Christmas at the Eden Project
Visitors can wander through an after-dark spectacle of music and light dancing across the plants within the Rainforest and Mediterranean Biomes. Festive activities across the site include gathering around fire pits to toast marshmallows and S'mores, listening to community choirs in the Link building, and riding a classic carousel. The event also features theatrical Father Christmas encounters with elves, open-air ice skating, and seasonal dining options.
What to Expect
Music and vibrant festive light installations transforming the iconic indoor Biomes.
Event Details
Duration
The page recommends allowing at least 1.5 hours to explore both Biomes.
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
Eden Project
Food & Drink
Cafés and restaurants serve festive treats, family meals, mince pies and mulled drinks; a pre-booked three-course Christmas dinner is available in the Mediterranean Biome on Thursdays from 26 November to 17 December, and dietary requirements can be catered for on request.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with young children
Vibe
Magical and festive
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: A valid Eden admission ticket is required Some ticket types include Christmas Lights access, otherwise a Christmas Lights Pass is needed. The pass is £12.50 for adults aged 16+ and free for children under 16; it includes unlimited return visits. Members save 10%. – Get tickets
- Hours: Christmas Lights Pass holders can access the Biomes between 4–8.30pm on Christmas Lights evenings. The Biomes close to day visitors at 3.15pm before reopening; last entry to the Biomes is 8pm, and they close at 8.30pm.
- Accessibility: Carers can book free timed entry, relaxed Father Christmas sessions are offered, and manual wheelchair users with an assistant can access the ice rink.
Tips & Advice
- Book your Eden timed entry slot at least 30 minutes before a Father Christmas or ice skating session, so you have time to walk from the Visitor Centre.
- Check whether your admission ticket already includes the Christmas Lights before buying a pass, because Members and Locals' Pass holders still need a Christmas Lights Pass.
- If you arrive earlier in the day, you can stay for the Christmas Lights without leaving and re-entering, though the Biomes close briefly to day visitors before the lights.
- Eat before the end of the evening on Christmas Lights nights, because most food venues stop serving before the Biomes close, and only the Med Biome serves later.
- Head outside after the choirs in the Link building and gather at the fire pits for toasted S'mores on Christmas Lights evenings.
Special Events & Promotions
- All-new after-dark Christmas Lights Experience on selected evenings, with a Christmas Lights Pass for unlimited visits that is free for under 16s; Members save 10%.
- Brand-new theatrical Father Christmas experience with his Elves on selected dates, extra ticket required.
- Relaxed Father Christmas sessions with fewer people, designed for those with autism, sensory or communication needs.
- Luxury three-course Cornish Christmas lunches in the Mediterranean Biome on Thursdays from 26 November to 17 December, pre-booking essential and Eden entry included.
- Local community choirs sing in the Link building between the Biomes on Christmas Lights evenings.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a separate ticket for the Christmas Lights?
Everyone needs a valid Eden admission ticket. Some ticket types include the Christmas Lights. Otherwise you need a Christmas Lights Pass, which gives unlimited return visits this season and is free for children under 16. Members and Locals' Pass holders also need a Christmas Lights Pass.
Do I need to book a time slot?
Yes. Pre-book a timed entry slot for the day of your visit to guarantee entry, and arrive within 30 minutes of it. You don't need a separate slot for the Christmas Lights. Eden Project Members don't need to book timed entry.
How long should we allow for the Christmas Lights?
Allow at least 1.5 hours to explore both Biomes. The Father Christmas experience takes around 45 minutes.
What food is available?
The cafés and restaurants serve festive treats, family meals, homemade mince pies and mulled drinks. On Christmas Lights evenings, the Med Biome serves food later than the other venues. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and other dietary needs are catered for, so tell a member of staff what you need.
What's included with a Father Christmas ticket?
Every child shares a moment with Father Christmas and gets a keepsake and a marshmallow to toast on the fire pit. Everyone with a ticket gets one free ride on the Christmas Carousel. You also need valid Eden admission.
More Christmas Events Near St Austell
More Christmas Events near St Austell
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.