Primary Times - the definitive what’s on and where to go family guide of activities and events for children of primary school age. Things to do with your kids during the school holidays including arts and craft activities, music and theatre for children, parties, competitions, days out, and family attractions along with term time drama schools, dance classes, after school clubs and sports activities. Things to do at a place near you!
Where's Santa in Cornwall 2024
Read on for more on Santa's grottos, opportunities to meet Santa and Santa's workshops in Cornwall in 2024...
Updated 28/10/2024
At this time of year Father Christmas becomes an incredibly busy man, but as he’s so friendly and thoughtful he will always find time to listen to your wish lists.
There’s nothing that Father Christmas loves more than talking and listening to children, so he uses his super magical powers to whizz all over the county and can be in many places often at the same time!
You’ll find him in cosy cabins, in sparkly grottos, on festive trains and on horse-drawn sleighs in town centres, shopping centres, garden centres and family attractions.
As he gets exceedingly hungry on his travels he even turns up for breakfast and lunch at some places! So, along with his many helpers, do look out for Santa at the following locations this festive season…
PS. Don’t forget to leave out a treat or two for Santa and his reindeer on Christmas Eve. The cheeky elves have told us he likes smelly socks, but we think he would rather have a tasty mince pie!
Other places to see Santa in Cornwall 2024
Dates from 7th December 2024
Trelissick, Feock, Truro, TR3 6QL.
Father Christmas returns to the stable yard this December where he’ll tell a special story of a Cornish Christmas at Trelissick. Once the storytelling has finished he’ll hand out a small gift at the end to each child.
Father Christmas will be joining in on 7th, 8th, 14th and 15th December 2024 and then daily between 19th and 23rd December 2024.
Relaxed sessions are available on 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 21st and 22nd December 2024 and are aimed at providing a more relaxed and calmer experience with reduced noise levels and crowds
Pre-booking for all sessions is strongly recommended as sessions are expected to sell out
Details to be announced for 2024
Santa's Grotto at Camborne Library
Camborne Library.
www.facebook.com/cambornelibrary
No details are currently available as to if this event will be taking place in 2024
Selected dates in 2024
Meet Santa and his Reindeer at Gwel an Mor
Gwel an Mor
https://cove.co.uk/gwelanmor/cornwall-breaks/holidays/christmas-2024/
Santa's Grotto experience set against a backdrop of festive decorations and twinkling lights
Selected dates between 30th November and 24th December 2024
Crealy Great Adventure Park, Clyst St Mary, Near Exeter, Devon, EX5 1DR
https://www.crealy.co.uk/events/christmas-at-crealy/
It's the most wonderful time of the year with Christmas at Crealy. See the Park transform into a Winter Wonderland - from sparkling lights to magical entertainment - there's something for the whole family to enjoy.
Don't miss out on the chance to meet & greet with Santa himself in the popular grotto experience, including a FREE toy for every child from Santa's Magical Toy Shop.
What's on this Christmas at Crealy?
-
Live Christmas on Ice Show
-
Winter light displays around the Park
-
Rides and thrills in the dark
-
Christmas Sooty Show
-
Santa's Post Office
Further details will be coming soon
Dates to be confirmed for 2024
Santa’s Grotto at Paradise Park 2024
Paradise Park and Junglebarn Play Centre, 16 Trelissick Road, Hayle, Cornwall, TR27 4HB
Details to be confirmed for 2024
Dates from 23rd November to 23rd December 2024
Breakfast With Santa//Tea With Santa/Santas Grotto at Trelawney Garden Centre
Trelawney Garden Centre, Wadebridge
Santa's Grotto - https://bluediamond.smart-tickets.co.uk/?link=ticket-event&eventid=1210&invitation=&sids=
Breakfast with Santa - https://bluediamond.smart-tickets.co.uk/?link=ticket-event&eventid=1222&invitation=&sids=
Tea with Santa - https://bluediamond.smart-tickets.co.uk/?link=ticket-event&eventid=1262&invitation=&sids=
https://www.facebook.com/TrelawneyGardenCentre/?locale=en_GB
Variety of Santa themed events available on selected dates - see the website for booking and availability
5th December 2024
Lostwithiel Dickensian Evening 2024
Lostwithiel, PL22
www.lostwithiel.org.uk/dickensian-evening
Full details for 2024 are still to be announced - see the description below for information about the 2023 event
Visit the traditional Santa's grotto – just look out for the secret entrance in Fore Street. Santa will be wearing his traditional green robes rather than red. Plus enjoy a lantern parade, street entertainment, live music and old-fashioned merry-go round. Also enjoy late night shopping with shopkeepers dressed up in Victorian clothing, a lantern parade, food stalls, the annual Advent Window Trail and the illuminated Christmas trees above shops and houses.
29th November to 24th December 2024
Father Christmas at the Lost Gardens of Heligan 2024
The Lost Gardens of Heligan, St Austell, Cornwall, PL26 6EN
https://www.heligan.com/events/events-at-heligan/father-christmas-at-the-lost-gardens/
This Christmas, the Heligan Team are excited to announce the return of a very special guest, as we look forward to welcoming back Father Christmas and his team of Elves to The Lost Gardens. Tickets are expected to go on sale in September 2024
Dates from 7th December 2024
Finding Father Christmas at the Museum
Royal Cornwall Museum, Truro
A festive storytelling treat at Royal Cornwall Museum Truro. Meet Father Christmas at his Kernow office and hear him tell the story of Jim the Cornish Knocker. Jim always dreamed of becoming one of the famous Christmas Elves that works at the North Pole, perhaps you can help Jim’s dreams come true. Every child will receive a small gift and have the chance to meet Father Christmas. Families can photograph their child meeting Father Christmas and can explore the fascinating exhibits of museum if they wish after meeting Father Christmas.
Father Christmas at the Museum is a walking theatre and grotto experience supported by Truro BID, and with kind permission from the Royal Cornwall Museum. There is a lift available to access the second floor of the museum if families need step-free access. Prams and buggies may be left at the entrance. Booking is required.
To be confirmed for 2024
Christmas Market at The London Inn, Kilkhampton
The London Inn, Kilkhampton.
www.facebook.com/thelondoninnkilkhampton
Details of a 2024 event are still to be confirmed
7th and 8th December 2024
Autism Friendly Santa's Grotto, Lanivet
Location to be confirmed
Santa's Grotto with autism and special educational needs in mind - see the Facebook page for updates and booking details
Dates from 23rd December 2024
Breakfast With Santa at China Fleet Country Club
China Fleet Country Club, Saltash, Cornwall, PL12 6LJ
https://www.china-fleet.co.uk/events/event-calendar/
Enjoy a magical breakfast morning with an unlimited cooked and continental buffet and a special gift for each child delivered personally by Santa. Book online
Dates from 15th December 2024
Santa Grotto Carvery at China Fleet Country Club 2024
China Fleet Country Club, Saltash, Cornwall, PL12 6LJ
https://www.china-fleet.co.uk/events/event-calendar/
2 course carvery with Santa and his elves ready to greet your children with a gift. See the website for menus and booking formation
Details for 2024 still to be announced
Geevor Tin Mine Museum, Penzance.
2024 event to be confirmed
27th November 2024
The Father Christmas Parade at Truro
Truro.
https://www.visittruro.org.uk/whats-on/the-father-christmas-parade
Following Festive Friday (Truro’s Christmas Lights Switch-on) which takes place on 22nd November, celebrations continue in the city with The Father Christmas Parade on Wednesday 27th November.
Organised by Truro BID, the parade around the city will start at 6.30pm from Boscawen St, and will feature Father Christmas in his sleigh, elves, local community dance groups, musicians, and circus performers.
There will be entertainment from Rock Choir Cornwall before the parade at 6pm in Boscawen St. The Parade will be inspired by Hall for Cornwall’s Christmas Show which this year is Jack and the Beanstalk, so expect a Jack or giant or two, cows, hens and participants wearing green and gold!
The Father Christmas Parade marks the start of the first of four Wednesday late-night shopping evenings in Truro this year, and many City Centre shops will be open until 9pm.The Truro Christmas Market will be on Lemon Quay showcasing local food, drink, arts and crafts from traders across Cornwall in Festive wooden cabins.
As part of the city’s festive markets, Boscawen Street will host stalls again this year until 9pm, along with traffic-free streets and live entertainment. The Boscawen Street Market will feature a wonderful combination of festive gifts and produce from local and independent makers, along with some street food.
The Parade Route: The parade will leave Boscawen St and make its way along St Nicholas Street, Kenywn Street, right at Little Castle Street and on to River St. Then back along St Nicholas Street, onto Boscawen Street, Princes St, Green St and finishes at Back Quay.
There will be security staff to help you and our local police will be present as well. Truro’s Park & Ride will be operating a later service for the Father Christmas Parade and all Wednesday Late Night Shopping evenings, with the last service leaving the city at 9.30pm.
The Father Christmas Parade is being brought to the city by Truro BID and sponsored by Coodes Solicitors.
The Truro Christmas Market is brought to the city by Truro Farmers Market and the Boscawen Street Market is a collaboration between Cornwall Shop Small, Truro Farmers Market and Truro BID.
Please note as with the parades featuring Father Christmas that have taken place in the last three years, there will be no live reindeer at the event. Father Christmas will be in his locally built sleigh with festive wooden reindeer.
Selected Tuesdays and Wednesdays in the lead up to Christmas 2024
Storytime With Santa at Bodmin Railway
Bodmin Railway. www.bodminrailway.co.uk
Cosy evening with Santa reading a Christmas story. Collect your tickets, hot chocolate and cookie and board the train and receive a personalised book.
11th, 17th and 18th December 2024
Private Santa Train Ride - New for 2024
Bodmin Railway.
https://bodminrailway.co.uk/santa-specials/
New for 2024 – Ride in the exclusive Victorian Saloon up and down the line with your family and Santa only! To top it off start and finish your evening making and decorating gingerbread cookies.
Spoil yourself and your family with a private Santa Experience, including a ride with Santa himself in our Victorian Saloon coach! Spend the first third of your evening in the static coach, rolling and cutting gingerbread cookies. As the cookies bake, board the Victorian Saloon with Santa and head off for your short train ride (approximately 20 mins). Finish your evening back in our stationary coaches, decorating your gingerbread cookies to take home.
Weekends in December and 23rd and 24th December 2024
Santa by Steam at Bodmin Railway 2024
Bodmin Railway.
https://bodminrailway.co.uk/santa-specials/
Take a ride with Santa and his elves on the heritage steam train this Christmas! Enjoy the 1950s station decked in Christmas cheer. Take part in the children’s activity sheet and crafting task.
Each trip will be a single-line branch ride, with a return trip to Bodmin Parkway lasting approximately 50 minutes to 1 hour. Each child will be gifted a soft plush toy from Santa himself.
Walk through the lights tunnel and take a photo in the photo booth! Make memories to remember this Christmas at Bodmin Railway.
Through December 2024
A Day Before Christmas at Bedruthan 2024
Bedruthan.
Father Christmas has checked in to Bedruthan for some R&R before the big day. Go and say hello before a spot of lunch or dinner — we hear he’s brought some presents along for the children too. Keep an eye on their social media or sign up for their newsletter to avoid missing the launch
Dates from 6th December 2024
Immersive Christmas Dining Experience at Bedruthan 2024
Bedruthan
https://www.bedruthan.com/events/immersive-christmas-dining-experience
On arrival you will be greeted by one of Father Christmas’ helpers, who will lead you though the twinkling tree line passage and to the magical Christmas Grotto where your table awaits. Seated in the snowy pine tree lined forest, here you will begin canapes and a welcome drink followed by a three course festive feast.. Soak up your surrounding and get into the festive spirit. Father Christmas has promised he will drop in.
Dates from 1st to 23rd December 2024
Father Christmas at Trerice 2024
Trerice.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/cornwall/trerice
This festive season, Father Christmas will be stopping by Trerice to share tales and traditions of Christmases past. Join him in the Drawing Room, where you will find him in his familiar robes of red, for 30 minute sessions throughout the day. All children will go home with a small gift.
Father Christmas will be at Trerice on Saturday and Sunday 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22 and Monday 23 December 2024. Booking essential
Details for 2024 to be announced
Christmas at Trevena Cross Garden Centre
Trevena Cross
Details to be confirmed
Dates from 30th November 2024
Father Christmas at Lappa Valley 2024
Lappa Valley.
https://www.lappavalley.co.uk/events/christmas-at-lappa-valley/
All aboard for the most festive start to your christmas in 2024. Savour the magic of Cornwall's Secret World of Play and Trains at Christmas time. Meet Father Christmas in his very special grotto, where a present awaits for the children!
- All aboard a nostalgic train journey through the winter countryside into Lappa Valley
- Adults and Children recieve a complimentary seasonal refreshment (Mince pie and hot chocolate or squash for adults and cookie and hot chocolate or squash for children)
- Visit Father Christmas and his elves in his grotto where every child receives a present.
- Enjoy music from the traditional fairground organ.
- Write and post your letter to Father Christmas
- Indoor Soft Play at the Engine Shed
- Enjoy rides on the Lakeside Railway
- Enjoy rides on the Newlyn Downs Branch-line
- The Engine Shed Cafe will be open
- The East Wheal Rose gift shop will be open for any last minute present shopping
14th to 23rd December 2024
Christmas Grotto event at Enys Gardens
Enys House.
www.facebook.com/people/christmas-at-enys
Father Christmas event - see the website for details
Dates from 28th November to 24th December 2024
Meet Santa at Dobbies Lelant 2024
Dobbies, Lelant.
Event highlights:
- Meet Santa: bring your children to meet Santa Claus and share their Christmas wishes
- Photo opportunities: capture the moment with a professional photo with Santa
- Gift from Santa: Every child will receive a wrapped gift from Santa
Dates from 5th to 24th December 2024
Santa Paws at Dobbies Lelant 2024
Dobbies Lelant
For £9.99 your furry friend can enjoy a visit to see Santa and get a special dog toy to take away
Plus, if you want the complete family experience you can include a children’s ticket and they can meet Santa along with your pup
Event highlights:
- Magical experience: Santa and his elves will play with, and entertain your pooch
- Photo opportunities: capture the moment with a professional photo with Santa
- Gift from Santa: every pup will receive a gift from Santa
Dates for 2024 to be announced
Tre, Pol and Pen. www.trepolandpen.co.uk
Visit the website and social media for 2024 updates.
23rd November 2024
Santa's Grotto at Museum of Cornish Life
Helston.
Grotto as part of the Christmas Craft Fayre with refreshments, storytelling and craft stalls
Dates for 2024 to be announced
Santa's Grotto and Christmas Craft Workshop at Solomon Browne Memorial Hall
Solomon Browne Hall, Mousehole.
https://www.facebook.com/SolomonBrowneMemorialHall/?locale=en_GB
2024 details to be confirmed
Saturdays and Sundays From 9th November to 22nd December2024
Par Market
https://www.parmarket.co.uk/post/discover-cornwall-s-most-magical-xmas-grotto
Meet Santa in person in the Christmas Grotto and leave with a special gift as a keepsake. Also take part in the Nutcracker Trail where you can win an iPad Air.
15th and 16th December 2024
Santa's Drive Through Grotto at Falmouth Fire Station
Falmouth Fire Station.
https://www.facebook.com/FalmouthFireStation
Falmouth Fire Station is set to transform into a festive wonderland on the 14th & 15th December, from 4:30 to 7:30 pm, as it hosts a magical Drive-Through Christmas Grotto. This unique event promises to bring joy and festive spirit to the community, all while supporting a noble cause.
Santa Claus himself is flying in specially to hand out small gifts to the little ones and wish them a very merry Christmas. Families can drive through the beautifully decorated station grounds, experiencing the enchanting sights and sounds of Christmas, all from the comfort of their cars.
This festive event aims to raise funds for The Firefighters Charity, supporting the brave men and women who dedicate their lives to keeping our community safe. Attendees are encouraged to contribute to this worthy cause, ensuring that the spirit of giving extends beyond the festive season.
Dates from 30th November 2024
Visit Santa at Carnglaze Caverns
https://www.carnglaze.com/christmas-at-carnglaze/
Underground grotto experience - see the website for details.
Dates from 22nd November 2024
Father Christmas at the Eden Project
Interactive theatrical experience including an unforgettable encounter with Father Christmas and his Elves
8th December 2024
Festive Fun Day and Father Christmas at Father Christmas
Wheal Martyn
https://www.wheal-martyn.com/Event/festive-fun-day-and-father-christmas-8-dec
Discounted entry with lots of activities on offer with crafts and carols. Booking is required for a Father Christmas timeslot.
Dates from 7th to 22nd December 2024
Stories with Santa at Trebah Garden
Trebah Garden
www.trebahgarden.co.uk
Group, storytelling experience, admission to the garden, children's trail and small gift
14th and 15th December
Stories with Santa Relaxed Sessions at Trebah Garden
Trebah Garden
www.trebahgarden.co.uk
Other Santa events in Cornwall that took place previously that may be announced for 2024 shortly
Santa Specials at Helston Railway - www.helstonrailway.co.uk
Father Christmas at Truro Cathedral - https://www.trurocathedral.org.uk/whats-on
Santa at Trenance Cottages - http://www.trenancecottages.co.uk/whats-on.html
Santa at Carnon Downs Garden Centre - http://www.carnondowns-garden-centre.co.uk/