60+ UK Christmas light trails happening in 2025

Christmas light trails in Bedfordshire

Here are some holiday light trails to check out this season in Bedfordshire:

Stockwood Illuminated at Stockwood Discovery Centre

Embark on a journey of myth and magic with the ancient tree spirits, as they shine bright and illuminate the gardens at Stockwood Illuminated.

Find out more about this year’s event on the Stockwood website.

Stockwood Illuminated, Luton.

Shuttleworth in Lights

This year’s illuminated trail will be shining the spotlight on Shuttleworth’s Collection of heritage aircraft and vehicles.

There will be refreshments available from the Coffee Pod, before you make your way through the hangars. Along the way, discover the history of aviation and the story of Shuttleworth, in a world of festive light and sound. 

Shuttleworth in Lights, Biggleswade.

Illuminations in Berkshire

Here’s here to find winter light trails in Berkshire:

Welford Park’s Spectacle of Light

Setting the scene early in the winter season, this light trail makes the most of the darkening nights ahead of the Christmas rush.

Welford’s illuminated trail runs through the majestic woodland and around the gardens. Back at the house you’ll find seasonal treats to help you warm up.

Welford Park, Berkshire.

Light Trails in Buckinghamshire

Festive illuminated trails for the whole family this Christmas in Buckinghamshire:

Christmas at Waddesdon Manor

Experience a world of festive, musical splendour, as the gardens and exterior of Waddesdon – the Rothschild house in Buckinghamshire – is transformed for Christmas. 

This year the Manor will have displays in the house inspired by the classic fairytale Sleeping Beauty. The light projections on the façade will return for another year as well as a light trail and Christmas market.

Christmas at Waddesdon, Buckinghamshire.

Seasonal Light Trails in Cardiff

There is lots of family fun to be had at these festive trails in Cardiff:

Christmas at Bute Park

Wales’ biggest festive light trail is back and with a host of new installations lighting up Cardiff city centre.

Visitors will have the option to visit during a number of different time slots running each night and the event is fully accessible to those with wheelchairs and prams, aiming to offer an inclusive celebration of Christmas for all the family.

There will also be street food and drink stalls.

Christmas at Bute Park, Cardiff.

Christmas illuminations in Cambridgeshire

Here’s where to find Christmas light trails in Cambridgeshire:

Christmas at Wimpole

Visit Wimple National Trust estate in Royston and see it like never before with a new trail of magical lights illuminating the gardens.

The after-dark Illuminations trail that will bring the estate to life with over a million twinkling lights while the Mansion House will be decorated for Christmas during the day.

Christmas at Wimpole, Royston.

Christmas light trails in Cheshire

Find colourful light displays here in Cheshire:

Glittering winter adventure at Tatton Park

Step into an incredible glittering adventure at Tatton Park Gardens this Christmas. This year’s Yuletide trail is themed around folklore characters and winter rituals.

There will also be festive snacks and live music.

You can also visit the house where there are Wizard of Oz themed decorations and Santa will be visiting the farm. These events are ticketed separately.

Tatton Park, Knutsford.

Christmas at Dunham Massey

Tickets are on sale now for this popular illuminated trail which is returning for a seventh year to this historic National Trust property.

Light installations will be strewn around the gardens, moat and park.

Tickets sell out fast each year, therefore early booking is advised.

Dunham Massey, Altrincham.

The Lanterns at Chester Zoo

The lantern festival at Chester Zoo is a highlight in its events calendar. This year there will be new captivating light installations that will transport you into enchanting lands filled with colour and festivity.

Meet orangutans, lions and elephants as you’ve never seen them before and colour changing displays stretching as far as the eye can see.

You can also grab a bite to eat at the market stalls and meet Santa in his workshop.

The Lanterns at Chester Zoo, Chester.

Light trails in Cornwall

Visit here for a Christmas light trail in Cornwall (and don’t miss out on the trails in neighbouring Devon which are listed below!):

Night Gardens at the Lost Gardens of Heligan

Enter the Heligan Night Gardens and enjoy an enchanting lantern experience set amidst the atmospheric Lost Gardens.

Explore the Gardens as they are beautifully lit by a variety of traditional paraffin lanterns and discover a breath-taking display of flora and fauna lanterns, illuminated within Heligan’s much-loved and iconic locations.  

Heligan Night Gardens, St Austell.

Light Trails in County Antrim

Check out these lights trails in County Antrim:

Enchanted Winter Garden at Antrim Castle Gardens

As the winter sun sets over Lough Neagh, Antrim Castle Gardens will come to life with a magical Christmas experience.

Full details are of this year’s event are expect in September.

Details of this year’s event are coming soon.

Enchanted Winter Garden, Antrim.

Illuminated light trails in County Durham

Visit these festive trails in County Durham this season for some family fun:

AGLOW at Auckland Castle

This one-and-a-half mile long trail will be returning to illuminate Auckland Castle grounds this winter.

It will include the largest Christmas tree in the North of England, over 30 metres tall and the longest outdoor light tunnel in the country, measuring over 100 metres long.

AGLOW at Auckland Castle, Bishop Auckland, County Durham.

Forest of Light at Beamish Hall

Expect an immersive theatrical experience laid out across Beamish’s ancient woodland. This illuminated experience is accompanied by music, interactive props and projections to dazzle and amaze. 

Christmas at Beamish Hall, Stanley.

Christmas light trails in Derbyshire

These lights trails in Derbyshire will be fun to visit for the whole family:

Christmas at Chatsworth Estate

The gardens at Chatsworth will be decked for the winter season with a captivating light trail and illuminated displays.

This years theme will be announced in September. Head over to the Chatsworth website to find out more.

Christmas in the Garden, Chatsworth Estate, Bakewell.

Illuminations in Devon

There’s lots of Christmas light trails in Devon this year:

Glow at RHS Rosemoor, Great Torrington, North Devon

Make memories this festive season by exploring RHS Rosemoor’s magical trail of light and colour with six uplifting soundscapes to guide you through the garden rooms, woodlands and open spaces.

There will also be family entertainment every night.

Glow at RHS Rosemoor, Great Torrington.

Bay of Lights

The English Riviera’s free light trail returns to the seafront in Torquay for a third time this winter.

Enjoy a 1.5 mile route along Torquay seafront with glittering and unexpected surprises along the way including a light tunnel, prisms of light and a 12m high Christmas tree.

Bay of Lights, Torquay.

Christmas Wonderland Illuminations at Babbacombe Model Village

Enter a magical miniature wonderland of festive lights at Babbacombe Model Village this Christmas. 

There will be miniature seasonal scenes, a Christmas character spotter sheet and crazy golf. The Christmas lights are on from 3.30pm. Check the attraction’s website for tips on the best time to arrive and see the lights.

Babbacombe Model Village in Torquay.

Christmas light trails in Dorset

Have an illuminating time at these events:

Christmas lights in Bournemouth

This free immersive event turns Borunemouth into a dazzling winter wonderland with replica Christmas trees from around the world plus a multitude of enchanting illuminations and installations.

The Alpine Market and Alpine Lodge Bar are back in the Square offering a great atmosphere and festive fare.

Read about our weekend visiting Bournemouth for the Christmas Tree Wonderland and take a look at our video for a taste of what you can expect this year – get it in your calendar now:

Bournemouth Christmas Tree Wonderland.

Poole Christmas Maritime Light Festival

Enter a world of Christmas in Poole this year, with this FREE Christmas attraction! 

Be prepared to be dazzled as thousands of twinkling lights take you on a nautical journey through the town and culminating in the glistening lit-up harbour.

This year’s event features a galleon, walk-through lantern and bauble, an anchor as well as Christmas tree installations including the 13 metre blue sea life tree in Falkland Square.

Poole Christmas Maritime Light Festival, Poole Town Centre.

Christmas light trail in Edinburgh

Here’s somewhere to find a light trail in Edinburgh:

Christmas at the Botanics

Now established as a firm family tradition in Edinburgh, the trail the year will showcase a botanical world festooned with seasonal cheer.

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.

Illuminated Christmas trails in Essex

There’s a lot of sparkly Christmas fun at these trails in Essex:

Enlightened at Hylands Estate

Enlightened returns to Hylands Estate with a mile long route and even more magical lighting installations this year.

Try your hand at one of the many interactive elements where you can control the installation while competing with your fellow visitors and have your camera at the ready for the photo opportunity around every corner.

Enlightened, Chelmsford.

Enlightened at Colchester Castle Park

The Enlightened Christmas light trail returns to Colchester Castle Park this winter.

The grounds will be transformed into a magical illuminated light trail for visitors to enjoy with all the family.

Enlightened, Colcheste.

Glow at RHS Hyde Hall

Go on an enchanting journey around RHS Garden Hyde Hall and see much-loved garden areas awash with colour against the dark night sky.

This year you can follow the trail up onto the Hilltop, past the iconic Thatched Barn and through the Dry Garden, where dazzling lights and sound effects add to the drama.

As you head down the hill, take a moment to look out across the garden and experience breathtaking views of the Australia and New Zealand Garden. Then wander through the Winter Garden and be dazzled by living willow sculptures immersed in festive colour.

Glow at RHS Hyde Hall, Chelmsford.

Holiday Light trails in Flintshire

There is a lot of festive fun to be had when visiting these illuminated holidays trails in Flintshire:

Enchanted Winter at The Reindeer Lodge

The elves at Reindeer Lodge gave been busy creating a full walk-through experience including Christmas villages, beautiful lighting displays and a chance to meet festive characters.

There will be more time to meet the reindeer herds and meet Santa himself yourself.

Enchanted Winter Drive-Thru, Mold.

Christmas light trails in Gloucestershire

Here’s were to visit for a special Christmas event:

Enchanted Christmas at Westonbirt Arboretum

The Enchanted Westonbirt illuminated trail is one of the most magical Christmas activities happening this year.

Prepare for a brand new trail put together by the award-winning, internationally acclaimed light trail producers behind Christmas at Kew, Christmas at Bedgebury and Christmas at Blenheim.

Westonbirt Arboretum, Gloucestershire.

Spectacle of Light at Sudeley Castle & Gardens

Explore this magical after-dark experience and follow the illuminated trail around the beautiful castle grounds.

This year the trail is based on the classic fairy tale, Sleeping Beauty.

Complete you visit with a sip festive warmers of spiced mulled wine and sprinkled hot chocolate. There will be take away hot food and delicious donuts on the Castle Terrace.

Spectacle of Light at Sudeley Castle & Gardens, Winchcombe.

Enchanted Light Trail at Cotswold Farm Park

This family-friendly illuminated light trail returns with thousands of lights around the park, fire pits for toasting marshmallows and the chance to meet and feed the farm’s adorable animals as their barns come alive with glistening decorations.

Enchanted Lights Trail, Cotswold Farm Park, Cheltenham.

Christmas light trails in Hampshire

Soak up the magic of winter light trails at these illuminating spots in Hampshire:

Festive light trail at Marwell Zoo

Glow Marwell returns this year with half a million twinkling lights adorning illuminations and interactive displays.

Expect more details about this years’ event in the autumn.

Father Christmas will also be there in a new grotto.

Marwell Zoo, Winchester.

Light up Hellier Gardens, Romsey

This Christmas light trail in Hampshire is back for a third year with new light and sound installations, weaving through a changed route around the gardens. 

There’s a price freeze on standard tickets and you can upgrade to super peak tickets on selected nights. These will include live entertainment including fire jugglers, aerial artists and larger-than-life characters.  

Light Up Hellier Gardens, Romsey.

The Illuminated Garden Adventure at West Green House Gardens

This extraordinary mile long light trail at West Green House has the there ‘Over the Rainbow’ this year with characters you may recognise from the land of Oz.

Warming drinks, hot food and treats may be purchased along the trail.

The Illuminated Garden Adventure, Hook.

Enlightened at Staunton Farm in Havant

Staunton Farm will be transformed into a magical illuminated light trail with mesmerising light installations around the grounds. 

There will be interactive games of light and illuminated shapes and tunnels to dance through. The trail is about 1.2 Kilometres in length and suitable for the whole family.

Staunton Farm, Havant.

Light trail in Hertfordshire

Here’s where to find some sparkle in Hertfordshire this winter:

Ashridge House Illuminated

Set amongst 190 acres of Grade II* listed gardens, this 1.4km light trail is the longest in Hertfordshire and claims to be a third bigger than most festive light trails across the UK.

The rail includes 20 ‘key moments’ with many new, never seen before installations partially powered by green renewable energy.

There will be designated dog friendly nights and a bigger than ever festive food village full of local vendors.

Ashridge House Illuminated, Berkhamsted.

Christmas light trails in Kent

Have an illuminating time at these events in Kent:

Illuminations at Bedgebury

This family-friendly one-mile magical festive trail in the heart of the High Weald AONB countryside will once again be awash with colour. 

This year there will be new illuminations with more than one million twinkling lights and seasonal sounds filling the air with festive fun. 

Bedgebury National Pinetum & Forest, Kent.

Christmas lights at Leeds Castle

Returning for its third year, a magical Christmas trail will light up Leeds Castle with enchanting illuminations and Christmas music.

There will be larger than life glowing reeds rising high into the night sky, giant colour-changing lilies shimmering on the lake,  sparkling tunnels and exquisitely lit trees that fill the air with all the colours of the rainbow.

Christmas at Leeds Castle, Maidstone, Kent.

Christmas Lights & Illuminations at Hever Castle

This Christmas at Hever Castle wrap up warm and enjoy a walk under the stars to explore the grounds.

Witness the enchantment of the Castle, gardens and lake festooned with fabulous colours and twinkling lights, capturing the spirit of Christmas. 

Bring torches and pop on your wellies to see the much-loved gardens lit up with glorious colour washes, spectacular illuminations and music.

Christmas Lights & Illuminatons, Edenbridge.

Christmas in Lincolnshire

Here’s where to find Christmas light trails in Lincolnshire:

Christmas light trails at Belton

This year visitors will see new lights at Belton National Trust’s magical Christmas light trail.

Discover a meadow of light stretching out into the distance, colour-changing larger-than-life neon string flowers, candles floating high into the sky and batons of light that shine all the colours of the rainbow.

Belton House, Grantham.

Light trails in London this Christmas

Here’s where to find light trails in London this year:

Christmas at Kew

Christmas at Kew, a much-loved highlight of London’s festive calendar, returns for its twelfth year this November.

This year’s light trail features new installations, illuminating Kew Gardens’ UNESCO World Heritage landscape with vibrant bursts of colour and over a million twinkling lights.

Immerse yourselves in sparkling tunnels of light, dancing waterside reflections, glitter balls and trees drenched in jewel-like colour on your way to the panoramic Palm House light display.

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Light trails in Greater Manchester

Here’s a light trail to see in the Greater Manchester area:

Glow at RHS Bridgewater

This year’s Glow event promises a breathtaking trail of lights through these RHS gardens.

Glow is a popular Christmas event and sells out ahead of the winter. Book your tickets early to get the day and time you most want.

RHS Bridgewater, Salford.

Illuminated Trails in Merseyside

The whole family will enjoy visiting any of these festive trails this year in Merseyside:

Enchanted at Knowsley Safari Park

The foot safari at Knowsley Park will once again be transformed into an illuminated wonderland.

Wander among illuminated animals and explore the Winter Village. You might even spot Santa’s elves hard at work.

There will be favourite activities like walking through the tunnel of light, posting a Christmas wish list and toasting marshmallows by the fire.

Enchanted, Prescot.

Light trails in Newcastle

Here’s a light trail to check out in Newcastle:

Northern Lights at Leazes Park

Northern Lights is a magical Christmas light trail returning to Newcastle’s city centre this winter.

This event takes centre stage at Leazes Park with a showcase of world-class installations, a stunning lakeside spectacle, vintage fairground rides and a bustling Christmas Village featuring local food traders, all fully accessible to buggies, prams and wheelchairs.

Just a short walk from the city’s bustling nightlife, restaurants and amenities, there will be a display of immersive illuminations in a captivating journey through an array of enchanting zones.

Northern Lights, Leazes Park.

Christmas Light Trails in Norfolk

Check out these festive light trails in Norfolk this season:

Enchanted Journey of Light at Thursford

Thursford’s light trail is themed around a fantasy land with characters including the snowman family, penguins and polar bears to the giant-sized teddy bears!

Get ready to see how the elves have loaded Santa’s sleigh, then pass the busy elves hard at work in the toy factory using the wondrous wrapping machine.

Enchanted Journey of Light, Thursford.

Illuminate at Sandringham Estate

Nestled deep within Sandringham Estate, awaits a spectacular, illuminated trail, full of wonder and intrigue, to delight and enthral your senses.

As darkness descends, join in on the enchanting journey, as you weave a captivating light trail through the Royal Parkland. Immerse yourself in the mesmerising mile long trail, with stunning lighting elements and fabulous light play, all set to ambient music.

Illuminate, Sandringham.

Christmas Trail at BeWILDerwood

Explore a Sparkly Light Trail through the woods and enjoy a short pantomime. New this year s there chance to Meet Santa.

BeWILDerwood Christmas, Hoveton.

Illuminated light trails in Northamptonshire

Visit Northamptonshire this season to check out these light trails:

Winter Light Trail at Delapré Abbey

There’s an all new trail being planned around the walled gardens and Abbey the year.

Explore more than one mile of breathtaking light installations, spread throughout sparkling tree lines, tunnels of light, soundscapes and larger than life illuminations.

Winter Light Trail, Delapré Abbey, Northampton.

Winter light trails in Northumberland

There’s is plenty of fun to be had when visiting these festive trails in Northumberland:

Winter Light Trail at The Alnwick Garden

The North East’s biggest and brightest light trail is back this year.

See the Garden come to life like you have never seen it before with fantastic sound and light at this after dark spectacular.

Garden Winter Light Trail, Alnwick.

Christmas trails in Oxfordshire

Expect plenty of sparkle at this Christmas event in Oxfordshire:

Christmas at Blenheim

The Palace’s gardens will be illuminated by a million lights, while inside you’ll find rooms transformed into Neverland®.

Outdoors you’ll also find Blenheim’s famed Christmas market.

Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire.

Light Trails in Somerset

Here’s where to find some festive light trails in Somerset this Christmas season: 

Illuminate at Hestercombe Gardens

Illuminate at Hestercombe will transport you on a magical journey of colour and light with even more installations than ever before.

Prepare to be awe-inspired at the beautiful gardens as they come to life this season.

Illuminate at Hestercombe Gardens, Taunton.

Christmas light trail in Staffordshire

Here’s where to find illuminations in Staffordshire:

Luminate Winter Light Trail at Shuborough Estate

As darkness descends, join Luminate at Shugborough estate, on an enchanting journey, as you weave your way along a captivating light trail through the stunning, historic grounds.

The mile long route will be dressed with a stunning lighting display set to ambient music.

Luminate, Shugborough, Great Haywood, Stafford.

Light Trails in Suffolk

See these festive trails in Suffolk:

Illuminated Garden Trail at Helmingham Hall Gardens

Make the most of the dark winter nights by stepping into a magical world of light, colour and sound, as you explore the grounds of Helmingham Hall adorned with thousands of lights transforming the gardens into an enchanted winter wonderland.

Illuminated Garden Trail, Stowmarket.

Light Trails in Surrey

Find some festive fun at these light trails in Surrey:

Glow at RHS Wisley

Head to RHS Wisley for a magical evening and see the garden in breathtaking beauty as amazing illuminations light your way.

Glow at RHS Wisley.

Festive light trails in Warwickshire

Check out these holiday trails in Warwickshire:

Christmas at Warwick Castle

This year’s Christmas event at Warwick Castle includes a light trail with twinkling trees, stunning decorations and festive touches at every corner.

Theres also an ice rink and winter food village. 

Christmas at Warwick Castle*, Warwick.

Luminate at Coombe Abbey

There will be a mile long trail thorough the historic grounds of Coombe Abbey Park this winter.

Follow the illuminated route that will sparkle and play along to music.

Luminate Coombe, Coventry.

2024 light trails in West Glamorgan

Head out for these illuminated experiences in West Glamorgan:

Margam Country Park Winter Light Trail

Luminate Wales returns to Margam Country Park and Castle this winter with a spectacular, illuminated trail, full of wonder and intrigue.

The mile long trail will run through the historic gardens with stunning lighting installations and fabulous interactive elements for the kids (and big kids!) to play with, all set to music.

There’s also tasty treats, mulled wine and marshmallows for toasting on fire pits.

Margam Country Park, near Port Talbot.

Illuminations in West Sussex

Head here for a Christmas light trail in West Sussex:

Glow Wild at Wakehurst

Glow Wild is celebrating its 11th anniversary with new beautifully hand-crafted lanterns and captivating light installations.

Alongside the much-loved Glow Wild regulars such as the iconic moon and stars, the UK’s tallest living Christmas tree and cheeky Percy the Peacock, you’ll also meet new awe-inspiring creations to fill you with wonder and make lasting memories. 

Glow Wild, Haywards Heath.

Leonardslee Illuminated at Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens

With the event in its sixth year, the historic 240-acre Grade I Listed estate will transport visitors into a magical world as the gardens are transformed with illuminations, large-scale installations and atmospheric soundscapes. 

Guests are welcomed with a funfair, a small Christmas market, a selection of seasonal food and drink and other entertainment before entering the mile long trail.  

Leonardslee Illuminated, Horsham.

Check out my post about things to do in Sussex for even more ideas for winter days out.

Christmas lights in Wiltshire

Here’s the light trails happening in Wiltshire this Christmas:

Longleat Festival of Light

Step inside a historical wonderland of magical installations.

The Festival of Light, Longleat.

Christmas at Stourhead

Watch reflections of the festive lights dance across the lake at Stourhead this winter.

This year’s trail lights up the waterside and forest landscape.

There will be music and street food to accompany you walk around the gardens while they are illuminated with lasers and light installations.

Stourhead, Mere.

Enchanted Garden Light Trail at Swindon Town Garden

The Enchanted Gardens Light Trail is back this year with a new 1.5km route through the historic gardens. The trail will include light art sculptures, low level soundscapes, interactive illuminations and a specially commissioned light show.

Enchanted Garden Light Trail, Town Gardens, Swindon.

Illuminated Trails in Worcestershire

There is lots of sparkly fun in Worcestshire this year:

Winter Glow Illuminated Light Trail at Three Counties Showground

The Illuminated Light Trail is a magical, night-time Christmas light show that showcases structures, installations and illuminations created especially by local creative artists, lighting designers and craft-persons.

This year, the Christmas light trail’s theme is Light Guardians. Join in a mystical adventure to find the source of the Guardians’ fading magic, restoring joy and happiness to the Winter Village Folk.

Winter Glow Illuminated Light Trail, Malvern.

Christmas light trails in Yorkshire

Find illuminations here in Yorkshire:

Winter Illuminations and Christmas Adventure at Stockeld Park

See Stockeld come to life after dusk as it is transformed into a dazzling, twinkling wonderland!

There will be light effects, a captivating soundscape and animated installations through almost a mile of beautiful, ancient woodland.

As well as the lights, experience a Christmas adventure. Meet Santa and his elves, get lost in a magical Snowflake Maze and whizz around the ice rink!

Winter Illuminations and Christmas Adventure, Stockeld Park.

Winter Wonderland at Sewerby Hall and Gardens

An all new spectacular display of lights, sounds and special effects will bring the grounds of Sewerby Hall to life this festive season.

This year’s Winter Woodland will include a new installations including Gingerbread Lane and a light tunnel, as well as a new theme with a chance to embark on an adventure and meet a host of cheerful festive characters along the way.

Winter Wonderland, Bridlington.

Glow at RHS Harlow Carr

Take an enchanting walk at RHS Garden Harlow Carr, marvelling at spectacular light displays along your way.

Cross Thaliana Bridge in a rainbow of lights and enjoy playing with family on the illuminated Logness monster.

Glow at RHS Harlow Carr, Beckwithshaw, Harrogate.

More Christmas family days out near you

If you’re looking for winter wonderlands, grottos and other festive experiences to enjoy with your family, take a look at my round up of Christmas family days out across the UK.

And if a bit of retail therapy is more your thing, take a look at my guide to UK Christmas Markets.

Find more days out in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland in my big round up of 101 UK attractions for families.