A new immersive Christmas experience including Santa’s workshop, a Giant Yule Tide Snow Globe and plenty of festive crafts will open in Cornwall this December.
Sir Tim Smit and the Shipwreck Treasure Museum, Charlestown, St Austell has announced the all-new Tunnel of Lights: This Christmas will open on Saturday, December 3 until January 8, 2023.
The Christmas experience is said to include visitors descending into the historic tunnels, beneath the museum through a magical wardrobe, into the frozen wonderland of Narnia, and then rediscover the museum, which is said to be transformed into ‘every Christmas setting imaginable’.
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From Santa’s very own workshop and a room of giant baubles to an entire world of beautifully wrapped glittering presents and Candy Land.
The public will have a chance to explore the museum’s very own Shipwreck that overlooks Charlestown Harbour, including snowfall.
There will also be a mini–German Christmas Market and a chance to create festive crafts in which all the family can participate.
A Giant Yule Tide Snow Globe will be an opportunity for groups of six to capture a unique festive photo.
Finally, follow Santa’s footsteps through the glittering North Pole while walking along hundreds and thousands of twinkling lights through an indoor festive display.
The 45-minute, self-led journey will lead the public to the tunnels beneath the museum, so people are being asked to dress up warm and wear appropriate footwear.
Emily Henderson is an experienced Cornish artist, designer, and prop maker for film, tv and live events and is busily working with her team of Elves on creating the Tunnel of Lights experience with the Shipwreck Treasure Museum team.
She said: "It is great fun being involved with bringing such a popular event as the Tunnel of Lights to life. We’re creating a whole new immersive experience for families to enjoy which is designed to get everyone firmly into the Christmas mood.
“The museum’s tunnels, corridors and spaces offer a truly unique setting for us to get creative. The restraints of working in narrow places like the tunnels have been a great creative challenge.”
“As soon as visitors begin their Tunnel of Lights journey, they will discover a different festive scene around every corner. This year it’s a complete Christmas takeover of the museum and a real explosion of fun, complete with seasonal backdrops, sparkling lights and sounds to complete the experience.”
Timed-entry tickets are on sale, with some dates already close to selling out. Tickets must be booked in advance online by visiting shipwreckcharlestown.co.uk. Admission will also include access to the multi award-winning museum.
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