Discover England's Unique Tropical Christmas Market: 35°C Heat and Rain-Ready Fun!

CHRISTMAS markets sound fun and cosy, walking around cobbled streets with a cup of mulled wine and gazing up at twinkling light – but no one enjoys doing that in the pouring rain.

But there’s one place in the UK that has an incredible , plenty of food, ice skating and it’s all inside.

The Biomes at the Eden Project light up during the Christmas periodCredit: The Eden Project There are light trails but you won’t be getting rained on here – in fact it’ll be warmCredit: The Eden Project

During the day, the Eden Project in is home to beautiful famous tropical gardens showing off exotic plants and flowers.

But come 4pm from the end of November, it turns into a winter wonderland where kids can meet Father Christmas and families can skate across the indoor .

The Biomes look like huge baubles from the outside lit up on reds and greens, and this year, there’s a new Christmas Light Experience inside the Mediterranean Biome.

The Rainforest dome will be lit up with rainbow lights behind the palm trees and waterfall.

Father Christmas will be there too along with his elves, and families can meet them during a 45-minute experience.

It’s completely immersive, with ‘theatrical surprises’ and children get a gift too.

The ice rink is back as well and is also under cover so there’s no chance of bad ruining the experience, and there’s plenty of opportunity to munch on festive food too.

The cafes and will serve up warming snacks and drinks on Christmas Lights evenings – most will close at 7.15pm.

There will be everything from hearty family meals to mince pies and mulled .

Also available is the chance to book a three-course Christmas lunch which will be served on the Med Terrace Restaurant.

Visitors can meet with Father Christmas and his elves in a 45-minute immersive experienceCredit: The Eden Project Families can go ice skating, which is also inside to avoid the cold weatherCredit: The Eden Project

Bookings for the festive lunch, include free entry to the Eden Project.

For most Christmas experiences you’ll have to wrap up, but make sure to be prepared for warmth if you visit.

During the Christmas events, the domes maintain their usual warm temperatures – especially in the humid Rainforest Biome which can reach up to 35C.

There are some areas that are outside still so it’s advisable to bring a coat too.

This year the Cornwall Christmas Market will return to the Eden Project for two days only, November 19-20, 2025.

There will be 70 stalls set up so you can get Christmas treats and stocking fillers.

Christmas at the Eden Project runs from Friday November 21, 2025 to Sunday January 4, 2026.

Entry to the domes for the Christmas lights between 4-8PM requires two tickets – the standard entry at £38 (for adults if bought in advance) and the specific Christmas experience which is £5.50pp.

Visiting Father Christmas also requires standard entry along with the experience ticket which is £32 – entry for one adult and one child.

The ice rink is open from now until February 2026, visitors can book a general skate session which is 40-minutes long and costs £13 for adults and £10 for children.

There are also family-fun session on selected mornings, parent & toddler ice play and even ice skating lessons.

Here’s another underrated .

Plus, the prettiest .

During the winter season the biomes of the Eden Project will be lit up with festive lightsCredit: The Eden Project