The one-of-a-kind tropical Christmas market in England with 35C temps
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 light trail, plenty of food, ice skating and it’s all inside.
During the day, the Eden Project in Cornwall 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 ice rink.
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 weather ruining the experience, and there’s plenty of opportunity to munch on festive food too.
The cafes and restaurants will serve up winter 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 wine.
Also available is the chance to book a luxury three-course Christmas lunch which will be served on the Med Terrace Restaurant.
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 are five cheap Christmas markets in Europe…
Bratislava, Slovakia
The Christmas Market in Bratislava is found between the Main Square and Hviezdoslavovo Square, with an ice skating rink as well.
Last year, it was even named the cheapest Christmas Market break by the Post Office.
Vilnius, Lithuania
Vilnius is another cheap Christmas Market destination and even the European Christmas Capital this year.
The biggest market is at Cathedral Square, where you will find the huge central Christmas Tree, with a smaller one at Town Hall Square.
Riga, Latvia
Riga is also often named one of Europe‘s cheapest Christmas Market destinations.
There are live DJs as well as a Santa House alongside the usual market stalls.
Gdansk, Poland
For Gdansk’s Christmas Markets, you need to head to Targ Węglow where there is a fairground and light installations.
It even won the Best Christmas Markets in Europe 2025 award.
Vienna, Austria
Vienna’s Rathausplatz Christmas Market is a popular one, as well as one of Europe’s largest.
It has 150 stalls, a small theme park and welcomed three million people last year.
Here’s another underrated European town with a pretty Christmas market and festive train that costs less to visit than a UK staycation.
Plus, the prettiest Christmas markets in Britain – with hotel stays from £37.