The Festival of Light at Longleat Safari Park

chinese dragon lantern
Family Days Out For Less - VIP PassFamily Days Out For Less - VIP Pass

Step into a world of wonder and magic as Longleat, one of the UK’s most renowned stately homes and safari parks, invites you to experience The Festival of Light at Longleat Safari Park. This year is super special…because it’s their 10th anniversary! So, let’s Journey through time… 

Their lantern festival is a marvellous family Christmas event that everyone will love! From dazzling lights, festive treats and Santa too!

🎅🏼 Check out our BRAND NEW Christmas Events Page! Making festive trips easy to plan! 🎅🏼

About The Festival of Light at Longleat Safari Park

egypt lanterns
Time travellers! It’s time to turn back time and travel back into the past. Travel the world with Longleat Safari Park as you journey through time this Christmas!

This enchanting spectacle and iconic lantern event promises to transport you and your family into periods gone past. From the evolution of the earth to the dinosaurs that once roamed the lands. Not to mention historical events and even The Arabian Nights!

As you wander through a winter wonderland of shimmering lights, historical creatures, and immersive displays, you’ll be immersed in a truly unforgettable holiday adventure and leave with only magical memories.

Join Longleat Safari Park as you explore a historical wonderland come to life.

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Where is Longleat Safari Park?

You’ll find this fantastic family attraction and spectacular lantern trail in Wiltshire!
Shape Location Get directions

Longleat
Warminster,
Wiltshire
BA12 7NW
England

Opening Times

9th November 2024 - 5th January 2025

Pricing

Online:
Adult £47.95
Child £35.95

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The Festival of Light: The Experience

longleat chinese dragon lantern
The Festival of Light is one of the most fantastical Christmas celebrations happening this year. And you’ll find it at Longleat Safari Park!

Did you know it’s their 10th year annual celebration?! This year, they’re celebrating a historical adventure where you’ll travel to prehistoric eras through the magical lanterns.

Travel back in time and witness the age of kings and queens, crane your necks to admire the GIANT 12m clock and marvel at the spectacular colours of The Arabian Nights show!

How will you experience the Journey Through Time? With 1,000 mesmerising lanterns, transcendent storytelling and your favourite animal characters coming to life, it’ll be an enchanting lantern festival.

These lantern scenes at Longleat are known to be both breathtaking and heartwarming, and this year’s event promises to be no exception! Thousands of twinkling lights will illuminate the park, creating a magical atmosphere that will captivate visitors of all ages. From the moment you enter, you’ll be transported to a world where the ordinary transforms into the extraordinary, and the impossible becomes possible.

Some spectacular lantern displays stretch over 15 metres high!! Admire historical figures, from Queen Elizabeth I and II to Alfred the Great, GIANT animal lanterns like the dragon, sabre tooth tiger and adorable penguins! Walk through the great pyramid of Egypt, stand in awe of the 10 metre high Roman Colosseum, with gladiators and chariots, and even feast your eyes on the dinosaurs!

Witness the brand-new, show-stopping scenes and ginormous show-stopping lanterns that will light up the sky!

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Enchanted Christmas Tree Show

christmas tree show
Not only will you immerse yourself in all things prehistoric, but you’ll also witness Britain’s BIGGEST singing Christmas tree!

It’ll be back singing all your favourite Christmas carols, festive tunes and more in flurries of snow.

It’s sure to get you into the Christmas spirit!

Shows are every 20 minutes from 16:30 – 19:10

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Longleat’s Santa Train

longleat santa train
Choo-choo! All aboard the Santa Train to the North Pole!

It’s time to create some treasured memories for your little ones…

You’ll journey past the mesmerising Half Mile Pond and the North Pole Halt on a magical train. Before heading towards the ethereal snow-covered winter wonderland. And guess what? You can meet Father Christmas in his grotto!

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Christmas Light Show

longleat christmas light show
Are you ready to be blown away by a phenomenal light show? Longleat Safari Park is celebrating 450 years of history! So, prepare for a journey through time turn back the clock and create some festive memories as you look back through history.

Head to Longleat House and witness the jaw-dropping impressive display of luminescent lights. Don’t forget the show-stopping fountain display on Half Mile Pond, either!

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The Flight Before Christmas

woman holding an owl
Want to get closer to some furry friends? Head to the Longhouse and see who’s inside waiting for you…

On a cold, winter night, you can enjoy an audience with aerial creatures. What are we on about??? Beautiful birds and feathered owls! They’ll glide above your head and perch right in front of you.

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Festive House Tours

longleat festive house tours
The Christmas cheer just keeps on coming!!

Why not step back in time as you take a peak at the gorgeously decorated Longleat House?

Dressed to the nines with Christmas trees, traditional decorations, baubles, fairy lights and even a 6m tall showstopper in the Great Hall.

Check it out!

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Winter Drive-Through Safari

Of course, we’re going to end with one of Longleat’s most iconic activities – the Winter Safari!

The weather may be a bit nippy, but you can stay in the comfort of your own car while wandering through the winter safari.

There’s plenty of animals out and about during the winter. From lions and tigers to more cats!

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Food & Drink

Travelling back in time can work up quite an appetite, and Longleat has you covered with a variety of food options to satisfy those rumbly tummies! Whether you’re craving a hearty meal, a quick snack, or a sweet treat, you’ll find plenty of options to choose from.

  1. Seasonal Kiosks: For seasonal treats and on-the-go snacks, stop off at the kiosks throughout the Main Square! You’ll find delicious Dirty Fries with a whole selection of toppings! From nachos and pulled pork to hot buffalo chicken and beef chilli! This is the perfect spot for a leisurely family meal.
  2. The Chameleon Tree: If you’re looking for something more casual, The Chameleon Tree offers a range of tasty options, from burgers and hot dogs to vegetarian and vegan choices. Grab a quick bite and continue your adventure through the Roman Empire.
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Travel and Accessibility

Getting to Longleat is easy, and there are various transportation options available to suit your needs!

  1. By Car: Longleat is conveniently located just off the A36 in Wiltshire, making it easily accessible by car. The park provides ample free parking facilities, so you can enjoy your visit without worrying about parking fees.
  2. Public Transport: If you prefer to use public transport, you can take a train to nearby stations like Warminster or Frome. From there, you can catch a bus to Longleat. Be sure to check the latest schedules and routes before your visit.
  3. Accessibility: Longleat is committed to ensuring that everyone can enjoy the Festival of Light. The park offers accessible facilities, including wheelchair hire, accessible restrooms, and designated viewing areas for the light displays. Staff members are always ready to assist visitors with specific needs to ensure a pleasant visit for everyone.

If you’re looking for a transcendent festive family outing, we totally recommend The Festival of Light at Longleat Safari Park! Beloved stories will come to life, luminescent lights will illuminate the sky and you can indulge in all sorts of festive treats!

Looking for more Christmas events? From discovering all the Christmas lights in London and finding winter activities to do, to planning in your Coca-Cola truck tour day out!

If you’re in need of inspiration for your next day out, head to any of these pages for the best content!

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