The UK’s best Christmas light trails and illuminations 2024

If you’re looking for activities to help you get into the Christmas spirit, then we have just the thing for you. We’ve rounded up some of the best light trails and illuminations happening across the UK this winter, helping you to enjoy some festive family fun whether you’re in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.

The best Christmas light trails and illuminations typically see iconic buildings, gardens and woodlands transformed into enchanting winter wonderlands, complete with twinkly lights, dazzling installations and seasonal soundscapes. And in many cases, these are complemented by festive food stalls, gift-buying opportunities and even opportunities to meet Santa himself (see individual listings for details).

To help you find an event close to where you live, we’ve divided our picks into geographical areas. And to bring some extra Christmas cheer, we’ve also highlighted where you can save money with your Boundless membership. Enjoy! 

Already a Boundless member? Simply log in to gain full access to all the offers and benefits included in your membership. 

Not yet a member? If you're working in or retired from the public sector or civil service, Boundless has two great membership options to choose from: Boundless and Boundless Plus. Enjoy unlimited access or discounted entry to many of the UK’s top attractions, as well as year-round deals on restaurants, holidays, shopping and much more.

Best Christmas light shows in London & the South East

Glow Wild 

Wakehurst, Sussex  

Glow Wild is an award-winning lights trail. Credit: © RBG Kew

Located deep in the West Sussex countryside, Wakehurst is the wild botanic garden managed by Kew. Glow Wild is its award-winning, mile-long festive trail, featuring more than a thousand beautifully crafted lanterns and light installations that illuminate the garden as darkness falls. Now in its 11th year, a new route includes work by nine artists, inspired by the diverse collection of global trees nestled in Wakehurst’s botanical landscape. Expect your breath to be taken away by a giant owl soaring over the glittering lawns, a fire-drenched dragon and the country’s tallest living Christmas tree – a 37m-high giant sequoia.

Dates: Selected dates from 28 November 2024 to 1 January 2025
Prices: Adult from £19.50; Child (4-16 years) from £13; Family (2 adults & 2 children) from £62. 

Boundless members receive unlimited access to Kew Gardens and Wakehurst, and can also enjoy a limited-time saving of up to 19%* on Glow Wild at Wakehurst.

*Adult ticket savings: £3.50 off-peak, £3 standard, £3.50 peak. Family ticket savings: £12 off-peak, £11 standard, £13 peak, valid until 23:59 on 9 December 2024. Glow Wild has limited capacity with timed entry – book ahead to secure the date and time of your choice.

Christmas at Bedgebury 

Bedgebury National Pinetum & Forest, Kent

If you go down to the woods this Christmas, you’re in for a big surprise… For a few weeks every year, Bedgebury’s forest trails come alive with breathtaking lights and installations, sprinkling festive magic over this ancient site. Discover a flock of jolly robins, giant luminous seed pods floating high into the night sky, neon gallopers peeking out from behind trees, sparkling tunnels of light and the forest filled with all the colours of the rainbow. To complete the festive fun, finish off with a hot chocolate or toasted marshmallows.

Dates: Selected dates from 15 November 2024 to 1 January 2025
Prices: Adult £17 off-peak, £22.50 standard, £25 peak; Child (3-16 years) £12 off-peak, £15 standard, £18 peak. Carers enter for free.

Illuminated Battle Abbey 

Battle Abbey, East Sussex

Take a step back in time at Battle Abbey. Credit: © English Heritage

For an alternative take on Christmas illuminations, try this event at Battle Abbey – the very place at which the Battle of Hastings took place in 1066. The site’s story is brought to life by a dazzling array of illuminations and characters from the past. Follow the trail through the ruins and across the grounds as lights and sounds carry you back to the winter of 1066. Discover how events unfolded after the battle as you thread your way through ancient architecture, peep into the shadows and take in the luminous displays.

Dates: 3-8 December 2024.
Prices: Adult £16; Child (5-17 years) £9.50; Family (with 2 adults) £41.50; Family (with 1 adult) £25.50.

Christmas at Blenheim Palace 

Oxfordshire

At Christmas, they really go to town at Winston Churchill’s birthplace, filling the palace’s gardens with festivity – expect thousands of twinkling lights, seasonal scents and sparkling baubles. This year, the festive light trail will be complemented by a magical Neverland in the Palace attraction, in which you can follow Tinkerbell through state rooms and on to the Mermaid Lagoon. For the first time ever, you can also skate on a spectacular ice rink in the palace’s Great Court (separate ticket required), where you can also find a Christmas market. Whatever you do, you’re sure to leave with a big smile on your face.

Dates: 15 November 2024 to 1 January 2025.
Prices (light trail only): Adult £21.50 off-peak, £29 standard, £31.50 peak; Child (3-16 years) £16 off-peak, £21.50 standard, £22 peak; Family (2 adults & 2 children) £72 off-peak, £98 standard, £104 peak. Carers enter for free.

Christmas at Waddesdon

Waddesdon Manor, Buckinghamshire

This year, the classic tale of Sleeping Beauty takes centre stage in Waddesdon’s Christmas festivities. As well as the spellbinding lights and projections around the grounds, there will be a range of fun spectacles to enjoy within the house itself, including a set of paintings by Russian designer Léon Bakst, originally displayed in the Tower Room (which served as inspiration for the beloved fairytale), and an installation by theatre designer Tom Piper MBE in the White Drawing Room. Visit before 22 December and you can also browse for presents at the Christmas fair; packed with crafts, clothes and treats you won’t find on the high street, it’s the ideal place to find that special gift. 

Dates: Selected dates from 15 November 2024 to 5 January 2025
Prices: Adult £22 grounds, from £35.50 grounds and house; Child (5-17 years) £10 grounds, from £16.50 grounds and house. Discounts for National Trust members

Christmas at Kew  

London

The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew are well worth visiting at any time of the year, but they can be seen in a spectacular new light during the annual Christmas at Kew event. As you wander round these award-winning landscapes, you’ll discover tunnels of light, stunning lakeside reflections and trees glowing with multiple colours. Afterwards, enjoy a spiced winter warmer or a tasty hot chocolate from one of the festive stalls. 

Dates: Selected dates from 13 November 2024 to 5 January 2025
Prices: Adult £25.50 off-peak, £32 peak; Child (4-15 years) £16 off-peak, £20 peak; Under-4s free. Family (2 adults & 2 children aged 4-15) £77 off-peak, £94 peak. 

Boundless members can gain free unlimited access to Kew Gardens at any time of the year, although this doesn't include entry to Christmas at Kew.

Best Christmas light shows in the South West & Wales

Christmas at Westonbirt

Westonbirt The National Arboretum, Gloucestershire 

Enchantment awaits at Westonbirt’s Christmas event. Credit: © Sony Music

With 3,000 tree species spread over 600 glorious acres, Westonbirt Arboretum is a perennial delight for nature lovers. This Gloucestershire attraction really comes into its own during the festive season, though. Along this spectacular trail, you’ll discover luminous birds delicately balanced on branches, colourful neon trees, sparkling tunnels of light and the arboretum filled with all the colours of the rainbow. Look out, too, for a magical glimpse of Father Christmas.

Dates: Selected dates from 29 November to 31 December 2024.
Prices: Adult £18 off-peak, £24 peak; Child (3-16 years) £12 off-peak, £17 peak; Family (2 adults & 2 children) £57 off-peak, £79 peak. Discount for students.

Christmas Tree Wonderland

If you thought Bournemouth was purely a summer resort, then think again! In winter, the Dorset town is transformed into a hub of Christmas festivity, adorned with sparkly lights, trees from around the world, and an Alpine market where you can pick up delightful handcrafted gifts.

Dates: 15 November to 31 December 2024.
Prices: Entry is free

Why not turn your Bournemouth visit into a short break? A short walk away from Christmas Tree Wonderland, the Boundless-owned Bournemouth West Cliff Hotel offers spacious and comfy rooms, fine dining and modern spa facilities. What’s more, as a Boundless member, you can save up to 20% when you book a stay. 

Christmas at Kingston Lacy  

Dorset

Built in the 19th century to resemble a Venetian palace, Kingston Lacy and its estate delight thousands of visitors every year. And this special place becomes even more popular at Christmas, when the house is adorned with antique decorations and the gardens sparkle with over a million twinkly lights. Add in storytelling with Santa and vats of steaming mulled wine, and you have a winter wonderland that’ll live long in the memory.

Dates: 30 November 2024 to 5 January 2025 (excluding Christmas Day and Boxing Day).
Prices: Adult £19; Child £10.50; Family £52.50; Family (1 adult & up to 3 children) £28.50. National Trust members can enter for free.

Festival of Light 

Longleat, Wiltshire

It may be best known for its lions and monkeys, but Longleat also hosts a rather spectacular light show each Christmas. The Festival of Light is brimming with seasonal sights, from the 15-metre-tall Enchanted Christmas Tree that sings, to the ever-popular Santa train. This year’s show will focus on an historical wonderland featuring family memories of kings and queens, a giant 12-metre clock, the spectacular colours of the Arabian Nights and much more. This event is always popular with Boundless members - tickets for the 2024 member event here sold out quickly, but you can still buy tickets through Longleat. 

Dates: Selected dates from 9 November 2024 to 5 January 2025.
Prices: Various tickets and packages are available – tickets start at £20.95.

Christmas Train of Lights

Paignton to Kingswear, Devon

For a truly unique experience, hop aboard the Christmas Train of Lights. A UK first, this delightful steam railway is decorated both inside and out with dazzling lights and fittings, helping to get your festive mood on track. After departing Paignton, the train will trundle through an enchanted forest, illuminated by various seasonal surprises, before arriving at its final destination at Kingswear, alongside the River Dart. A joy for the whole family, this is one polar express you won’t want to miss. 

Dates: Selected dates from 29 November to 30 December 2024.
Prices: Adult £29.95; Child (3-15 years) £21.95; Family (2 adults & 2/3 children) £100

Christmas at Bute Park 

Cardiff

This year’s event promises to be better than ever. Credit: Bute Park

Described as “the most popular light trail outside of London”, this immersive attraction captures the imagination with a series of extravagant light shows, sculptures and installations. It promises a completely new route this year, and a bigger and better Christmas village, so you’re advised to book early to avoid disappointment. Festive music and food helps to bring the Christmas cheer. 

Dates: Selected dates from 22 November to 31 December 2024.
Prices: Adult £23.50; Child £16.50; Under-3s free; Family (2 adults & 2 children or 1 adult & 3 children) £69.95.

Winter Light Trail 

Margam Country Park, Port Talbot

Wonder and intrigue are the order of the day on Luminate Wales’s Winter Light Trail. This mile-long walk meanders its way around the beautiful Margam Country Park, taking in mesmerising light tapestries and interactive installations en route. And don’t worry about getting peckish, as there will be places to buy hot chocolate and toast marshmallows as you make your way around.

Dates: 21 November to 31 December 2024.
Prices: Varies depending on the day of the week. Adult from £15; Child (3-15 years) £10; Family (2 adults & 2 children) from £45.

Best Christmas light shows in the Midlands & the East

Luminate Birmingham

Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Re-imagined for the 2024-25 season, Luminate Birmingham is centred around a mesmerising light trail – almost a mile in distance – that weaves its way around the city’s Botanical Gardens. The whole family will love the stunning illuminations and fun interactive displays, all of which are accompanied by a seasonal soundtrack. Afterwards, grab yourselves a hot chocolate and toast a marshmallow or two in the refreshment area.   

Dates: 29 November 2024 to 1 January 2025.
Prices: Mon-Thurs up to 12 December – Adult £15; Child £10; Family £45. Fri & Sun (and every day from 16 December) – Adult £21.25; Child £14.50; Family £69.50. Sat – Adult £24.25; Child £17.25; Family £75.25. Tickets must be booked in advance.

Winter Light Trail 

Trentham Country Park, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire

Marvel at the new illuminated light trail throughout Trentham Gardens this winter. Watch little faces light up in awe and wonder at the festive surprises around every corner. The trail is over a mile long, and will feature interactive displays, captivating soundscapes and larger-than life illuminations. Create unforgettable memories with loved ones, and also look out for an après ski lodge bar and chalets, local independent food vendors, children’s funfair amusements and marshmallow toasting.

Dates: 29 November to 31 December 2024.
Prices: Adult from 17.50; Child from £13; Family from £55.

Christmas Illuminated Light Trail

Three Counties Showground, Malvern

Part of the wider Winter Glow event held annually at Malvern’s Three Counties Showground, the Christmas Illuminated Light Trail invites people of all ages to embark on a spectacular festive walk designed by local artists and craftspeople. This year’s theme is The Light Guardians – can you and your children help Jingle to rediscover the magic that’s gone missing from the Winter Village? You’ll certainly have fun trying! If you’re visiting on Friday, Saturday or Sunday, be sure to leave time for the Christmas market.

Dates: 22 November to 31 December 2024.
Prices: Adult £19.50 to £24.50; Child (3-16 years) £9.50 to £12.50; Under-3s free.

Enlightened at Castle Park

Colchester

Enlightened will land at Colchester's Castle Park in December. Credit: Enlightened Moments

This may be the third year that the Enlightened team’s worked its magic at Castle Park, but it promises a totally new mile-long trail complete with a tunnel of light, a laser show, 3D creatures, a high-energy fountain show and lots of interactive installations. It’s so good that Boundless has organised a member event here (see below)!

Dates: 6 to 24 December 2024.
Prices: Adult (16 and over) £18.50; Child (3-15 years) £12.50; Infants (under 3) free.

If you’re quick, you might bag some of the remaining tickets for the Boundless member event here on 7 December – you can bring a family of four for only £10 each, which is a saving of £34! Boundless member events are just one of the many benefits of membership, offering great days (or evenings!) out with fellow members, great discounts, Boundless staff on hand to make sure you have the best time, and lots of extras such as prize draws. 

If you’re looking for more light trails in this region, check out the Enlightened events at Colchester’s Markshall Estate, and Leicester’s Abbey Park, too.

Best Christmas light shows in the north of England

Lanterns and Light  

Chester Zoo, Cheshire 

Lanterns and Light offers animal magic. Credit: © Chester Zoo

Witness the animal kingdom as you’ve never seen it before at this festive spectacular. Returning for a second year, the reimagined trail is now even longer, packing in several brand-new features. Experience the joy of interacting with never-seen-before animal puppets, including energetic meerkats, colourful peacocks and playful snow leopards. An illuminating sea of light will be synchronised to music, creating a mesmerising spectacle of light and sound, while an impressive fire garden, rainbow bridge and pea-lit lanterns also return. If you get peckish, indulge in festive treats from the Christmas food stalls along the trail – and be sure to greet Father Christmas in his workshop.

Dates: Selected dates from 15 November 2024 to 1 January 2025
Prices: Adult £18 off-peak, £24 peak; Child (3-15) £12 off-peak, £19 peak; Toddler (1-2 years) £2.50. Carers enter for free (booking required)

Magical Woodland 

Cheshire Outdoors, Sandiway, Cheshire

Touted as “the North West’s best light show”, Magical Woodland is an immersive family attraction that helps you explore 15 acres of enchanted forest. Along the way, you’ll encounter dazzling light installations, including cathedral canopies of fairy lights, Borealis-style lasers, and clouds of flying lanterns. Once you’ve finished, treat yourself to a warming hot chocolate around the firepit – and don’t forget to tell Mr and Mrs Claus what’s on your Christmas list!   

Dates: Selected dates from 29 November to 24 December 2024.
Prices: Adult from £19.95; Child (2-15 years) from £11.50; Family (2 adults & 2 children) from £57. Discounts for groups and carers.

Best Christmas light shows in Scotland & Northern Ireland

Christmas at the Botanics

Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh

Floating candles light up trees at Christmas at the Botanics. Credit: Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh

Created by award-winning, internationally acclaimed light trail producers, this year’s event promises “flickering candles floating high into the night sky, batons of colour-changing light dancing in time, a sparkling flock of jolly robins and a sea of light that stretches out into the distance filled with all the colours of the rainbow”. And there will be warming refreshments from various food vendors, too. How can you resist?

Dates: Tickets available for most days between 21 November and 30 December.
Prices: Adults from £22.50, Child (4-16 years) from £17; family ticket (2 adults & 2 children) from £76. Under-3s go free.

Monteviot Lights

Near Jedburgh, Scottish Borders

Pass through a magic doorway onto a carefully designed mile-long trail with light installations thoughtfully placed to accentuate the natural beauty of the gardens – dazzling light displays will dance across the trees and shimmering ponds, while a kaleidoscope of colours and patterns are enhanced with mesmerising soundscapes. If you can break away from this captivating winter fairytale, there’s locally sourced food and drink available, too.

Dates: Tickets available for most days between 6 and 22 December.
Prices: Adults from £20.70, Child (2-16 years) from £14.36; family ticket (2 adults & 2 children under 16) from £62.60. Under-3s go free.

Enchanted Winter Garden

Antrim Castle Gardens, Northern Ireland

With so much to see and do at this family extravaganza, your only dilemma will be knowing where to start. Explore the Wonderland Wood with its myriad twinkly lights and installations, visit Father Christmas, have fun on the fairground rides, and fill your belly with wintry treats. It’s the perfect way to kickstart the festive season.  

Dates: 29 November to 21 December 2024
Prices: Adult £10.50; Child £7.50; Under-3s free (50p booking fee); Family (2 adults & 2 children or 1 adult & 3 children) £32. Discounted rates for local residents

Do more with Boundless

If you're working in or retired from the public sector or civil service, Boundless has two great membership options to choose from: Boundless and Boundless Plus. 

With Boundless, you get unlimited access or discounted entry to many of the UK’s top attractions, including Kew Gardens and Wakehurst and WWT centres across the UK, as well as year-round deals on restaurants, holidays, shopping and much more.

With Boundless Plus, you can enjoy additional benefits including unlimited access to Historic Royal Palaces sites, National Trust for Scotland places, access to The Ramblers' extensive walking community, and peace of mind with roadside assistance and local recovery by LV= Britannia Rescue.