Let there be light! It’s that time of the year again; the days are shorter and the evenings, darker which means Christmas is on the horizon. Outdoor light shows in some of the UK's most popular gardens to visit, including Kew, the RHS gardens and National Trust properties are a great way to spend time with family and friends and are always a hit with kids. We have compiled 22 of the best Christmas light shows to visit near you in the UK, from Edinburgh to Cornwall, in the hope that you can get your proper festive fix.
All of these Christmas light shows require booking in advance.
Jump to
- What to bring to a Christmas light show
- The best Christmas light shows in the south east
- The best Christmas light shows in the south west
- The best Christmas light trails in the heart of England
- The best Christmas light trails in the north of England
- The best Christmas light trails in Scotland
Expert picks
Gardens Illustrated writer Alice Tuffery is something of a Christmas light show aficionado - she visits at least one show a year with her family. She selects some of her favourites.
Blenheim Palace - 5/5 A must for anyone who loves Christmas! You can go around the decorated house and illuminated gardens, and both are impressive, guiding you through the story chosen for the year's theme. Plus, the markets are neatly laid out in the courtyard area in front of the main palace doors, with the gardens just behind, so everything is close and relatively accessible.
Longleat - 5/5 A truly impressive spectacle. There’s plenty to do here, which makes it great for all the family. Start the day with a Winter Safari to see the animals, then enjoy a tour of Longleat House, before taking in the themed light trail. This one is a little different as the makers create different life-size storybook figures every year, lit from inside in vivid colour.
Kew Gardens - 4.5/5 One of the most iconic Christmas light shows around. The light and music display in front of the Palm House is a true highlight. The route passes by the gift shop and several festive food and drink cabins, so don't miss the chance to browse and buy seasonal treats as you go round - you can't go back!
Stourhead - 4.5/5 The main focus at Stourhead is the gardens. The decorations are creatively laid out and beautiful too – the lake is a particular highlight of the trail, and as magical for adults as it is for children.
Westonbirt Arboretum - 4/5 Westonbirt is lovely to visit all year round, and particularly in autumn, but here the towering trees are lit in glorious, festive colours. Although there’s no house to explore, Father Christmas is there to greet visitors, and you can stop in at the food markets and traditional fairground rides.
Waddesdon Manor - 4/5 Highlights include the magical children’s book themes inside house, the big selection of Christmas markets selling homeware, clothing and tasty treats, and the mini food village with a great choice of different meals. While the garden light trail wasn’t quite as impressive as Blenheim Palace and Stourhead, it was still an enjoyable way to end the day.
The best Christmas light shows in 2026
The best Christmas light shows in the south east
RHS Glow at Garden Wisley, Surrey
The RHS Garden Wisley, near Woking in Surrey, brings back its Christmas light show Glow, for 2026, with a walking trail for visitors alongside light shows and musical accompaniment which highlights some of the garden’s most-loved sights. This year there are seven brand-new installations and two new light shows. Includes a show-stopping 'field of fire', giant illuminated crocuses and a light installation inspired by the intricate networks of mycelium and plant roots.
Selected dates from 20 November 2026 – 3 January 2027
Tickets from £6.50 for adults / £5 for children over five
RHS Garden Wisley, Wisley Lane, Wisley, Woking, GU23 6QB.
Book now at rhs.org.uk/wisley
Become an RHS member to get reduced-price tickets and free entry to over 200 other gardens.
RHS Glow at Garden Hyde Hall, Essex
RHS Garden Hyde Hall, near Chelmsford in Essex, has nine fresh installations and an updated route for 2026, so visitors will discover areas never before illuminated. Many of the light installations take inspiration from the natural world, echoing the intricate forms of mycelium networks, beehives and dandelions, which are brought to life with an ambient soundtrack.
Selected dates from 26 November – 30 December 2026
Tickets from £8.50 for adults / £4.75 for children over five
RHS Garden Hyde Hall, Creephedge Lane, Chelmsford, CM3 8ET. Book a train to South Woodham Ferrers station.
Book now at rhs.org.uk/hydehall
Become an RHS member to get reduced-price tickets and free entry to over 200 other gardens.
Leonardslee Lights, West Sussex
Admire the historic mansion buildings and Grade I listed gardens at Leonardslee in West Sussex with its inventive trail, which has been extended for 2026. The installations will be bigger this year too, with spectacular, immersive displays throughout the gardens. Expect soundscapes, theatrical flourishes and festive woodland scenes.
Dates 27 November – 30 December 2026
Tickets from £18.50 for adults / £13.50 for children over two
Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens, Brighton Road, Lower Beeding, Horsham, RH13 6PP. Stay overnight at the stylish Gravetye Manor, just half an hour away by car. Free shuttle bus from Horsham station.
Book now at leonardsleegardens.co.uk/leonardslee-lights
Christmas at Kew, London
The hugely popular Christmas at Kew returns for another year. The iconic Kew gardens will be lit up by over one million lights, making it one of the brightest and most sparkling of Christmas light shows. Visitors can enjoy festive bursts of colour throughout the gardens and marvel at the beautifully illuminated Palm House. This year, there will be spectacular new creations, alongside the popular sparkling colour tunnels and immersive soundscapes. You might even glimpse Father Christmas along the way.
Also new for 2026 are the adults-only evenings on 3 and 9 December.
Selected dates 13 November 2026 – 3 January 2027
Tickets from £25.50
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, TW9 3AE. Book a train to Richmond Station.
Book now at kew.org
Light Up Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Hampshire
Hampshire’s multi-award-winning Christmas light trail is back with new installations for 2026. Expect a series of immersive themed zones showcasing glowing gardens, enchanted hollows, playful dreamscapes and more.
Selected dates 26 November 2026 – 1 January 2027
Tickets from £22 for adults / £14 for children
Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Ampfield Nr. Romsey, Hampshire SO51 0QA.
Book now at lightuptrails.com
Glow Wild at Wakehurst, Sussex
At Wakehurst, the wilder sister to the Royal Botanical Gardens Kew, Glow Wild is returning for its 13th anniversary edition. At Glow Wild 2026 you will encounter extraordinary creatures, frozen landscapes and enchanted waters, with thousands of handcrafted lanterns and immersive music. There's also a Wakehurst Mansion projection and 'Christmas corner' under the giant Redwood Christmas Tree.
Selected dates 26 November 2026 – 2 January 2027
Tickets from £13 for adults / Free for children under four
Wakehurst, Ardingly, Haywards Heath, Sussex, RH17 6TN. For nearby accommodation, try The Bell in Ticehurst, just 10 minutes away by car, which has beautiful, whimsical rooms.
Book now at kew.org
Ashridge House Illuminated, Hertfordshire
Ashridge House's 190 acres of Grade II*-listed gardens will host Hertfordshire's largest Christmas light trail again this year. For 2026, there is a new 1.7km route and improved markets, plus two dog-friendly nights per week. The trail takes inspiration from Clement Clarke Moore's poem, 'A Visit from St. Nicholas', and the house has its own colourful festive projection.
Selected dates 20 November 2026 – 2 January 2027
Tickets from £24.50 for adults / £15.40 for children
Ashridge, Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, HP4 1NS.
Book now at ashridgehouse.org.uk
Christmas at Bedgebury, Kent
Nestled in the High Weald in Kent, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is Bedgbury National Pinetum and Forest. The festive trail with more than one million lights is always a hit with adults and children alike. This year there will be new installations including a brand-new Laser Garden. Plus, there's the chance to see a glimpse of Father Christmas...
Selected dates 20 November – 31 December 2026
Tickets from £19 for adults / £13 for children over two
Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest, Lady Oak Lane, Goudhurst, TN17 2SJ.
Book now at forestryengland.uk
Christmas at Belton, Lincolnshire
There's an illuminated trail and Christmas light show through the gardens at The National Trust’s Belton House in Lincolnshire. Take in the dazzling arches of the Christmas Cathedral, Fire Garden and brand-new Belton House Projection, and enjoy a host of independent street food vendors along the way.
The event is now dog-friendly too, so you can bring your pet with you to enjoy the festive cheer – every day except the dog-free and quiet night on 16 December.
Selected dates 20 November 2026 – 3 January 2027
Tickets from £18 for adults / £13 for children over three
Belton House, Grantham, Lincolnshire, NG32 2LS. Book a train to Grantham Station.
Book now at nationaltrust.org.uk
Become a National Trust member to get free entry to the National Trust's 500 sites across the UK.
Christmas at Waddesdon, Buckinghamshire
Waddesdon Manor in Buckinghamshire usually offers a fantastic Christmas light show – however, it is taking a pause in 2026 to carry out important conservation work, returning in 2027.
Waddesdon Manor, Aylesbury HP18 0JH.
The best Christmas light shows in the south west
RHS Glow at Garden Rosemoor, Devon
This year marks the 10th anniversary of RHS Glow at Garden Rosemoor, and so there is a brand-new route and eight new light installations. The trail encompasses the newly renovated Winter Garden, with a path of glowing daisies leading to a spectacular 'field of poppies', as well as a dramatic ancient oak lit with neon lines. There are also huge, illuminated dandelions and musical floor buttons to create your own soundscape.
Selected dates from 27 November – 30 December 2026
Tickets from £8 for adults / £4.50 for children over five
RHS Garden Rosemoor, Torrington, EX38 8PH. Entry by pre-booked tickets only
Book now at rhs.org.uk/rosemoor
Become an RHS member to get reduced-price tickets and free entry to over 200 other gardens.
Christmas at The Eden Project, Cornwall
The Eden Project in Cornwall is a popular destination during the festive season, and has the added advantage of being mostly under cover. It's also a chance to explore the biomes at night. Plus, there's the option to go ice skating, enjoy a luxury Christmas lunch and meet Father Christmas himself - all bookable separately.
Selected days 20 November 2026 – 2 January 2027
Entry included with general admission from £12.50 for adults / free for under-16s / more for extra experiences
Eden Project, Bodelva, Cornwall, PL24 2SG. Book a train to Par Station or St Austell Station.
Book tickets at edenproject.com
Christmas at Stourhead, Wiltshire
Known for its spectacular trees and picturesque lake, Stourhead’s Christmas light show drenches the scenery in wonderful luminescent colours. Expect to see a new trail with new installations, with the playful Sea of Light, exciting Fire Garden and the popular Winter Cathedral, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy seasonal food and drink.
Selected dates 27 November 2026 – 3 January 2027
Tickets from £18 for adults / £13 for children over three
Stourhead, Mere, Wiltshire, BA12 6QD.
Book now at nationaltrust.org.uk
The Festival of Light at Longleat, Wiltshire
Longleat's Festival of Light returns this year, depicting the lost city of Atlantis with a life-sized blue whale and plenty of mythical creatures, as its theme for 2026. Visitors will see more than 1,000 lanterns along the 2.5km trail, as well as the 15-metre Enchanted Christmas Tree show. There's also the choice to take a Winter Safari or the Santa Train.
Selected dates 7 November 2026 – 17 January 2027
Various ticket options
Book now at longleat.co.uk
The best Christmas light trails in the heart of England
Christmas at Westonbirt, Gloucestershire
Embark on a festive nighttime journey through the statuesque trees at Westonbirt, The National Arboretum in Tetbury. The display has been created by the award-winning producers behind Christmas at Kew Gardens, and features new installations alongside old favourites. This year, the trail includes the classic Christmas Cathedral, popular Fire Garden and interactive Ribbon Tunnels. You might even spot Father Christmas on the trail...
Selected dates 27 November – 31 December 2026
Tickets from £18 for adults / £13 for children over three
Westonbirt, Tetbury, GL8 8QS
Book now at forestryengland.uk
Christmas at Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire
Blenheim Palace has one of the most impressive light shows around, and this year the theme is Cinderella, with the option to take a 'Happy Ever Afternoon Tea' before the trail. The trail takes you inside the palace, where each room tells part of the story, and through the gardens, lit with more than a million lights. There's also ice skating, food and gift markets and the dizzying observation wheel to enjoy.
13th November 2026 – 3rd January 2027
Various ticket options
Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxfordshire OX20 1UL.
Book now at blenheimpalace.com
Cambridge Botanic Lights, Cambridgeshire
Returning for its fourth year, the light trail at Cambridge Botanic Garden will highlight some of its most loved features such as the fountain, lake and glasshouses. New additions include a community installation created by local people, and the garden cafe will be open for delicious food and drink to enjoy along the trail.
Selected dates 27 November – 23 December 2026
Tickets from £16.50 for adults / £13.50 for children over four
Cambridge University Botanic Garden, 1 Brookside, Cambridge, CB2 1JE. Book a train to Cambridge Station.
Book now at botanic.cam.ac.uk
Helmingham Hall's Illuminated Garden Trail, Suffolk
The stunning gardens designed by Xa Tollemache will be transformed into a stunning world of light, colour, and sound, featuring new displays for this year. Cross the historic drawbridge, enjoy festive treats and toast marshmallows around fire pits. Browse the Stables Shops for unique gifts, and warm up with a complimentary mulled wine.
Selected dates 12th November – 19th December 2026
Tickets from £20.50 for adults / £10 for children over three
Helmingham, Stowmarket, Suffolk IP14 6EF. Book a train to Stowmarket Station.
Book now at helmingham.com
The best Christmas light trails in the north of England
RHS Glow at Garden Harlow Carr, North Yorkshire
The Christmas light trail at the RHS’s most northern garden returns for its 10th anniversary this year, with eight new installations. Visitors will be able to admire the garden sculptures and popular Winter Walk, as well as a brand-new 30-metre illuminated installation celebrating the relationship between people, place and the natural world. The new addition has sound-reactive LED lights sending pulses, glows and waves of colour, and is a joint art commission with Light Night Leeds, Common Ground, created by collaborative art collective ‘are you playing out?’.
Selected dates 26 November – 30 December 2026
Tickets from £9.50 for adults / £5 for children over five
RHS Garden Harlow Carr, Crag Lane, Beckwithshaw, Harrogate HG3 1QB. Stay at Rudding Park Hotel, a 15-minute drive away, to enjoy more beautiful gardens. Book a train to Harrogate or Hornbeam Park Station.
Book now at rhs.org.uk/harlowcarr
Become an RHS member to get reduced-price tickets and free entry to over 200 other gardens.
Christmas at Dunham Massey, Cheshire
Christmas at The National Trust’s Dunham Massey near Manchester returns for its 10th year. This time, the popular mile-long light trail introduces brand-new installations and projections on the historic house, with the option to enjoy seasonal treats and winter warmers from vendors along the trail. Look out for Father Christmas too...
Selected dates 20 November 2026 – 2 January 2027
Various ticket options, with add-ons like fairground vouchers
National Trust Dunham Massey, Altrincham, Cheshire, WA14 4SJ. Book a train to Altrincham Station.
Book now at nationaltrust.org.uk
Become a National Trust member to get free entry to the National Trust's 500 sites across the UK.
RHS Glow at Bridgewater, Salford
The beautiful gardens of the RHS Garden Bridgewater will be illuminated with a reimagined trail and new lights, including a five-metre high, immersive sunrise-to-sunset experience and animated light installations by acclaimed artist Rob Hodgson. Don't miss the Chinese dragon emerging from Ellesmere Lake, breathing fire surrounded by illuminated lotus flowers.
Selected dates 26 November – 30 December 2026
Tickets from £6 for adults / £4 for children over five
Entry by pre-booked timed tickets only. RHS Garden Bridgewater, Occupation Road, Off Leigh Road, Worsley, Salford, Greater Manchester, M28 2LJ
Book now at rhs.org.uk/bridgewater
Auckland Aglow, County Durham
Auckland Palace’s dazzling 1.5-mile-long light trail is 'bigger and brighter' for 2026. With Europe’s longest light tunnel and the UK’s tallest lit Christmas tree, it is one of the best Christmas light trails out there. Enjoy delicious seasonal food and drinks when you visit.
Selected dates 20 November 2026 – 3 January 2027
Tickets from £23.50 for adults / £16.50 for children
The Auckland Project, Auckland Tower, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, DL14 7PG.
Book here via Auckland Aglow
The best Christmas light trails in Scotland
Christmas at the Botanics, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Enter a botanical world full of festive cheer at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh’s Christmas light show. Wander the gardens and marvel at spellbinding installations from international artists, before warming up with seasonal treats like toasted marshmallows, creamy hot chocolate and spiced winter warmers.
Selected dates 19 November – 30 December 2026
Various ticket options
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Arboretum Place, Edinburgh EH3 5NZ. Book a train to Edinburgh Waverley Station.
Book now at rbge.org.uk
What to bring to a Christmas light show
Here's your ultimate checklist for Christmas light shows. Don't forget these essentials if you're heading out this November and December.
Warm coat
The temperature can drop a lot after dark, so you'll be grateful for a long, warm coat. We recommend a padded or puffer coat, like this cosy women's option from Marmot. It's also waterproof, so you'll be safe in a sudden downpour.
See our other favourite warm coats and showerproof jackets.
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Wellies
Although you might be sticking to paths, there's always the chance you'll get muddy, especially if lots of people are walking along the same route. These festive red Hunters are the perfect choice for Christmas walks, but they come in lots of other colours too.
Browse other great wellies we recommend.
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Flask
If your chosen Christmas lights show doesn't offer refreshments, or if you fancy having a warming beverage to sip on as you go round, you'll want a decent flask.
This Thermos travel tumbler is a classic choice. It's leak-proof and insulated to keep drinks hot for hours. Sip straight from the flask as you enjoy the festive lights.
Find more of the best insulated flasks on the market.
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Hot chocolate
Treat yourself to a luxurious hot chocolate to enjoy as you take in the Christmas lights. Lindt and Green & Black's are two of our particular favourites.
Wool or cashmere socks
A good pair of socks is a must if you want to avoid chilly feet during the evening. These ones from Sarah Raven are made with 80% Irish wool in a range of festive colours including burgundy and teal.
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Find other high-quality winter clothing items at these shops:
- Crew Clothing for jumpers and jackets
- Fat Face for cosy clothing
- Finisterre for padded coats
- House of Bruar for high-quality outerwear
- Outdoor and Country for branded items
- Seasalt for jumpers and winter coats
- Uniqlo for cashmere and down coats
And if the thought of Christmas light festivals has reminded you about your impending Christmas shopping list, be sure to take a look at our huge list of top gardening gift ideas for inspiration.
