Christmas light show enthusiast Alice Tuffery gives us her advice on visiting festive light displays. <\/p>
A Christmas light show is fast becoming part of many families’ festive traditions \u2013 they are a great way to spend time with family and friends and kids love them.<\/p>
Discover the 19 best Christmas light shows around the UK in 2023<\/a>.<\/p> Gardens Illustrated<\/em> digital writer Alice Tuffery is something of a Christmas light show aficionado – she visits at least one show a year with her family, and has recently visited the shows at Waddesdon Manor, Blenheim Palace, Longleat and Stourhead. <\/p> Creating your own garden light display? We’ve found the most beautiful outdoor decorations:<\/strong><\/p> Here are Alice’s tips for visiting Christmas light shows.<\/p> Put a reminder in your calendar and book early, or sign up to mailing lists to be notified when tickets are released. It\u2019s best to start looking around July, but you\u2019ll need to be earlier if you want to get good Saturday slots at popular places like Kew Gardens.<\/p> Don\u2019t forget to book the shuttle bus or other transportation options at the same time you buy light show tickets, as they often sell out too.\u00a0<\/p> If you have to select an entry time, give yourself a couple of hours before dusk to enjoy the grounds and other attractions before the light trail. For example, you may want to visit the animals at Longleat before seeing the Christmas lights. Usually, you can stay until closing time, so there\u2019s no need to enter after dark and end up rushing.\u00a0<\/p> If you want to make a day of it, look out for gardens with a house too. Venues like Blenheim Palace and Waddesdon Manor transform their rooms into a magical winter wonderland, which is also handy if the weather turns.\u00a0<\/p> If you\u2019re visiting with young children, why not choose a light trail with extra attractions? For instance, Longleat has a Santa Train, a Winter Sarari and a Festive Bird Show, alongside the Festive House Tour and outdoor Light Show.\u00a0<\/p> Make the most of the markets too. Many Christmas light show trails run festive markets and food stalls at the same time, so it\u2019s a great opportunity to pick up some delicious treats and gifts while you\u2019re there.\u00a0<\/p> It\u2019s worth bearing in mind that you may still need to pay full price for light trail tickets at National Trust sites or other types of venues, even if you\u2019re a member.\u00a0However membership can get you reduced price tickets – this is the case at the RHS gardens such as Wisley and Hyde Hall, for example. At some places, such as the Eden Project, the light experience is included in the price of an admission ticket. <\/p> Become an RHS member<\/strong><\/a> to get reduced-price tickets and free entry to over 200 other gardens.<\/p> Wear wellies<\/a> (and warm socks). You may be sticking to marked paths, but well-trodden shortcuts over lawns can quickly become mud pits, so you\u2019ll be thankful for easy-clean shoes.\u00a0<\/p> Wear something brightly coloured so you can find each other in dark, crowded spots.<\/p> Prepare for rain – bring a brolly or poncho just in case.<\/p> The temperature can drop a lot after dark, so you’ll be grateful for a long, warm coat. Check out our favourite warm coats and showerproof jackets<\/a>. <\/p> If possible, swap bulky rucksacks for cross-body bags, as some houses ask you to remove backpacks.<\/p>Tips for visiting Christmas light shows<\/h2>
Book ahead <\/h3>
Book your transport at the same time<\/h3>
Make an afternoon or day of it<\/h3>
Check the other attractions<\/h3>
Expect to pay<\/h3>
Dress warmly – and brightly<\/h3>
Check the refreshments<\/h3>