Trip the light fantastic with 7 illuminating UK winter light shows
These magical winter light shows are perfect for lightening up dark and dreary winter evenings says Rosie Carr
January 17, 2024
Light shows have grown in popularity over the last few years. If you haven’t been then you’re in for a treat. For a perfectly wholesome winter night out, book your mates a bunch of tickets and marvel at one of the UK’s best winter light shows.
Christmas at Kew
Kew Gardens, Kew, London
15th November 2023 - 7th January 2024
Kew Gardens’ Christmas at Kew is the light show that paved the way for other festive displays across the country. This year the famous London botanic gardens is presenting a light trail that’s a celebration of nature by night, bringing Kew’s stunning natural architecture to life. Along with seasonal favourites from the previous years, there will also be eight new immersive installations for 2023.
The light trail takes you past illuminated trees & botanical treasures, through candlelit pathways and beneath colourful canopies and bushes draped in seasonal sparkle. Highlights include Kew’s famous Christmas Cathedral, a twinkling tunnel of light inspired by arched church windows and a newly designed fire garden.
Blenheim Palace Illuminated Trail
Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxfordshire
17th November 2023 - 1st January 2024
At Blenheim Palace Christmas illuminated light trail you can expect a multitude of twinkling lights, seasonal sounds and festive fun. Their after-dark trail includes heart-shaped arches that glisten in the moonlight, glowing star-filled tunnels and an eight-metre sphere filled with over 20,000 moving lights.
Christmas at Belton
Belton House, Lincolnshire
24th November - 31st December 2023
For a super cosy night out in Lincolnshire, visit Belton House this winter. From 24th November to the end of December this historic house will be surrounded with sparkle and an illuminated after dark trail. On the Belton House light trail you can expect to see larger-than-life flowers, a flock of glittering robins and rainbow-coloured trees.
They’ll also be seasonal snacks available from a selection of hand-picked street food vendors, along with winter warmer hot chocolate and toasted marshmallows.
Christmas at Waddesdon
Waddesdon Manor, Buckinghamshire
22nd November 2023 - 1st January 2024
Christmas at Waddesdon makes for a perfect night out for anyone wanting to get that festive feeling. This year the manor is transforming into a fantastical and festive wonderland. Inside and outside the house they’ll be brand new light displays and projections inspired by the wondrous worlds of Alice in Wonderland, the Snow Queen’s kingdom and Peter Pan’s Neverland.
Christmas at the Eden Project
Eden Project, Cornwall
Selected dates from 1st-30th December 2023
This winter the Eden Project is making a visit to them even more magical. Their all-new after dark immersive music and light experience celebrates nature’s gifts and sees their array of plants turned into a night-time tropical wonderland. Along with the light displays you get into the Christmas spirit with toe-tapping Christmas classics being performed live, under the sparkle of a huge orb.
Leonardslee Illuminated
Leonardslee Gardens, West Sussex
Selected dates from 24th November - 21st December 2023
The beautiful grounds of Leonardslee Gardens will be coming alive this winter with spellbinding illuminations, light projections and interactive installations. The light trail at Leonardslee promises to be full of light, sound, colour and festive cheer. Once you’ve explored the festive trail there’s seasonal food and drink to feast on and funfair rides to enjoy.
Spectacle of Light Compton Verney
Compton Verney, Warwickshire
26th January - 18th February 2024
Fight off the January blues and enjoy a magical after dark experience at Spectacle of Light at Compton Verney. This illuminated light trail takes you round the grounds of this historic 18th century manor.
You can sip hot chocolate - and eat delicious street food created by the Digbeth Dining Club - while wandering through illuminated woodland and the Capability Brown landscaped lawns of the park.
