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!
Christmas activities in Cornwall
That, sometimes, exhaustive list of things to do in the run up to Christmas can seem overwhelming – even when there’s only a few weeks to go! A lot of the stress will dissipate by making a rolling list; breaking activities, duties and events into manageable chunks.
There’s always more choice with early reservations, so by prioritising actions such as buying pantomime tickets or booking a Santa visit, will give you first pickings of times and dates.
Don’t leave it to chance – those most desired dates get filled very quickly! Here’s a taste of things to come and to help you begin your list…
Top Tips for a smooth festive season
Stock up on frozen food: Head to the supermarkets before everyone else! Frozen food or pre-cooked food can come in handy as quick easy meals during the busy days running up to Christmas.
Get the children to write to Santa: As we get closer to Christmas, children are likely to be beside themselves with excitement. Encourage them to write a letter to the white bearded chap and who knows, if they are lucky, Santa may send a letter back!
Buy the small gifts: Don’t forget to stock up on small gifts for teachers, classroom assistants, neighbours, your child’s best friend and so on. You may wish to buy an emergency supply of gifts in case someone arrives unexpectedly with a present for you.
Spread out the shopping: Aim to do your shopping over several weeks. Not only will this spread the cost; it will allow you more time later on when things start getting really busy.
Go late night shopping: Don’t miss out on the magic of ‘Late night shopping’ as it can really lift the spirits. But not if it’s all a rush. Rather than frantically rushing around to buy gifts, aim to amble along at your own pace and soak up the festive atmosphere.
Buy those Panto Tickets: Remember to book your tickets for your favourite show on your preferred date before they sell out!
Festive Things to look forward to...
Christmas Markets
Enter a Christmas market and instantly, you’ll be immersed into an inviting festive scene filled with cosy cabins, soft illuminations and an array of traders selling all sorts of unique craft items and tasty world food.
It’s an ideal environment to pick up slightly quirky gifts and sample authentic food from different parts of the world. Take a look through our what's on events to find a Christmas market near you.
Christingle
Christingle is a celebratory event, taking place every year in the run up to Christmas. Now in its 49th year, this vibrant event is hugely popular for churches and schools, raising millions to help change the lives of disadvantaged children. All it takes is an orange, a candle and a few dolly mixtures.
The themes of Christingle include serving other people, thinking about children in needy situations, celebrating light in the darkness, creativity and redemption. You can find out more about Christingle at www.christingle.org or visit www.messychurch.org.uk for an event near you.
Google Santa Tracker 2018
Google has launched Santa Tracker, a fun, educational and interactive way for children to experience more about the festive season. The experience starts with the opening of Santa’s Village on 1 December.
Then, not only does the countdown to Santa’s departure start, but each day until 24 December, visitors can learn basic coding skills, exercise their geography knowledge and create printable ornaments while learning about charitable organisations. Visit https://santatracker.google.com/village.html
See Robin Hood at the Regal Theatre in Redruth
The fun packed pantomime, Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood at The Regal Theatre in Redruth, from 9 to 13 January 2019, will be a perfect new year treat for all the family.
The evil Sheriff of Nottingham has hatched a plan to get rid of his niece and nephew, the Babes in the Wood, and claim their fortune. It's down to Robin Hood to save the day and stop the Sheriff with a little help from his Merry Men and the Babes Nurse. Will Robin Hood unmask the wicked Sheriff as the villain, and will Robin and Maid Marion find true love and live happily ever after?
Find out at the Regal's annual pantomime packed full of song and dance, laughter and silliness; sumptuous costumes and scenery.
Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased from the Regal Theatre Box Office by calling 01209 216278 or booking online www.regaltheatre-redruth.co.uk
Fantastic Festivities in Redruth
The ancient Redruth Wassail custom returns as part of this year’s Redruth Christmas Festival on Saturday 24 November. This is the fourth wassail in the town for over 100 years, and will take place after this year’s Christmas procession and the Light Spectacular in St Rumon’s Gardens.
Redruth will be having two Christmas markets this year, one on Saturday 24 November from 12noon till 5pm - this is before the Christmas procession and lights switch on. The next Christmas market will be on Saturday 15 December from 10am till 2pm For more details about Redruth’s fantastic festivities visit www.visitredruth.co.uk
Book Now for Bedruthan’s Sugar and Spice Grotto
Rumours say that Father Christmas and Mrs Christmas have crash-landed at Bedruthan while doing a test flight. All the children’s gifts have fallen into the snow-covered trees of the grotto and they need your help! It’s quite a journey, so you’ll need lots of energy and magic…
Along the way you will get crafty with the elves, follow the labyrinth of icy caverns, throw snowballs and make snow angels, put your special wish on the magic wishing tree and help Father Christmas get ready for Christmas Eve. Bedruthan’s Sugar and Spice Grotto will be open from 1 to 23 December. Book now at: www.bedruthan.com/grotto
Sign Up for Children’s Hospice South West’s Santa on the Run
Children’s Hospice South West’s (CHSW) Santas on the Run 2km fun run is returning to the Eden Project on Sunday 9 December. Hosted at this iconic venue Santas on the Run is the perfect way to start the festive season and is suitable for all ages. Money raised by those taking part will help CHSW continue to provide care and support to local children and families that use Little Harbour children’s hospice. Visit www.chsw.org.uk/santas to sign up.
Lappa Valley’s Santa Specials 2018
Board the Santa Train at Lappa Valley bound for Santa's magical Christmas grotto where children will meet and receive a specially selected gift from Santa himself. Tickets include a return steam ride, entrance to the leisure park where visitors can enjoy shows from the children’s entertainer Harry Kazzam, rides on the woodland railway, pedal cars, children's play areas, crazy golf (weather permitting), woodland walks and the toddlers' path maze. Plus, Rudolph will be out and about greeting visitors. Santa Specials will run on 8, 9, 15, 16, 20, 21, 22, 23 and 24 December. Visit www.lappavalley.co.uk for full details.
Santa by Steam – tickets on sale now and selling fast!
This festive season book your ticket to meet Santa - with a difference! Make Christmas memories in your very own Bodmin and Wenford Railway Christmas story.
Gather your family and friends and take a journey with the railway elves to visit Santa’s grotto. When he’s not driving the sleigh with Rudolph and the rest of the reindeer, Father Christmas travels by steam train. Arrive at Bodmin General Station for mince pies, seasonal drinks and carols on the platform, before climbing aboard for an hour-long return journey on a beautiful steam hauled train.
During the trip visit Santa, with plenty of time for a photo, and gifts for each child. To help make even more Christmases extra special, Santa will be travelling on two relaxed (Autism-friendly) trains, and four wheelchair accessible trains at Bodmin and Wenford Railway this December. www.bodminrailway.co.uk
Buy Tickets now for the Crealy Christmas Spectacular
This Christmas is going to be truly magical at Crealy Adventure Park and Resort. With something for the whole family to enjoy, the Crealy Christmas Spectacular, from Saturday 1 to Sunday 23 December, is Devon’s must-see event. Tickets to the Crealy Christmas Spectacular include a seat in the heated Big Top Arena to see the sensational Christmas Ice Show.
Watch as a team of international ice skaters and aerial artistes perform in this truly magical festive family show. Tickets also include entry to Santa’s Magical Toy Store where you’ll get to choose anything you want from over 30,000 fabulous toys and gifts.
Santa and his helpers will be on hand to help children choose their perfect present – and don’t miss the chance to win a Christmas lodge holiday for all the family. In addition, there will be a fantastically festive Indoor Christmas Market in a heated marquee.
Tickets are only available online and in advance – book now at www.crealy.co.uk/events/crealy-christmas-spectacular
Be bowled over with Festive Fun this Christmas
Looking for a great fun venue for your family Christmas Party? Well, Country Skittles should be top of your list! With 4 bowling (skittle) alleys, lots of games and a great value kids’ menu, there is everything you need to make the Christmas holiday fun. The normal menu is available and some Christmas specials like Roast Turkey and Christmas Pudding too. For details about Christmas at Country Skittles, see www.countryskittles.com or call 01736 850209.
Take a giant leap at iBounce
Opening the first Trampoline Parks in Devon and Cornwall, iBounce have proven to be popular attractions offering some exciting facilities. Interlinked trampolines, dodgeball and a giant airbag, foam pits, light games and a tower have all been a great success.
iBounce host fun parties and have regular parent and toddler sessions, fitness classes and specific times for those with additional needs. There are plenty of discounted sessions throughout the week too. For more details see www.i-bounce.co.uk
Get your skates on over to Rollers Roller Rink
During the Christmas period, many people over-indulge on festive food, so why not burn off some of those extra calories, by getting your skates on over to Roller’s Roller Rink, in Pool, near Redruth! Find Rollers Roller Rink at Pool, Redruth, TR15 3RH. For details see www.rollersrollerdisco.co.uk