Chester | The Lanterns at Chester Zoo opens today! Travel to distant lands and discover tales from around the world, delve into a Norwegian fairy-tale land as you encounter a multi-coloured, glowing castle watched over by a huge white bear, wander through giant lotus flowers, and flying dragonflies in a Japanese-inspired garden, and meet zebras in the African zone.
Suffolk | From today the gardens at Ickworth will once again be transformed by colour and light as the National Trust brings back its popular ‘garden that glows’ Light Nights event. Enjoy a relaxed evening soaking in the colourful atmosphere as you weave through the illuminated gardens.
Somerset | If you’re in Somerset this weekend or next week be sure not to miss a Somerset Carnival, combining grand fireworks displays, street processions, fairgrounds, and street food. Head to Weston-super-Mare this evening, or North Petherton tomorrow evening. On Monday see the Midsomer Norton Illuminated Carnival, on Wednesday it’s the Shepton Mallet Carnival, and Friday the carnival party is in Wells. Then next weekend on Saturday the final Somerset Carnival takes place in Glastonbury.
Forres | Enjoy the beauty of Brodie Estate with a spectacular night-time walk around the illuminated grounds, until 26 Nov. Brodie Illuminated is back for 2022, with a completely new route and fun for all the family.
Brentford | This weekend Air Giants present Vines at Watermans Arts Centre in Brentford, a collection of robotic plants capable of highly dynamic, flexing and arching motion, inspired by the complex movement of plant tendrils, interactive and playful with visitors.
Nottinghamshire | Follow the White Rabbit and discover some of the amazing characters from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland at Spectacle of Light- Rufford Abbey Country Park until 20 Nov. Wander around the gardens and see the new art installations Lighting Rods, Sparkling Chandeliers and the amazing Carpet of Colour.
London | Head into the centre of London tomorrow to see The Lord Mayor’s Show, a giant procession including a unique mixture of ancient and modern pageantry and floats.
Colchester | Emergency Exit Arts is working with Colchester Events to put on a brilliant Festive Lantern Parade on 16 Nov. The parade will be a spectacular community event with EEA’s giant puppets (The Fire Bird & Santa), live entertainment and music. You can also get involved and join a free workshop tomorrow to make your own lantern to carry in the procession.
London | Indulge in some after-dark festivities with family and friends, as you discover sparkling tunnels of light, dancing lakeside reflections, and trees drenched in jewel-like colour at Christmas at Kew, running 16 Nov-8 Jan.
Portsmouth | We Shine Portsmouth returns 17-19 Nov. This year’s event will feature Museum of The Moon by Luke Jerram, Unfurl by Air Giants, the lantern parade, the return of Victoria Park After Dark and two brand new zones in Hilsea and Paulsgrove, plus the We Create Market, specialising in local makers, designers and artists.
London & Brussels | The award-winning Lightopia returns to London, to the historic Crystal Palace Park, from 17 Nov-2 Jan. Promising to be London’s finest festival of lights this Christmas, see the Palace reborn in light, alongside incredible installations and routes. Lightopia is also in Brussels this year, transforming the spectacular grounds of the Castle of Grand-Bigard into a magical fairyland, from 18 Nov-8 Jan. Prepare to be dazzled and delighted by beautiful installations, interactive displays, whimsical characters, and an awe-inspiring water show.
Wakefield | See Wakefield city centre in a whole new light from 18-20 Nov as Light Up Wakefield presents three days of light installations throughout the city in its first Light Up Trail. Featuring Studio Vertigo, Tracey Meek, Thingumajig Theatre, plus festive activities including fair rides, live music, lantern making workshops, and more.
Doncaster | This year, as part of Right Up Our Street’s 10th Anniversary, DN Festival of Light will take place across two venues, from 18-20 Nov. At St. George’s Minster experience 1.3 Seconds by Guillaume Marmin, and at The Corn Exchange see WE RISE by Greenaway & Greenaway.
Altrincham | Walk under giant baubles and beneath glistening trees at Christmas at Dunham Massey’s light trail, running 18 Nov-2 Jan. Journey through the mesmerising flickering flames in the fire garden, spot larger-than-life illuminations, and say hello to Father Christmas along the way.
