Nothing makes my family feel festive quite light twinkling lights set against a dark night sky. So, the closer we got to the illuminated biomes of the Eden Project as we wove our way down the path to the former clay pit, the more excited we all became.
The Eden Project is currently offering a showstopping lights experience and we were lucky enough to attend the preview evening which was absolutely breathtaking. During our visit we also got a taste of some of the other activities on offer for families there this winter.
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Both the rainforest and Mediterranean biome were transformed with a riot of lights and sounds that made walking through the foliage simply magical. The community choir singing in the link building between the biomes made us feel nicely festive too.
The Christmas Lights Experience costs £5.50 per person for ages 5+ and is on during selected dates until early January between 4-8pm. The Christmas Lights Experience is included in Advance or On the Day Tickets where it is the first visit using that ticket. All other forms of admission, including Locals’ Pass holders, Members and Concessionary tickets, require a Christmas Lights Experience ticket.
While you’re at the Eden Project, I’d also recommend booking tickets to go ice skating. This is something both my boys aged nine and eleven absolutely love doing and we had a lot of fun during our 40-minute session.
Boot hire is included in the ticket price and skating aids can be booked too for little ones if needed. The Eden Project is also offering ice skating lessons, parent and toddler sessions and family friendly sessions in addition to their general skate session. Ice skating is available every day apart from Christmas Day until 22nd February.
During the preview evening we attended, Father Christmas and his abseiling elves surprised visitors in the Mediterranean biome. However, on selected dates this November and December, visitors can book to meet Santa and his elves in their grotto. For £16 per person children can take part in an interactive storytelling experience, meet Father Christmas and they’ll be given a gift to take home too. Relaxed sessions are also available.
Just behind the ice rink there is a traditional Christmas carousel which is open between midday and 7pm and costs £3 a go. Both my boys (and my husband) enjoyed this ride.
If you need to recharge between Christmas activities, there are several options for refreshments along the route. From three course meals in the Med Terrance Restaurant, to grass fed burgers or loaded fries by the ice rink and home-made mince pies and hot drinks from the cafes. My youngest son has a dairy allergy and we were really impressed by the clear allergen signage on the menu as well as how helpful the staff were when ordering.
There is an extensive shop at the exit which features lots of gorgeous sustainable brands and lots of goodies which are perfect for Christmas presents and stocking fillers.
There really is something for everyone at the Eden Project this winter. Their lights experience, Father Christmas visits and ice skating slots do all get busy so be sure to book tickets in advance on their website to guarantee a place.
Our tickets were complimentary but all views and opinions are my own.
Naomi Jones is an award-winning children’s author and mum of two. You can find out more about her books on her website and Instagram.
