21 November to 30 December 2026
Wrap up warm and discover some of the most magical Christmas light trails and illuminated events in South East England. From historic palaces and castle grounds to country estates, woodlands and gardens, festive illuminations transform familiar places into sparkling winter wonderlands filled with colour, music and seasonal cheer.
Wander through glowing tunnels of light, marvel at spectacular projections, discover enchanting lantern displays and enjoy beautifully illuminated landscapes. Whether you're planning a festive family day out, a romantic evening stroll or a Christmas break with friends, these unforgettable light trails are guaranteed to brighten the winter season.
From world-famous palace grounds and historic castles to stunning gardens and family attractions, South East England offers some of the UK's most spectacular festive light experiences. Explore our featured Christmas light trails and illumination events below, listed by opening date, or scroll to the bottom of the page to discover even more magical festive events taking place across the region.
Here's a look at last years Steamlights event......
Looking for Christmas light trails and illuminations near you? Browse the full list of festive events below to discover magical illuminated walks, lantern festivals, seasonal projections and family-friendly light experiences taking place across South East England throughout the festive season.
Number of results: 20
Christmas
Eton
Celebrate Christmas in Eton as the Christmas lights are switched on!
Head to Jubilee Square from 17.00, for food stalls, funfair rides, music, dancing and all the fun of Christmas!
Christmas
Windsor
Windsor’s Christmas Lights Switch-on is set to dazzle! Join the Windsor community as the town comes together to celebrate the start of the festive season at Windsor’s much-loved Christmas Lights Switch-on.
Christmas
Romsey
Hampshire's largest festive light trail returns this Christmas as the award-winning Light Up Sir Harold Hillier Gardens transforms the gardens into a glowing wonderland.
Christmas
Petworth
This Christmas, journey through grand state rooms of Petworth House where creativity and nature come together. Marvel beneath the stars, gaze up at the moon, and discover an enchanting festive experience inspired by the natural world.
Christmas
Lower Beeding, Horsham
This winter, Leonardslee Lights returns to the West Sussex countryside with a dazzling new route and an expanded cast of light, sound and spectacle.
Show / Display
Portsmouth
We Shine is back for 2026 - transforming the city into a dazzling gallery of illuminated art.
Christmas
Haywards Heath
Glow Wild at Wakehurst is an award-winning festive light trail featuring stunning illuminations, immersive performances and magical seasonal displays. Explore enchanting landscapes, discover Nature's Gifts, enjoy festive food and marvel at the…
Christmas
Woodstock
Step into a sparkling Christmas at Blenheim Palace, where magical memories await around every corner. This winter, the UNESCO World Heritage Site comes alive with a spectacular programme of festive experiences for all the family.
Christmas
Dover
Head along to Pencester Gardens in Dover for the annual Winter Light Up Dover event on Saturday, 5th December. This festival brings light to the winter months and offers an enchanting range of activities for visitors and residents to enjoy.
Christmas
Oxford
Oxford's Christmas Light Festival is entering its 17th year, and we at Oxford Bus Company and City Sightseeing Oxford are thrilled to return to support this magical event with our Christmas Light Bus.
Christmas
Maidstone
Experience this historic estate transformed into a breath-taking winter wonderland as the Leeds Castle Christmas Lights trail returns from the 20th November - 3rd January 2027 to the Kent countryside. Enjoy exhilarating Water Fountains, the…
Christmas
Portsmouth, Southsea and Cosham
The countdown for a magical Christmas in Portsmouth begins with a dazzling party.
Christmas
Maidenhead
Maidenhead's Christmas Lights Switch-On is the town's big festive kick-off! Get ready to light up your holiday season with a full day of festive fun and all-day live music in Maidenhead town centre!
Christmas
Goudhurst
Christmas at Bedgebury returns from 20 November to 31 December 2026, transforming Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest into a magical illuminated trail. Discover glowing woodland displays, spectacular light installations, festive food and seasonal…
Christmas
Windsor
Celebrate the start of the festive season at Eton’s annual Christmas lights switch-on. Combining music, seasonal entertainment and a visit from Father Christmas, this much-loved event brings the community together in the heart of historic Eton.
Christmas
Wick Lane, Englefield Green
Windsor Great Park Illuminated returns from Friday 13 November to Sunday 3 January with a spectacular trail through the enchanting woodland. Experience dazzling lights, breathtaking projections, and magical fountain displays that bring the forest to…
Christmas
Sandown
Celebrate the festive season at Wildheart Wonderland, a magical Christmas experience at the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary on the Isle of Wight. On Friday 4 and Saturday 5 December 2026, the sanctuary will open after dark and transform into an…
Music
Portsmouth
Get ready to Step into Christmas for the most magical, feel-good show of the year!
Christmas
Uckfield
Join us for a truly enchanting evening 'Somewhere over the Rainbows' as SteamLights at Bluebell Railway returns for 2026.
Christmas
Marlow
Each winter, Marlow's fabulous Christmas lights attract thousands of people to the town centre, to stroll along the High Street from the obelisk at the top to the iconic Marlow Bridge at the bottom, admiring the fairy-tale display. Multiple rows of…
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