Museum magic and lantern enchantment: What’s on this weekend (December 11-12)

Museum magic and lantern enchantment: What’s on this weekend (December 11-12)

Cornwall’s Christmas countdown is well under way and there is plenty of wonderful festive family fun to be had across the county this weekend.

Wrap up warm and plan to make it one to remember- here are just a few things happening for you and your little ones to enjoy:

Heligan Night Garden

After last year’s ever popular lantern-lit festive trail, extended dates have been added to the Heligan Night Garden experience this time around.

Again in collaboration with The Lantern Company, Heligan invites visitors to walk the enchanting 1.5km trail and see the garden in a different light.

Festive refreshments will be rolled out for what promises to be a wonderful winter’s evening to get you and your family in the Christmas spirit.

The route is plotted to take approximately one hour and it is advised that you come dressed in anticipation of whatever Cornish weather might bring.

You might well complete the route several times but it is asked that you do so in consideration of other visitors. There is just so much to see, from the garden’s donkeys to the glittering oak tree, that you are bound to notice something different upon every look!

A truly magical festive experience for you and your family!

Cornish residents go free at the National Maritime Museum

This weekend, those with a Cornish postcode will gain free admission to the National Maritime Museum on Events Square in Falmouth.

With plenty of festivities laid out, as well as the usual inspiring exhibits on show, this is a great opportunity for those living locally to visit the museum.

Find all seven of the lanterns dotted around the festive trail, enjoy the 1:30 pm performance from the Trengilly Singers in the Main hall and take part in Christmas crafts, to really get you in the spirit this holiday season.

This free initiative is a perfect way to get in early, before full festivities take off at the National Maritime Museum with it’s Lanterns and Lights event which runs from December 18th.

Cornwall Hospice Care Santa Challenges

Advanced sign-up has now closed for the Cornwall Hospice Care’s Santa Cycle and Santa Paddle but there is still plenty of opportunity for you to get involved on the day.

The popular events which raise money for Mount Edgecombe and St Julia’s Hospices take place this Saturday and Sunday, with the Wadebridge to Padstow cycle setting off at 10:30 am on Saturday and the Pentewan to Mevagissey paddle boarding at 1 pm on Sunday.

The cycle route is suitable for all abilities and is advertised as a festive family event, in aid of a good cause. Why not get you and your family a spot by arriving at Bridge Bike Hire at 9:30 for registration?

If you are hiring a bike, it is advised that you come as early as possible to make the appropriate arrangements.

The Santa Paddle event is welcoming competent paddlers to join in the 4km route. Renting equipment is also possible but it is asked that you call in advance to make sure there is enough to go around.