50+ UK Christmas Light Trails 2024: The Most Complete Guide
Looking for things to do this Christmas? Christmas light trails are springing up all over the place in 2024. .
They’re a great alternative for a Christmas family day out if you’re not able to book a Santa’s Grotto.
I love Christmas light shows and am lucky to have some fantastic light trails near me, including Kew Gardens and Blenheim Palace.
These festive light experiences sell out fast to so make sure to have a look at this comprehensive list to find a Christmas light trail near you.
This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one and buy something, we may earn a small commission but this is at no extra cost to you.
If you’d like to see more of our UK and Worldwide family adventures and travel tips, remember to follow us on Instagram.
Many of these winter light trails are taking place at English Heritage and National Trust properties. If you haven’t got an annual membership, we would highly recommend looking into getting one.
There are discounts for members to their Christmas light trails and just a few visits a year will cover the cost of the membership.
See here for English Heritage membership.
See here for National Trust membership.
Christmas Light Trails in the East
Belton House
Christmas at Belton – one of the loveliest National Trust Christmas lights.
When: Weekends from 22nd November 2024 to 1st January 2025.
Where: Belton House, Grantham, Lincolnshire, NG32 2LW.
Tickets: Adult – £22.50, Child (3-16) – £16.00, Under 2 – Free. Family of 4 – £74.00. Parking is extra.
Belton House Christmas lights | Photo Credit: National Trust
Thursford
Thursford Enchanted Journey of Light
When: mid-November to 24th December 2024.
Where: Thursford, Fakenham, Norfolk, NR21.
Tickets: £23.00 per person, Under 2 Free.
See other Christmas events in Norfolk this year for more festive days out as well as a complete guide to places in Norfolk to see Christmas lights.
Visiting Norfolk at any time of the year – see what’s on in Norfolk with kids.
Thursford Enchanted Journey of Light | Photo Credit: Thursford
Lincoln Castle
When: 29th November to 23rd December 2024.
Where: Lincoln Castle, Castle Square, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, LN1 3AA.
Tickets: £2.50 per person for entry to the gounds only. Illuminated walk tickets are: Adult – £10.50, Child £5.70 (Family £26.70).
Willows Activity Farm
When: Mid November to end of December 2024.
Where: Willows Activity Farm, Coursers Rd, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL4 0PF.
Tickets: From £20.00 per person booked in advance or £25.00 on the day (plus booking fee).
See also our guide to the Christmas events taking place in Hertfordshire this year.
Anglesey Abbey
When: mid-November – 10th December 2024.
Where: Anglesey Abbey, Quy Road, Lode, Cambridgeshire, CB25 9EJ.
Tickets: Adult – £17.50, Child (5-17) – £14.00. Under 5 – FREE. Please see their website for latest prices and booking.
See also our post on Christmas events in Cambridgeshire for more festive days out.
Anglesey Abbey Winter Lights | Photo Credit: National Trust
Helmingham Hall
Helmingham Hall Illuminated Garden Trail
When: mid-November to mid-December 2024.
Where: Helmingham Hall, Stowmarket, Suffolk, IP14 6EF.
Tickets: Adult – from £120.00, Child (3-16) – from £10.00, Under 3 – Free. Family with 2 adults and 2 children – from £50.00.
See other Christmas events in Suffolk for more ideas for festive days out in Suffolk.
Audley End House & Gardens
Enchanted Audley End – see also Christmas events in Essex for more Christmas light trails in Essex.
When: 2024 dates TBC (see also Santa Trains running at Audley End).
Where: Audley End House, Audley End Road, Audley End, Saffron Walden, Essex, CB11 4JF.
Tickets: Adult – from £14.00, Child – from £9.50. Under 5 – FREE.
Wimpole Estate
When: 22nd November to 1st January 2025.
Where: Wimpole Estate, Arrington, Royston, Cambridgeshire, SG8 0BW.
Tickets: from £24.00 per adult / £18.00 per child. Under 3 – FREE. Parking extra.
Hatfield Park
When: End of November to end of December 2024. Dates TBC.
Where: Hatfield Park, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL9 5HX.
Tickets: £30.00 per adult with parking / £17.00 per child. Under 3 – FREE. £84.00 per family. Available on See Tickets.
Christmas Light Trails in the South East
This is a pick of some of the best Christmas light trails near London..
Blenheim Palace
Blemheim Palace Illuminated Light Trail
When: 15th November 2024 to 1st January 2025.
Where: Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxfordshire, OX20 1PP.
Tickets: Adult – £25.00 (or £35.00 with parking), Child (3-16) – £18.00, Under 2 – Free. Family of 4 – £84.00 with parking.
See here for our review of Blenheim Palace Illuminated Light Trail
Waddesdon Manor (National Trust)
Waddesdon Manor Winter Light Trail
When: 15th November 2024 to 5th January 2025 (see also the Christmas at Waddesdon.
Where: Waddesdon Manor, Waddesdon, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP18 0JH.
Tickets: (NT Members): Adult £11.50, Child (5-17) £5.00, Under 5 Free. (Non-NT Members): Adult £22.00, Child (5-17) £10.00, Under 5 Free. Parking charges apply.
Bedgebury Pinetum and Forest
When: 15th November 2024 to 1st January 2025.
Where: Bedgebury Pinetum and Forest, Bedgebury Road, Goudhurst, Kent, TN17 2SJ.
Tickets: Adult – £20.00 (or £28.00 with parking), Child (3-16) – £13.50, Under 2 – Free. Family of 4 – £72.00 with parking.
If you’re looking for other things to do in the area, don’t miss Rye, one of the most beautiful small towns in England.
There are also plenty of other things to do in Kent, including visiting nearby Leeds Castle, one of the best castles in Kent and Broadstairs – a beautiful British beach town.
Christmas at Bedgebury | Photo Credit: ChristmasatBedgebury
Hever Castle
Twilight Christmas at Hever Castle – one of the most impressive Christmas light shows at one of the most impressive castles in Kent! See also our guide to the Christmas events in Kent this year for more festive days out.
When: 22nd November 2024 to 1st January 2025.
Where: Hever Castle, Hever Road, Edenbridge, Kent, TN8 7NG.
Tickets: Adult – £19.00, Child (5-17) – £11.50, Under 5 – Free. See their website for most up to date prices.
RHS Wisley
When: 27th November to 30th December 2024.
Where: RHS Wisley, Wisley Lane, Wisley, Woking, Surrey, GU23 6QB.
Tickets: (Members): Adult – From £9.95, Child (5-16) – From £4.95, Under 5 – Free. (Non-Members): Adult – From £17.95, Child (5-16) – From £11.95, Under 5 – Free. Please see their website for up to date prices.
See here for more things to do at Christmas in Surrey.
Glow Trail at RHS Wisley | Photo Credit: RHS Wisley
Hylands Estate
When: 29th November 2024 to 4th January 2025.
Where: The Pleasure Gardens, Hylands Park, London Road, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 8FS.
Tickets: Adult – from £12.50, Child (4-15) – from £9.00. Please see their website for up to date prices.
See also Christmas events in Essex.
Christmas Light Trails in the South
Wakehurst
When: 28th November 2024 to 1st January 2025.
Where: Wakehurst, Ardingly, Haywards Heath, Sussex, RH17 6TN.
Tickets: Adult – £17.00, Child (4-16) – £11.00, Under 4 – Free. Please see their website for up to date prices.
See here for more Christmas events in Sussex.
Wakehurst Glow Wild | Photo Credit John White
Kingston Lacy (National Trust)
Christmas at Kingston Lacy 2024
When: early December to 24th December 2024.
Where: Kingston Lacy, Wimborne Minster, Dorset, BH21 4EA.
Tickets: (NT Members): Adult – £19.50, Child (2-18) – £14.50, Under 2 – Free. (Non-NT Members): Adult £27.50 (with parking), Child £14.50. Please see their website for up to date prices.
Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens
When: Select dates from end of November to 21st December 2024.
Where: Leonardslee, Lower Beeding, Horsham, West Sussex, RH13 6PR.
Tickets: Adult – £18.00, Child (2-15) – £10.00, Under 2 – Free. Please see their website for up to date prices.
Christmas Light Trails in the South West
Stourhead
When: 29th November – 1st January 2025.
Where: Stourhead, Stourton, Warminster, Wiltshire, BA12 6QF.
Tickets: (excluding parking) Adult non-members – £22.50, Child (3-16) – £16.00, Under 2 – Free. Family of 4 – £74.00. See their website for latest prices.
Longleat
When: 9th November 2024 to 5th January 2025.
Where: Longleat, Warminster, Wiltshire, BA12 7NW.
Tickets: Adult – £39.50, Child (3-15) – £29.95, Under 2 Free. See their website for latest ticket prices.
Westonbirt Arboretum
Westonbirt Enchanted Christmas
When: Weekends from 29th November to 31st December 2024.
Where: Westonbirt Arboretum, Westonbirt, Tetbury, Gloucestershire, GL8 8QS.
Tickets: Adult – £18.00, Child (5-18) – £11.00, Under 5 Free. Parking £8.00.
Westonbirt Christmas Illuminated Light Trail | Photo Credit: Forestry England
Bath on Ice
When: mid-November 2024 to 3rd January 2025.
Where: Royal Pavillion, Royal Victoria Park, Bath, BA1 2NR.
Tickets: Adult – £7.75, Child – £6.50.
See also our guide to Christmas events in Bath.
Shipwreck Treasure Museum
When: 1st to 31st December 2024.
Where: Shipwreck Treasure Museum, Quay Road, Charlestown, St. Austell, Cornwall, PL25 3NJ.
Tickets: From £10.00 (adults) and from £8.00 (5-17 yrs).
Eden Project
When: TBC.
Where: Eden Project, Bodelva, Cornwall, PL24 2SG.
Tickets: TBC.
The Lost Gardens of Heligan
When: mid-November 2024 to 2nd January 2025.
Where: The Lost Gardens of Heligan, Pentewan, St.Austell, Cornwall, PL26 6EN.
Tickets: From £15.50 (adult) and £8.00 (child).
Christmas Light Trails in the Midlands
Wollaton Hall
When: 1st December 2024 – 1st January 2025.
Where: Wollaton Hall Natural History Museum, Wollaton Park, Wollaton, Nottingham, NG8 2AE.
Tickets: Adult – from £21.45, Child (3-16) – from £15.40, Under 3 – Free. Family of 4 – from £67.32. All prices include booking fee.
Christmas at Wollaton | Photo credit: Wollaton Hall
Malvern Winter Glow
When: 22nd November – 31st December 2024.
Where: Three Counties Showground, Malvern, Worcestershire, WR13 6NW.
Tickets: Adult – £22.00 (£19.80 online), Child (3-16) – £12.00 (£10.80 online), Under 3 – Free.
Coombe Abbey
When: 30th November to 31st December 2024.
Where: Coombe Abbey, Brinklow Rd, Binley, Coventry. CV3 2AB.
Tickets: Adult – from £18.00, Child (3-15) – from £13.00 and Under 3 – Free. Family of 4 – from £59.00.
Warwick Castle
When: end of November 2024 to 7th January 2025.
Where: Warwick Castle, Warwick, Warwickshire, CV34 4QU.
Tickets: From £15.50 per person (not including castle entrance).
See also Santa Sleepovers at Warwick Castle and Christmas events at the Merlin attractions in the UK.
Lightopia Alton Towers
When: end of November 2024 to 1st January 2025.
Where: Alton Towers, Farley Ln, Alton, Stoke-on-Trent ST10 4DB.
Tickets: From £15.00 per person and Under 3 – Free. Parking – £6.00.
Christmas Light Trails in the North East
Castle Howard
Into the Woods: A Fairytale Christmas
When: mid-November 2024 to 2nd January 2025.
Where: Castle Howard Estate, York, YO60 7DA.
Tickets: Adult – From £27.00, Child (3-16) – From £13.50, Under 3 – Free.
Castle Howard Illuminated Christmas | Photo Credit: Castle Howard
Temple Newsam
When: TBC.
Where: Temple Newsam, Temple Newsam Road, Leeds, LS15 0AE.
Tickets: (NT Members): Adult £16.00 (£22.00 with parking), Child (3-16) £12.00, Under 3 Free.
Gibside Hall (National Trust)
Ignite at Gibside – a beautiful winter lights festival
When: TBC.
Where: Gibside Hall, Near Rowlands Gill, Gateshead, Tyne & Wear, NE16 6BG.
Tickets: (NT Members): Adult £19.50, Child (5-17) £14.00, Under 5 Free. (Non-NT Members): Adult £27.50 (includes parking), Child (5-17) £14.00, Under 5 Free.
Lightwater Valley Theme Park
When: TBC.
Where: Lightwater Valley Theme Park, North Stainley, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 3HT.
Tickets: £12.50 per person, Under 2 – Free.
Stockeld Park
Lovely Christmas lights in Yorkshire in their award-winning enchanted forest.
When: mid-November 2024 to beginning of January 2025.
Where: Stockeld Park, Wetherby, North Yorkshire, LS22 4AN.
Tickets: £15.00 per person, Under 2 – Free.
Lightwater Valley Theme Park
Christmas Light Trails in the North West
Dunham Massey (National Trust)
Dunham Massey Illuminated Light Trail
When: From 15th November 2024 to 1st January 2025.
Where: Dunham Massey, Altrincham, Greater Manchester, WA14 4SJ.
Tickets: Non-Member prices: Adult – £21.00 (or £29.00 with parking), Child (3-16) – £13.50, Under 2 – Free. Family of 4 – £74.00 with parking.
Dunham Massey Illuminated Light Trail
Lightopia
When: TBC.
Where: Heaton Park, Sheepfoot Lane, Manchester, M25 0BP.
Tickets: Adult from £17.50, Child (3-16) from £11.00 and Under 2 – Free. Parking – £5.00.
Lightopia | Photo Credit: Lightopia Festival
Chester Zoo
When: 15th November 2024 to 1st January 2025.
Where: Chester Zoo, Chester, Cheshire, CH2 1EU.
Tickets: Adult from £13.00, Child from £11.00 and Under 2 – Free.
Bolesworth Castle
When: 1st to 31st December 2024.
Where: Bolesworth Castle, Bolesworth Rd, Tattenhall, Chester CH3 9HQ.
Tickets: Adult from £20.37, Child (3-12) from £13.40 and Under 2 – Free.
Delamere Forest
When: 2024 dates TBC.
Where: Delamere Forest, Linmere, Delamere, Northwich, CW8 2HZ.
Tickets: Adult from £19.50 (£27.50 with parking), Child (3-16) from £13.50 and Under 2 – Free.
The Lanterns Chester Zoo
Christmas Light Trails in London
Kew Gardens
When: 13th November 2024 to 5th January 2025.
Where: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Road, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 3AE.
Tickets: Adult – £21.50 to £26.50, Child (4-16) – £14.00 to £14.50, Under 4 – Free. Family of 4 – £65.00. See their website for up to date prices.
Christmas at Kew | Photo Credit: Kew Gardens
Crystal Palace
When: TBC.
Where: Crystal Palace Park, London, SE19 2GA.
Tickets: From £19.50 per adult and £13.00 per child (3 – 15).
London Wetland Centre
Illuminature – explore the wonder of wildlife after dark.
When: TBC.
Where: WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, SW13 9WT.
Tickets: Adult – £18.50. Child (4 – 16) – £14.50. Family (2A & 2C) – £60.00.
Kenwood House
When: TBC for 2024.
Where: Kenwood House, Hampstead Lane, London, NW3 7JR.
Tickets: Adult from £29.50, Child from £22.50 and Under 3 – Free.
Syon Park
When: TBC for 2024.
Where: Syon House, Syon Park, Brentford, Middlesex, TW8 8JF.
Tickets: Adult from £10.00, Child from £7.50 and Under 2 – Free.
Eltham Palace
When: Select dates through December. See here for details.
Where: Eltham Palace, Court Yard, London, SE9 5QE.
Tickets: Adult – from £14.00. Child – from £9.50.
In the event that some of these light trails are cancelled this year, you could also pop into London to see the London Christmas lights (which are worth seeing anyway).
Lightopia
When: TBC for 2024.
Where: Crystal Palace Park.
Tickets: Adult from £19.50, Child (3-16) from £13.00 and Under 2 – Free. Parking – £10.00.
Canary Wharf
When: 17th January to 27th January 2025.
Where: Canary Wharf, London, E14.
Tickets: Free.
Wembley Park
When: TBC.
Where: Wembley Park, Wembley, HA9 0FA.
Tickets: Free.
Christmas Light Trails in Scotland
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
When: Mid-November to end of December 2024.
Where: Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Arboretum Place, Edinburgh, EH3 5NZ
Tickets: Adult – £21.50, Child – £15.00 and Under 3 – Free. Family of 4 – £70.00.
Christmas at the Botanics | Photo Credit: Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Edinburgh Castle
When: Weekends from 22nd November to 4th January 2025.
Where: Edinburgh Castle, The Esplanade, Edinburgh, EH1 2NG.
Tickets: Adult from £19.80 and child (7 – 15) from £11.00.
Faskally Woods
When:3rd October to 3rd November 2024.
Where: Faskally Wood, 3 Atholl Road, Pitlochry, Perthshire, PH16 5BX.
Tickets: Adult from £24.00 and child (3 – 15) from £13.50.
Illuminight | Photo Credit: Lloyd Smith
Christmas Light Trails in Wales
Margam Country Park
When: 21st November to 31st December 2024.
Where: Margam Country Park, Neath, Port Talbot, South Wales, SA13 2TJ.
Tickets:Adult – from £18.00, Child (3-15) – from £13.00 and Under 3 – Free. Family of 4 – from £59.00.
Christmas Light Trails in Northern Ireland
Antrim Castle Gardens
When: 29th November to 21st December 2024.
Where: Antrim Castle Gardens, Randalstown Road, Antrim, BT41 4LH.
Tickets: Adult – from £6.00, Child – from £4.00. Under 2 – FREE.
These are all official light trails in the UK but there are also lots of unofficial ones. Have you driven around your local area and seen some incredible private light displays?
There’s a great one on Beech Road in St Albans and since there are no light trails in Hertfordshire, this is one of the best places in Hertfordshire at Christmas to see Christmas lights. It’s definitely worth finding out if there is one similar close to you.
