Image: Stewart Girvan Photography
As Christmastime is nearly upon us, Truro is gearing up for another jam-packed festive season, packed with twinkling lights, traditional markets, late-night shopping, and seasonal cheer.
Whether you’re searching for the perfect gift, a cup of hot mulled wine, or simply a magical day out with the family, Truro is the ideal festive destination this winter.
From independent businesses and high street favourites to artisan markets and family-friendly entertainment, Truro has everything you need to enjoy the atmosphere of Christmas in Cornwall’s only city. We’ve created a guide with everything you need to know to plan your visit to Our Great Little Festive City.
Dates: Friday 21st November – Wednesday 24th December 2025
Location: Lemon Quay
Get ready to step into Christmas as Lemon Quay is transformed with rows of traditional wooden cabins for Cornwall’s biggest traditional Christmas market, brought to you by Truro Farmers Market and Cornwall Event Cabins.
Discover a selection of local crafts, handmade gifts, festive treats, and artisan produce, all celebrating Cornwall’s incredible talent. A delicious food court, lively entertainment, and returning favourites like the inflatable snow globe make the Truro Christmas Market a must-visit Christmas shopping destination while supporting our local makers and producers.
Boscawen Street Christmas Markets
Dates: Saturdays & Wednesdays from 22nd November – 20th December, + Monday 22nd December 2025.
Location: Boscawen Street
Join us for the festoon-lit Boscawen Street Christmas Markets as Boscawen Street hosts an exciting mix of independent traders, sustainable gifts, vintage finds, and artisan fare.
The street markets run every Wednesday and Saturday, plus an extra date on Monday 22nd December, to coincide with this year’s Late Night Shopping evenings. Expect live music, delicious street food, and a wonderfully festive atmosphere in the heart of the city – your perfect destination to shop small and local this Christmas.
Dates: Wednesday 26th November – Wednesday 17th December,+ Monday 22nd December
Location: Truro City Centre
Tick off your Christmas shopping list in style with Late Night Shopping every Wednesday, as Truro’s high street favourites and independent gems stay open until 9:00pm for relaxed evenings of festive browsing. And don’t miss the exciting news, an extra evening has been added on Monday 22nd December for those last-minute finds!
Explore the city centre’s main streets which will be traffic-free all day, along with the extended Park & Ride service will run until 9:30pm to support your festive evening out.
Date: Wednesday 26th November
Location:
Kick off the season with the much-loved Father Christmas Parade, a joyful tradition that marks the launch of Truro’s Late Night Shopping.
This year’s parade takes inspiration from the Hall for Cornwall’s Christmas production of Aladdin, featuring Father Christmas in his sleigh, alongside elves, musicians, local dancers, and circus performers.
- 6:00pm: Rock Choir Cornwall performs on Boscawen Street
- 6:30pm: Parade begins
Enjoy the festivities as both Lemon Quay and Boscawen Street Christmas Markets stay open until 9:00pm.
Dates: 26th – 29th Nov
Location: Truro Cathedral
Experience the magic of Christmas in one of Cornwall’s most beautiful settings. The Made in Cornwall: Cathedral Christmas Market inside Truro Cathedral showcases the best of Cornwall’s locally made crafts, gifts, and gourmet delights.
Each product is approved by Cornwall Council’s Trading Standards, ensuring genuine Cornish quality. Shop with confidence, knowing every purchase supports the local economy and Cornwall’s creative community.
Aladdin
Dates: 5th Dec – 3rd Jan 2026
Location: Hall for Cornwall
This Christmas, Cornwall Playhouse Productions will take you on a magical journey, whisking you away to a world where wishes really do come true!
Join us for a delightful Cornish pantomime adventure with Aladdin, a fresh interpretation of the classic tale, written by Cornish talents Richard Healey and Edward Rowe. Expect all the fun and warmth of a Hall for Cornwall Christmas show, enhanced with a touch of musical theatre magic.
This performance is perfect for children of all ages, including parents and grandparents! Filled with heart, soul, and familiar songs, you’re invited to come and experience the magic.
Book now via the Hall for Cornwall website – be quick as some dates are already running low!
Father Christmas at the Museum – ‘A Chattering of Choughs!’
Dates: Wednesday 10th December – Wednesday 24th December
Location: Cornwall Museum & Art Gallery
Embark on an enchanting adventure with Lowen the Elf, as the Cornish Chough saves Christmas in a heart-warming storytelling and grotto experience at the Cornwall Museum & Art Gallery.
Filled with song, light, and magical projections, this magical experience ends with a special visit to Father Christmas’ secret Kernow Office.
For full details and booking information, visit the Museum’s website or click here for more information.
Date: Wednesday 31st December
Location: Watch from Lemon Quay
Say goodbye to 2025 in spectacular style with two free fireworks displays hosted by Truro City Council:
- 7:30pm – Family Display
- Midnight – Traditional New Year’s Celebration
Both displays can be enjoyed from Lemon Quay and form part of the city’s commitment to offering free, family-friendly events all year round.
For further event information and updates, please see the Visit Truro website and social channels – www.visittruro.org.uk / @visittruro – and follow Truro City Council on Facebook – @trurocitycouncil
Getting to Truro
- By Train: Travel easily to Truro with GWR – Book online at GWR.com
- Park & Ride: Late services will run on Wednesdays for Late Night Shopping and on Monday 22nd December, with last buses leaving at 9:30pm.
Park & Ride Services:
- Toward Tregurra Park – board from River Street
- Toward Langarth Park – board from Victoria Square
Find Christmas in Truro
Whether you’re a local, a returning visitor, or discovering Truro for the first time, there’s something magical waiting around every corner this Christmas. From festive shopping and food to family entertainment and community spirit, it’s all happening in Our Great Little Festive City this Christmas.
For full event details, updates, and travel info, head to the Visit Truro website at www.visittruro.org.uk or follow us on @visittruro on social media.
Christmas in Truro is brought to you by: Visit Truro, Truro City Council, Truro BID, Cornwall Event Cabins, Truro Farmers Market, Cornwall Museum & Art Gallery & Cornwall Shop Small.
