Christmas markets and events in Cornwall and Plymouth by train

Forget the stress of parking and traffic this festive period and hop on the train to your favourite Christmas events.

From bustling markets to late-night shopping, we’ve rounded up the top spots accessible by train – all just a short stroll from the station. Think unique gifts, festive cheer, and maybe even a glass of mulled wine.

Please note: Due to track renewal work, from Mon 1 to Fri 5 December, buses replace trains between Truro and Penzance and on the St Ives Bay Line. Full details.

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PLYMOUTH

Plymouth is brimming with fun events this festive season.

• Late night shopping every Thursday – from Thursday 13th November

• City centre Christmas lights switch on – Thursday 13th November

• Barbican Christmas lights switch on – Saturday 15th November

• Central Park Winter Wonderland – from Friday 21st November

• Plymouth Christmas Market – from Thursday 27th November

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TRURO

Catch the train to Truro for Cornwall’s biggest festive market!

Please note: Due to track renewal work, from Mon 1 to Fri 5 December buses replace trains between Truro and Penzance (and on the St Ives Bay Line). Full details.

• Truro Christmas Market – from Friday 21st November

• The Father Christmas Parade – Wednesday 26th November

• Father Christmas at Cornwall Museum & Art Gallery (£8 pp) – Multiple dates from Wednesday 10th December

• Late night shopping – Wednesdays from 26 November, plus Monday 22 December

• Boscawen Street Christmas Market – Wednesdays & Saturdays from 26 November, plus Monday 22 December

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COTEHELE

Catch the scenic Tamar Valley Line train from Plymouth to Calstock, then set off on a crisp 1.2 mile riverside and woodland walk to Cotehele National Trust for some Christmas magic!

• Cotehele Christmas Garland – Saturday 22nd November – Monday 5th January (closed 25th – 26th December)

• The Twelve Days of Cornish Christmas trail – Saturday 22nd November – Monday 5th January (closed 25th – 26th December)

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LOOE

Hop on the scenic Looe Valley Line to this year’s lantern parade, for Christmas carols and festive fun!

• Looe Lantern Parade and Christmas lights switch on – Friday 28th November

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FALMOUTH

Visit Santa’s Grotto, go on the ice rink, and ride the festive land train at Falmouth’s Festive Weekend.

• Falmouth Festive Weekend – Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th December

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LOSTWITHIEL

Catch the train to Lostwithiel for an old-fashioned, traditional Christmas experience.

• Dickensian Evening – Thursday 11th December

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Get a Devon & Cornwall Railcard

Save a third off for you and a friend (with kids travelling for just £2) with a Devon & Cornwall Railcard – just £13 a year for local residents. Now available to buy online.

Look up train times and buy rail tickets on the GWR website or app.