Cornwall offers plenty of traditions to lift your spirits during the winter months.
5 Cornish Traditions to Brighten Your Winter Days
The weather’s colder, the nights are longer, and you’ve already heard All I Want for Christmas Is You at least three times while navigating the chaos of your weekly Asda shop. Whether you’re a Christmas enthusiast, a self-proclaimed Grinch, or don’t celebrate at all, Cornwall offers plenty of traditions to lift your spirits during the winter months.
Here are five Cornish customs to try this festive season:
1. Savor a Stargazey Pie on Tom Bawcock’s Eve
Perhaps not to everyone’s taste, but the Stargazey Pie is a legendary Cornish delicacy steeped in history and local pride.
The tradition originates from the small fishing village of Mousehole. According to legend, a fierce storm just before Christmas left the village facing starvation as fishing boats were unable to venture out. On the eve of Christmas Eve, a brave fisherman named Tom Bawcock defied the storm and returned with an abundant catch, saving the community. The fish were baked into a pie, with their heads and tails poking through the crust, giving it the “stargazey” appearance.
Today, Mousehole celebrates Tom Bawcock’s Eve every year on December 23rd with a lantern procession, live music, and the Ship Inn serving the iconic pie.
How to get there: Mousehole is about an hour’s drive from Penryn. For public transport, take a train to Penzance (you can easily reach Redruth station from campus or get a train from town to Truro), then hop on a local bus to Mousehole.
2. Experience the Magic of the Montol Festival
The Montol Festival, held in Penzance, revives age-old Cornish midwinter customs with a lively blend of masks, folklore, and celebration. Since its inception in 2007, it has become a highlight of the season, featuring parades, singing, dancing, and plenty of Cornish merriment.
Expect a magical atmosphere as the streets of Penzance come alive with glowing lanterns, traditional costumes, and festive spirit.
How to get there: From Penryn or Falmouth, the U4 bus will take you straight to Penzance. If you’re based in Truro, the train is a quick and scenic option.
3. Brave a Festive Swim
Nothing says Cornish winter like a bracing dip in the sea! Many local beaches host organised festive swims on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, often encouraging swimmers to dress up in their finest costumes.
Popular local events include:
Top tips for staying safe and warm:
4. Join the Guise Dancing Festivities
Pronounced “geeze,” this ancient West Cornish tradition dates back centuries and brings lively entertainment to the 12 days of Christmas. Guise dancers dress in elaborate costumes, disguising themselves with masks, veils, or face paint, and perform music and dances, in pubs and streets.
Look out for two distinct costume styles:
Although not as widespread today, Guise dancing is a uniquely Cornish custom that embodies the spirit of midwinter celebration.
5. Treat Yourself to a Festive Pasty
Let’s be honest—do you even need an excuse to enjoy a pasty in Cornwall? Winter is the perfect time to indulge in festive pasty flavors, with many local bakers offering special Christmas-themed fillings. Think turkey, stuffing, pigs in blankets, and all the trimmings wrapped in golden pastry perfection.
Local favorites like Gear Farm and Philps are a must-visit for these seasonal delights, making them the perfect snack for a brisk winter walk.
Cornwall in winter offers a magical mix of traditions, food, and festivities to brighten even the darkest days. So, whether you’re feasting on pasties, dancing in disguise, or plunging into icy waters, there’s plenty to keep the winter blues at bay.
Let us know your favourite festive traditions by our social media or drop us an email at info@thesu.org.uk