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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 2025
Read on for more on Santa's grottos, opportunities to meet Santa and Santa's workshops in Cornwall in 2025....jpg)
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!
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Selected dates in 2025 Father Christmas at Eden Project Eden Project Father Christmas and his team of industrious Elves have set up camp at the Eden Project and are making their final preparations for Christmas. In their biggest immersive Father Christmas experience ever, prepare for enchantment, theatre, entertainment and unexpected delight for the whole family. You will be welcomed into the vault of Christmas magic – a treasure trove brimming with festive wonder and timeless traditions – for a special behind-the-scenes glimpse into the heart of the Christmas spirit. As part of this unforgettable experience, each child will be given the chance to meet Father Christmas and leave with a precious keepsake to take home. Relaxed sessions on 6th, 14th, 15th, 19th and 23rd December 2025 - Eden Project
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Dates from 30th November 2025 Santa's Grotto at Paradise Park Paradise Park Santa’s assistant elf or fairy will meet you and take you into his magical grotto. Santa will greet the children, have a little chat and give them their gift – have your camera ready for this lovely experience. |
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Dates from 6th December 2025 Trelissick, Feock, Truro, TR3 6QL. Father Christmas brings festive magic 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.
A relaxed audience with Father Christmas at Trelissick This is an accessible session aimed at providing Trelissick’s ‘An Audience with Father Christmas’ as a more relaxed and calmer Father Christmas experience. With reduced noise levels and crowds, we hope to create a less stressful environment with Father Christmas. The festive story of a Cornish Christmas at Trelissick will last approximately 20-30 minutes with time at the end to receive a small gift from Father Christmas. A limited number of ear defenders and sensory toys will be available for use in the relaxed sessions on the day and an access statement is available from our website. |
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Dates from 29th November 2025 Bedruthan Step into a festive world where little ones can enjoy a 30-minute experience and a chance to meet Father Christmas himself. Share a story, laughter, and a special gift for every child, before sitting down together for a joyful family lunch or dinner. A heart-warming way to begin the celebrations - full of sparkle, smiles, and memories to treasure. |
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Dates from 28th November 2025 Father Christmas at The Lost Gardens of Heligan The Lost Gardens of Heligan https://www.heligan.com/events/events-at-heligan/father-christmas/ This Christmas the Heligan Team are excited to announce the arrival of a very special guest, as they look forward to welcoming back Father Christmas and his team of Elves to The Lost Gardens. Father Christmas tells us that he just can’t wait to meet you all again as you visit him beside the famous fireplace and share your stories, hopes and wishes with him. The Lost Gardens provide the most magical and perfect setting for any Christmas experience, especially for the annual visit to meet Father Christmas. As you explore The Gardens on your way to your visit, don’t forget to write your letter to Father Christmas…. he really does enjoy reading your thoughtful letters! You and your family will then be welcomed to the gardens, where you will start to prepare for your special visit. Here the Team will ensure you get into the Christmas spirit, with music and festive crafts, and don’t forget your complimentary toasted marshmallows to toast over the warming fire. As anticipation builds you will be escorted by The Head elf to meet Father Christmas in the magical traditional setting of the Head Gardeners Office. Each child will be gifted a small traditional children’s present to remember their visit to Father Christmas by, along with Christmas wonder and traditions that reconnect you to the magic and true meaning of Christmas. After your visit why not venture on to explore The Gardens and complete the Christmas family trail. (Available during daytime visits only).
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Dates from 13th December 2025 Father Christmas at Trerice Trerice https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/cornwall/trerice/events/c9be57e5-2538-4e4c-895d-fb688bc6ba45 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 & Sunday 13, 14, 20, 21 and Monday & Tuesday 22, 23 December.
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Dates from 6th December 2025
Santa's Grotto at Camborne Library
Camborne Library.
www.facebook.com/cambornelibrary
Go and join in at Camborne Library for a festive experience like no other. Santa will be waiting to hear all your Christmas wishes and spread some holiday cheer. Families of up to 4 children can come along for a photo and a gift.
Details for 2025 to be announced
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
Dates from 29th November 2025
Breakfast With Santa/Santa's 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=
https://www.facebook.com/TrelawneyGardenCentre/?locale=en_GB
A variety of Santa-themed events are available on selected dates - see the website for booking and availability
Details for 2025 to be announced
Santas Grotto at Lostwithiel Dickensian Evening 2025
Lostwithiel, PL22
www.lostwithiel.org.uk/dickensian-evening
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 an 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.
Details for 2025 to be announced
Finding Father Christmas at the Museum
Royal Cornwall Museum, Truro
www.hallforcornwall.co.uk
Follow Lowen the Elf on an enchanting journey, brought to life with song, light, and spellbinding projections.
Let your imagination take flight at this most wonderful time of year, with a heart warming tale of how Cornwall’s birds – including a magnificent gathering of Choughs – came together to help the reindeers and save Christmas.
The culmination of the journey brings you to Father Christmas’ secret Kernow Office for a special visit.
This immersive storytelling experience promises a festive memory for the whole family — complete with a small gift and a photo opportunity with the man himself.
Recommended for ages 2+
Dates from 7th December 2025
Autism Friendly Santa's Grotto, Lanivet
The Space, Bodmin
www.facebook.com/santabodmin
Santa's Grotto with autism and special educational needs in mind - see the Facebook page for updates and booking details
Selected dates in 2025
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
Selected dates in 2025
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 information
7th and 14th December 2025
Christmas at Geevor
Geevor Tin Mine Museum, Penzance.
www.geevor.com
See the website for details of activities
Dates during December 2025
Santa Specials at Bodmin Railway
Bodmin Railway.
Join in for a magical Christmas experience aboard the Santa Express, a full size heritage steam train with lots of fun and festive cheer. Meet Father Christmas and his elves in person, and watch faces light up as every child receives a special gift from Santa. Relax in traditionally decorated carriages, or even a private compartment, as you enjoy a nostalgic trip and the most magical journey of the year!
7th and 21st December 2025
Quiet Santa Train at Bodmin Railway
Bodmin Railway.
The Quiet Santa Train offers a peaceful and inclusive experience for guests who may find traditional events overwhelming. Here’s what makes it special:
Soft Lighting: We lower the lighting throughout the train and on the platform to create a soothing atmosphere, reducing sensory stimulation.
Reduced Capacity: Trains run at half capacity, allowing for more space and a quieter environment.
No Allocated Seating: Guests are free to choose where they sit, making it easier to find a comfortable spot.
Silent Dispatch: Trains are dispatched via radio communication, so there are no loud whistles or sudden noises.
Sensory-Friendly Environment: Every detail is considered to ensure a calm and enjoyable experience for guests with sensory sensitivities.
Whether you’re visiting with a child or adult who prefers a quieter setting or simply looking for a more relaxed festive outing, our Quiet Santa Train is the perfect choice.
Details for 2025 to be announced - information for 2024 below
Private Santa Train Ride
Bodmin Railway.
https://bodminrailway.co.uk/santa-specials/
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.
Dates from 2nd December
Schools Santa Trains
Bodmin Railway
https://bodminrailway.co.uk/things-to-do/santa-specials/
During early December, we offer Santa Trains for schools – a magical school trip to round off the term.
Tickets include a 50 minute steam train ride in traditional carriages with Father Christmas himself and a small gift for every child. Free places for teachers (1:6) are also included and there’s an option to upgrade, adding a cookie and juice. Groups are welcome to bring a packed lunch to eat on the train or we can arrange undercover seating on the festive platform (with prior arrangement).
Dates from 29th November 2025
Father Christmas at Lappa Valley
Lappa Valley.
https://www.lappavalley.co.uk/events/christmas-at-lappa-valley/
Meet Father Christmas in his very special grotto, where a present awaits every child!
Details for 2025 to be announced
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 6th December 2025
Slides and Sleigh Bells
Trethorne Leisure Park
https://trethorneleisure.com/explore-the-park/slides-and-sleighbells
Meet Santa, Christmas Crafts, best fancy dress, live kids entertainers, mince pies and hot chocolate, face painting
Dates from 29th November
Meet Santa at Dobbies Lelant
Dobbies, Lelant.
www.events.dobbies.com
Each child will get to build their very own soft toy to take home, meet Santa and take part in family-friendly activities and games.
You'll start with a tasty breakfast before your little ones are gifted their special toy from Santa and then encouraged by him and his elves to fluff, stuff and name their toy to take home.
Event highlights:
- Build-a-buddy: each child over 3 will receive a soft toy to stuff, fluff and name. Plus, they can take their new furry friend home!
- Each child under 3 will receive the same toy from Santa already stuffed, to decorate and take home.
- Meet and greet: kids will meet Santa and share their Christmas wishes.
- Festive games and activity sheets: colour-in, solve puzzles and enjoy festive-themed activities and games.
- Delicious breakfast for all the family.
13th December 2025
Breakfast with Santa
Tre Pol and Pen
Enjoy a delicious buffet-style breakfast with something for everyone. Little ones will be thrilled to meet Santa himself, with plenty of time for photos and a special gift for each child.
Details for 2025 to be announced
Santa Claus at Par Market
Par Market
https://www.parmarket.co.uk/santas-grotto
et ready for the ultimate Christmas magic in Santa's Grotto! Follow the twinkling path to meet Santa and his elves. Share what you REALLY want for Christmas and snap photos with him. After that, you get to choose from a selection of special gifts!
7th and 8th December 2025
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 29th November 2025
Visit Santa at Carnglaze Caverns
https://www.carnglaze.com/christmas-at-carnglaze/
Underground grotto experience - see the website for details.
Dates from 21st November 2025
Father Christmas at the Eden Project
https://www.edenproject.com/visit/whats-on/christmas-at-the-eden-project/father-christmas-at-the-eden-project
Interactive theatrical experience including an unforgettable encounter with Father Christmas and his Elves
8th December 2025
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 6th December 2025
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
13th and 14th December 2025
Stories with Santa Relaxed Sessions at Trebah Garden
Trebah Garden
www.trebahgarden.co.uk
Relaxed session for those who would benefit from an environment with fewer people
Other Santa events in Cornwall that took place previously may be announced for 2025 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/