11 of the best Christmas light trails in the UK to book now
As we start to count down to Christmas and the darker nights begin to draw in, one of our favourite ways to celebrate with our family and friends over the festive season is with a visit to a seasonal light trail.
There’s just something so magical about exploring and seeing a number of the UK’s most beloved locations turn into wintry wonderlands. Think illuminated forests and gardens, glowing tunnels of light and an array of breathtaking art installations.
Plus, there are lots of different attractions to keep you busy too. From ice skating and meeting Santa Claus himself, to special tours, markets and festive food and drink, you can often make a day, as well as an evening, of your visit.
We’ve rounded up 11 of the best Christmas light trails to visit here in the UK. Guaranteed to get the entire family well and truly in the festive spirit, keep reading to see some of our favourites to book now…
Christmas at Kew
Kew Gardens is one of our favourite places to visit all year round but at Christmas it truly is unmissable. Some of the highlights include the mesmerising flickering flames in the fire garden, the dancing lakeside reflections and, of course, the glittering light tunnels.
You'll also find plenty of local independent street food vendors along the route, offering everything from sweet treats and hot chocolate to spiced winter warmers and hot food.
Dates: 13 November 2024 to 5 January 2025 (select dates)
Christmas at Warwick Castle
With more lights than ever before, Christmas at Warwick Castle is back with a number of brand new installations and decorations for 2024. From a Nutcracker-inspired entrance to dancing light displayed on the castle walls, you won't know where to look first.
The festivities continue with a bustling winter food and drink village, as well as open-air ice skating with towers and turrets as a backdrop, plus stories with Santa and Mrs Claus.
Dates: 23 November 2024 to 5 January 2025
Christmas at Blenheim Palace
While we love an outdoor light trail, Blenheim Palace also has an indoor option this year, in addition to their usual exterior trail. Their Neverland in the Palace will see you following Tinkerbell through their State rooms as she sprinkles fairy dust over baubles and Christmas trees, taking in a moonlit London skyline and onto the Mermaid Lagoon.
In addition to this, their superb Christmas market is set to return and for the very first time ever, you'll be able to go ice skating on the Palace's Great Court.
Dates: 15 November 2024 to 1 January 2025
Christmas at Westonbirt
New for 2024, get ready to explore trees from all over the globe and see them illuminated from all angles – with over a million lights altogether – at Westonbirt, The National Arboretum.
There will also be seasonal sounds to fill the air with Christmas cheer and plenty of great festive snacks to enjoy as you get exploring.
Dates: 29 November 2024 - 31 December 2024 (select dates)
Longleat Festival of Light
Take a trip back in time this year at Longleat's Festival of Light, as you wander through their impressive lantern trail. Transporting you all the way from the prehistoric age of the dinosaurs to present day, you'll even be able to walk through a great pyramid of Egypt and witness a 10 metre high Roman Colosseum complete with chariots and gladiators.
You also won't want to miss Britain's biggest singing Christmas tree or hopping aboard the Santa Express.
Dates: November 9 2024 to January 5 2025
Christmas at Wimpole
With new lights for the upcoming season, discover neon trees, larger-than-life flowers and an amazing two colour pea-lit tree at Christmas at Wimpole this year.
If you fancy making a day of it, there are plenty of great ways to do so. From local choirs singing Christmas carols in the chapel and the Stables, there's also a Christmas Route taking place inside in the Mansion House. With 10ft trees and the return of the ‘Lightfall’ in the well of the Grand Staircase, you'll be in a festive mood in no time.
Dates: 22 November 2024 to 1 January 2025 (select dates)
Christmas at Stourhead
Often described as a 'living work of art' Stourhead's house and garden features a stunning Christmas Cathedral this year, with more than a thousand pea lights woven into the forest landscape.
New for this year is the 'Sea of Light', which sees larger-than-life snowflakes suspended in the trees, alongside 'Light a Wish,' which fills the air with giant, floating dandelion seeds. So, even if you've visited before, there are plenty of new festive sights to behold.
Dates: 29 November 2024 - 1 January 2025 (select dates)
Christmas at the Botanics
If you happen to be travelling north of the border in the run up to the big day, a trip to Christmas at the Botanics in Edinburgh is a must. Some of this year's highlights include a sparkling flock of jolly robins, as well as their floating candles, which will make you feel like you've just visited the magical world of witchcraft and wizardry at Hogwarts' Great Hall.
We also recommend warming up by toasting some marshmallows at one of their fire pits, as you take in the incredible sights before you.
Dates: 21 November to 30 December (select dates)
Christmas at Dunham Massey
Taking place at one of the National Trust’s most-visited places, Christmas at Dunham Massey will allow you to discover beautiful installations as you wind through the gardens, with lights even illuminating the moat and dotted throughout the trees.
The mile-long trail can be enjoyed at your own pace, with there being plenty of opportunities for great selfies and family photos.
Dates: 15 November 2024 to 1 January 2025 (select dates)
Christmas Lights at Leeds Castle
Another great option, when it comes to taking some incredible photos, is at Leeds Castle this Christmas. And quite a few of them are unique to this particular light trail.
It's safe to say you'll see the castle in a new light (pun intended), with everything from giant colour-changing lilies shimmering on the lake to larger than life glowing reeds rising high into the night sky.
Dates: 22 November 2024 - 1 January 2025 (select dates)
Christmas at the Eden Project
The Eden Project is pretty magical all year round but none more so than at Christmas, when the Biomes are transformed into a twinkling night-time wonderland. It truly is a sight to behold! There's also a chance to meet Father Christmas and have a skate on the ice rink.
Plus, the Cornwall Christmas Fair returns for two days only, to raise funds for the Cornwall Community Foundation, on the 27th and 28th of November.
Dates: 22–24 and 29–30 November 2024; 1, 5–8, 12–23 and 27–30 December 2024; 2–5 January 2025
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