Illuminating the Season: UK’s Best Christmas Light Shows, Trails and Festivals
Explore the festive glow of the UK's most enchanting gardens with our curated guide to the top Christmas light shows of 2023. From Edinburgh to Cornwall, these magical events, perfect for family outings, feature illuminated trails in stunning gardens. Discover the unique festive experiences at:
Each location offers a distinct holiday charm, backed by expert recommendations for a memorable visit. For an in-depth guide, check outGardens Illustrated’s article on Christmas Light Shows.
London Lights Up: Winter 2023's Unmissable Light Festivals
Discover London's winter magic with its dazzling light festivals. From the iconic Kew Gardens to the historic Tower of London, the city lights up with festive charm.Londonist's article covers the best garden visits and light festivals in London for Winter 2023, including Christmas at Kew's atmospheric million-light display, the historic Crown and Coronation at the Tower of London, and the unique Epping Ongar Lights Express train experience. Other highlights include Christmas at Kenwood House, the neon light maze at Wembley Park, and Luxmuralis's immersive show at St Martin-in-the-Fields.
Enchanting Evenings at RHS Glow 2023: A Garden Light Spectacular
RHS Glow 2023 is set to light up the festive season with its enchanting garden illuminations across several Royal Horticultural Society gardens. Each garden offers a unique experience, transforming into a magical winter wonderland with spectacular light displays. Here's a glimpse into what each garden offers:
RHS Garden Bridgewater, Salford: Immerse yourself in a breathtaking beauty as illuminations light your way through the spectacular Glow trail. This garden promises a magical evening for all family members.
RHS Garden Harlow Carr, North Yorkshire: Known for its stunning landscapes, Harlow Carr will showcase an impressive array of lights, enhancing the natural beauty of the garden and offering a delightful experience for visitors.
RHS Garden Rosemoor, Devon: Experience the enchantment of Rosemoor, where the garden transforms into a glowing paradise, featuring creative light installations that capture the essence of the festive season.
RHS Garden Hyde Hall, Essex: Hyde Hall will offer a festive trail illuminated by captivating lights. The garden's transformation promises to be a visual treat, providing an ideal setting for a memorable winter evening.
Each garden's light show requires pre-booking, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience for all attendees. Additionally, these events are not just about the lights; they're about creating an atmosphere of wonder and joy, making them perfect for a festive family outing. Get a sneak peek of the RHS Glow experience in their Christmas advertisement on Youtube.
For more information on the RHS Glow 2023, visit the website and consider becoming anRHS member here as you’ll get unlimited entry to the 5 RHS Gardens and discounts apply for access to the Glow 2023 events. This year's events are sure to be a highlight of the holiday season, offering an unforgettable experience to visitors of all ages.
Chatsworth's Magical Christmas Garden: A Journey Through Lights
Chatsworth House invites you to its2023 Christmas in the Garden event. The grounds transform into an interactive light and sound trail, featuring iconic landmarks and a spectacular light show on the house, creating an advent calendar effect. The trail, best viewed from dusk, offers an enchanting walk. Pre-booking is essential, and tickets include garden access. Experience the festive atmosphere with Chatsworth's Christmas advertisement on YouTube.
The National Trust brings Christmas 2023 to life with festive events at its properties. Step into a world of festive delights with National Trust's Christmas events, featuring historic houses adorned in holiday decor, illuminating light trails, and charming Christmas markets.
Visitors can look forward to seeing historic houses beautifully decorated to reflect Christmases of different eras, from the 1800s to the 1980s. The properties will be transformed with colourful winter illuminations and garden light trails, creating a magical atmosphere. Additionally, guests can meet Father Christmas, participate in Christmas craft workshops, and explore Christmas markets and winter fairs for unique gifts and seasonal treats. Discover more about the events plan your visit here. For a visual preview of the festive atmosphere at National Trust properties, you can watch this lovely video
Giving a National Trust gift membership for 2024 is a thoughtful present that offers a year of memorable experiences. It provides access to over 500 special places, from historic houses and gardens to coastlines and countryside. The recipient can enjoy free entry and parking, along with exclusive member benefits. This gift supports the National Trust's conservation efforts, making it a meaningful contribution to preserving the UK's heritage and natural beauty. For more details and to purchase a gift membership, visit the National Trust's membership page
English Heritage’s Magical Light Trails: Christmas 2023 Illuminated
English Heritage celebrates Christmas 2023 with new light trails at its historic sites. Visitors can enjoy festive illumination, sound, and colour and also the warmth of mulled wine and the charm of marshmallow toasting under the night sky. To get a feel for the festive atmosphere, watch the English Heritage Christmas advertisement for a preview
Also, mark your calendars for the Winter Solstice live stream from Stonehenge on December 22, 2023, for a unique experience. The stream starts at 07:00 BST with sunrise at 08:09 BST.
Don’t miss the Winter Solstice live stream from Stonehenge on December 22, 2023. Turn the notification on here via YouTube.
For details about memberships and to support the conservation of England's historic places and gardens, visit the English Heritage membership page
