Whether you’re jumping headfirst into the festivities or are yet to have made plans, outdoor light trails are the perfect way to begin the countdown to Christmas. There’s nothing quite like a splash of sparkle, a cup of mulled wine and the sweet sound of carols to get you in the festive spirit. From castles to arboretums, we’ve tracked down the eight trails you won’t want to miss.
Christmas at Trentham
Trentham Gardens, Staffordshire
Dec 2-Jan 1
Enter Trentham’s glittering gardens and enjoy a sensory experience of light and music along the Christmas trail.
Enter a winter fairytale, crossing a light-covered bridge and passing through an entrance archway with thousands of lights dotted along the branches of trees. Splashes of colour continue to lead towards the incredible mile-long lake, where three large ‘origami ships’ can be seen floating on the water.
You won’t miss the 32ft tall Christmas tree covered in thousands of lights in the Italian gardens, then make your way to the formal gardens for a projection show of flying fairies, shimmering leaves and Father Christmas the Story.
Round off your visit with mulled wine, marshmallows and mince pies at the traditional Christmas market.
£22.10 adult, £14.60 child
Christmas at Hillsborough Castle & Gardens
Belfast, Northern Ireland
Dec 1-Jan 1 (excluding December 5, 6, 25)
Follow in the footsteps of monarchs along the magical after-dark trail at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens. As well as oodles of grandeur, visitors can expect to be wowed by impressive lighting and classical festive tunes, transforming the estate’s beautifully landscaped grounds.
Wander through the flickering flames of the fire garden and take a walk under the millions of lights of the Christmas Cathedral. Children will love the laser garden, with its sea of green lasers that dance across the path and through clouds of mist hanging in the night air.
Rest up on the Mistletoe bench and marvel at the illuminating take on the 12 days of Christmas.
£22 adult, £15 child
Christmas at Blenheim Palace
Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxfordshire
Visitors to the Oxfordshire UNESCO World Heritage Site will be able to take in an array of amazing light artwork from artists from across Europe at Blenheim Palace’s illuminated outdoor trail. Together with family and friends you can enjoy wandering the Palace’s picture-perfect gardens as over a million lights and seasonal sounds fill the air. Discover glittering tunnels of light, dancing lakeside reflections and trees drenched in jewel-like colours.
Highlights include Aurora, a brand-new overhead installation which recreates the world-famous Aurora Borealis – known as the Northern Lights – whilst illuminating both its audience and the surroundings.
Nov 18-Jan 2
£57 adult, £36.50 child
Christmas at Gibside
National Trust Gibside, Tyne and Wear
Dec 1-Jan 1
As if the Georgian gardens at Gibside weren’t gorgeous enough, this season sees them transform into a magical winter oasis. You’ll find trees interwoven with neon, colourful strings stretched between towering canopies, larger-than-life illuminated crystals plus snowflakes, and stars dripping from branches – all choreographed to a soundtrack of much-loved seasonal music.
£19.50 adult, £14 child (free parking for NT members)
Search for the Lost Reindeer
National Arboretum, Westonbirt, Gloucestershire
Nov 25-Dec 21
Go on an interactive journey with the whole family through the heart of a majestic collection of trees. Speak to elves and collect clues to help reunite Father Christmas with his beloved animals. Little ones can enjoy searching for the lost reindeer along the way, while adults will appreciate the beautifully illuminated trees – some of which are rare and exotic and date back to the 1850s.
£19 adult, £11 child
Sandringham Estate Winter Light Trail
Sandringham, Norfolk.
Nov 10-Dec 18
Set to ambient music, you will follow the illuminated trail for one mile as it meanders through the historic Country Park at Sandringham Estate. Stunning lighting elements and light play will guide you along the way with around 13 highlights. You can warm up by the fire pit, where you can toast marshmallows (purchase on-site or bring your own) and indulge in some of the food and drink offerings available including a mulled wine kiosk.
£16.50 adult mon-wed, £21 adult thurs-sun, £11.50 child mon-wed, £15 child thurs-sun
Lightopia London 'A Christmas Fantasy'
Crystal Palace, London
Nov 17-Jan 2
Experience this ultimate neon winter wonderland showcasing immersive, a multi-sensory interactive light and lantern installations as well as a spectacular festive water show, ready to transport you to a fantastical Christmas experience like no other. Other highlights include: 'The Wonders of the Dragon', a breathtaking light dragon who dramatically breathes 'fire', lighting up the surrounding trees and crystals; 'The Magical Forest', a fantasy world of mythical winged creatures and much more. Also available in Manchester and Alton Towers.
£24.50 adult, £16.50 child
Thursford’s Enchanted Journey of Light
Thursford, Norfolk
Nov 19-Dec 28
Home to the world’s largest collection of steam engines and fairground organs, at Thursford, you'll travel past penguins, polar bears and giant-sized teddy bears. Throughout your journey you and your family will meet lots of fantasy land characters including the snowman family - be sure to watch out for their snowballs! When you venture outside to the Lantern Light Extravaganza, take in the luminous sculptures, from a fantasy underwater world to the wilds of the North Pole.
£20 per person
Tickets should be booked in advance. Prices include any booking fee and are correct at time of writing. Parking charges may apply.