Discover our pick of the best Christmas light trails taking place across the UK this winter – and find out how you can save money on tickets with a Boundless membership
Frosted noses, warm mittens and eyes wide with wonder… Yes, it’s that time of the year again when Christmas lights are switched on across the country, igniting the festive spirit in all of us. Wherever you are in the UK, you’re only a short distance from a magical Christmas light show – whether that be a castle or garden transformed into a sparkling winter wonderland, or an enchanted forest trail with twinkly lanterns to guide the way.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up the best Christmas light shows happening in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland in 2025, providing dates, ticket details and what to expect when you arrive. As you browse, look out for the Boundless member offers dotted throughout the article – they’re there to help you save money, and every penny counts over the festive period!
So, pull on your coats and scarves, and join us as we set off on an illuminating adventure filled with festive fun!
Already a Boundless member? Simply log in to gain full access to all the offers and benefits included in your membership.
Not yet a member? If you're working in or retired from the public sector or civil service, Boundless has two great membership options to choose from: Boundless and Boundless Plus. Enjoy unlimited access or discounted entry to many of the UK’s top attractions, as well as year-round deals on restaurants, holidays, shopping and much more.
*Please note that stated ticket prices are for standard entry and do not factor in things like annual passes, discounts for local residents, etc. There may also be parking fees at some events – check with the organiser before arriving.
- Christmas lights in London & the South East
- Christmas lights in the South West & Wales
- Christmas lights in the Midlands & the East
- Christmas lights in the North of England
- Christmas lights in Scotland & Northern Ireland
Best Christmas light shows in London & the South East
Credit: Getty Images
Enlightened
Colchester, Essex
Over the festive period, Colchester’s Castle Park is transformed into a spellbinding trail, illuminated by glitterballs, glowing lanterns and show-stopping installations. With a seasonal surprise around every corner, you’ll be cooing like a newborn baby.
Dates: Selected dates from 12 to 28 December 2025
Prices: Adult from £12; Child (3-15 years) from £8.50; Carers and under-3s free
Christmas at Blenheim Palace
Woodstock, Oxfordshire
This year, Blenheim’s Illuminated Trail is said to be “bigger, better and brighter than ever”, with lights and music filling this country estate with festive glee. And don’t miss The Palace of Oz (additional fees apply), a twinkling grotto inspired by L. Frank Baum’s family favourite.
Dates: Selected dates from 14 November 2025 to 3 January 2026
Prices: Adult from £30; Child (3-16 years) from £22; Family (2 adults & 2 children) from £99; Carers & under-3s free
Christmas at Kew
Richmond-upon-Thames, London
Kew Gardens are always spectacular, but have you experienced them at Christmas at Kew when these luscious landscapes are transformed by renowned light artists? Featuring kaleidoscopic tapestries and larger-than-life installations, this festive feast will take your breath away.
Dates: Selected dates from 14 November 2025 to 4 January 2026
Prices: Adult from £27.50; Child (4-16 years) from £18; Family (2 adults & 2 children) from £81; Carers & under-4s free
Boundless offer: Members can save up to 17% on adult tickets for Christmas at Kew until 31 October. There are plenty of ways to save at Kew Gardens and Wakehurst with your membership.
Christmas at Bedgebury
Goudhurst, Kent
Bedgebury’s award-winning light trail has been re-imagined for 2025, bringing a whole new level of excitement to this annual showcase. Installations include ‘Floating Candles’ and ‘Choir of Trees’ – and you may even catch a glimpse of Father Christmas himself!
Dates: Selected dates from 21 November to 31 December 2025
Prices: Adult from £18; Child (3-16 years) from £12; Family (2 adults & 2 children) from £57; Carers & under-3s free
Christmas at Waddesdon
Waddesdon, Buckinghamshire
The multi-hued majesty of Waddesdon’s light trail is but one highlight of this National Trust place’s 2025 festive celebrations. After you’ve experienced it, head inside to embark on a Grand Festive Tour, a special immersive event delving into seasonal traditions from across the globe.
Dates: Selected dates from 22 November 2025 to 4 January 2026
Prices: Adult from £25.50; Child (5-17) from £11.50; Carers and under-5s free
Boundless offer: Members get 10% off every time they buy a National Trust Gift Card, which can be used to purchase National Trust memberships, make bookings, and pay for goods in National Trust shops and restaurants.
Glow Wild
Wakehurst, West Sussex
Embark on an otherworldly adventure as this famous botanic garden morphs into a fantastical festive landscape. As you step through Wakehurst’s light trail, you’ll meet giants, sea creatures and re-imagined woodland wildlife, bringing a real sense of magic to your festive season.
Dates: Selected dates from 27 November 2025 to 3 January 2026
Prices: Adult from £20; Child (4-16 years) from £13.50; Family (2 adults & 2 children) from £63.50; Carers & under-4s free
Boundless offer: Members can save up to 20% on adult and family tickets for Glow Wild. To find out more about this and other ways that your membership can save you money, visit our Kew Gardens and Wakehurst page.
Best Christmas light shows in the South West & Wales
Credit: Getty Images
The Festival of Light
Longleat, Wiltshire
As well as its amazing light show, Longleat’s festive extravaganza features a Winter Safari, an Enchanted Christmas Tree Show, a chance to meet Wallace and Gromit, and so much more. No wonder it’s seen as one of the best Christmas events in the South West.
Dates: Selected dates from 8 November 2025 to 11 January 2026
Prices: (Tickets do not include admission to the main drive-through safari)
Adult from £39.95; Child (3-15 years) from £29.95; Carers & under-2s free
Christmas Tree Wonderland
Bournemouth, Dorset
It may be best-known as a summer destination, but Bournemouth is pretty magical at Christmas too. Head for the seafront to admire giant glittering conifers, take a ride on Santa’s Express and explore the fabulous Christmas tree maze. Permission to have fun: granted!
Dates: Selected dates from 13 November 2025 to 4 January 2026
Prices: Free entry (fees apply to some activities)
Luminate Wales
Port Talbot
The historic castle and gardens at Margam Country Estatecan be seen in a whole new light – quite literally – during the Christmas season. Wander a mile-long festive route, enjoying music-synchronised shows and installations, before warming your belly with a delicious hot chocolate. Bliss!
Dates: Selected dates from 17 November to 31 December 2025
Prices: Adult from £17; Child (3-15 years) from £11.30; Family (2 adults & 2 children) from £51; Under-3s free
Spectacle of Light
Sudeley, Gloucestershire
Now in its 10th year, the festive spectacle at Sudeley Castle promises to be extra-special this year. Meet a cast of characters from the King Arthur legend, including Lancelot, Guinevere and magical Merlin, before tucking into tasty doughnuts on the twinkling Castle Terrace.
Dates: Selected dates from 21 November to 30 December 2025
Prices: Adult from £21.60; Child (3-15 years) from £13.50; Family (2 adults & 2 children) from £59.40
Christmas at Bute Park
Cardiff
Once again, the organisers of the Bute Park Christmas event have drawn upon a broad range of artistic talent to create an outstanding festive trail for people of all ages. Expect lasers, giant glowing stars and tree tunnels awash with colour. The tickets are cheaper than ever this year, too.
Dates: Selected dates from 21 November to 31 December 2025
Prices: Adult from £15; Child from £5
Christmas at Kingston Lacy
Wimborne, Dorset
This winter, the Kingston Lacy estate is getting ready for a Christmas ball. While much of the action will be taking place inside this National Trust property, with actors, music and immersive fun, the Laundry Courtyard will be decorated with twinkly lights and other festive adornments.
Dates: Selected dates from 22 November 2025 to 4 January 2026
Prices: Adult from £20; Child (5-17 years) from £10; Family (1 adult & up to 3 children) from £30; Family (2 adults & up to 3 children) from £50; Under-5s free
Boundless offer: Members get 10% off every time they buy a National Trust Gift Card, which can be used to purchase National Trust memberships, make bookings, and pay for goods in National Trust shops and restaurants.
Christmas Train of Lights
Between Paignton and Kingswear, Devon
All aboard the Polar Express – kind of. This festive railway may not travel to the North Pole (it runs between Paignton and Kingswear in Devon), but it’s no less dazzling, with thousands of lights decorating its carriages inside and out. With light installations to view along the route as well, it’s a steam-powered treat for all.
Dates: Selected dates from 28 November to 30 December 2025
Prices: Adult £29.95; Child (3-15 years) £21.95; Family (2 adults & 2 or 3 children) £100. Please note that tickets to meet Santa cost extra
Christmas at Westonbirt
Tetbury, Gloucestershire
Created by the people behind Christmas at Kew, this glittering gala (pictured above) is sure to get you in a festive mood. As you stroll through the famous arboretum, you’ll be entertained by extravagant installations and shimmering patterns of light, with seasonal sounds complementing the show.
Dates: Selected dates from 28 November to 31 December 2025
Prices: Adult from £19; Child (3-16 years) from £12; Family (2 adults & 2 children) from £59; Student from £17; Carers & under-3s free
Best Christmas light shows in the Midlands & the East
Credit: Getty Images
Christmas Illuminated Light Trail
Malvern, Worcestershire
While the theme for this year’s light trail at the Three Counties Showground has yet to be announced, we understand a new adventure awaits. And if it’s anything like previous years – when festive prisms and projections have mesmerised visitors – then you’re in for a great time.
Dates: Selected dates from 21 November to 31 December 2025
Prices: Adult from £19.50; Child from £9
Winter Light Trail
Trentham, Staffordshire
Over a mile long, this festive path at Trentham Gardens is the gift that keeps on giving. Once you’ve finished admiring the light installations and soundscapes, take a ride at the funfair or enjoy toasted marshmallows from one of the assembled vendors. You know you want to!
Dates: Selected dates from 21 November 2025 to 4 January 2026
Prices: Adult from £17; Child (3-15 years) from £12.50; Senior (60+ years) from £12.50; Family (2 adults & 2 children) from £50; under-2s free
Luminate Birmingham
Birmingham
One of the Midlands’ most popular Christmas events, Luminate sees the Birmingham Botanical Gardens given a joyous festive makeover. As you walk the nearly-mile-long trail, you’ll experience tunnels of light, mirrorballs, waterfall effects – and no doubt lots of seasonal cheer!
Dates: Selected dates from 28 November 2025 to 1 January 2026
Prices: Adult from £19; Child (3-15 years) from £12.70; Family (2 adults & 2 children) from £57; under-2s free
Best Christmas light shows in the North of England
Credit: Chester Zoo
Lanterns & Light
Chester, Cheshire
‘Airquarium’, ‘Bubble Walk’ and ‘Submergence’ are just some of the installations you’ll encounter at Chester Zoo’s awesome annual showcase (pictured above). With interactive puppets and fairground rides also on the itinerary, there’s no chance of anyone getting bored in a hurry.
Dates: Selected dates from 14 November 2025 to 3 January 2026
Prices: Adult from £19; Child (3-16 years) from £12; Toddler (1-2 years) £2.50; Carers & under-1s free
Boundless offer: Members get free access to Kids Pass, which unlocks thousands of discounts on UK attractions – including up to 16% off at Chester Zoo. (Please note that this discount may not apply to the Lanterns & Light event.)
GLOW 2025
Northwich, Cheshire
One of several GLOW events being held by the Royal Horticultural Society during the winter, this shimmering soiree will see the Weston Walled Garden at RHS Bridgewater bursting into life with sparkly installations and vividly coloured trees.
Dates: Selected dates from 26 November to 30 December 2025
Prices: Adult from £13.50; Child (5-16 years) £7.25; Under-5s free
Join Boundless at Glow 2025: We’re organising a Member’s Day at the RHS Bridgewater GLOW event on 6 December – and we’d love to see you there. You can bring a family of five for just £35 (saving you £25.75), and you’ll each get a free hot chocolate when you arrive!
Magical Woodland
Northwich, Cheshire
Allow those little imaginations to run wild inside this 15-acre enchanted forest at Cheshire Outdoors. The organisers promise never-before-seen sound and light elements this year, along with some special characters for the kids to meet. Go on, admit it – you’re getting excited too!
Dates: Selected dates from 28 November to 24 December 2025
Prices: Adult £27.73; Child (2-15 years) £18; Family (2 adults & 2 children) £82.30; Carers £15.43; Under-2s free
Christmas at Cragside
Central to Cragside’s festive celebrations this year is “the UK’s tallest living Christmas tree” – a Giant Redwood Wellingtonia that will be decked out in over 2,000 coloured lightbulbs. After viewing it, head inside for The Servants’ Ball – a captivating immersive experience featuring actors and music.
Dates: Selected dates from 29 November 2025 to 4 January 2026
Prices: Adult £15; Child £7.50; Family (2 adults) £37.50; Family (1 adult) £22.50; Carers & under-5s free
Boundless offer: Members get 10% off every time they buy a National Trust Gift Card, which can be used to purchase National Trust memberships, make bookings, and pay for goods in National Trust shops and restaurants.
Best Christmas light shows in Scotland and Northern Ireland
Credit: Getty Images
Edinburgh Zoo's Giant Lanterns
Edinburgh
Making a comeback following a five-year hiatus is this hugely popular event, which sees Edinburgh Zoo illuminated by huge glowing characters. This year, there’s an underwater theme, so expect colourful jellyfish, sparkling sea turtles and more.
Dates: Selected dates from 14 November 2025 to 22 February 2026
Prices: Adult from £19; Child from £14.50; Family from £64; Carers and under-3s free
Boundless offer: Members get free access to Kids Pass, which will enable you to get up to 23% off entry to Edinburgh Zoo’s Giant Lanterns, and unlock thousands of other discounts on UK attractions.
Christmas at the Botanics
Edinburgh
A true highlight of the Scottish festive calendar, Christmas at the Botanics (pictured above) sprinkles a layer of luminary magic over Edinburgh’s glorious Royal Botanic Garden. Larger-than-life installations, festive music and scrumptious seasonal treats abound.
Dates: Selected dates from 20 November to 30 December 2025
Prices: Adult from £19; Child (4-16 years) from £14; Family (2 adults & 2 children) from £63; Carers & under-4s free
Enchanted Winter Garden
Antrim
Described as “Northern Ireland’s premier Christmas event”, this seasonal spectacular sees Antrim Castle Gardens given a magical makeover, complete with fairies, festive lights and funfair rides. Enchanted you most certainly will be.
Dates: Selected dates from 28 November to 30 December 2025
Prices: Adult £15.50; Child (2-17 years) £10.50; Family (1 adult & 3 children or 2 adults & 2 children) £46.50; Under-2s free
Do more with Boundless
If you're working in or retired from the public sector or civil service, Boundless has two great membership options to choose from: Boundless and Boundless Plus.
With Boundless, you get unlimited access or discounted entry to many of the UK’s top attractions, including Kew Gardens and Wakehurst and WWT centres across the UK, as well as year-round deals on restaurants, holidays, shopping and much more. With Boundless Plus, you can enjoy additional benefits including unlimited access to Historic Royal Palaces sites, National Trust for Scotland places, access to The Ramblers' extensive walking community, and peace of mind with roadside assistance and local recovery by Britannia Rescue.
