Are you ready to enjoy the beautiful light display and light trails? Then we’ve found the perfect immersive experience for you and your family! A chance to see a wide range of breathtaking lanterns, the streets decorated in colourful lights and even watch a set of fireworks!
We want to show you the best lantern festivals near you. This is a chance to see magical lantern festivals which is a great experience for the whole family. So, take a look at these popular events and start your magical journey through the inspiring experience.
Our Top Lantern Festivals
Lanterns and Light, Chester Zoo
This year, it’s bigger, better and brighter than ever, as you discover a brand-new light and sound experience! In time to immerse you in the festive magic this winter.
From dazzling and captivating light installations to being transported into enchanting lands filled with colour and festivity! Experience flickering fire gardens, larger-than-life pea-lit animal statues and even a GIANT woolly mammoth projection! Wind along paths and through trees as you discover all sorts of wonderful creatures!
They haven’t forgotten about your family favourites either. Experience an interactive adventure with their stunning puppets, including lions, elephants and zebras! Psst…we heard that Father Christmas might make an appearance too…
Plus, animal lovers of all ages know that Chester Zoo is one of the best places in the region to see weird and wonderful wildlife!
There’s also festive fairground rides and mouth-watering marshmallow toasting! Perfect for those chilly nights.
“Our family had a magical time at Lanterns and Light at Chester Zoo! With our 10-year-old son in tow, we were captivated by the larger-than-life pea-lit animal statues and the mesmerizing GIANT woolly mammoth projection. But what truly stole the show were the interactive adventures with stunning puppets, especially the lions, elephants, and zebras. It felt like we were part of a real safari! Lanterns and Light is an unforgettable experience for families, and we can’t wait to return!” –
Jules, 39 and Brandon, 40
Moston Rd, Upton, Chester CH2 1EU
17th November – 31st December 2023
Adults from £18 - £22.00
Child £12.00 - £17.00
Winter Illuminations, Yorkshire Wildlife Park
This lantern festival experience is going to be out of this world! So, you better wrap up warm and embark on a journey in the park after dark as you wander through multiple illuminated enchanted realms.
Explore the magic of this dazzling light and lantern festival, with over 2,400 metres of illuminated trails filled with awe-inspiring giant lanterns, including de’lights’ such as Animal Adventures, Under the Sea, Fairytale Kingdoms, plus brand new for 2023 – Space Odyssey and The Spirit of Christmas!
Needing a little treat? Don’t fret, you can indulge in festive fun with tasty hot food and drinks as you make your way through this walk-around experience!
If you fancy staying a bit longer, you can skip the ride home and make a night of it with a stay at the park-adjacent Hex Wildlife Hotel or make a day of it with day entry to Yorkshire Wildlife Park!
“We had an incredible family night at Winter Illuminations, Yorkshire Wildlife Park with our 7-year-old son and 5-year-old daughter. The highlight for us was the brand new ‘Space Odyssey’ and ‘The Spirit of Christmas’ lantern displays. Walking through these illuminated realms was truly magical and captured the kids’ imaginations. And the tasty hot food and drinks added a delightful touch to the experience. It’s a must-visit for families this winter!”
– Aaron, 38 and Nisha, 35
Hurst Ln, Doncaster DN9 3QY
Winter Illuminations Opening Times - 16:15 - 21:00
Friday 17th and Saturday 18th November 2023
Friday 24th and Saturday 25th November 2023
Thursday 30th November to Sunday 3rd December 2023
Thursday 7th December to Sunday 10th December 2023
Thursday 14th December to Sunday 24th December 2023
Tuesday 26th December to Tuesday 2nd January 2024
Friday 5th to Sunday 7th January 2024
Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th January 2024
Adult (15-18+) £24.00
Child (0-3) Free
Child (3-15) £19.00
Lantern Festivals Scotland
Kirkcudbright Festival of Light
With beautiful light displays and a lantern parade, it’ll be the place to be in Scotland. Wander around the Soaperie Gardens, explore Kirkcudbright and then stop by for a transcendent evening of light.
“Our family had an unforgettable time at Kirkcudbright Festival of Light. With a 2-year-old daughter and a 7-year-old son in tow, we were delighted to find that there was something for everyone. The lantern parade was really a captivating experience that left our kids in awe. The Soaperie Gardens provided a serene backdrop, making this festival a must-visit for families seeking both beauty and wonder in Scotland.”
– Lucy, 35 and Miles, 37
5th - 7th October 2023
Free
The Enchanted Forest, Perthshire
With dazzling visuals and a choreographed sequence with an original score as you explore the autumn woodland. It’s going to be an unforgettable experience.
Wander past bioluminescent creatures that live in the deep depths of the ocean. Watch as they guide you through the forest as you’re swept by the currents and tides, on a brightly lit journey.
Discover the mysteries of the deep in this magical moment.
“Our sons had a magical time at The Enchanted Forest! Our 3-year-old and 5-year-old were absolutely amazed by the bioluminescent creatures that guided us through the forest. It felt like we were on an underwater adventure. It’s a unique experience that left us all in awe of the mysteries of the deep. The Enchanted Forest truly creates unforgettable moments for families!”
– Chanel, 36 and Samuel, 35
3 Atholl Rd, Pitlochry PH16 5BX
5th October - 5th November 2023
Adult £27.82
Child (3-15) £15.51
Child (under 3) free
Castle of Light: Magic and Mystery, Edinburgh Castle
Uncover mysteries, gaze at colourful creations and enjoy a charming night out as you wander through the spectacular, after-dark trail!
You’ll also find plenty of tasty treats and drinks to indulge in too!
“Our family had an enchanting evening at Castle of Light: Magic and Mystery in Edinburgh Castle. Our 6-year-old daughter was absolutely spellbound by the light projections on the castle walls. It was like stepping into a fairy tale!”
– Suzie, 35 and Jordan, 32
Castlehill, Edinburgh, EH1 2NG
24th and 25th November 2023
1st - 3rd, 8th - 10th, 15th - 17th, 21st - 23rd and 27th - 30th December 2023
2nd and 3rd January 2024
16:30 - 21:00
Adult £22.00
Child £12.00
Torchlight Procession, Edinburgh's Hogmanay
It’s normally a sell-out event, where 20,000 people will take to the streets, enjoy a carnival atmosphere, fire performers, Pipe Bands and Drummers to commence the celebrations!
“My daughter and I had an unforgettable experience at Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Torchlight Procession. It was heartwarming to see 20,000 people come together to shine a light on homelessness. The carnival atmosphere, fire performers, and the powerful presence of live entertainment truly made it a night to remember. Being part of such a meaningful event with my 12-year-old old was a unique and heartwarming experience we’ll cherish forever.”
– Dan, 40
The Meadows to the City Centre
29th December 2023
18:00 - 20:30
£20.00 per torch
SPECTRA, Scotland's Festival of Light, Aberdeen
Enjoy multiple nights of luminescent joy as you wander through the plethora of light displays and immersive installations from all sorts of brilliant artists! From nature and animals, futuristic figures and UV face painting to more!
We’ll be sure to keep you updated on the deets!
“We had an amazing time at SPECTRA in Aberdeen! Our 7-year-old daughter and 9-year-old son were absolutely transfixed by the immersive light displays and installations. What set SPECTRA apart was the variety of artistry on display, from animals to futuristic displays to fun UV face painting! We can’t wait for SPECTRA to return in 2024!”
– Lauren, 39
February 2024
TBC
Lantern Festivals Wales
Shepton Mallet Lantern Festival Workshop
A family-friendly event, letting everyone relax together and appreciate the collection of lanterns. This is a non-profit making organisation, it’s a chance for the whole community to come together and create their magical lanterns by walking a parade!
“We had a fantastic time at the Shepton Mallet Lantern Festival Workshop with our 11-year-old and 9-year-old daughters. What truly set this festival apart was the opportunity to create our own lanterns. The hand-made lanterns were a sight to behold, and being able to craft our own added a special touch. It’s a wonderful family-friendly event that brings the community together, and the chance to walk in the lantern parade was a magical experience we won’t forget!”
– Charlie, 39
26 Paul St, Shepton Mallet BA4 5LA
16th December 2023
10:00 - 16:00
£2 for materials
Lantern Festivals England
Light Night Leeds
On select nights this lantern festival is sure to ‘wow’ you in every way. From giant lantern figures to laser light shows!
It’s a fantastic way to spend a couple of hours as the winter rolls in. Just because the nights get darker, doesn’t mean you have to stay indoors! Light festivals are the fireproof way to illuminate those winter blues.
“Our family had an unforgettable night at Light Night Leeds with our 8-year-old son. The giant lantern figures and laser light shows were really cool! It’s the perfect way to chase away the winter blues and make the most of the darker nights.”
– Priya, 36 and Arjun, 37
Leeds City Centre
12-13 October 2023
18:30 - 22:30
Lumiere, Durham
Because the city of Durham will be transformed into a nocturnal art display! From illuminating iconic buildings in the city to lighting up public spaces.
It’s the perfect event to discover when the nights get a little darker and winter is around the corner.
“Lumiere in Durham was a truly enchanting experience for me and my 15-year-old daughter. What struck us the most was how this event transformed the city into a nocturnal art masterpiece. The way they illuminated iconic buildings and public spaces left us in awe. It’s the perfect way to embrace the darker nights and get into the winter spirit. We’ll cherish the memories from Lumiere forever.”
– Chloe, 45
16th - 19th November 2023
Free
Lantern Workshop, Workington
At the lantern parade, you will have a chance to hear ambient music and see everyone’s public lanterns! With loads of entertainment, delicious food and a Christmas market. This sounds like the perfect day out to let your lanterns free and enjoy the festive events!
“My 13-year-old daughter and I had an amazing time at the Lantern Workshop in Workington! The best part was creating our own LED lanterns and then releasing them into the night sky during the parade. It was not only a magical experience but also an environmentally friendly one. The ambient music and the sight of everyone’s lanterns added to the festive atmosphere. A perfect day out for creativity and celebration!”
– Ellie, 44
Moorclose Community Centre, Needham Dr, Workington CA14 3SE
24th November
12:30 - 16:00
Free
Lightpool Festival, Blackpool
From tower projections and light art to whimsical displays and quirky animations! Not to mention the iconic Blackpool Festival, which is the world’s biggest FREE light display.
It’s a must-see and must-do attraction!
“Our recent visit to the Lightpool Festival in Blackpool was a true delight for our family. As a dad with a 2-year-old daughter and a 5-year-old son, I was thrilled to see their faces light up (literally!) at the whimsical displays and quirky animations. But what truly amazed us was the iconic Blackpool Festival, the world’s largest FREE light display. It’s a must-see for families, and we can’t recommend it enough!”
– David, 36
Blackpool Promenade, Blackpool FY1 1AP
20th-28th October 2023
Free
RHS Glow, RHS Garden Wisley, Surrey
After seeing the splendid Winter Lantern Festival. Head on down to the Village Square and grab yourself a hot chocolate or mulled wine. Don’t forget to visit the cafes and restaurants too, and enjoy the delicious festive treats and dishes with your loved ones!
“RHS Glow at RHS Garden Wisley was a delightful experience for my 10-year-old daughter and me. The magical lantern displays and illuminated light trail were truly enchanting, and we were both in awe of the bright lights. What made it even more special was the Village Square with hot chocolate and mulled wine, perfect for a cosy family outing. We couldn’t resist the festive treats, making it a memorable day!”
– Olivia, 46
Wisley Ln, Wisley, Woking GU23 6QB
24th November 2023 – 2nd January 2024
16:00 - 21:00
No Glow event 24th - 26th December 2023
RHS member prices:
Adult (or family guest): £10.45
Child (5–16): £5.25
Children under 5 free
Non-member prices:
Adult: £19.95
Child (5–16): £12.95
Children under 5 free
Oxford’s Christmas Light Festival 2023
After seeing the light festival filled with thousands of LED Lights. You can enjoy the festive market, free activities and food markets. This friendly family event is great for the whole family to enjoy together!
“We had an incredible time at Oxford’s Christmas Light Festival 2023 with our 5-year-old twins. The mesmerising LED lantern installations and impressive displays truly lit up our festive spirits. It’s the perfect way to kickstart the holiday season!”
– Oscar and Amy, 34
Oxford City Centre
17th - 19th November 2023
Free
Cambridge Botanic Lights
After dark when the night sky takes over, you’ll find an enchanting glow of light radiating along the gardens. From stunning light displays and art installations depicting flowers and magical scenes through the natural landscape. What will you discover this winter?
It’s the perfect winter day out that the whole family can enjoy. There will even be hot drinks and light bites that will keep you warm and bring the festive spirit to you!
“We recently visited the Cambridge Botanic Lights with our two daughters, and it was an enchanting experience for our family. As parents, we appreciated the serene atmosphere that made it a perfect winter day out. The unique selling point that stood out to us was the stunning light displays and flower lanterns in the gardens. It truly felt like we were in a winter wonderland. This is a must-visit for families seeking a memorable and festive outing!”
– Raine and Archie, 38
1 Brookside, Cambridge CB2 1JE
1st - 3rd, 7th - 10th, 14th - 17th and 21st and 22nd December 2023
Evenings on weekdays and weekends
Adult £20.35
Child (4-15) £13.20
Child (under 3) free
Land of Lights, Milton Keynes
With a BRAND NEW trail, Land of Lights is excited to have you back! Uncover 12 incredible worlds all inspired by mythical and legendary fairytales and iconic characters.
From Peter Pan and Gulliver’s Travel to more! Lanterns are bigger and brighter than ever. This 1-mile trail is sure to bring smiles to your faces, with light installations around every corner, there are ample opportunities for a selfie!
“We had an enchanting time at Land of Lights in Milton Keynes with our 10-year-old granddaughter and the whole family. The new trail filled with mythical and legendary fairytale worlds was absolutely captivating. What stood out the most was the larger-than-life lanterns that brought these stories to life. And with the abundance of light installations, we couldn’t resist taking plenty of memorable selfies. Land of Lights is a must-visit for all generations!”
– Maria, 60
Frobisher Gate, Milton Keynes MK15 0DT
21st October 2023 - 25th February 2024
Adults from £14.00
Child from £14.00
Luminate, Shugborough Estate
As darkness creeps up on us, join Luminate on an enchanting journey. Weave through a captivating light trail through the stunning, historic grounds of Shugborough Estate. Immerse yourself in a mesmerising mile-long trail, with stunning lighting elements and fabulous light play, all set to ambient music.
A timeless experience to be enjoyed by all, young and old alike.
“Our family had an unforgettable night at Luminate, Shugborough Estate! As a dad of a 4-year-old, I was amazed by how captivating the illuminated trail was for my little one. The magical lighting elements and ambient music truly brought the Shugborough Estate to life. It’s a timeless experience that mesmerized both young and old in our family. Luminate is a must-visit, and we can’t wait to return!”
– Jack, 36
Great Haywood, Stafford ST17 0XB
Friday 1st - 24th December 2023
Adult from £16.75
Child from £12.25
Bolsover Christmas Festival and Lantern Parade
If you want to make your own lantern for the parade, Junction Arts organises lantern-making workshops every weekend in November at Bolsover Assembly Rooms.
“As a mom of two teenagers, I can’t recommend the Bolsover Christmas Festival and Lantern Parade enough! It’s a cherished local tradition that we’ve enjoyed for years. What sets it apart is the warm community atmosphere. We loved that S44 residents like us could enter the castle for free. Plus, the lantern-making workshops by Junction Arts added a personal touch to our experience. Bolsover Castle truly shines during the holiday season!”
– Kelly, 49
Bolsover Castle, Bolsover S44 6PR
2nd December 2023
Free
Are you ready to see the winter illuminations? We hope you have found the perfect lantern festival near you. Whether you are following a light trail or making magical lanterns. There will be something at these amazing events.
Looking for more fun why not check out our food & restaurants to dine on? How about visiting London’s Covent Garden or London Bridge? Maybe you’re a vegetarian and find it difficult to find eateries? Or maybe you’re looking for a place where your kids can eat for FREE?!