Helios will offer visitors a rare opportunity to experience our nearest star up close in jaw-dropping magnitude as part of the charity and garden destination’s renowned festive programme.
The internationally touring artwork will be on display from Friday 20 November until Sunday 2 January 2027, suspended within the Mediterranean Biome and accompanied by an emotive festive soundscape that will transform the space into an immersive celestial experience.
The display combines detailed solar imagery and animated lighting to create a strikingly realistic representation of the Sun.
At a scale of 1:200 million, every centimetre of the artwork represents 2000km of the Sun’s surface.
Bristol-based Jerram, whose acclaimed installations include Museum of the Moon, Gaia (which featured in Eden’s 2019 Christmas illuminations) and Mars, created the artwork using imagery supplied by astrophotographer Dr Stuart Green and NASA, captured between May 2018 and June 2024.
Helios reveals solar features including sunspots, spicules and filaments, as well as the region of the Sun responsible for the solar flare that contributed to the Northern Lights displays seen across the UK in May 2024.
The artwork offers a safe way to view the surface of the Sun, following a period of renewed public fascination with solar phenomena, thanks to this year’s partial eclipse and astonishing aurora displays. For scale, Earth would appear at roughly the size of a tennis ball alongside the installation.
Named after the ancient Greek sun god, who was attributed to bringing daylight and the changing seasons, Helios celebrates the unparalleled importance of the Sun to all life on Earth and its influence on culture, religion and science.
Kate Francis, creative programme producer at the Eden Project, said: “For Eden, Helios is a reminder of the connections between sunlight, planetary health, the living world and mental wellbeing. During these dark, winter months, the artwork will bring warmth, light, positivity and an opportunity for reflection and togetherness at this festive time.”
"There's a lot to pack into a visit, with our all-new Father Christmas show, new-look ice rink and our showstopping lights. Fortunately, our Christmas Lights pass provides unlimited return visits and free entry for children. Having Helios come to the county as part of our festive celebrations makes Christmas at Eden one of the most unmissable experiences to end the year on. "
Elected a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society in 2019, Jerram said: “The Sun has inspired humanity for millennia. It sustains all life on Earth, influences our climate and weather systems, and has shaped cultures, beliefs and scientific discovery throughout history.
“Through Helios and its distinctive setting within the Eden Project’s Mediterranean Biome, I hope people will experience a renewed sense of awe, wonder and appreciation for this celestial body that makes life possible.”
A sparkling botanical wonderland
Alongside Helios, the world-famous Biomes and gardens will once again be transformed into a sparkling botanical wonderland.
Twinkling illuminations will lead visitors through the Outdoor Gardens, with the Biomes shimmering like enormous festive baubles against the winter sky.
Enchanting light displays will also weave among the tropical planting of the Rainforest Biome, creating a magical after-dark jungle experience.
Father Christmas and his merry elves will once again make the journey from the North Pole to take up residence at Eden, providing magical memories for families.
Eden’s glittering ice rink also returns for another season with a fresh new look. Reimagined with an ethereal Northern Lights-inspired backdrop against a forest-themed setting. Bookable sessions, lessons, family-friendly slots and toddler play sessions will be available in time for the October half-term holidays, on from Saturday 24 October right through to the end of February half-term on Sunday 21 February, 2027.
Cornwall Christmas Fair returns
The popular Cornwall Christmas Fair returns on 18 and 19 November, bringing together more than 60 independent makers and artisans.
The charity event raises funds for the Cornwall Community Foundation, raising £63,000 for community projects last year.
Visitor information
Dates: Christmas at the Eden Project takes place on selected late-opening dates from 20 November 2026, to 2 January 2027. Eden will be closed on Christmas Day.
Helios: On display from November 20, 2026, to January 2, 2027.
Ice skating: Daily from 24 October 2026 – 21 February 2027.
Cornwall Christmas Fair: Evening of 18 November and daytime on 19 November.
Admission: Adults from £35.50; children from £12.50; under-fives free; Universal Credit, Pension Credit and UK Legacy Credit holders £15.
