

Open Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5.30pm, Saturday 8.30am to 5pm. Closed Sundays and bank holidays.

Hog House Animal feeds, Water-ma-trout, Helston, TR13 0LW. T: 01326 564433 www.hoghouse.co.uk

COWHOUSE GALLERY, PERRANUTHNOE

The Cowhouse Gallery is run by a group of local artists and craftspeople, and this independence allows them to offer a wide range of original arts and crafts at very affordable prices. Painting, sculpture, printmaking, photography, ceramics, glass, jewellery, textiles and woodturning are all beautifully displayed in this bright, light art space. It’s just a short stroll from Perranuthnoe Cove and breath-taking coastal walks, towards St Michael’s

Mount in one direction and Prussia Cove in the other.

Top: Large monkey puzzle turned vase by David Wolstencroft, £380; Left: Sunset, stained glass by Jan Long, £75; Right: Edna, weatherproof stoneware by Janeve Bainbridge, £285.

Winter opening hours: 11am to 4pm daily

Lynfield Craft Centre, Perranuthnoe, TR20 9NE. T: 01736 710538 www.cowhousegallery.co.uk

THE LIGHT AMONG US

Interested in Cornish history? Then You’ll love The Light Among Us, a novel by US academic Jill George set in in 19th-century Penzance. Jill was gripped by the tale of Elizabeth Carne, a remarkable woman who fought to overcome the class system and bring unity and prosperity not only to her corner of Cornwall, but to the world in general. A meticulously researched true story, the novel examines Victorian-era banking, mining, geology, poverty and social norms. Elizabeth Carne lived in Chapel Street, and her contribution to Cornish society, geology, banking and commerce has been woven together with real interactions with well-known thinkers of the Victorian day, including John S. Mill and Caroline Fox. It is a story that truly needs to be told.

Available at the Hypatia Trust’s Women in Word bookshop in Chapel Street, and online via Amazon.

TREVENA CROSS, BREAGE

Every Christmas, Trevena Cross raises the bar with its jaw-dropping in-store festive display. This year is no exception, with a wall of gonks, a woodland scene and nearly 9,000 different baubles – a veritable Christmas feast for the eyes. With a sensational

selection of garlands, ornaments, lights, decorations and a 15f- high tree, the shop has been transformed into a Christmas wonderland. It’s official: Trevena Cross really does know how to do Christmas!

Open Monday to Saturday, 9am to 5pm and Sunday 10.30am to 4.30pm. Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day only.

Trevena Cross, Breage, Helston, TR13 9ND T: 01736 763880 www.trevenacross.co.uk

Access to St Michael’s Mount’s historic harbour, visitors’ centre and new exhibition of historic local artwork in the Steward’s House is free, without need for a castle ticket until April 30, 2023. It’s the perfect time to head across to the magical island. Stop off at the Island Cafe for a warming dish from the special winter menu: stews, Cornish pasties, homemade mince pies, hot

MOUNT, MARAZION

drinks including gingerbread or Bailey’s lattes, mulled wine and apple juice.

Then head to the Island Shop for an array of Christmas gift ideas, from pretty bags and homewares to Cornish food and drink, as well as gorgeous decorations - including bespoke baubles featuring exclusive artwork of the Mount created by local illustrator

Jennifer Armitage (as featured on this guide’s cover!).

Opening days and times vary until March 26, with access only via the cobbled granite causeway when the tide permits. From March 27, the Mount will open Sunday to Friday, 9.30am to 5pm, with a fleet of ferry boats transporting visitors at high tide.

www.stmichaelsmount.co.uk

WINTER

CANDLELIT CONCERT TOUR

Singer-songwriter Will Keating and world-class banjo player John Dowling tour Cornish churches throughout November. Together, they blend nostalgic Cornish folk songs with intricate foot tapping instrumentals. November 14: Budock Parish Church; November 16: St Ladoca’s, Ladock; November 19: St Michael and All Angels, Bude; November 23: St Constantine Parish Church, Falmouth; November 26: St Materiana’s, Tintagel; November 28: St Buryan’s Church; November 29: St Andrew’s, Pencoys, Redruth; November 30: Minster Church, Boscastle. www.willkeatingcornwall.com

Christmas in... PENWITH

Christmas by the Sea!

• Penzance’s festive celebrations begin with the lights switch-on on November 26, followed by a programme of events including street entertainment, live bands, a silent disco, a Christmas market and the Humphry Davy Lantern Workshops and Parade on December 17.

• See Trengwainton Garden lit by the warm glow of fairy lights and lanterns made by local schools, artists and partner organisations. Hang a bauble on the wishing tree. November 30 to December 11, 4.30pm to 7.30pm. Entry fee, booking essential. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ trengwainton-garden

• Carbis Bay Estate hosts Coastal Christmas Markets on December 3 and 4, 10 and 11, noon to 6pm. The beach promenade will host craft stalls, food and drink, free festive activities for children, live music and Santa’s grotto.

• Mousehole Harbour Lights will be switched on gradually from December 12 to 17, then lit each evening until the end of the first week of January.

On December 19, all lights bar three crosses will be switched off for an hour from 8pm in memory of the tragic loss of the Penlee Lifeboat Solomon Browne and the coaster Union Star in 1981.

• David Mynne performs Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol as a mesmerising oneman show. Suitable for age 8+. St Ives Guildhall, December 17; Acorn Penzance, December 23. www.mynne.com

• On December 21, celebrate Montol in Penzance, reviving Cornwall’s traditional winter solstice customs. Family-friendly activities take place during the day and early evening around Market Jew Street, Green Market and Causewayhead; the main procession leaves the top of Chapel Street at 6pm.

THE HEALING STAR, PENZANCE

The Healing Star is Penzance’s original Magical Mystery Store, in its third decade of trading from its Causewayhead premises. Crystals, candles, incense and essential oils have always been the foundation of the business – brands include Star Child of Glastonbury. Over the years, the range has broadened to include an eclectic mix of books, tarot decks, greetings cards and giftware, all with a magical, mythical or spiritual theme. This includes the ceramic art of Wyn Abbot, fine art prints by Sarah

Vivian and jewellery by Bohemian Wrapsody and The Cornish Jewellery Co. Online presence is developing, with a website store and Facebook page.

Open Monday to Saturday, 11am to 4.30 pm (Friday 3.30pm). Festive opening times will be posted on Facebook and the old-fashioned way: on the shop door!

T: 01736 330669

E: healingstarpenzance@gmail.com www.thehealingstar.co.uk

TheHealingStarPenzance

MIRVA GALLERY, PENZANCE

The Mirva Collective is a community interest company, supporting and hosting work from an eclectic mix of artists and makers in West Cornwall. With over 50 exhibiting members, the Mirva Collective has the perfect Christmas gift for everyone, from jewellery to clothing, stationery to artwork, and everything in between. Makers also host regular workshops in their Craftspace, offering hands-on experiences in lino printing, modern calligraphy, painting, journaling, macrame and more – look out for Christmas-themed events in November and December, including wreath-making, needle-felting and crochet.

Mirva Gallery, 6-7 Causewayhead, Penzance TR18 2SR.

T: 07887 390779

Email: mirvagallery@gmail.com www.mirvagallery.co.uk

CIRCA 21, PENZANCE

Spend some precious shopping time at the atmospheric Circa 21 in Penzance. Spread over two floors, jewellery designer Esme Burton’s shop is filled with inspirational gift and sustainable homeware ranges from 30 Cornish makers: Glitter & Earth, Badger & Birch, Windswept Girlie, Lucie Sivicka, Soul Soap Kitchen, Wild Origin, Atlantic Blankets, Jewells, Liga and St Eval. Creativity is the soul and the

customer is at the heart of this high street store. Remember: shop small, shop local!

Pictured: Swimmers purse by Jewells, Heart pendant by Esme Burton, Beakers by Lucie Sivicka

Open Monday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm; and Sunday, December 18, 11am to 3pm.

Circa 21, 21 Market Jew Street, Penzance, TR18 2HR.

T: 07876 124449

E: circa21pz@gmail.com www.circa21.co.uk

A true treasure trove and ‘not so hidden gem’ on St Ives’ eclectic St Andrew’s Street, Emjems has long been a staple part of St Ives’ culture for both locals and visitors.

A family run shop that has been selling beautiful silver and gemstone jewellery, crystals, incense, a huge range of essential oils, singing bowls, stones and fossils for over 48 years, there are still plenty more beautiful discoveries to be made inside.

Opening Times: Monday-Sunday 11-5.30pm

St Andrews Street, St Ives T: 01736 798404

Christmas in... NORTH CORNWALL

Lights, craft fairs and ice skating

• Padstow Christmas Festival returns from December 1 to 4. Celebrity chef trio Rick Stein, Nathan Outlaw and Paul Ainsworth cook in the Sharp’s Chefs’ Theatre alongside A-list chefs including Clare Smyth and Angela Hartnell. There will also be stallholders, street food traders, performers, family-friendly festive activities and a firework display. Day ticket £7; full festival pass, £20. padstowchristmasfestival.co.uk

• The Cornish Winter Fair, at the Royal Cornwall Events Centre in Wadebridge, celebrates all that’s great about Cornish farming and food on November 19 and 20. On Saturday, the 140-yearold Wadebridge Prime Stock Show offers a packed prize schedule with classes for cattle and sheep, produce, craft and cookery. The Winter Market runs across both days, with an array of Cornish food and drink and locally crafted gifts. 10am to 5pm. Free entry.

• The Beach Hut Christmas Market at Bude’s Crooklets Beach (December 10 and 11) will be full to the brim with hand-crafted Christmas presents suitable for all ages, plus carol singers, a brass Band, and Santa’s grotto.

• ‘Owdyado Theatre’s Twisted Christmas, at Launceston Town Hall on Friday, December 16, promises a darkly comic evening. Expect seven macabre mini-plays with a festive flavour, from how to buy the perfect gift for your unloved ones to one woman’s maniacal plot to murder Santa Claus. Suitable for 14+. Tel 01566 773693, www.owdyado.co.uk/tour

• The Roots Culture Christmas Market Weekend, at Mount Pleasant Eco Park, Porthtowan from December 9 to 11, features 35 stalls with independent crafters, makers, upcyclers and inventors, plus festive sounds from St Agnes Singers and Tropical Pressure DJs.

HILLS TIN

A family business gathering tin ore along the beautiful North Cornish coastline that has been mined by the sea and made clean by the pounding of Atlantic waves. They take what nature has provided and turn this into their range of handmade Cornish Tin jewellery and giftware. Each item is attractively boxed together with a certificate of authenticity. Not only made in Cornwall, but a piece of Cornwall.

T: 01872 553341 E: info@bluehillstin.com www.bluehillstin.com

A St Mortiz Hotel gift voucher is the perfect Christmas surprise, a little thank you gift, for that someone who has everything or someone just a bit ‘particular’ - we all have at least one in our circles!... and let’s face it, it’s definitely better than socks!

Take the stress out of late-night shopping and the endless hours of scrolling for the perfect gift and simply give the gift of St Moritz!

@stmoritzhotel.co.uk www.stmoritzhotel.co.uk

Christmas in... NEWQUAY

Wreath-making, cinema and choirs

• Christmas begins on Friday November 25, with the Christmas on the Killacourt and Newquay Light SwitchOn. There will be family entertainment throughout the day and evening, followed by a spectacular fireworks display over the bay. Newquay at Christmas will continue until Sunday, November 27 at 4pm.

• Trerice is festively decorated for Christmas. Get into the spirit with carols from Trerice Volunteer Choir, performing on December 10 and 11 by the rear court and December 19 and 20 in the Great Hall. Normal admission prices apply. Booking not required. Father Christmas will be sharing tales and traditions of Christmases past in the Drawing room of the house. £4 child, £3 adult (normal admission prices apply). Booking essential. December 10 and 11, 17 and 18 and 21 to

23, 11.15am - 3.15pm. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/trerice

• The Lighthouse Cinema has a number of Christmas-related cinematic events, including the Royal Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker (broadcast live from the Royal Opera House), A Christmas Carol starring Mark Gatiss as Jacob Marley, and the CBeebies panto: Dick Whittington – all on the big screen. www.wtwcinemas.co.uk/ newquay

• Start your festive celebrations with a wreathmaking workshop at the Headland Hotel, under the tutelage of Home Nansledan. December 1, 2pm with afternoon tea and a glass of bubbles; December 7: 6pm with canapés and champagne. £65pp, includes all materials and tuition.

www.headlandhotel.co.uk

JACK’S, NEWQUAY

Let your little monkeys run wild at Jungle Jack’s in Newquay, which boasts 1,700 sq ft of fun including slides, tubes, rope bridge, ball pool, climbing frames and a dedicated baby and toddler area. Parents can chill out in the café with free WiFi. Children’s parties available.

Open daily until December 23; closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Reopens Tuesday, December 27. Visit the website for session times; booking is highly recommended in order to guarantee entry. Prices: age 3+, £7.50; 12 months +, £6; under 12 months, free. Adults £1.50.

13 & 14 Treloggan Trade Park, Newquay, TR7 2QL

T: 01637 852890

E: info@junglejacks.co.uk www.junglejacks.co.uk

THE LOST GARDENS OF HELIGAN

Spread joy and cheer this festive season with Heligan’s specially curated Christmas gift boxes. Inspired by the nation’s best loved gardens, these thoughtful gifts celebrate the flora and fauna of the historic 200-acre estate near Mevagissey. With gifts for everyone from green-fingered horticulturalists to outdoor explorers, you’ll find the perfect something for that special someone.

• The Bee Gift Set (£14.95) is inspired by nature’s hardest working pollinator, with a sweet collection of honey fudge, honeycomb chocolate, a seedball mix and notebook.

• The Explorer’s Kit Bag (£19.95) has everything a mini adventurer will need to get up close and personal to nature this year.

• The pineapple is an iconic symbol of regeneration at Heligan, and the Pineapple

Lover’s Giftset (£17.95) is perfect for those who like to bring the outdoors inside, with a pineapple tea towel, fruit-flaked chocolate bar, soap and exclusive ineapple and Rhubarb Jam.

• For the garden fanatics, the Potting Shed Essentials gift box is a thoughtful and practical collection of gardening must-haves.

There’s more information online at heliganshop.com

Christmas in... St austell

Lights, craft fairs and ice skating

• The Tunnel of Lights returns to the Shipwreck Treasure Museum, Charlestown from December 3 to January 8. Journey through every imaginable Christmas setting, from the snowy winter wonderland of Narnia’s frozen forests to a room filled with giant baubles of every colour possible, through an entire world of beautifully wrapped presents to a mini-German Christmas Market - and don’t miss the UK’s longest tunnel of indoor festive lights, and take a selfie in the Giant Snow Globe (additional cost applies). www.shipwreckcharlestown.co.uk

• Heligan Night Garden is an enchanting experience amid the atmospheric Lost Gardens. Exploring woodlands and gardens lit by beautiful lantern installations, from badgers to fungi, bees to butterflies and a joyful family of cheeky Tamworth pigs. Selected dates

from November 18 to January 2. www.heligan.com

• Browse handmade goods at Wheal Martyn Christmas Craft Fair on November 19. Pick up some unique gifts, from ceramics to local gins, jewellery to handmade bird boxes. Stroll through the museum and its beautiful grounds. Sensory Reindeer Trail from November 28 to December 23. Open daily, 10am to 4pm. www.wheal-martyn.com

• The Eden Project’s ice skating rink is in place until February 19 (booking essential, www. edenproject.com). Combine your session with a charity event, such as the Cornwall Christmas Fair on November 23 and 24 (ticketed event in aid of Cornwall Community Foundation, www. cornwallchristmasfair.com); or the 2km Santa Fun Run on December 4, raising funds for Children’s Hospice South West www.chsw.org.uk

A LITTLE CHRISTMAS PANTO

Can a little Cornish village panto convince a troubled Hollywood heart throb to act again? Oh no it won’t! That’s what Zach Broussard thinks when eccentric Anna Teague tries to railroad him into joining her community pantomime production. Zach has his reasons for leaving Hollywood behind in favour of remote Polcarne - but when he meets Anna’s daughter, ex-concert pianist Rosey, he starts to wonder whether he could change his mind, and not just about acting... Author Angela Britnell’s latest novel is inspired by her days in the St Stephen pantomime company, which dates back to 1945 and will tread the boards in January 2023 with its 76th production: Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood.

A Little Christmas Panto is published by Choc-Lit and available as an eBook, audioBook and paperback from Amazon.

COLWITH

FARM DISTILLERY

Colwith Farm Distillery is Cornwall’s first ‘plough-to-bottle’ distillery, run by a family of fifth- generation Cornish potato farmers who create awardwinning spirits, sustainably. Their Aval Dor Vodka and Gin is not to be missed, and there are also new limited edition Barrel Aged spirits, alongside their famous Christmas Pudding Vodka and Christmas Gin to enjoy over the festive season. The visitor centre offers gin and vodka making experiences and distillery tours, and is a one-stop shop for Christmas gifting – think luxury hampers, vouchers, cocktails-bypost and a handy new giftwrapping service. Colwith’s got Christmas all wrapped up! Pelyn Cross, Lanlivery, Lostwithiel PL22 0JG T: 01208 873967 www.colwithfarmdistillery.co.uk

Christmas in... South East CORNWALL

A historic garland, festive tunes and Christmas shopping galore

• The quaint harbour town of Fowey comes alive with a Christmas market (December 2 to 4) offering gift shopping, seasonal music and a smorgasbord of locally produced food and drink. The action is spread across Town Quay, Albert Quay, Webb Street and Town Hall venues. www.foweychristmasmarket.co.uk

• Join Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra musicians for a concert of festive favourites and magical winter music. Featuring Sleigh Ride, White Christmas, Frosty the Snowman, Jingle Bells, Silent Night, Skater’s Waltz, Vivaldi’s Four Seasons: Winter, Handel’s Messiah, Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker and more. December 10: Maker with Rame Community Hall. www.carntocove.co.uk

• At Mount Edgcumbe Christmas Fayre (December 10 and 11), you’ll find over 70 stalls selling everything from local produce to a wide variety of local gifts and crafts. Beautiful floral displays by

Duchy College students will decorate the event and are available for you to buy. The shops, workshops, galleries and a café in the Barrow Centre will also be open Family activities and entertainment, and Santa in his Grotto. Entry and parking fees apply. Assistance dogs only. www.mountedgcumbe.gov.uk

• For over 65 years, the Cotehele garden team has created a 60ft long Christmas garland using thousands of flowers grown on the estate. This year, the National Trust celebrates 75 years of caring for Cotehele with an extraspecial garland. At weekends, see how the Langsford family celebrated the festive period while they were living and working at Cotehele Mill during the Victorian era. Daily in the Great Hall from Saturday, November 19 to Friday, January 6. Normal admission prices apply. Booking not required. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ cotehele