Prepare to be spirited away with the magic of Christmas 🌟
Witness explosions of colour, music and light in illuminated displays and enchanting light trails across the UK this winter. As dormant winter gardens are transformed with twinkling light displays, discover medieval castles and stately homes reanimated with festive cheer this holiday season.
So, let’s step into Christmas and check out some unmissable winter wonderlands and festive light displays in the UK this winter!
1. Christmas at Waddesdon, Buckinghamshire
15th November 2024 – 4th January 2025
Nestled in the heart of the Buckinghamshire countryside, this Châteauesque-style manor was built by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild to entertain fashionable society. And this year’s Christmas display is one that would have wowed even the most cultured crowd.
Inspired by the classic tale of Sleeping Beauty, visiting Waddesdon is the ultimate immersive experience. Enjoy beautifully decorated interiors, outstanding light projections on the manor façade and a glittering light trail throughout the splendid gardens. The Christmas fair features charming stalls selling everything from handmade gifts to delicious festive treats. Pull on your cosiest woollies and wander through this Buckinghamshire winter wonderland.
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2. Luminate Birmingham
29th November 2024 – 1st January 2025
The summer blooms have long since fallen, leaving Birmingham’s Botanical Gardens a blank canvas to inject some Christmas spirit through light! Home to over 7,000 plants established over two centuries, the Botanical Gardens are a magical setting for this mile-long light trail.
Reimagined for 2024, Luminate Birmingham features wildly creative displays set to enchanting music. The historic grounds are brought to life in unexpected ways, with the natural world incorporated into illuminated sculptures and light play. This immersive festive experience is the perfect spot to enjoy with a hot chocolate and toasted marshmallows.
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3. Christmas at the Castle, Warwick
23rd November 2024 – 7th January 2025
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Prepare to explore Warwick Castle’s 64 acres of stunning grounds this Christmas as they transform into a festive fairytale wonderland. While their dazzling mile-long light trail is just the tip of the icicle, get ready to glide on Warwick Castle’s open-air ice rink before warming up in the Winter Food and Drink Village.
Stroll through the traditional Christmas market while birds of prey circle overhead (under the watchful eye of Warwick’s expert falconer of course!). Inside the medieval castle itself, you’ll find the most spectacular traditional Christmas displays. Little ones will be captivated during Stories with Santa and can even make a night of it with a Santa Sleepover!
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4. RHS Glow 2024 at Hyde Hall, Essex
22nd – 28th November 2024
Enter a world of swirling snowflake lights, shimmering mirror balls and illuminated Christmas trees at Hyde Hall’s RHS Glow 2024. Explore the winding paths of the Australia and New Zealand Garden, offering an explosion of colour, while Clover Hill is a colour-changing spectacle to behold. Millennium Avenue features an animated carpet of light and music and a sparkling star arch makes the perfect backdrop for photos.
Along the twinkling trail, you can listen to Jack Frost – A Winter Story. Written and narrated by Alan Titchmarsh, it’s set to spellbinding music composed by Debbie Wiseman.
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5. Christmas at Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire
15th November 2024 – 1st January 2025
Thousands of twinkling lights, sparkling baubles and the warmth of the festive season fall over this stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site this winter. Blenheim Palace’s gorgeous grounds are framed in a whole new light this festive season as you follow the illuminated trails that are a feast for the senses.
Warm yourself up in the Great Court, home of Blenheim Palace’s iconic Christmas market selling seasonal treats. And inside the palace, you’ll find Neverland itself! With their all-new for 2024 Peter Pan-themed decorations, follow Tinkerbell through stately rooms as she sprinkles fairy dust over baubles and Christmas trees and wander through a moonlit London skyline and onto the Mermaid Lagoon.
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6. The Brighton Lights, Stanmer Park
11th – 23rd November 2024
This creative light trail winds through a walled garden, an ancient orchard, a beautifully illuminated Palm House and the depths of Stanmer Woods. Designed with families in mind, the Brighton Light’s short trail is both buggy-friendly and perfect for little legs.
Discover light-based performance art and live music from local musicians elevating the Brighton Lights into an immersive and entertaining experience for all the family. Take a break to enjoy delicious street food from local vendors at the Christmas Market, or pop into a festive bar for a mug of mulled wine or hot chocolate.
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7. Delapré Abbey Winter Light Trail, Northampton
22nd November – 31st December 2024
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Delapré Abbey’s 900 years of history are brought to light this winter! Interactive displays, captivating soundscapes and larger-than-life illuminations make up this Northampton Winter Light Trail weaving around one mile of the abbey’s grounds.
Reward the kids after your walk with funfair rides and marshmallow toasting. Once they’re all tuckered out you can cosy up in the luxury Apres ski lodge bar or chalets. Warm up with a mug of mulled wine – or chill out with a Winter Cocktail of Frosty Bier. Local independent food vendors are also on hand, offering seasonal goodies.
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8. Christmas at the Botanics, Edinburgh
21st November – 30th December 2024
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Flickering candles floating high into the night sky. Batons of colour-changing light dancing in time. A sparkling flock of jolly robins flying overhead. And a sea of light stretching out into the distance. Christmas at the Botanics at Edinburgh’s Royal Botanic Garden is an unmissable event in Scotland’s seasonal calendar.
Taking over the heart of the Royal Botanic Garden, this magical trail has been created by award-winning, internationally acclaimed producers – and along the way, you may even spot Father Christmas! With street food vendors selling tempting treats, complete your walk under the stars with a festive spiced winter warmer, hot chocolate and toasted marshmallows.
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9. Christmas at Wimpole, Cambridge
22nd November 2024 – 1st January 2025
A National Trust site dating back to the Iron Age and now home to an impressive mansion, Wimpole is a sight to behold in every season. Add a million sparkling festive lights and an out-of-this-world soundscape and the estate comes to life in a whole new way!
You’ll discover neon trees, larger-than-life flowers and an amazing two-colour illuminated tree. Surround yourself with sparkle within long, glowing tunnels and immerse yourself in all the colours of the rainbow. And be sure to keep an eye out for Santa along the way! During the day Wimpole Hall will be open and lavishly decorated for Christmas.
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10. Christmas at Kew, London
13th November 2024 – 5th January 2025
Christmas at Kew is one of the capital’s biggest festive events and one of the prettiest light displays in the UK. Combining stunning illuminations with Kew Gardens’ tranquil beauty, this winter wonderland is home to over 20 dazzling light installations spread across a two-mile trail. Stroll through iconic, glittering tunnels, admire vibrant lakeside reflections and marvel at trees lit with jewel-toned lights.
Kew Gardens’ biggest highlights include the warm glow of the Fire Garden and larger-than-life illuminations. Celebrate the season and welcome the New Year in a botanical world aglow with festive sparkle as Christmas at Kew promises a truly magical experience for all ages.
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