If you’re planning a festive family trip to Falmouth we think the Museum should be top of your Christmas List!
We’re an award-winning attraction with a blend of maritime history, hands-on fun, and festive cheer that will captivate visitors of all ages. If the weather turns (and let’s face it, this is Cornwall in winter), the museum is an excellent all-weather day out that will keep the whole family entertained, even on Falmouth’s rainy days.
In December, we add extra sparkle and during the school holidays 20 Dec – 4 Jan you can join in with our “A Cornish Christmas” celebration to immerse yourself in the best of what makes Cornwall sparkle at this magical time of year.
Thursday 27 November
On Thursday 27 November, the streets of Falmouth will fill with festive fun at this year’s Christmas Light Switch-On event. We’ll be joining in the parade at 5.45pm led by Kernow Pipes and Drums, starting outside the Museum on Events Square and making its way through town, arriving at The Moor 6.10pm for the 7pm switch-on.
Friday 28 November – Sunday 4 January
From Friday 28 November admire our beautiful willow lobster pot Christmas tree in the Museum foyer, with lobster pots constructed by Cadgwith fisherman Nigel Legge and decorated with handcrafted starfish made by our Museum volunteers – a perfect backdrop for this years’ Christmas photo.
Saturday 29 November
Celebrate the magic of Cornwall this Christmas with a hands-on coastal wreath workshop, inspired by Cornwall’s coast path.
Monday 1 December until Sunday 4 Jan
Oh no! The harbour cat’s cosy woolly jumper has been snatched by a cheeky seagull! It flew off across the Museum, dropping clues as it went. Follow the rhymes, spot the signs and help the harbour cat get his jumper back before the winter winds blow in from the sea!
Wednesday 10 December
It’s not quite Santa’s workshop but our boatbuilding workshop will be a hive of activity. If you’re visiting the Museum on Wednesday 10 December you can step inside the workshop and chat to the team who’ve been building the WW2 replica surfboat.
Saturday 13 December
Local printmaker and ecologist Layla Ousley is leading this beginner-friendly linocut printmaking workshop, inspired by the beauty of the sea and its rich coastal wildlife.
Saturday 13 December 1pm-2pm
Cornwall Music Service Trust presents a Christmas performance at the Museum, featuring some of Cornwall’s finest youth Brass and Woodwind musicians.
Saturday 20 December – Tuesday 23 Dec
After last year’s sell-out performances Cornish theatre company o-region are bringing the heartwarming tale Nadelik back to the Museum this Christmas. We think the Museum is a special venue to experience the story of a fisherman at sea trying to make it home to his family for Christmas – with some magical festive help.
Based on Craig Barr-Green’s beloved children’s book A Christmas in Cornwall, this delightful interactive show brings some festive maritime magic to life with live music by Matthew Thomason, puppetry, and plenty of seasonal cheer.
Each audience member will need a valid Museum Annual Pass or Membership along with their Nadelik ticket.
Sat 20 Dec – Sun 4 Jan
“A Cornish Christmas” adds an extra layer of festive magic to your Museum experience. Be sure to soak up the festive light displays that cover the flying flotilla of small boats. Discover hidden corners of the Museum in a family trail and drop in to Christmas crafts in the daily Make & Take activities, make something beautiful to take home as a reminder of your day out. A Cornish Christmas Activities are included free with Museum admission.
Where better to enjoy a hot chocolate and a slice of festive cake than our Waterside Café with views of Falmouth’s Harbour? Stop off at the café during your visit.
Looking for Christmas gifts for sailors, surfers, coastal adventurers or ocean lovers? We’ve got you covered with our maritime gift selection in our gift shop, or available online.
Our general admission fee includes an Annual Pass giving return visits for a whole year, meaning you can pop back at other times of the year if there’s something you missed.
The museum is located in central Falmouth at Discovery Quay and there’s plenty to see and do nearby to make it a full day out. Falmouth’s charming town centre is perfect for Christmas shopping, while the harbour and beachfront areas offer beautiful winter walks.
Whether you’re local to Cornwall or visiting from further afield, visiting the National Maritime Museum Cornwall in December offers a blend of adventure, education and festive fun.
So, this Christmas, set sail for Falmouth and discover why the National Maritime Museum Cornwall is an indoor treasure worth exploring during the most magical time of the year!
The Museum is open every day throughout the year, except Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
National Maritime
Museum Cornwall Trust
Discovery Quay
Falmouth Cornwall
TR11 3QY
View Map
See our opening hours
Tel: +44(0)1326 313388
Email: enquiries@nmmc.co.uk
