When the dark winter nights inch ever closer and the streets get quieter, there’s only one thing that makes everything just a bit more sparklier… Light trails! Winter means dazzling decorations of bright and colourful light displays that are sweeping grounds creating enchanting trails! There’s nothing more magical to surprise your kids with. So, we’re here to let you in on the best ‘light trails near me’.
Pssst…check out our BRAND NEW Christmas Events Page! Where we help find the best Christmas festivities this year!
Light Trails in Scotland
The Enchanted Forest Light Trail, Pitlochry
Explore the forest, with Beira (Goddess of Winter) and discover the harmony and power of nature in the heart of the woods. Enjoy a Frog Chorus, Water Song, String Section and so much more. This is a captivating experience that will enchant your whole family!
The Enchanted Forest
Faskally Forest
Pitlochry
PH16 5JZ
4th November – 31st December 2024
Tickets from £14.75
Royal Botanical Gardens Edinburgh, Edinburgh
You’ll find over a million twinkling lights and ambient music playing in the air. Walk-through sparkling tunnels of light, wonderful waterside reflections, and glistening trees drenched in a jewel-like colour. Plus they’ve got BRAND NEW lights for 2024!
It’ll truly feel like Christmas here in this fantastical wonderland full of festive displays and magic.
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh,
Arboretum Pl,
Edinburgh,
EH3 5NZ
Selected evenings from 21st November – 30th December 2024
Prices start from £13.50
Light Trails in the North East
Christmas Trail, Alnwick Garden
Expect dazzling fairy lights, festive tunes and a totally immersive experience as you explore the gardens on this enchanting journey. Walk through sparkling tunnels, admire awe-inspiring illuminations and enjoy the mesmerising trail with your kids and enjoy a family evening out!
Feeling peckish? Why not stop off for a festive afternoon tea? Nibble on a crisp mince pie and cheers a flute of champagne to mark the start of the festive period!
Receive a magical warm welcome from Santa and his mischievous elves as you visit him in his festive treehouse grotto. Share your wish list and collect an early Christmas treat, but only if you’ve made his good list!
The Alnwick Garden,
Denwick Lane,
Alnwick,
NE66 1YU
18th November 2024 - 1st January 2025
Tickets from £10.45
Northern Lights, Newcastle
It’s the best way to add a sprinkle of sparkle to your winter evenings, complete with cosy vibes and loads of photo opportunities. Whether you’re chasing the lights or just making memories, this trail is sure to brighten up your family’s day (well… night)!
Richardson Rd,
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE2 4BJ
22nd November – 31st December 2024
Tickets from £13.95
Light Trails in the North West
Lanterns and Lights, Chester Zoo
Lanterns and Light at Chester Zoo is Cheshire’s leading light trail and they’ve partnered with SONY MUSIC for the most incredible trail yet!
Journey through glowing light tunnels, discover breathtaking light displays and encounter incredible animal lanterns inspired by animals at the zoo. Plus there’ll be festive food markets to fuel up on tasty treats and you can even meet Santa at his workshop for the perfect Christmas evening.
AND, this year you’ll wander through brand new giant candy cane lights, a ribbon tunnel and oversized festie baubales. Plus you’ll even see some brand new animal lantern puppets. This light trail is not to be missed!
Moston Rd,
Upton,
Chester,
CH2 1EU
15th November 2024 - 1st January 2025
Prices from £17.00
Blackpool Illuminations, Blackpool
Bring your kids along to witness the world-famous light display that stretches for 6 miles! Not forgetting the Blackpool Tower projections, featuring festive-filled stories, sci-fi projections and more. There’s even brand new features for 2024! Experience Disco Donkey Cavalcade, Lights Around The World, Aliens Reimagined, Chandelier Causeway and many more!
This is a timeless experience that will create marvellous memories for the whole family. Are you ready for a magical journey through Blackpool?
332 Promenade,
Blackpool,
FY1 1HB
6th November 2024 - 5th January 2025
Free
Light Trails in the Midlands
Malvern Winter Glow, Worcestershire
Jump for joy with festive cheer as you witness the winter lights, illuminated installations and spectacular backdrops, brighten up your night.
Will you find the source of the Light Guardians, help stop their magic from fading and restore joy and happiness to the Winter Village folk?
Three Counties Showground,
Malvern,
Worcestershire,
WR13 6NW
22nd November – 31st December 2024
Prices from £9.00
Luminate Birmingham, Birmingham Botanical Gardens
At the Botanical Gardens, you’ll be captivated by the winter light trail as you wander through an almost mile-long trail in the beautiful grounds. Set with spellbinding illuminations, magical soundscapes and festive light play! Plus there’s all new installations for 2024!
It’s a timeless experience that everyone will enjoy. Whether you’re young or just young at heart!
Westbourne Rd,
Birmingham,
B15 3TR
29th November 2024 - 1st January 2025
Prices from £10.00
Price depends on timeslots.
Light Trails in the South East
Let It Glow, RHS Garden Wisley
The light display is bigger than ever, with more light, fire and fountain displays than before. Bringing the night to life with its incredible glow trail and winter garden!
Perfect for families wishing to bring a bit of sparkle to their evenings!
RHS Garden Wisley,
Woking,
Surrey,
GU23 6QB
22nd November – 5th January 2024
Prices from £5.25
Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest, Kent
Discover magnificent trees decked up in millions of twinkling lights, and listen out for seasonal sounds filling the air. Walk through sparkling tunnels of light, discover giant seed pods floating in the sky dancing reflections from the water. You’ll be truly amazed by this magical trail.
Don’t forget about the festive treats like roasted chestnuts and toasted marshmallows to spiced mulled wine and more!
Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest,
Lady Oak Lane,
Goudhurst,
TN17 2SJ
Selected evenings from 15th November 2024 - 1st January 2025
Prices from £15.00
Light Trails in the South West
Enchanted Christmas, Westonbirt
Discover a brand new trail full of luminous birds, neon trees, sparkling tunnels of light and a kaleidoscope of colours! You may even catch a glimpse of Father Christmas on your journey! This light trail will leave the whole family in awe!
Oh and don’t forget to munch on some seasonal refreshments while you’re there!
Westonbirt,
The National Arboretum,
Tetbury,
GL8 8QS
Selected Dates from 29th November - 31st December 2024
Prices from £17.00
Christmas at the Eden Project, Cornwall
But the best is yet to come when you explore the biomes! Their spectacular plants and natural flora are set to be dressed in festive colour lights with a backdrop of orchestra music. With this multi-sensory experience, everyone is sure to be in a festive mood and filled with Christmas spirit!
Then to finish the night, you can glide around their sparkling ice rink! It’s the perfect festive day out!
Eden Project,
Bodelva, Cornwall,
PL24 2SG
22nd November to 5th January 2024
Prices from £12.00
Light Trails in Wales
Festival of Light, Bute Park
The historic grounds will be transformed into a magical winter wonderland. Set with breathtaking illuminations, sculptures and special effects (like a laser garden!). There are brand new sights to set your eyes on, as the spectacular light trail takes you to the light canyon. Where you’ll see a thousand twinkling stars through the Starlit Boulevard.
A walk through an enchanted garden of light is just what you need for a dazzling Christmas.
North Rd,
Cardiff,
CF10 3ER
22nd November – 31st December 2024
Prices from £16.50
Luminate Wales, Margam Country Park
Then enjoy some tasty treats, hot food, hot mulled wine AND marshmallows (which you can toast on their fire pit!). This is the ultimate cosy light trail.
Port Talbot,
SA13 2TJ
21st November - 31st December 2024
Prices from £10.00
Prices vary depending on timeslot.
Light Trails in Northern Ireland
Christmas at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens
Oh, and keep an eye out for the a giant advent calendar and a polar bear in the pond!
Don’t forget to catch a glimpse of Father Christmas along the way! And enjoy some festive food too.
The Square,
Hillsborough,
BT26 6GT
23rd November - 23rd December 2024
Prices from £5.00
We hope you’ve find the best place for ‘light trails near me’, for that added sparkle this Christmas. From twinkling tunnels and illuminated displays of animal lanterns to giant baubles and glistening lakes. It’s the perfect family evening adventure that is sure to get everyone fully into the Christmas spirit and it’s a sure way to brighten your winter season!
Looking for more things to do this winter? We’ve got everything you need. From exploring Christmas lights in London and Christmas activities to visiting Santa in his grotto! Check out all the magical events and sparkly Christmas cheer we have for you to explore!