Summer and camping may be a distant memory when the nights are drawing in and the weather is cold and wet but one thing that I always look forward to in the depth of winter is Christmas time. Christmas food, family all being together and the feeling of good will is something that always brings a smile to my face. Something else that is always guaranteed to bring a smile to my face is the arrival of the main man himself…..Father Christmas.
Just like so many of us Santa loves Cornwall, and here are some of the great places you can go to meet the Big man himself!…
Padstow Christmas festival, 1-4th December is a great way to get you in the festive mood. You can see Santa arrive in style around the harbour then meet the man himself in his grotto all decked out in his festive attire.
After you have received your gift and given Santa your all important wish list you can then wander around the town to stock up on plenty of wonderful presents for the big day. Padstow itself is all decked out with festive lights and plenty of festive cheer. The food,drink and craft market offers something for everyone with plenty of goodies from a wide range of local producers. You can even see some festive treats being demonstrated by famous chefs. To really make the day special you can watch the wonderful fireworks to round the day off nicely.
The Eden Project is also a fantastic place to visit at Christmas time, it transforms into a magical winter wonderland complete with elves! You can write the all important wish list to hand to Father Christmas in person and settle down to hear him tell his magical festive stories.
The Eden Project also provides a chance for you to meet Santa’s reindeer before they have to get ready for their busy night ahead.
Follow the magical trail around the domes to collect the special ingredients needed to make the reindeer fly and watch and listen to the elves show you how they make the special feed! its a lovely experience that children and adults alike can enjoy.
Father Christmas wanting to make sure he sees as many children as he can also makes an appearance at the Grotto at Bedruthan. Here children collect stars to power the magical Gingerbread oven. You can wander through the woodland trail of real fur trees, catch glimpses of Cornish Piskies and meet Santa to receive a special gift. After this you can head down to the Piskies workshop decorate and eat your ginger biscuits and complete lots of festive arts and crafts.
For those who want something a little different you could head down to one of the National Trust properties. Here you will find good old traditions and classic fun of days gone by. Cotehele, Lanhydrock and Trerice is where Father Christmas takes center stage.
Meet not only Father Christmas but Mrs Christmas at Cotehele House or experience a Tudor Christmas at Trerice or simply enjoy the festive splendor of a Victorian Christmas at the grand house of Lanhydrock.
Various dates throughout December so its best to check their website nationaltrust.org.uk
Father Christmas certainly is busy in the run up to the big day no wonder he needs so many mince pies!!
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