MERRY & BRIGHT
HAVE AN ILLUMINATING CHRISTMAS AT A FESTIVE LIGHTS TRAIL SET IN SPECTACULAR SURROUNDINGS. BY VICKY LISSAMAN
Christmas at Blenheim Palace
Oxfordshire
The Kingdom of The Snow Queen will be re-imagined within the palace rooms where each will be filled with hidden surprises. Discover the Land of Snowflakes and its frost-covered forest and the Kingdom of Ice, adorned with larger-than-life crystals.
Wander the gardens where the Illuminated Christmas Trail features a million lights, then browse the wooden chalets at the Christmas Market.
■ Until January 2. Combined trail and Snow Queen tickets, adult £57, child £36.50, family £166, christmasatblenheim. seetickets.com
Christmas at Hatfield Park
Hertfordshire
New for 2022, discover sparkling tunnels of light, walk under giant baubles and beneath glistening trees drenched in jewel-like colour in the 42 acres of gardens and parkland of historic Hatfield House.
■ November 25 to December 31. Adult from £24, child £17, family £78, christmasathatfieldpark. seetickets.com
Christmas Lights at Leeds Castle
Kent
Another new addition for this year, light installations at this moated castle will feature three remarkable works from French artists Tilt, including oversized lampshade clusters and chandeliers set to a soundtrack that will transport you to “Christmas” in an instant.
■ November 25 to January 1. Adult from £21.50, child £15, family £70, christmaslightsatleedscastle. seetickets.com
RHS Hyde Hall, Chelmsford
Essex
Follow the illuminated Glow trail up on to the Hilltop, past the Thatched Barn and through the Dry Garden, where dazzling lights and sound effects add to the festive drama.
Take in the views of the Australia and New Zealand Garden, then wander through the Winter Garden and be dazzled by the living willow sculptures.
■ November 22 to December 30. Adults £12.95, child £6.95, rhs.org.uk
Christmas at Stourhead
Wiltshire
At this Palladian house and garden, the curated trail features the Christmas Cathedral where thousands of pea lights are woven into the forest landscape. Marvel at the Sea of Light, neon stars wrapping trees and a brilliant nova.
■ November 25 to January 1. Adults from £21.50, child £15, family £71, christmasatstourhead.seetickets.com
Palace of Light at Hampton Court Palace
Richmond upon Thames
Encounter curious creatures, from glittering unicorns to polka-dot panthers in the palace courtyards after dark.
These luminous displays are inspired by the Royal Beasts, a collection of heraldic statues commissioned by Henry VIII himself.
■ December 7 to January 2. Adults £14.50, child £9.50, family £43.20, hrp.org.uk/hampton-court-palace
Christmas at Gibside
Tyne and Wear
Featuring larger-than-life illuminations set to festive tunes, the familyfriendly trail returns to the Georgian garden this winter. Installations include The Pealit Tree and Snowflake Park.
■ December 1 to January 1. Adults from £19.50, child £14, family £64, christmasatgibside.seetickets.com
Heligan Night Garden, St Austell
Cornwall
Bask in the glow of the lanterns and discover a celebration of wildlife from owls to hares that make Heligan their home on this new onemile route. Stop to toast marshmallows at the fire bowls along the way.
■ Until January 2. Adults from £15.50, child, £8. heligan.com
Christmas at Roundhay Park
Leeds
A brand-new Christmas trail featuring giant illuminations and sea
sonal music will light up one of the biggest city parks in Europe. See oversized lilies, enchanting snowdrops, the colourful Neon Tree and mesmerising fire garden.
■ December 8 to January 1. Adults from £19.50, child £15, family £70, christmasatroundhaypark. seetickets.com
Christmas at The Botanics
Edinburgh
A firm favourite in Scotland, more than a million twinkling lights and seasonal sounds will fill the air, with returning favourites including the Christmas Cathedral and Fire Garden. But the new route, light works and installations ensure the experience is truly unique.
■ Until December 30. Adults from £21.50, child £15, family £70, rbge.org.uk/christmas
Christmas at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens
Belfast
Wander beneath unique tree canopies drenched in Christmas colour, surrounded by giant baubles, glowing spiral trees and glittering snowflakes.
■ December 1 to January 1. Adults from £22, child £15, family £71, christmas athillsborough. seetickets.com
Christmas at Dunham Massey
Cheshire
Discover new installations as the winter trail gears up to be bigger and better than ever at the Georgian house and gardens. There is a new route, food, drinks and fairground rides.
■ Until January 2. Adults from £22.50, child £14.50, family £50-£72, christmasatdunham massey.seetickets.com
Longleat Land of Light
Wiltshire
The Festival of Light returns with the new Wondrous Worlds of Roald Dahl. Marvel at 800 lanterns and key scenes from the children’s books brought to life including The BFG, Matilda and The Twits. Walk through Wonka’s factory gates, be amazed by James’ Giant Peach.
And, while you’re there, see the Enchanted Christmas Tree Show, ride the Santa Train and enjoy the Winter Safari Drive-through, Jungle Kingdom, Jungle Cruise and Longleat Hedge Maze.
■ Until January 8. Adult all-in-one ticket from £39.95, child £29.95, longleat.co.uk
Alton Towers Lightopia
Staffordshire
Walk the illuminated trail and witness magic light installations, projections and dancing lights in themed zones including the four seasons, dragons, summer fruits and wands.
Don’t miss the interactive installations, then refuel at the Christmas market.
■ November 25 to January 2. Tickets from £15, £30 with theme park, altontowers.lightopiafestival.com
Christmas at Kew
London
Enjoy the after-dark festivities with sparkling tunnels of light, dancing waterside reflections, glitter balls and trees drenched in colour on your way to the panoramic Palm House light display.
■ Until January 8. Adults from £21.50, child £18, family £82, kew.org/ kew-gardens/whats-on/
christmas
Christmas at Belton
Lincolnshire
Choreographed to a soundtrack of seasonal tunes, at Belton’s majestic gardens there will be colour-changing spheres, a Sea of Light, a sparkling rose garden and stars leading to larger-than-life mistletoe along the trail that’s more than a mile long.
■ November 24 to January 1. Adults from £21.50, child £15, family £71, christmasatbelton.seetickets.com
Christmas at Delamere Forest
Cheshire
See the forest in a different light when it is transformed with chandelier dancefloors, firework trees and Triangulate, a 138ft tunnel of neon lights.
■ November 25 to December 31. Adults from £21, child £14, family £67, christmasatdelamereforest. seetickets.com
■ For more details on Christmas lights trails visit mychristmas trails.co.uk
Wander beneath unique tree canopies drenched in Christmas colour
Hillsborough Castle Gardens