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.

• Illuminated Evenings at Fairytale Farm - Now - 16th November 2025
  This year promises even more sparkle, with new Illuminated Light Fountains and a glowing Fairytale Farm façade, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire
• Christmas at Blenheim Palace - Now - 3rd January 2026
  The Illuminated Trail is bigger, better and brighter than ever before – featuring spectacular works by international and local artists. Woodstock, Oxfordshire
• Windsor Great Park Illuminated  - Now - 3rd January 2026
  This year’s trail sparkles with exciting new installations alongside returning favourites, making it more magical than ever at The Savill Garden, Englefield Green, Surrey
• Illuminate Reading - Now - 4th January 2025
  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, Reading, Berkshire
• Christmas Illuminations at Southsea Castle - Now - 23rd December 2026 
  See Southsea Castle lit up like never before as it hosts a magical winter wonderland for all the family, Portsmouth, Hampshire
• Bedgebury Christmas Lights, Now - 31st December 2025
  Step into a winter wonderland like no other as Christmas at Bedgebury returns, Tunbridge Wells, Kent
• Christmas Lights at Leeds Castle, Now - 31st December 2025, Maidstone, Kent
• Christmas at Hever Castle - Now - 2nd January 2026
  Follow the Yellow Brick Road to Hever Castle this Christmas!, Edenbridge, Kent
• SteamLights at Bluebell Railway - Now - 28th December 2025
  Brighten up the chilly winter evenings with an enchanting seasonal lights spectacular, Uckfield, East Sussex
• Christmas at Waddesdon -  Now - 4th January 2026
  Join Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild and his beloved dog Poupon on an enchanting trans-European tour, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire 
• Light Up Sir Harold Hillier  - Now - 3rd January 2026
  Hampshire's largest festive light trail returns this Christmas, Romsey, Hampshire
• Glow Wild at Wakehurst  - Now - 3rd January 2026
   A new trail full of exclusive installations, handcrafted lanterns, and immersive moments, Haywards Heath, West Sussex
• Glow Marwell - Now - 3rd January 2026
  Make memories to last a lifetime as Glow Marwell's magical light experience returns this winter brighter than ever before, Winchester, Hampshire
• The Carnival of the Animals - Lantern Parade - 6th December 2025
  Join Norden Farm as they light up the town at the annual Lantern Parade, Maidenhead, Berkshire

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 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.