17th November - 1st December
Wrap up warm and head out after-dark to one of many colourful Christmas light events in South East England. Wander through dazzling light tunnels and colourful woodlands, marvel at exquisitely dressed Christmas trees and bespoke light installations, be amazed by animated light projections and stunning lantern festivals, all brightening up the long winter nights. These enchanting displays will ignite your holiday spirit, bring festive cheer and are a fantastic way to celebrate this special time of the year.
Why not catch up with family and friends at one of the free local festive light-switch on's that will be gracing our towns and villages in the lead up to Christmas Day. With twinkling fairy lights, tasty treats, Christmas carols and late-night shopping, these events are a great excuse to get together and start the festive season as you mean to go on.
Our featured illuminations showcase some of the best festive lights trail throughout South East England. Don't forget to scroll to the bottom of the page to find many more across the destination and to explore the seasonal light switch-on events.
Why not visit one of the many towns and villages in the South East to watch and take part in their annual Christmas light events, take a look at our events near me section and start ticking off the Christmas list. Don't forget to keep scrolling to discover more at the bottom of the page.
Keep checking back, more events are being added all the time
Take a look below for a full list of Christmas Light Trails and illumination events happening across South East England this winter, with many starting in early November and running until January 24, giving you plenty of time to head out and enjoy a sparkling-Christmas whether you live here, are on holiday or visiting friends and family over the festive season.
Number of results: 28
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Christmas
Aylesbury
This Christmas at Waddesdon, enjoy a festive day out to brighten the end of your year. Be spirited away to a magical wonderland as classic tales come to life in the house and dazzling new light displays outside enchant and delight.
As dusk…
Christmas
Maidstone
Returning for its second year, an all-new reimagined, magical Christmas trail featuring enchanting illuminations and Christmas music, will fill the air and light up the glamorous and historic Leeds Castle!
Christmas Lights at Leeds Castle has…
Christmas
Maidenhead
St. Luke’s church is to hold its annual Christmas Tree Festival and church will, once again, be filled with real trees and twinkling lights – symbols of hope.
Free Event
Ramsgate
Enjoy some Christmas Illuminations with a difference at the Ramsgate Royal Harbour. Pop along and enjoy the festive lights dressed on many of the boats in the harbour during December, and why not stop for dinner at one of the harbour restaurants and…
Christmas
Winchester
Join Marwell Zoo this winter for their magical Christmas light experience, Glow Marwell. This year's theme is an enchanted nature trail featuring brand new illuminations and immersive displays using more than 500,000 lights in a rainbow of colours.…
Christmas
Fordingbridge
Step into a mesmerizing wonderland at Sandy Balls for the Forest of Light! Prepare to be enchanted as you venture into a world of magical illumination. The forest comes alive with a breathtaking display of twinkly lights, captivating your senses and…
Christmas
Bognor Regis
After the success of the ‘Alice in Winterland’ festive event hosted by the council last December, we are back this year with something even bigger and better!
Festival
Lower Beeding, Horsham
Walk through the beautiful grounds of Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens as they come to life with spellbinding illuminations, large scale projections, and music.
Reduced prices for 2023
Become a Leonardslee member and get a FREE ticket
Show / Display
Havant
Enlightened returns to Staunton Farm in 2023!
Enlightened 2023 will be the biggest, brightest, and boldest year yet with a trail bursting with even more interactive and immersive elements than ever before along with visitor favourites.
Christmas
WEST WIGHT
Celebrate the Spirit of the Season at the Brighstone Christmas Tree Festival Brighstone, Isle of Wight
The Brighstone Christmas Tree Festival is back, spreading joy and festive cheer with the main festival running from Thursday, 7th December to…
Christmas
Windsor
Standing over 50ft tall, Garter Tower is illuminated with stunning images of St George’s Chapel’s stained glass windows, architectural details and motifs, dating back to the 15th century, as well as images created by local schoolchildren.
Christmas
near Hartley Wintney, Hook
A ten-acre wonderland of gigantic shimmering flowers, glowing fairies, and a forest of illuminated field flowers. There are enormous lit waterlilies floating on the lake and the five bridges turned in tunnels of lights. All the garden's follies are…
Christmas
New Alresford
Steam Illuminations is a unique Christmas, pixel mappable digital LED train! It's an incredible light show on and in a steam train, consisting of thousands of fully controllable colour mixing LED lights and LED wristbands. This makes the train look…
Christmas
Faringdon
Its the Farringdon Christmas Light Switch on Saturday 2nd December.
With a Christmas market from 11.00am, music around the Christmas tree, a Santa Grotto, light switch on at 5pm and historic tours around All Saints Church at 3pm and 4pm (church…
Christmas
Aylesbury
This Christmas at Waddesdon, be spirited away to a magical wonderland as classic tales come to life with new decorations in the house and dazzling new light displays outside enchant and delight.
Christmas
Haywards Heath
It's Glow Wild's tenth birthday! Sussex's award-winning lantern trail is back at Kew's wild botanic garden for 2023, packed with pure festive magic that's sure to get you in the Christmas spirit.
Bring the whole family for an unmissable evening of…
Special Events
Uckfield
Brighten up the chilly winter evenings with a seasonal lights spectacular!
Christmas
NEWPORT
All aboard for family festive fun - join the magical Christmas Lights Tour with Southern Vectis!
Dig out your winter woollies and experience the magic of Christmas aboard an open top bus.
Running from Friday 8th December right through to…
Exhibition
Battle
A highlight of Battle's Christmas calendar.