Here’s a bright idea, this Christmas why not try one of the UK’s best light trails? From the lanterns at Chester Zoo to the sparkling lights at Bute Park, these experiences will leave you beaming.

By Olivia Garrett

Published: Wednesday, 20 September 2023 at 14:16 PM


From our own experience, we at the RadioTimes.com can confirm that Christmas light trails are a truly magical way to spend the festive season. When you walk through those twinkling drops of light and the tranquil music begins to filter through the trees, it’s easy to feel as if you’ve left the real world and stepped into the pages of a fairy-tale.

Whether you’re with children, your partner, or by yourself, these after-dark experiences are a perfect way of getting into the Christmas spirit. And even if you’re not a Christmassy person, we defy you not to feel enchanted as you wander through tunnels of light and watch the colours dance around you.

So, as an early present, we’ve listed for you the best 10 Christmas light trails across the UK.

From County Durham to Cardiff to Kent, these experiences can be found all around the country, whether that be in a grand country house or your local park.

They’re also a relatively cheap evening out, with most ticket prices starting at £13 and not going higher than £25, so even if you’re looking to spend less this Christmas, you can still spend an evening surrounded by breath-taking beauty.

Now, get ready to say “ooh” at these top Christmas light trails.

Tis’ (nearly) the season! So make sure you’re prepared with the best Christmas experience gifts. Plus, you can check out the best Christmas shows in London and the best UK Christmas markets.

Best Christmas light trails at a glance:

Best UK Christmas light trails to visit in 2023 

Christmas at Kew

Christmas at Kew Gardens
Christmas at Kew Gardens.
Hannah Hawkins / Getty

15th Nov 2023 – 7th Jan 2024

Christmas at Kew is a highlight of the UK’s festive calendar. Every year the light trail draws in thousands of guests who come to see the gardens’ over 12,000 trees lit up in stunning technicolour. This year, the trail is bringing in new installations like the Hive, which uses 1,000 LED lights and a musical score to recreate the patterns of bees, or LILI, a series of illuminated flowers that stand over three metres tall. Plus, there’s displays scattered along the lake, Temperate House, and Christmas Cathedral.

Buy Christmas at Kew tickets from £15 at See Tickets

Christmas at Bute Park

Christmas at Bute Park
Christmas at Bute Park.

24th Nov 2023 – 1st Jan 2024

Everyone in Cardiff, from the residents of Splott to the students of Cathays, has a fond memory linked to Bute Park. The gardens sit just outside the city centre and stretch on for 130-acres of fields, woodland and walking trails, and there’s no better time to see all of this than at Christmas. Now in its second year, Christmas at Bute Park is the biggest light trail in Wales and is packed full of gorgeous illuminations, fire effects and choreography.

Buy Christmas at Bute Park from £13.95 at See Tickets

Christmas at Bedgebury