Temperatures are dropping, the woolly scarves are coming out and mince pies are lining supermarket shelves: Christmas is just around the corner.
In the coming weeks Cornwall will get well and truly into the festive spirit, with a calendar jam-packed with events - from the City of Lights festival to the Made in Cornwall Christmas fair.
Whether you're looking for festive family fun, ways to celebrate the Christmas countdown with friends or just somewhere to do your shopping in style, Cornwall has it covered. Ice skating at Eden
No matter what your age, ice skating is a must over the festive period. And what better setting than the rolling grounds of The Eden Project?
Head to the rink with the family of a weekend, or beat the crowds with a mid-week saver skate session. And if the little ones aren't quite old enough to skate, why not enjoy a special parent and toddler ice-play session for the under-6s?
There is limited capacity for all skating sessions, so pre-book to avoid disappointment. Find out more and book online at www.edenproject.com. City of Lights
Nothing says 'Christmas' quite like the warm glow of lights, so pop this event in your diary if you're looking to get into the festive spirit.
Held on November 14, the City of Lights festival will light up Truro in style, with a procession of handmade lanterns floating through the streets, carried by professional artists, Cornish school children and local community groups.
City of Lights also marks the official switch on of Truro's Christmas lights. The switch on will be followed by music and dance from Truro School of Samba and other local bands.
The procession starts at the junction of Moresk Road and St Clements Street, before moving up to Pydar Street, left along Union Street and down Castle Street.
To find out more, click here. Lostwithiel Dickensian Evening
Be transported to the Victorian streets of Dickens' time on December 13.
A Victorian-themed evening in the Christmas tree-lined streets of Lostwithiel, this event is sure to delight. Feel like you've set foot into A Christmas Carol by enjoying mulled wine, street entertainers, an old-fashioned children's roundabout and shopkeepers dressed in period costume.
Hear carols sung by choirs and bells ringing, explore the Mayor's Parlour and peruse stalls selling antiques, books and Christmas crafts. All the shops will be open, too.
And if a festive feast is what you're after, there's no shortage of options: a soup kitchen, Christmas sausages with all the trimmings, turkey and cranberry pasties, hot chestnuts and more.
There will also be live music in the Public Houses from 9pm.
Find out more here. Made in Cornwall Christmas Fair
Christmas is the time to show your loved ones you care, and what better way than with a unique, locally-sourced gift they can treasure?
Held in Lemon Quay, Truro between November 28 and December 1, the Fair displays gifts crafted by some of the best artisans, artists and food and drink producers working in Cornwall today.
And every product on sale has been approved by Cornwall Council as being genuinely Made in Cornwall.
The fair will be held on the Piazza in Truro. Admission is free.
For more information, click here. Padstow Christmas Festival
For many of us, Christmas is all about enjoying mouth-watering food – and lots of it! So what better way to spend a weekend than exploring the culinary delights on offer at Padstow's annual Christmas Festival?
Held between Friday December 7 and Sunday 9, the festival will be attended by a host of celebrity chefs - Rick Stein and his son Jack; Paul Ainsworth, chef patron of No 6 in Padstow and from BBC 2's Great British Menu; and Nathan Outlaw, the two Michelin-starred chef from Restaurant Nathan Outlaw in Rock.
You can also see in action Mitch Tonks, award-winning restaurateur, chef and food writer; Chris Eden from the Michelin-starred Driftwood Hotel near Portscatho; and Mark Sargeant, chef and owner of RockSalt in Folkestone.
Chef demonstrations will be taking place inside a specially constructed kitchen with seating for more than 250 people.
You can also enjoy a traditional Christmas market, held in a large marquee on the quay side, packed with stalls selling treats and gifts. Peruse a huge range of ales, meats, jams and cheeses, and pop into restaurants Fifteen Cornwall and The Seafood Restaurant for some Christmas pudding.
And for the little ones, Santa will be in residence in his grotto at The Padstow Institute. Children will also be able to take part in festive workshops throughout the weekend, including cake decorating and face painting.
There will also be a lantern parade and firework display on the Friday evening.
To find out more click here. Santa Fun Runs
'Tis the season of goodwill, so why not help those less fortunate and take part in a Santa Fun Run?
Held in Land's End, Padstow and Falmouth, Cornwall Hospice Care's annual Santa Fun Runs will raise much-needed funds.
Whatever your age there's a Fun Run for you – choose between two distances, and opt to jog or walk if you prefer.
It's probably the chilliest fun run of the year, but you'll receive a mince pie and a hot drink to help you warm up afterwards!
Spaces are limited, so advanced registration is recommended – click here. Registration is £10 for adults and £5 for children.
For further information contact Rose on 01726 66868, or via email at rwiltshire@cornwallhospice.co.uk
Alternatively, visit www.visitcornwall.com. Montol Festival
If you're looking for a Christmas celebration with a twist, the Montol festival is ideal. Held over six days - December 16 to December 21 – the festival is based on Cornish traditions of the past, culminating in the main event, Montol Eve on December 21.
Throughout the week there will be lantern and mask making workshops, strolling bands, carol services, an arts and crafts fair, storytelling and late night shopping in Penzance.
Fire beacons are lit throughout the town, and you can enjoy the chalking and burning of the Mock - the Cornish Yule log.
Find out more about the festival here. Aladdin Pantomime
For guaranteed family fun, snap up tickets to see Aladdin at the Hall for Cornwall.
Steeped in magic and packed with surprises, this is a show for both old and young to enjoy.
Running from December 14 to January 6, 2013, this is the ideal way to spend a weekend, jazz up Boxing Day or get in the festive spirit on Christmas Eve.
Off-peak tickets range from £13 to £21.50; Peak £13 to £23.50 and Family Packs are available for £56 &£66. Visit www.hallforcornwall.org.
