Where to go for Christmas Eve drinks in Cornwall

Tis' the season to be jolly...

Whether it’s tradition among friends to head out to the local pub, or enjoy a festive tipple in a new location with family, Cornwall has some incredible places for you to try. From welcoming Cornish pubs serving local ales and ciders to candle-lit bars with decadent cocktail menus, read on to discover 10 of our top choices for a Christmas Eve drink.

1. Ugly Butterfly, St Ives

Nestled on the water’s edge of Carbis Bay sits Ugly Butterfly, a firm Perfect Stays favourite. The perfect place to dress up and meet friends, take a seat at the bar and watch the waves roll into shore as drinks are poured. Celebrate with a marzipan infused sleigh-ing cocktail, or clink glasses of red and laugh away the stresses ahead of the big day. 

With music playing into the early hours of Christmas morning, a festive celebration at the Ugly Butterfly will be something spectacular to remember. 

© John Hersey Studio

2. Knightor Winery, St Austell

Once evening rolls around, reward yourself with a winter warmer at Knightor Winery. If your Christmas Eve plans include pulling on skates and taking to the glittering ice at the Eden Project nearby, this one's for you. Whether it’s a spiced mulled wine or local Cornish beer that takes your fancy, everyone will love getting into the festive spirit in Knightor’s candle-lit bar. 

Taking place between 1 - 3pm, enjoy a festive sing-along and feast upon homemade mince pies beside the open fire. If you’re in need of a last-minute gift or wish to secure a special bottle for Christmas Day celebrations, be sure to make a stop by the winery. 

© Knightor Winery via Instagram

3. The Mariners Pub, Rock

For those looking for a Christmas Eve tipple in the heart of Rock, head to The Mariners. Home to incredible views over the Camel Estuary and part of the Paul Ainsworth collection, find yourselves just steps away from a number of our luxury Rock properties.

Order a bottle of Cornish fizz over supper and toast to the festivities. Serving drinks until 11pm, you’ll be set for a merry evening ahead. Once dusk falls, take a moment to stop and admire the twinkling lights across the water at Padstow before retreating to your cosy holiday home in time for Father Christmas' arrival.

4. Shipwrights, Padstow

Spend Christmas Eve harbourside with a quick pit-stop at a local’s favourite, Shipwrights in Padstow. Boasting views over the picturesque boats, this traditional pub makes an idyllic refuge for a Christmas Eve nightcap. Warm your hands and cosy up with a long night negroni after gentle walks along the cobbled streets. Or bring a touch of summer to the winter nights with a spiced grapefruit and orange mocktail before cosying up for the big day.

© St Austell Brewery via Instagram

5. Surfside, Polzeath

For a cool and laid back offering, be sure to head to Surfside for beachside festivities. Often known for their evenings of live music and local rum selection, enjoy a delicious smokey mule beside the wood burner as the waves roll in ahead. 

Dog-friendly and set on the sand, explore the coastal path and take refuge at Surfside after a windswept walk. 

For those wishing to retreat to Polzeath this Christmas, be sure to secure your stay at Seagrass. Set high above the waves, this spacious home is sure to bring everyone together for a memorable week beside the sea. 

© Surfside Polzeath via Instagram and Megan Porteous

6. The Atlantic, Polzeath

Another Polzeath favourite, with mulled apple Pimms and black cherry negronis on the menu, we’re certain that The Atlantic will leave you in full festive spirits. Opt out of cooking up a feast on Christmas Eve and instead enjoy a family supper beachside, followed by an evening of festive cocktails.

Set overlooking the sand, spend the afternoon exploring the golden stretch with views out to Hayle Bay. If you’re looking for where to explore this winter, check out our recommendations for short winter walks here.

7. The Port William Inn, Trebarwith Strand

Home to breath-taking views over Gull Rock and Trebarwith Strand Beach, a drink or two at this dog-friendly inn is a must. Once the festive feast preparations are taken care of, head to the coast for an evening of holiday cheer. Cosy up in front of the open fire and sample your way through festive beverages with the lapping waves ahead. 

From Mrs Claus’ mojito to a chocolate orange espresso martini, you’ll be set for a seaside celebration. Designated drivers won't be missing out on the good tidings, as The Port William will be on hand with a complimentary alcohol-free drink, especially for you.

© St Austell Brewery via Instagram

8. Cobweb Inn, Boscastle 

If you’re on the lookout for a ‘proper’ Cornish pub, the Cobweb Inn in Boscastle will have you covered. Serving local craft beers and ales, alongside Cornish gins, you’ll feel in true festive spirits inside this harbourside joint. Popular among the locals, you can often find a member or two of the Boscastle Buoys gracing their audience with an array of sea shanties and festive tunes.

9. Inn on the Shore, Downderry

As the Christmas Eve preparations settle and the presents are wrapped, gather loved ones together at the charming seafront pub, Inn on the Shore. With views spanning the Rame Peninsula and straight across the water to Looe, hunker down cliffside with a local craft beverage or a luxurious hot chocolate.

Just a short walk away with a backdrop of lapping waves, you’ll find our architecturally striking beach house, Eden. Sleeping six guests, explore Cornwall's quieter season this Christmas with a last-minute getaway. For larger groups, choose Amar. Beautifully styled and with never-ending sea views, it'll make the perfect setting for your festive celebrations.

10. St Kew Inn, Wadebridge

Tucked away just a short drive from Port Isaac and Polzeath, St Kew Inn is a perfect place for drinks with friends. Enjoy a truly rustic country pub and relax in the warmth with a punchy hot chocolate dosed with an extra splash of salted caramel rum. Serving some of the best festive cocktails from a spiced gin and tonic to warming mulled wine, this pub will certainly have something on their drinks menu suited to everyone.

Plan an impromptu Cornish Christmas

There’s still time to escape to Cornwall this Christmas. Take a look at our last remaining homes available for the festive period. 

Or, with a new year just around the corner, transport yourself to an oasis of calm and secure your 2024 break here. Sure to blow away the January blues, our luxury properties promise plenty to look forward to. 

Image credits: John Hersey Studio for Ugly Butterfly | Megan Porteous at Surfside | All other imagery from Unsplash and Pexels.