The festive season is just around the corner, and it’s time to start thinking about Christmas activities that the whole family will enjoy. One of our favourite ways to spend time outside is by visiting a light trail.
In the UK we’re spoilt for choice, with incredible trails taking place all over the country, creating magical memories for children and grown-ups of all ages. Read on for our round up of the best Christmas light trails the UK has to offer.
When: 14 November 2025 – 4 January 2026
How much: adults from £27.50, children from £18
Enjoy the annual after-dark festivities at Kew Gardens with family and friends, as you discover sparkling tunnels of light, dancing lakeside reflections, and trees drenched in jewel-like colour. Journey through the mesmerising flickering flames in the fire garden, spot larger-than-life illuminations and say hello to Father Christmas along the way.
When: 14 November 2025 – 3 January 2026
How much: adults from £19.80, children from £12.10
Opening on Friday 14 November, this very special light trail returns to light up the festive season brighter, better and more dazzling than ever with a brand new trail design and spectacularly re-imagined installations. Windsor Great Park Illuminated promises to be the perfect evening out where long-lasting festive memories will be made.
When: 14 November 2025 – 3 January 2026
How much: adults from £33, children from £23
Firmly positioned as one of the highlights of the UK festive calendar, wander the Palace’s picture-perfect gardens filled with Christmas cheer as over a million lights and seasonal sounds fill the air. Look forward to some time together with family and friends as you discover glittering tunnels of light, dancing lakeside reflections and trees drenched in jewel-like colour.
When: 21 November 2025 – 4 January 2026
How much: adults from £15.95, children from £10.95
Wander our new enchanting trail around the garden and see some of Wisley’s iconic sights in a new and dazzling light. Go past the Jellicoe Canal and old Laboratory, through Wisteria Walk and the Glasshouse, and experience a magical spectacle of lights with music and fire to add to the drama. This year, the garden will glow even brighter with more light, fire and fountain displays than ever before.
When: 8 November 2025 – 11 January 2026
How much: adults from £34.95, children from £26.20
Explore London — walking under a breathtaking 15m tall Tower Bridge — travel through Stonehenge and to Shaun the Sheep’s own Mossy Bottom Farm. Marvel at the spectacular Welsh dragon before heading to Blackpool and the great British seaside. Then journey to Scotland and Giant’s Causeway as well as West Wallaby Street to meet Wallace and Gromit on their adventures — come along lad!
When: 20 November 2025 – 30 December 2025
How much: adults from £19, children from £14
Firmly established as unmissable within Scotland’s winter calendar, over a million twinkling lights and seasonal sounds will fill the air with festive fun at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Look forward to some time together with friends and family as you discover sparkling tunnels of light and dancing lakeside reflections, then walk under giant baubles and beneath glistening trees drenched in jewel-like colour.
When: 12 November 2025 – 24 December 2025
How much: adults from £19, children from £12.70
Nestled deep within Sandringham Estate, awaits a spectacular, illuminated trail, full of wonder and intrigue, to delight and enthral your senses. As darkness descends, join us on our enchanting journey, as we weave a captivating light trail through the Royal Parkland at Sandringham. Immerse yourself in our mesmerising mile long trail, with stunning lighting elements and fabulous light play, all set to ambient music.
When: 28 November 2025 – 3 January 2026
How much: adults from £24.95, children from £19.95 (zoo admission included)
Glow Marwell is back! Join us once again as we invite you to explore Marwell in a whole new light. Follow our enchanted nature light trail through a magical world of breathtaking new displays that will fill you with wonder for the natural world. Your ticket also includes free entry to the zoo, so you can explore our beautiful 140-acre park in the daytime before it transforms into a twinkling wonderland at night.
When: 20 November 2025 – 4 January 2026
How much: adults from £10.45, children from £4.95
The North East's favourite Winter Lights are back again this year. Not only can you see the light trail in The Alnwick Garden, an immersive experience of light and sound with installations, you can also see the lights around Lilidorei. See The Garden and Lilidorei like never before and experience the perfect winter tradition this Christmas.
When: 21 November 2025 – 31 December 2025
How much: adults from £15, children from £5
Take a mile long stroll through an enchanted world of illumination, uniquely crafted by world leading lighting designers. Enjoy 15 different light zones, a truly mesmerising journey in the shadow of the historic Cardiff Castle, around the picturesque Bute Park. To top it all off – we have our Christmas Village full of cracking local food, delicious drinks and plenty of festive cheer!
