Review of Eden in Cornwall's Christmas Experience 2022: details

Now a firm favourite in the Ferguson household, there is something for everyone - pretty coloured lights for me, an oh-so-authentic visit to Father Christmas for my daughter and the chance to show his Avengers Christmas jumper to a wider world for the husband (plus, happy wife = happy life).

Having messed up the timings last year and not left enough time to see the biome light displays properly, this was the first place we headed on our return this week. And it was worth the 12-month wait, fulfilling every wish for the pink, glitter-loving ten-year-old inside of me who never truly left.The Mediterranean biome lit up (Image: Matt Ferguson)

With another stunning display around ever corner, the plants lit up in every colour of the rainbow, it was breathtakingly beautiful.

Inside the Mediterranean biome on these special festive event evenings you can also enjoy some live music from local musicians and singers led by musical directors Matt Harrison and Patrick Bailey - with a total of 22 festive numbers from seasonal favourites such as the main tune from the “The Snowman” to Insomnia by Faithless, mixed with Handel’s Messiah and 8 Days of Christmas by Destiny’s Child. 

Statues lit up in the Mediterranean biome (Image: Matt Ferguson)

The Rainforest biome is a little darker and therefore a little less 'pink and pretty' but all the more exciting for it (although my daughter was a little unnerved by the shadows).

It is also home to my favourite light display of the this year - something we christened 'muliti-coloured fluorescent jellyfish' which hang overhead.

Illuminated 'jellyfish' in the Rainforest biome (Image: Arran Lockett)

I'd have happily stayed in the biomes all evening, but we had an important appointment with a VIP - none other than Santa himself!

As always he'd brought his elves with him and set up home in a tipi-turned-grotto.

This year was no less spellbinding as we heard the story of Elfie before the elves taught us some of the skills needed to work for the Big Man.

Sat on blankets and log stools watching the infectious enthusiasm of the festive ensemble, followed by a meet-and-greet with Santa and a small gift afterwards, you'd need the frozen heart of an ice queen not to be filled with the spirit of Christmas after that.

Father Christmas and his elves in the tipi (Image: Matt Ferguson)

While we didn't try out the ice skating, there were plenty of people enjoying themselves out on the rink and this element will remain at Eden until February 19, 2023, offering general 40-minute slots, lessons and family sessions.

The Christmas Experience events take place on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from now, then daily from December 15 right up until December 23, and from December 27-30.

Stunning illuminations (Image: Emma Ferguson)