How we made Maritime Magic for A Cornish Christmas

The Story behind the Festive Light Displays at National Maritime Museum Cornwall this Season

As winter settles over Cornwall’s coast, we’ve transformed the Museum into a sparkling celebration of the sea. This year’s festive light displays offer an indoor spectacle that captures the magic of Cornwall’s maritime heritage, whether you’re a Cornwall resident looking for a unique festive experience or a visitor seeking something a little different from the usual Christmas displays.

A Creative Concept Rooted in the Sea

The 2025 festive displays were developed  by the Museum’s Creative Engagement Officer Sophie, who envisioned a concept that would honour the Museum’s  maritime heritage, highlight our remarkable collection of small boats and celebrate Cornwall’s coastal connections.

Sophie was determined that the display should have a handmade feel, creating a wave of creativity that flows throughout the museum. Museum volunteers and staff helped with the hand-collaging of festoon bulbs in ocean-inspired colours and carefully painted paper lanterns to reflect the boat fenders and buoys that bob in our harbours. Sparkling nets of lights echo the fishing nets cast from Cornwall’s shores and delicate starbursts hint at the mysterious beauty of undersea creatures.

The flying flotilla of boats – already an impressive sight suspended in the Boat Hall – has been adorned with twinkling fairy lights, transforming these vessels into magical sculptures that seem to sail through a sea of stars!

A Fisherman’s Touch

Among the standout features is our much-loved lobster pot Christmas tree, with lobster pots created by Cadgwith fisherman Nigel Legge – complete with glass buoys, twinkling lights, and starfish lovingly crafted by museum volunteers.

The Challenge of the Installation

Creating this maritime wonderland was no small feat. The museum maintenance crew faced the task of bringing the vision to life, which required closing the Boat Hall and re-routing visitors around the space. A cherry picker was brought in to reach the suspended boats, and the team spent painstaking hours attaching (and testing) the individual bulbs, paper buoys, and strings of lights to the flying flotilla.

Each element had to be carefully positioned and secured, a process that demanded precision and patience. The result of these many hours of dedicated work is a display that fills the Boat Hall with an enchanting atmosphere that visitors of all ages can enjoy.

Experience the Magic

The displays are available to view as part of museum admission from 29 November to Sunday 4 January, pay once for standard admission and enjoy free return visits for a year.