Do you love Christmas light shows? Christmas light trails are a hugely popular family activity during the festive season. Some of the more popular illuminated trails book up well in advance, so don’t delay, find a great Christmas light trail near you now.
Christmas light displays bring the magic of Christmas out to twinkle and sparkle. You will be amazed at the stunning Christmas lanterns and light displays showcasing around the UK.
Across the festive season, don’t forget to check out the great Polar Express train rides, Santa trains, where to see Santa and the best places to enjoy breakfast with Santa. There are also some great Christmas markets to discover and Santa sleepovers and festive breaks.
*This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase via our links, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you*
- Christmas Lights Trails In Bedfordshire
- Christmas Lights Trails In Berkshire
- Christmas Lights Trails In Bristol
- Christmas Lights Trails In Buckinghamshire
- Christmas Lights Trails In Cambridgeshire
- Christmas Lights Trails In Cheshire
- Christmas Lights Trails In Cornwall
- Christmas Lights Trails In Derbyshire
- Christmas Lights Trails In Devon
- Christmas Lights Trails In Dorset
- Christmas Lights In Durham
- Christmas Lights Trails In Edinburgh
- Christmas Lights Trails In Essex
- Christmas Lights Trails In Gloucestershire
- Christmas Lights Trails In Hampshire
- Christmas Lights Trails In Kent
- Christmas Lights Trails In Lancashire
- Christmas Lights Trails In Lincolnshire
- Christmas Light Trails In London
- Christmas Lights Trails In Manchester
- Christmas Light Trails In Norfolk
- Christmas Lights Trails In Nottinghamshire
- Christmas Light Trails In Oxfordshire
- Christmas Lights Trails In Somerset
- Christmas Lights Trails In Staffordshire
- Christmas Lights Trails In Suffolk
- Christmas Lights Trails In Surrey
- Christmas Lights Trails In Tyne And Wear
- Christmas Lights Trails In Wales
- Christmas Lights Trails In West Midlands
- Christmas Lights Trails In Warwickshire
- Christmas Lights Trails In West Sussex
- Christmas Lights Trails In Wiltshire
- Christmas Lights Trails In Worcestershire
- Christmas Lights Trails In Yorkshire
Christmas Lights Trails In Bedfordshire
Dates: 16th November – 15th December 2024
The illuminated trail theme at Shuttleworth is back this year. There are glow sticks and kids activity sheets available at the box office for this 1 mile long illuminated route.
Shuttleworth is also home to one of the great UK air shows.
Dates: 13th – 24th December 2024
Your enchanted journey will take you through the old trees at Stockwood Discovery Centre. The trail lasts for around an hour.
Dates: 2024 TBC
Christmas at Wrest Park is a brand new, interactive light trail for 2023. There will be surprises around each corner, and many light installations to wow you.
Christmas Lights Trails In Berkshire
Dates: 2024 TBC
Discover Christmas lights in Berkshire at Windsor Illuminated. The festive trail has a brand new design which is bigger and better than ever. The lake will have fountain and lit reflections, with the fireflies in the trees.
Dates: 22nd November – 23rd December 2024
Wellington Country Parks will open at dusk this year to reveal a kingdom of illumination. Will you glimpse Father Christmas on your way as you travel through a magical portal to commence your journey to Neverland.
Christmas Lights Trails In Bristol
Keynsham, Bristol, BS31 1TP
Dates: 6th, 7th, 8th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 27th, 28th, 29th, 30th, 31st December 2024
Christmas lights at Avon Valley are backllit by the lake. Creating an amazing trail around the park. The Polar Express mini steam train will take you around the park. Look out for the Grinch on your journey.
Avon Valley Adventure Park also has Dinosaur Valley, a great dinosaur themed day out during the year.
Christmas Lights Trails In Buckinghamshire
Dates: 15th November 2024 – 5th January 2025
Part of the Christmas at Waddesdon event is the Winter light trail. From dusk, enjoy dramatic colour and playful installations as you stroll beneath magically illuminated tree canopies.
Look out for interactive displays at the Aviary and walk through a tunnel of light loops among the colour washed trees.
Christmas Lights Trails In Cambridgeshire
Dates: 22nd November 2024 – 1st January 2025
You can enjoy the Wimpole Christmas lights by walking through the sparkling tunnels of light before warming up with hot chocolate and festive treats. Free car parking is available for National Trust members.
2024 at Wimpole brings after-dark Illuminations trail that will bring the estate to life with over a million twinkling lights and seasonal sounds.
Dates: 2024 TBC
Anglesey Abbey Christmas lights trails are themed to Nature By Night,Nature By Light. It is an enchanting, magical celebration of the natural world. Discover your after-dark journey that brings the gardens of Anglesey Abbey to life.
Christmas Lights Trails In Cheshire
Chester CH2 1EU
Dates: 15th November 2024 – 1st January 2025
Visit Chester Zoo for a traditional Christmas event on a night time journey around the zoo. It takes around an hour to walk around all the amazing lights. Your journey takes you through different worlds, each different to the last.
Bolesworth Castle Christmas Light Trail
Dates: 2024 TBC
During the festive season, Bolesworth will become a winter wonderland illuminated by more that 40,000 lights around the 1.2 mile accessible Christmas lights trail.
Luminate At Walton Hall And Gardens
Dates: 2024 TBC
Luminate showcases an amazing light trail through the grounds of Walton Hall and Gardens. There will be amazing lighting elements, fabulous light play and ambient music.
Christmas Lights Trails In Cornwall
Shipwreck Treasure Museum Tunnel Of Lights
Dates: 2024 TBC
Journey through every imaginable Christmas setting at the Shipwreck Treasure Museum. There’s a snowy winter wonderland of Narnia’s frozen forests, to a room filled with giant baubles.
Snow will fall around you as you make your way to the mini German Christmas market and take part in the festive Christmas crafts.
Heligan Night Garden – A Magical Winter Experience
Dates: 15th November 2024 – 5th January 2025
The Lost Gardens will have a spectacular lantern experience this Winter. The magical garden trail will explore the woodlands and gardens. The trail spans over a mile in length along the accessible gardens.
Read our full review of visiting The Lost Gardens Of Heligan
Christmas Lights Trails In Derbyshire
Dates: 9th November 2024 – 5th January 2025
Chatsworth House will be transformed into a mystical frozen realm this Winter. The garden illuminations will show the historic maze lit with wands of light for the first time ever.
Christmas Lights Trails In Devon
Dates: 15th November – 28th December 2024
See the garden at RHS Rosemoor covered in sparkly lights. Follow the longest Glow trail yet, with spectacular new light displays. There will be a galaxy of giant stars on the Stream Field, a tunnel of lights along the Long Borders, and the Orchard shelter will be lit up.
Brixham Lanterns, Lights & Illuminations
Dates: 2024 TBC
Lanterns, Lights & ‘Luminations was first launched in 2007 and has grown in popularity ever since. The event includes a magical lantern parade, an incredible firework display held in the Harbour Bowl, live music, street entertainment, and a street market.
Dates:2024 TBC
Dartmoor Zoo will come to life after dark this year with Zooluminate. There will be plenty of lights around the zoo and even around the enclosures. They have all been researched to not cause any harm to the animals.
Dates: 2024 TBC
There’s lots going on at Powderham Castle in December. As well as the Christmas trail and evening light walk, you can also visit Santa’s grotto and secret garden and petting zoo.
Dates: 2024 TBC
Why not visit this immersive light experience at Paignton Zoo this festive period. Your journey begins as you step into the magical world and travel around the zoo. With bright, colourful interactive light displays, you’ll be wowed at every corner.
Christmas Lights Trails In Dorset
Dates: 2024 TBC
Bournemouth Christmas Tree Wonderland is back for 2023 between November and January. Showcasing over 100 glittering trees and illuminations to enjoy throughout the Lower Gardens in Bournemouth.
At the heart of the trail is the awesome Bournemouth Wonderland Tree. Towering over the gardens at an impressive 60ft, the tree is decorated with 30,000 individually programmable LED lights.
You can also visit the outdoor Alpine ice rink, enjoy seasonal music and entertainment, as well as the Alpine Lodge bar and market.
Illuminate At Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens
Buller’s Way, Abbotsbury, Dorset, DT3 4LA
Dates: 2024 TBC
ILLUMINATE. ‘OT Event Technicians’ will be Illuminating the Gardens in the lead up to Christmas this year. The event will run daily 4.30pm to 8.00pm from the 24th of November to the 22nd December, with last entries between 7.00pm and 7.15pm.
Dates: 2024 TBC
Christmas in Poole is set to be very special with this six weeks festival for 2023. There will be pop up events and plenty of Christmas lights. The Maritime Festival will showcase illuminations from Poole Town Centre to Falkland Square and onwards to Poole Quay. Attractions will include a Christmas market, festive food and attractions.
Christmas Lights In Durham
County Durham, DL14 7NP
Dates: 22nd November – 31st December 2024
Experience a one and half mile long illuminated trail at Auckland Castle. There will be projections on the castle walls, laser illuminations, dancing light water and so much more.
You can also see the tallest Christmas tree in the North which will be surrounded by Santa’s village, so don’t forget to visit there as well!
Christmas Lights Trails In Edinburgh
Dates: 21st November – 30th December 2024
Visit the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh during the festive season to enjoy the dancing lakeside reflections and glistening trees. There are over a million twinkling lights to admire between November and December.
Christmas Lights Trails In Essex
Colchester Zoo Enchanted – Trail Of Light
One of the new Christmas light trails in Essex in 2023 is Enchanted at Colchester Zoo.
Dates: 30th November, 4th, 6th, 7th, 11th, 13th, 14th, 18th, 20th, 21st, 28th and 30th December 2024
Colchester Zoo will close at 4:30pm to day visitors, before opening at 5:30pm. The trail can take around one and a half hours to complete, and runs on a one way system.
Enlightened At Colchester Castle Park
High Street, Colchester, CO1 1UG
Dates: 6th – 24th December 2024
The entrance to Enlightened at Colchester Castle Park is located by the war memorial on the High Street. The grounds will be transformed into a magical illuminated trail for visitors to enjoy with all the family.
Dates: 2024 TBC
Enlightened returns to Hylands Estate with a new longer route and even more magical lighting installations for 2023. Once again, the grounds will be transformed into a magical illuminated trail for visitors to enjoy with all the family.
Dates: 2024 TBC
Enjoy the magical winter light trail at Barleylands this Winter when the grounds will be transformed with lights after dark.
Dates: 27th November – 30th December 2024
The trail for 2024 at Hyde Hall takes you onto the Hilltop, past the iconic Thatched Barn and through the Dry Garden. Enjoy the amazing lights and sound effects as the colour lights up the night sky.
Christmas Lights Trails In Gloucestershire
Enchanted Christmas At Westonbirt
Dates: 29th November – 31st December 2024
Discover a magical world of lights and interactive displays amongst the trees of Westonbirt Arboretum. Father Christmas will also be making an appearance around the trail so keep your eyes peeled.
Sudeley Castle Spectacle Of Light
Dates: 22nd November – 30th December 2024
The magical after dark festive trail is open daily for you to enjoy the magical illuminated trail. There are sparkling water features, and the mesmerising field of fire. Warm up on the delicious tempting treats from the castle terrace after your walk.
Cotswold Farm Park Enchanted Light Trail
Dates: 2024 TBC
There are mysterious creatures in the woodland that has been over taken by blizzard and snow. Let the lights guide you through the Farm park after dark where you can also feed the animals before they are put to bed for the night.
There’s a frozen palace ball for the little ones and plenty of woodland illuminations. Let the Victorian lamp guide you back home after your adventure.
Christmas Lights Trails In Hampshire
Weyhill, Andover, Hampshire, SP11 8DY
Start 2024 with a sparkle at the Hawk Conservancy Trust, when it will become even more magical with beautiful illuminations and a live owl display set in a stunning, colourful woodland.
Staunton Country Park, Middle Park Way, Havant PO9 5HB
Between 2024 TBC
you will discover the ground of Staunton Farm transformed into a magical illuminated light trail for visitors to enjoy with all the family.
Book now to see mesmerising light installations and enchanting moments along a specially crafted route for our visitors this winter.
Dates: 29th November – 30th December 2024
Glow Marwell invites guests to explore Marwell zoo in a whole new light with more than 250,000 LED bulbs making up our wonderful illuminations.
Dates: 28th November 2024 – 1st January 2025
The light trail at Sir Harold HIllier Gardens is back for 2024. The gardens will be transformed into an awe-inspiring, kaleidoscopic and multi-sensory world of light and sound.
You’ll find a shimmering Tree of Joy, hypnotic lasers around the pond, mesmerising projected animals on the trees and a breathtakingly beautiful light show in Himalayan Valley.
Christmas Lights Trails In Kent
Dates: 22nd November 2024 – 1st January 2025
One of the popular Christmas light trails in Kent is at Hever Castle. The gardens at Hever Castle are decorated so when the light fades, you are treated to twinkling Christmas trees and lots of colour.
Christmas Lights At Leeds Castle
Dates: 22nd November 2024 – 1st January 2025
After the introduction of the new Christmas trail last year, it’s back for 2024. Featuring enchanting illuminations and Christmas music at Leeds Castle.
There will be sparkling tunnels of light, dancing waterside reflections and trees in many different colours.
Dates: 15th November 2024 – 1st January 2025
Enjoy an after-dark trail at Bedgebury National Pinetum this winter. There are over a million twinkling lights and seasonal sounds that will surround you along the illuminated trail.
Dates: 2024 TBC
Experience the past in a spectacular new light trail this December at one of the festive Christmas events in Kent. Explore the grounds and gardens of Walmer Castle & Gardens to discover a magical world of illumination, sound and colour.
Dates: 2024 TBC
Even though Christmas might be over, why not visit Quex Illuminations for a festive night time trail. You can explore the Elf Woods which also includes a projection mapping light show at the Round Tower.
Christmas Lights Trails In Lancashire
Enchanted At Knowsley Safari Park
Prescot, L34 4AN
Dates: 2024 TBC
There are selected dates for the magical Enchanted at Knowsley Safari Park through November and December. As the sun sets, the Foot Safari comes alive with music and the exciting Enchanted Christmas lights trail.
Your extraordinary nighttime adventure includes the enchanted forest Christmas lights, animal light trail, and toasted marshmallows for perfect festive fun.
Christmas Lights Trails In Lincolnshire
High Rd, Belton, Grantham NG32 2LW
Dates: 22nd November 2024 – 1st January 2025
If you’re looking for Christmas light trails in the Midlands, then consider Belton House. There are tunnels of light, giant baubles and glistening trees to discover when you visit Belton House at Christmas time.
Spot Father Christmas along your journey of lights. The trail takes around an hour and a half to complete, so don’t forget to wrap up warm!
Dates: 29th November – 23rd December 2024
Enjoy a walk through displays of Christmas lights at Lincoln Castle. You can also take in the illuminated wall walk and enjoy hot festive drinks and treats. There are also dog friendly days aptly names Explore with Paws.
Christmas Light Trails In London
Kew Gardens Magical Winter Trail
Dates: 13th November 2024 – 5th January 2025
If you’re visiting Kew Gardens near Christmas, you’ll find sparkling tunnels of light, dancing lakeside reflections, and trees drenched in jewel-like colour.
The gardens close at 10pm, with the last entry at 8.20pm. Don’t forget to say hello to Father Christmas on your way through the amazing lights.
Greenwich, SE9 5NP
Dates: 2024 TBC
Explore the grounds and gardens at Eltham to discover a magical world of illumination, sound and colour this December.
Dates: 2024 TBC
A sensational light trail will be nestled amongst the grounds of Kenwood showcasing illuminations and installations. The dark night will come alive and transport you into an enchanting world of light and colour.
Christmas Lights Trails In Manchester
Dunham Massey Christmas Lights
Dates: 15th November 2024 – Wed 1st January 2025
Tickets are on sale now for the popular Dunham Massey Christmas lights. There will be free parking for National Trust members, but event fees apply.
The gardens will be twinkling with lights, the festive tunnel of lights is back once again, as well as the giant baubles and so much more.
Why not also visit Dunham Massey in the Spring to see the bluebells
Christmas Light Trails In Norfolk
Thursford Enchanted Journey Of Light
NR21 0AS
Dates: 2024 TBC
The lantern lights extravaganza at Thursford takes you past penguins, polar bears and giant-sized teddy bears. You’ll travel past the elves in the toy factory, and meet plenty of magical characters.
Dates: 21st November – 24th December 2024
The historic trees are illuminated as you wander through the Royal Parkland on the Sandringham estate. The trail is a mile long with lights and music to wow you.
Christmas Lights Trails In Nottinghamshire
Dates: 2024 TBC
Christmas at Wollaton sees Wollaton Hall and Garden become an enchanting world of light and music.
Christmas Light Trails In Oxfordshire
Blenheim Palace Christmas Lights
Woodstock OX20 1PP
Dates: 15th November 2024 – 1st January 2025
The popular choice for Christmas light trails in Oxfordshire is at Blenheim Palace. There are over a million lights and seasonal sounds at Blenheim Palace at Christmas time. Spot Father Christmas along the way as you wander through the fire garden, and spot the lakeside reflections.
The story of Sleeping Beauty with a contemporary twist is the theme for 2023. Explore the palace rooms, each one will be transformed and filled with hidden surprises.
Dates: 2024 TBC
See Garth House and the park lit-up with festive messages and dancing snowflakes. You can walk around the grounds of Garth Park and enjoy the lights, festive music and refreshments.
Christmas Lights Trails In Somerset
Dates: open weekends from 22nd November and daily from 20th to 24th December 2025
Visiting Wookey Hole this Winter, you can be treated to the Winter Wonderland. The caves are list with over 100,000 lights which illuminate your way. The it’s on to visit Santa in his grotto, before the magical circus show.
Dates: 21st November – 30th December 2024
Winter at Hestercombe will be bigger and brighter when visiting Illuminate. The trail takes you past spotlights and coloured paths drawing you up towards the Great Cascade, towards Sibyl’s Temple and back down past the Pear Pond and into the Formal Garden.
Christmas Lights Trails In Staffordshire
Dates: 2024 TBC
The Christmas at Trentham illuminated trail is back this year with lots of Christmas magic. There’s light everywhere showing the historic landscape in a world of light and colour.
Christmas Lights Trails In Suffolk
Helmingham Hall Illuminated Garden Trail
Dates: 15th November – 18th December 2024
Step into a magical world of light, colour and sound at Helmingham Hall and Gardens as you explore the grounds showered with thousands of lights transforming them into an enchanted winter wonderland.
There’s complimentary mulled wine and the chance to toast marshmallows around the fire pits if you’re visiting Helmingham Hall lights.
Christmas Lights Trails In Surrey
Dates: 22nd November 2024 – 5th January 2025
Visit after dark and see the garden in breathtaking beauty as amazing illuminations light your way. Go past the Jellicoe Canal and old Laboratory, through Wisteria Walk and the Glasshouse, and experience a magical spectacle of lights with music and fire to add to the drama.
Christmas Lights Trails In Tyne And Wear
Dates: 2024 TBC
New for 2023, is an enchanting light trail at Leazes Park. Journey through a stunning spectrum of jaw-dropping illuminations, interactive elements, immersive visuals, as this after-dark experience will light up Newcastle like never before.
Christmas Lights Trails In Wales
Dates: 22nd November 2024 – 1st January 2025
The biggest festive light trail in Wales is at Bute Park. It’s a multi award winning Christmas light festival which is back this year. The Bute Park Christmas lights take on a 1.4km route around the park which is filled with festive lasers, neon trees and flame-lit light installations.
Margam Country Park Luminate Winter Light Trail
Dates: 2024 TBC
Luminate Wales returns to Margam Country Park and Castle this year. This captivating light trail takes you on a journey through the historic gardens. There are plenty of interactive elements for the little and big kids to enjoy.
Christmas Lights Trails In West Midlands
Dates: 29th November 2024 – 1st January 2025
The Birmingham Botanical Gardens Winter light trail is back this year. The trail is around a mile in length which will be enjoyed by the young and not so young.
Christmas Lights Trails In Warwickshire
Dates: 23rd November 2024 – 5th January 2025
Back by popular demand for 2024, wander through the grounds and gardens which will be dressed in thousands of sparkling lighting displays. There will be lots of light projections, under a wintery night sky.
Christmas Lights Trails In West Sussex
Wakehurst – Kew Gardens Glow Wild
Selsfield Rd, Haywards Heath RH17 6TN
Dates: 28th November 2024 – 1st January 2025
The Winter lantern trail at Wakehurst transforms the gardens at nighttime. You can see glowing lanterns, mesmerising projections, immersive soundscapes, and glistening torches of fire.
Tickets prices will be discounted for Wakehurst and Kew members.
Dates: 2024 TBC
Take a journey on a magical steam train covered by thousands of colourful lights. The dark night sky lights up along your journey with an amazing light show. The stunning lighting elements feature festive displays, music and narration.
Your festive lights experience on the Bluebell Railway leaves from the Sheffield Park station and lasts for an hour and a half.
Dates: 22nd November – 30th December 2024
Walk through the beautiful grounds of Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens along this captivating light trail. The grounds come to life with spellbinding illuminations, large scale projections, music and theatrical performances.
The trail takes between 60-90 minutes to complete and there is refreshments available at the beginning and end of the trail.
Christmas Lights Trails In Wiltshire
Dates: 29th November 2024 – 1st January 2025
Some of the best Christmas lights in the UK in my opinion are shown at Stourhead. 2024 sees the sixth year of one of the popular Christmas light trails in the UK. Returning to Stourhead, there are over a million sparkling lights, mesmerising flickering flames and seasonal sounds that fill the air along your journey round the gardens.
The festive lights experience at Stourhead take place all through December.
Dates: 9th November 2024 – 5th January 2025
Why not visit Longleat Festival of Light this year, the UK’s original and biggest lantern festival. Christmas at Longleat showcases over 800 custom-designed, hand-painted lanterns to admire as well as the 15 metre enchanted Christmas tree show.
The 2024 theme is the evolution of earth from dinosaurs to the present day.
Buy discounted tickets for Longleat festival Of Light
Christmas Lights Trails In Worcestershire
Winter Glow Illuminated Light Trail
Dates: 22nd November – 31st December 2024
Join Jingle in his search for missing elves in the Christmas Odyssey trail. Take part in solving the riddles, travel through whimsical lands and save Christmas in this sparkly adventure.
Christmas Lights Trails In Yorkshire
Stockeld Park Winter Illuminations
Dates: 16th November 2024 – 6th January 2025
This is one of the country’s largest and most creative Christmas light trails set in the grounds of the historic Stockeld Park Estate. From the 18th November 2023 until 8th January 2024, you can see the park come to life with thousands of twinkling lights creating a magical winter wonderland when the sun has set.
Dates: 2024 TBC
An all new spectacular display of lights, sounds and special effects will bring the grounds at Sewerby Hall and Gardens to life for a great evening out this festive season.
