14th November 2025 - 3rd January 2026
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 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.
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 2026, 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: 25
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Christmas
Portsmouth
Southsea Castle hosts Christmas illuminations and festive fun for all the family.
Christmas
Reading
Experience Reading's newest winter light trail and immerse yourself in a magical light trail around the grounds of Forbury Gardens & Abbey Ruins this winter. Follow a 30 - 50 minute route filled with beautiful light installations that transform the…
Christmas
Aylesbury
This Christmas, join Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild and his beloved dog Poupon on an enchanting trans-European tour. Each stop along the route brings a different city to life, showcasing cultural heritage, seasonal customs, and links to Waddesdon's…
Christmas
Lamberhurst
Haven't you heard? The Cheer-O-Meter, the very measure of festive magic, is running low, and only the joy of families like yours can raise it high once more
Childrens Events
Brighton
Far away, beyond the snow, and nestled in a perfect nook you’ll find a town called Christmas...
Clementine dreams of a place where gingerbread houses glow under twinkling fairy-lights, and chocolate coins are currency. Where the streets are filled…
Christmas
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…
Tour
Chinnor
Join the trains at either Chinnor or Princes Risborough stations and then sit back, relax and enjoy the winter panorama alongside the Chiltern Hills
Christmas
Ramsgate
Visit Ramsgate in Kent this Christmas and New Year, and enjoy a series of festive events to bring brightness to the winter months, including the Light Up Ramsgate six-week trail and the fantastic New Year's Eve Lantern Parade.
Special Events
Uckfield
Join us for a truly enchanting evening as our Ice Queen summons her powers to light up the train before it steams into the night on a brand-new, family-friendly narrative journey!
Christmas
Woodstock
There's No Place Like Blenheim Palace – The Iconic Light Trail is Back for 2025
Christmas
Windsor
Step into Christmas and 1,000 years of royal history at Windsor Castle. From the towering, 20-foot-high Nordmann fir tree, decked with thousands of sparkling lights and shimmering ornaments, to the tiny Christmas tree and miniature garlands in…
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. From 27 November to 3 January, wander through illuminated woodlands, marvel at…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Lock Ln, Maidstone
A festive extravaganza awaits you at our Christmas Experience! Get ready to say “Ho Ho Ho!” as you embark on a magical journey. The highlight of your visit will be meeting Father Christmas himself in his enchanting grotto. Little ones will be…
Theatre
Southampton
Experience the Enchantment of Christmas - The Candlelight Concert in an Unforgettable Festive Musical Celebration presented by Xperience Live
Prepare to immerse yourself in the holiday spirit as our incredible singers and live band deliver a fresh…
Christmas
Alresford
Step aboard a steam train transformed into a dazzling spectacle of colour, music, and festive cheer! Steam Illuminations returns with a reimagined experience for 2025 – featuring immersive entertainment, enhanced light displays, and more onboard fun…
Christmas
Winchester
Glow Marwell is back! Explore Marwell in a whole new light.
Experience the magic on selected dates from Friday 28 November 2025 – Saturday 3 January 2026 (Thursday to Sunday until the school holidays, and then daily over the Christmas period)…
Christmas
Goudhurst,
Step into a winter wonderland like no other as Christmas at Bedgebury returns for 2025!
Immerse yourself in a new, reimagined trail at Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest, created by the award-winning light trail producers behind events such as…
Christmas
Beaconsfield
The festive season is when the village comes alive with lights and wintery scenes and this year is no different. If you are here in the afternoon as dusk approaches, admire the lights coming on in buildings across the village and how this…
Christmas
Havant
Step inside Stansted House this Christmas and explore the beautiful Edwardian Mansion after it has been decorated for the Festive season.
Christmas
Edenbridge
Follow the Yellow Brick Road to Hever Castle this Christmas!
From 21 November 2025 – 2 January 2026, Hever Castle & Gardens is bringing the magic of Oz to life.
Begin your journey in Dorothy's Kansas farmhouse before being swept along the yellow…
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