Here are our top picks for the best Christmas light shows and illuminated trails in gardens across the UK, to enjoy with friends and family during this festive season
Let there be light! It’s that time of the year again; the clocks have turned back and the evenings are darker which means Christmas is on the horizon. These outdoor events are a great way to spend time with family and friends and are always a hit with kids. We have compiled 19 of the best Christmas light shows to visit near you in the UK, from Edinburgh to Cornwall, in the hope that you can get your proper festive fix.
All of these Christmas light shows require booking in advance.
Jump to
- What to bring to a Christmas light show
- The best Christmas light shows in the south east
- The best Christmas light shows in the south west
- The best Christmas light trails in the heart of England
- The best Christmas light trails in the north of England
- The best Christmas light trails in Scotland
Expert picks
Gardens Illustrated digital writer Alice Tuffery is something of a Christmas light show aficionado – she visits at least one show a year with her family. She selects some of her favourites.
Blenheim Palace – 5/5 A must for anyone who loves Christmas! You can go round the house and gardens, and both are truly impressive. Plus, the markets are neatly laid out in the courtyard area in front of the main palace doors, with the gardens just behind, so everything is close and relatively accessible.
Longleat – 5/5 A truly impressive spectacle. There’s plenty to do here, which makes it great for all the family. Start the day with a Winter Safari to see the animals, then enjoy a tour of Longleat House, before taking in the themed light trail. This one is a little different as the makers create different life-size storybook figures every year, lit from inside in vivid colour.
Stourhead – 4.5/5 The main focus at Stourhead is the gardens. The decorations are creatively laid out and beautiful too – the lake is a particular highlight of the trail, and as magical for adults as it is for children.
Westonbirt Arboretum – 4/5 Westonbirt is lovely to visit all year round, and particularly in autumn, but here the towering trees are lit in glorious, festive colours. Although there’s no house to explore, Father Christmas is there to greet visitors, and you can stop in at the food markets and traditional fairground rides.
Waddesdon Manor – 4/5 Highlights include the magical children’s book themes inside house, the big selection of Christmas markets selling homeware, clothing and tasty treats, and the mini food village with a great choice of different meals. While the garden light trail wasn’t quite as impressive as Blenheim Palace and Stourhead, it was still an enjoyable way to end the day.
The best Christmas light shows in 2024
The best Christmas light shows in the south east
Glow at Wisley, RHS Garden Wisley, Surrey
The RHS Garden Wisley, near Woking in Surrey, brings back it’s Christmas light show Glow for 2024, with a walking trail for visitors alongside captivating light shows and musical accompaniment which highlights some of the garden’s most-loved sights. The Christmas light show has been designed by the garden’s in-house team, ensuring visitors will see the very best of what RHS Wisley has to offer. Lights will draw visitors past the Jellicoe Canal and old Laboratory, through Wisteria Walk and the Glasshouse.
Selected dates from 22 November 2024 to 5 January 2025 (closed 24-26 December). RHS Garden Wisley, Wisley Lane, Wisley, Woking, GU23 6QB.
Book now at rhs.org.uk/wisley
Become an RHS member to get reduced-price tickets and free entry to over 200 other gardens.
RHS Garden Hyde Hall, Essex
See RHS Garden Hyde Hall in a whole new light thanks to the illuminated Christmas trail. The garden, near Chelmsford in Essex, has had a magical technicolour makeover, and the festive fun begins as soon as you arrive. Visitors are greeted with a magnificent lone oak tree, lit up on a distant hillside, before embarking on a winding, twinkling route around the rest of the garden.
New for this year, 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. The trail then takes you through the Winter Garden, where you’ll be dazzled by living willow sculptures immersed in festive colour.
Selected dates from 22 November to 28 December 2024 (closed 24-26 December). RHS Garden Hyde Hall, Creephedge Lane, Chelmsford, CM3 8ET. Book a train to South Woodham Ferrers station.
Book now at rhs.org.uk/hydehall
Become an RHS member to get reduced-price tickets and free entry to over 200 other gardens.
Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens, West Sussex
Admire the historic mansion buildings and Grade I listed gardens at Leonardslee in West Sussex with its artistic Christmas light trail this year, with illuminations and large-scale projections, as well as a Victorian fun fair and Christmas market. One of the most popular features of Leonardslee Illuminated is the Christmas Moon that floats above the lake.
Selected dates from 22 November to 30 December 2024. Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens, Brighton Road, Lower Beeding, Horsham, RH13 6PP. Stay overnight at the stylish Gravetye Manor, just half an hour away by car.
Book now at leonardsleeilluminated.co.uk
Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, London
The hugely popular Kew gardens Christmas light show returns for another year. The iconic Kew gardens will be lit up by over one-million lights, making it one of the brightest and most sparkling of Christmas light shows. Visitors can enjoy festive bursts of colour throughout the gardens and marvel at the beautifully illuminated Palm House. In 2024, there will be two world premieres, with Ombre by TILT which is a series of giant plants in bloom, and Threshold by Studio Vertigo is an illuminated helix-like shape bathed in golden light.
Selected dates from 13 November 2024 to 5 January 2025. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, TW9 3AE. Book a train to Richmond Station.
Book now at kew.org
Wakehurst, Sussex
At Wakehurst, the wilder sister to the Royal Botanical Gardens Kew, Glow Wild is returning for its eleventh anniversary edition. Hand-crafted winter lanterns and captivating light installations, including a giant owl, will be in place around the gardens, and under 4’s go free! This year expect a brand new route, which will be open to visitors on Christmas eve for the first time.
28 November 2024 to 1 January 2025. Wakehurst, Ardingly, Haywards Heath, Sussex, RH17 6TN. For nearby accommodation, try The Bell in Ticehurst, just 10 minutes away by car, which has beautiful, whimsical rooms.
Book now at kew.org
Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest, Kent
Nestled in the High Weald in Kent, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is Bedgbury National Pinetum and Forest. Take in the incredible scenery at their Christmas light show this year, which is full of seasonal surprises, sparkling lights, magical reflections and laser shows which illuminate and highlight the trees on an after-dark woodland walk. The festive trail with more than one million lights is always a hit with adults and children alike.
Selected dates from 15 November 2024 to 1 January 2025. Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest, Lady Oak Lane, Goudhurst, TN17 2SJ.
Book now at forestryengland.uk
Belton House, Lincolnshire
There’s an illuminated trail and Christmas light show through the gardens at The National Trust’s Belton House in Lincolnshire. Take in an amazing display of giant luminescent candles, baubles and glowing flowers, as well as a tunnel of light and a swaying meadow full of shimmering lights, and a host of independent street food vendors to sample along the way. Make sure to enjoy a mulled wine or hot chocolate and don’t forget to spot Santa and his elves…
Selected dates 22 November 2024 – 1 January 2025. Belton House, Grantham, Lincolnshire, NG32 2LS. Book a train to Grantham Station.
Book now at nationaltrust.org.uk
Become a National Trust member to get free entry to the National Trust’s 500 sites across the UK.
Waddesdon Manor, Buckinghamshire
This year’s Christmas light trail at Waddesdon features mesmerising new light installations alongside some seasonal favourites. Inspired by the tale of Sleeping Beauty, there will be new light projections on the Manor façade and a glittering light trail in the gardens.
Elsewhere, there you can enjoy the Christmas market, and an installation by theatre designer Tom Piper in the house, which is responding to a set of paintings by Russian designer Leon Bakst of Sleeping Beauty.
Selected dates from 15 November 2024 – 5 January 2025. Waddesdon Manor, Aylesbury HP18 0JH.
Book tickets via Waddeson’s Manor
The best Christmas light shows in the south west
RHS Garden Rosemoor, Devon
RHS Garden Rosemoor have created their longest Christmas light trail yet, with favourite garden areas, including the Lake and Woodland, lit up with festive colour and sparkle.
New for this year is an enchanting galaxy of giant stars on the Stream Field, a tunnel of lights along the Long Borders, and the Orchard shelter all aglow.
Selected dates from 15 November to 28 December 2024 (closed 24-26 December). RHS Garden Rosemoor, Torrington, EX38 8PH. Entry by pre-booked tickets only
Book now at rhs.org.uk/rosemoor
Become an RHS member to get reduced-price tickets and free entry to over 200 other gardens.
The Eden Project, Cornwall
The Eden Project in Cornwall is a popular destination during the festive season, and has the added advantage of being mostly under cover. Its music and lights experience is included in the admission ticket and offers the chance to explore the biomes at night.
In the Rainforest Biome, the immersive lighting and soundscape will evoke a magical tropical wonderland. There promises to be a new interactive outdoor experience, as well as a chance to meet Father Christmas himself.
On selected evenings from 22 November 2024 to 5 January 2025. Included with an Eden Project entry ticket, but you do need pre-book a time slot.
Eden Project, Bodelva, Cornwall, PL24 2SG. Book a train to Par Station or St Austell Station.
Book tickets at edenproject.com
Stourhead, Wiltshire
Known for its spectacular trees and picturesque lake, Stourhead’s Christmas light show drenches the scenery in wonderful luminescent colours. One great highlight is the larger than life flora lit up on the way to the Crocus Lawn. Visitors can also expect lit up tree canopies, scented fire garden and a tunnel of light, as well as festive treats and music, and not forgetting Father Christmas, of course.
29 November 2024 – January 1 2025. Stourhead, Mere, Wiltshire, BA12 6QD. Stay overnight at the Spread Eagle Inn on the Stourhead Estate to enjoy the gardens in the daylight too.
Book now at nationaltrust.org.uk
Longleat, Wiltshire
Longleat’s Festival of Light returns this year with more life-size lanterns than ever, plus a Winter Safari. Expect show-stopping scenes that tell the story of the evolution of the earth, from the dinosaurs to the present day. You can expect a giant 12 metre clock and colours from The Arabian Nights.
There will also be other festive favourites including the 15-metre Enchanted Christmas Tree show and a Santa Train. A light show will also bring the facade of Longleat House to life.
Selected dates from 9th November 2024 – 5th January 2025.
Book now at longleat.co.uk
The best Christmas light trails in the heart of England
Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, Gloucestershire
Embark on a nighttime journey through the statuesque trees at Westonbirt, The National Arboretum in Tetbury for the Enchanted Christmas show. This year will be on a whole other level, as the arboretum has teamed up with the light trail producers behind Kew, Bedgebury and Bleinham Palace to bring you more excitement.
Visitors can expect light displays to discover and mischievous elves to meet among the sparkling trails. The bare trees come alive with the colourful light show, highlighting their amazing natural structures, textures and silhouettes.
Selected dates from 29 November to 31 December 2024. Westonbirt, Tetbury, GL8 8QS.
Book now at forestryengland.uk
Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire
Wander under magical, lit up tree canopies and marvel at the garden landscape of Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire on their Christmas winter wonderland adventure this year. Dramatically illuminated lights, including lasers, light projections and silvery shards of light will marvel you as you take in the beautiful surroundings.
15 November 2024 – 1 January 2025. Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxfordshire OX20 1UL. Book a stay at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons for an extra treat if you’re in need of local accommodation.
Book now at blenheimpalace.com
Cambridge Botanic Gardens, Cambridgeshire
Following the success of last year’s first ever light trail at Cambridge Botanic Garden, its winter lights trail returns this year. The gardens will be brought to life with stunning after dark displays, highlighting some of the gardens most loved features. The fountain, lake and glasshouses will all be illuminated and lighting will enhance the natural landscape. Expect new additions to 2024’s offerings as well as the light tunnel and the water lilies on the lake.
Selected dates 29 November – 21 December 2024. Cambridge University Botanic Garden, 1 Brookside, Cambridge, CB2 1JE. Book a train to Cambridge Station.
Book now at botanic.cam.ac.uk
The best Christmas light trails in the north of England
RHS Garden Harlow Carr, North Yorkshire
The Christmas light trail at the RHS’s most northern garden returns this year where special lighting effects will show off the garden’s magnificent trees and shrubs and create spectacular reflections in the lake. Guests will be able to admire the garden sculptures and popular Winter Walk, as well as the route along the garden’s Streamside.
New for this year, the Thaliana Bridge will be in a rainbow of lights, while the Logness monster will be illuminated too.
Selected dates from 21 November to 28 December 2024. RHS Garden Harlow Carr, Crag Lane, Beckwithshaw, Harrogate HG3 1QB. Stay at Rudding Park Hotel, a 15-minute drive away, to enjoy more beautiful gardens. Book a train to Harrogate or Hornbeam Park Station.
Book now at rhs.org.uk/harlowcarr
Become an RHS member to get reduced-price tickets and free entry to over 200 other gardens.
Dunham Massey, Cheshire
Christmas at The National Trust’s Dunham Massey in Cheshire returns for its eighth year, after great success in previous years. Their popular Christmas light show includes a giant glittering deer (in honour of the deer park), a tunnel filled with stars, a glittering display of lights, huge sparkling snowflakes, colour-changing lakeside reflections and an incredible crystal and fire garden, all aglow with hundreds of flickering flames.
15 November 2024 – 01 January 2025. National Trust Dunham Massey, Altrincham, Cheshire, WA14 4SJ. Book a train to Altrincham Station.
Book now at nationaltrust.org.uk
Become a National Trust member to get free entry to the National Trust’s 500 sites across the UK.
RHS Bridgewater, Salford
The beautiful gardens of the RHS Garden Bridgewater will be illuminated throughout the dark hours to get you in the festive mood. With soundscape of Manchester playing all around, you can also expect light shows, and lots of fun for the children.
Selected dates between 27 November 2024 – 30 December 2024. Entry by pre-booked timed tickets only. RHS Garden Bridgewater, Occupation Road, Off Leigh Road, Worsley, Salford, Greater Manchester, M28 2LJ
Book here via the RHS
The best Christmas light trails in Scotland
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Enter a botanical world full of festive cheer at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh’s Christmas light show. Laser lights resemble cheering fireworks and giant baubles and snowflakes are dotted around where you least expect them. Enjoy sparkling tunnels of light, a fire garden and giant luminescent sculptures that rise high into the night sky.
From 21 November 2024 – 30 December 2024. Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Arboretum Place, Edinburgh EH3 5NZ. Book a train to Edinburgh Waverley Station.
Book now at rbge.org.uk
Creating your own garden light display? We’ve found the most beautiful outdoor decorations:
What to bring to a Christmas light show
Here’s your ultimate checklist for Christmas light shows. Don’t forget these essentials if you’re heading out this November and December.
Warm coat
The temperature can drop a lot after dark, so you’ll be grateful for a long, warm coat. We recommend a padded or puffer coat, like this cosy women’s option from Marmot. It’s also waterproof, so you’ll be safe in a sudden downpour.
See our other favourite warm coats and showerproof jackets.
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Wellies
Although you might be sticking to paths, there’s always the chance you’ll get muddy, especially if lots of people are walking along the same route. These festive red Hunters are the perfect choice for Christmas walks, but they come in lots of other colours too.
Browse other great wellies we recommend.
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Flask
If your chosen Christmas lights show doesn’t offer refreshments, or if you fancy having a warming beverage to sip on as you go round, you’ll want a decent flask.
This Thermos travel tumbler is a classic choice. It’s leak-proof and insulated to keep drinks hot for hours. Sip straight from the flask as you enjoy the festive lights.
Find more of the best insulated flasks on the market.
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Hot chocolate
Treat yourself to a luxurious hot chocolate to enjoy as you take in the Christmas lights. Lindt and Green & Black’s are two of our particular favourites.
Wool or cashmere socks
A good pair of socks is a must if you want to avoid chilly feet during the evening. These ones from Sarah Raven are made with 80% Irish wool in a range of festive colours including burgundy and teal.
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Find other high-quality winter clothing items at these shops:
- Crew Clothing for jumpers and jackets
- Fat Face for cosy clothing
- House of Bruar for high-quality outerwear
- Outdoor and Country for branded items
- Seasalt for jumpers and winter coats
- Uniqlo for cashmere and down coats
And if the thought of Christmas light festivals has reminded you about your impending Christmas shopping list, be sure to take a look at our huge list of top gardening gift ideas for inspiration.