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: 17
Christmas
Uckfield
Join us for a truly enchanting evening 'Somewhere over the Rainbows' as SteamLights at Bluebell Railway returns for 2026.
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
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…
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
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
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…
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Show / Display
Portsmouth
We Shine is back for 2026 - transforming the city into a dazzling gallery of illuminated art.
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…
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