Get ready for a festive season filled with joy and family fun in Truro as Christmas kicks off on Friday 21st November, with the opening of the Truro Christmas Market on Lemon Quay. This Christmas, expect traditional markets, late-night shopping, live entertainment, and festive celebrations for all ages in Our Great Little City.
Visit Truro, a service provided by Truro City Council, will lead this year’s destination marketing in partnership with Great Western Railway (GWR) and the Devon & Cornwall Rail Partnership, along with the organisers of the Christmas events in the city.
Abi Steel, Visit Truro Manager, said: “We’re pleased to be working with GWR and the Devon & Cornwall Rail Partnership to promote Truro as a festive destination. This joint campaign aims to encourage day visits to the city, especially by train in the lead-up to Christmas, supporting local businesses and showcasing all that Truro has to offer during the season.”
At the heart of the festivities is the Truro Christmas Market, Cornwall’s largest traditional Christmas market. Running from 21st November to 24th December, visitors can browse the traditional wooden cabins filled with local crafts, seasonal treats, and unique gifts from Cornish artisans.
The festive cheer spreads across the city with the Boscawen Street Christmas Markets every Wednesday and Saturday from 22nd November to 20th December, plus an additional market on Monday 22nd December – perfect for last-minute finds.
Don’t miss the spectacular Father Christmas Parade on Wednesday 26th November. This enchanting parade features Father Christmas in his sleigh, cheeky elves, dazzling dancers, live music, and circus performers as he parades through the city. It will also be Truro’s first late-night shopping evening, with many stores open until 9pm, making it the perfect opportunity for ticking off that gift list!
Truro’s popular Late Night Shopping returns from Wednesday 26th November, with most retailers staying open until 9pm every Wednesday until 17th December, plus an extra evening on Monday 22nd December. Shoppers can enjoy a mix of high street favourites and Truro’s unique independent shops, as well as explore the city’s two vibrant indoor markets: Lemon Street Market and Pannier Market (open all year round).
From 10th December, Father Christmas will welcome visitors to his festive grotto at the Cornwall Museum & Art Gallery, a truly memorable experience and a must-visit for little ones!
To round off the festive season, Truro will host two New Year’s Eve fireworks displays on Wednesday 31st December, with a family-friendly show at 7:30pm and a midnight display to welcome in the new year. Both are best viewed from Lemon Quay and free to attend.
Travel to Truro is easy with GWR, with direct services from across Cornwall and beyond. Book your train tickets at GWR.com or pay-as-you-go with the GWR Touch smartcard. Truro Park & Ride will operate extended services until 9:30pm on all late-night shopping evenings, including Monday 22nd December, to help you enjoy the city without the hassle of parking.
Stay in the know by following @VisitTruro on social media or visiting www.visittruro.org.uk for all the festive details.