Christmas Lights & Festive Illuminations

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.   

Top Outdoor Christmas Light Trails & Winter Illuminations in the South East

Our featured illuminations showcase some of the best festive lights trail throughout South East England in starting date order. 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.

• Christmas at Blenheim Palace - 15th November 2024 - 1st January 2025
  Christmas at Blenheim Palace: the magical light trail returns. Don't miss Neverland® in the Palace and new for this year the Great Skate Woodstock, Oxfordshire
• Steamlights at Bluebell Railway - 15th November 2024 to 30th December 2024
  Brighten up the chilly winter evenings with a seasonal lights spectacular, Uckfield, East Sussex
• Windsor Great Park Illuminated  - 15th November 2024 to 4th January 2025. 
  Light up your winter with a visit to The Savill Garden, Windsor, Berkshire
• Bedgebury Christmas Lights - 15th November 2024 - 1st January 2025
  A magical trail with new lights for 2024 – an after-dark stroll through iconic conifers, Tunbridge Wells, Kent
• Christmas at Waddesdon - 15th November 2024 to 5th January 2025
  See the Manor transforms into a fantastical and festive wonderland with new, themed displays in the house and brand-new light projections, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire 
• Christmas at Hever Castle - 22nd November 2024 - 3rd January 2025
  Spend quality time with loved ones and enjoy a seasonal experience that celebrates the past 10 years of festive joy at Hever Castle, Edenbridge, Kent
• Christmas Maritime Trail - 23rd November 2024 - 1st January 2025 (F)
  Fantastic free Christmas Maritime light trail celebrating Poole’s nautical heritage, Poole, Dorset
• Bournemouth Christmas Tree Wonderland  - 15th November 2024 - 31st December 2024 (F)
  Spectacular free Christmas tree trail through the Lower & Upper gardens, Bournemouth, Dorset
• Christmas Lights Cruise - 28th November - 28th December 2024
  Join City Cruises, Poole as they celebrate the Poole Christmas Maritime Light Trail on the water, Poole, Dorset
• Light Up Sir Harold Hillier  - 28th November 2024 - 1st January 2025
  Returning to Sir Harold Hillier Gardens for a third year, Romsey, Hampshire
• Glow Wild  - 28th November 2024 - 1st January 2025
  Sussex's award-winning lantern trail offers unforgettable moments, with a new route, exclusive art installations, and a magical Christmas Eve date, Haywards Heath, West Sussex
• Glow Marwell - 29th November 2024 - 31st December 2024
  Make memories to last a lifetime as Glow Marwell's magical light experience returns this winter brighter than ever before, Winchester, Hampshire
• Illuminated Abbey - 3rd December 2024 - 8th December 2024
  See Battle Abbey bathed in dramatic illuminations all themed around the Battle of Hastings & 1066, Battle, East Sussex

Light Trails and Illumination Events

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 2025, 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.