Best Christmas Light Trails 2024 To Create Lasting Memories

As the evenings grow shorter, the dark nights signal a familiar call—it’s time to plan and secure your spot for a Christmas light trail, making way for festive celebrations with family and friends. With a myriad of enchanting outdoor events on the horizon, Christmas light trails and winter illuminations top the chart. It’s wise to act quickly and book now to ensure you don’t miss out, as these magical experiences fill up rapidly!

If you’ve yet to experience one of these delightful winter light trail events, you and your family are in for a spectacular treat! Many of the UK’s cherished locations transform into enchanting winter wonderlands, captivating kids and adults alike with woodlands and gardens aglow with remarkable light tunnels and trees shining in vibrant hues.

Prepare for breathtaking art displays, festive melodies, and don’t forget about winter attractions such as ice-skating. And for those traditional favorites, there will be Christmas markets and even an appearance by Father Christmas! To top it all, you can expect carefully selected food vendors offering delicious festive treats and beverages to keep everyone cozy and content.

If you’re unsure where to begin, fear not! We have compiled a list of 11 of the finest Christmas light trails to explore across the UK. So, check out the events happening in your area and be prepared to secure your tickets now for a season full of family fun…

11 of the best Christmas light trails 2024

Christmas at Bedgebury

Looking to enjoy an enchanting walk through the renowned trees at Bedgebury Natural Pinetum and Forest in the evening? The award-winning light trail boasts over a million sparkling lights, alongside new installations designed to delight families this year, all paired with festive sounds to immerse everyone in the holiday spirit.

Children will have a blast spotting Father Christmas on the trail, along with a dazzling assortment of robins, giant luminous floating seed pods, and vibrant neon gallopers tucked away among the trees. Navigate through mesmerizing light tunnels and experience a forest alive with color.

After your adventure, the Bedgebury café at the visitor center will be ready to serve you spiced beverages, comforting hot chocolate for the younger ones, and delicious offerings from select street food vendors—your little ones will definitely want to indulge in some toasted marshmallows!

Christmas at Belton House located in Grantham, Lincolnshire promises to create cherished family memories. Picture a vast meadow of lights stretching endlessly, adorned with a grand string of color-changing neon flowers, floating candles lighting the sky, and vibrant batten lights that will fill every child’s heart with joy and wonder.

Seasonal treats will be readily available, and a stroll under twinkling stars with loved ones, accompanied by a warm drink, is sure to leave it as a memorable evening.

Dates: 22 November 2024 to 1 January 2025

Christmas at Blenheim Palace

A visit to Blenheim Palace in Oxford promises a thrilling experience with its captivating illuminations trail. Children can embark on a daring adventure at Neverland® within the Palace, where they can chase after Tinkerbell’s fairy dust amidst stately rooms adorned with majestic Christmas trees overflowing with baubles.

The little ones will also enjoy frolicking along a moonlit London skyline en route to the enchanting Mermaid Lagoon! Furthermore, for every Neverland in the Palace ticket or Neverland Afternoon Tea, a £1 donation will be made at checkout to the Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity.

The Great Skate at Blenheim Palace

For those visiting Blenheim Palace and Oxford during the illuminations in the evening, there’s nothing quite like the festive atmosphere of the undercover ice rink located in the stunning Great Court during the daytime. It can be an unforgettable outing, especially for little ones experiencing ice skating for the first time.

In addition to the festive events at the Palace, including the illuminated trail after dark and an extraordinary tour of the stately rooms transformed into a whimsical Neverland® experience, a vibrant outdoor Christmas market will be open from Friday, 15 November to Sunday, 22 December 2024, featuring exciting fairground rides for children.

Please remember that all children aged three to 16 must be accompanied by an adult (18+) while on the ice rink, and both adults and children are required to have tickets for the ice skating event.

Event Duration: 15 November 2024 to 1 January 2025

Lanterns and light at Chester Zoo

Animal enthusiasts will certainly want to partake in this extraordinarily unique Christmas light trail at Chester Zoo, where visitors can stroll among a variety of illuminated puppet animals and massive creatures adorned with hundreds of sparkling lights—from lions and orangutans to elephants and giraffes!

Guests will be welcomed by a radiant tunnel of lights, and can also look forward to seasonal delights at the Christmas food market. And of course, there will be an opportunity to meet Father Christmas himself!

Event Dates: 15 November 2024 to 1 January 2025

Christmas at Dunham Massey

If you are celebrating Christmas in Manchester this year, be sure to enjoy the enchanting twinkling lights at Dunham Massey, which are sure to fill your family with festive cheer. Experience the stunning installations and festive music throughout the Dunham Massey gardens, moat, and park, highlighted by rays of light filtering through ancient trees and shimmering on the moat. It’s bound to be a memorable evening.

Event Dates: 15 November 2024 to 1 January 2025

Christmas at The Botanics

Don’t overlook this remarkable Christmas light trail if you’re in for an enchanting holiday experience.

Edinburgh, Scotland certainly knows how to celebrate Christmas, making it a must-see destination during the festive season. We’re pleased that purchasing tickets contributes to the crucial plant conservation initiatives at the Botanics, which is recognized as a Scottish charity.

Dates: 21 November 2024 through 30 December 2024

Festival of Lights at Leeds Castle

This historic venue in Kent will be aglow with enchanting displays for both children and adults to admire. Expect to see towering luminous reeds reaching towards the starry sky, alongside giant color-changing lilies that dance on the lake’s surface. Visitors can also enjoy sparkling tunnels, radiant rainbow trees, and a selection of delectable food and beverages.

Dates: 15 November 2024 through 1 January 2025

Christmas at Kew Gardens

For those seeking light displays in London, the Kew Gardens light trail is an ideal Christmas outing for families that promises unforgettable memories. This popular event features highlights such as flickering flames in the fire garden, reflections on the lake, and dazzling illuminated tunnels.

Wondering how long your visit to Kew Gardens at Christmas will take? The trail spans approximately 3 km, and depending on one’s pace—especially for little ones—can take around 2 hours or even longer, especially with breaks for snacks and extended views of various displays. Children will undoubtedly be eager to pause for Father Christmas, amusement rides, and toasting marshmallows. Additionally, capturing family photographs will also add time to your visit!

Dates: 13 November 2024 to 5 January 2025