TOP CHRISTMAS LIGHT SHOWS
Even though it's freezing outdoors, visiting historical UK sites in the evening during the Festive season allows you to see lit up landscapes with vistas of dreamy, enchanting bright light or spectacular colours flowing through the darkness. These pathways are intensely memorable and bring the Christmas period to life.
This year, there’s a variety of Christmas light displays for EVERYONE to enjoy. Here’s the best.
CHRISTMAS AT BLENHEIM PALACE
17th November 2023 - 1st January 2024
It's the most wonderful time of the year when over a million lights, lasers, and seasonal music fill the air with festive excitement over the Palace's picture-perfect grounds. Explore glittering light tunnels, shimmering lakeside reflections, and jewel-like coloured trees while spending quality together with family and friends. Take a time to reflect in front of the mesmerising flickering flames in the fire garden, stare up at the larger-than-life illuminations, and don't forget to get a glimpse of Father Christmas along the way. Their inventive individual street food vendors add a pleasant touch to the appetising menu items. After your walk beneath the stars, toast to a joyous, cheerful Christmas with a spiced winter warmer or a hot chocolate shared with someone special.
THURSFORD ENCHANTED JOURNEY OF LIGHT
19th November– 24th December 2023
On your way to giant teddy bears, you'll pass past penguins and polar bears! Prepare to be astounded as you witness the elves load Santa's sleigh and then go by the hardworking elves in the gift factory utilising the incredible wrapping machine!
Along the trip, you'll meet a variety of characters from the mythical world, including the snowman family, so keep an eye out for their snowballs!
Your adventure continues outside, where you'll find the Lantern Light Extravaganza, a stunning, breath-taking celebration of luminous sculptures ranging from a mythical aquatic realm to the wilds of the North Pole, which is bigger and better than ever and packed with new animals to see: a stunning, breath-taking celebration of luminous sculptures ranging from a mythical aquatic realm to the wilds of the North Pole. Keep your eyes out for the nefarious mushroom gnomes!
CHRISTMAS AT KEW, RICHMOND
15th November 2023 to 7th January 2024
Experience the magic of the UK's festive season at Christmas at Kew, a must-attend event to kickstart your Christmas celebrations or usher in the New Year. Immerse yourself in a botanical wonderland adorned with sparkling lights and the melodies of the season.
Explore enchanting tunnels of light, witness the dance of reflections on the lakeside, and marvel at trees adorned in jewel-like hues. Take a moment of contemplation amidst the mesmerising flickering flames in the fire garden, stroll beneath larger-than-life illuminations, and catch a glimpse of Father Christmas along your journey. Embrace the joy of the season at Christmas at Kew!
THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHT AT LONGLEAT
11th November 2023 - 7th January 2024
As the afternoons and evenings grow darker, an enchanting spectacle unfolds at Longleat House. Experience a dazzling light show meticulously synchronized to festive music, creating the perfect seasonal ambience. For the optimal view of Longleat House, follow the Garden Trail.
Be sure not to overlook the revitalised magic at Half Mile Pond! Prepare to be captivated by their newly enhanced 60m fountain display, now more grandiose than ever, adorned with a mesmerising array of dazzling lights.
CHRISTMAS AT BUTE PARK – FESTIVAL OF LIGHT
24th November 2023 – 1st January 2024
Immerse yourself in magic this Christmas season with a stunning light trail for you and your entire family to enjoy. Explore Bute Park's stunning grounds for a spectacular display of Christmas illuminations, sculptures, and special effects. In addition to dazzling light displays, the 1.4-kilometer walk includes a unique 'Fire Garden,' an immersive 'Sea of Light' exhibit, and delectable, locally crafted street food and, more importantly, drink stalls.
As you walk through a flickering realm of handcrafted, realistic fire sculptures, feel the warm embrace. This show of brilliance, which includes flame begonias and burning bulrushes, is a one-of-a-kind artwork created by the UK's greatest fire art professionals.