Ashbourne | Tonight is the Christmas Lantern Spectacular in Ashbourne! Head along to see the lantern procession lead by the amazing illuminated Spark! drummers, and catch the Jacks of Frost stilt walkers, and the fire-breathing Circus Strong.
Manchester | Tomorrow Manchester will hold its first ever Christmas Parade, filled with all the sights and sounds of Christmas, which will weave its way through the city centre. Working in partnership with Manchester Business Improvement District and outdoor art experts including Walk the Plank, Global Grooves, and Handmade Parade, the parade promises to delight young and old.
Maidstone | Head to Cobtree Manor Park this weekend for the Glow Illumination Trail, an immersive night-light trail full of joy and wonder, inspired by the theme ‘Nature After Dark’. Encounter installations along the way, designed and created by local light artists and inspired by the nocturnal landscape.
Fuller’s Pubs | Join Open Bar Theatre at Fuller’s pubs this December for a brilliant four-person performance of the classic tale ‘A Christmas Carol’. Expect Victorian costume, ghostly apparitions and, of course, barrels of Christmas cheer.
Swindon | The Enchanted Gardens Light Trail is back by popular demand at the Town Gardens in Swindon this December. See state-of-the-art lighting effects installed throughout the Victorian Gardens, discover a trail of remarkable light art sculptures, low-level soundscapes, interactive illuminations, and a specially commissioned light show.
East Molesey | This weekend you’re invited on an enchanting festive lantern and light experience at ‘Palace of Light’ at Hampton Court Palace! Encounter curious creatures, from glittering unicorns to polka-dot panthers, as you wander through the atmospheric gardens and historic palace courtyards after dark.
Online | Can’t face going out into the cold? Stay at home and watch the ‘Creating Carnival: A Sharing of Gifts‘ premier on YouTube on 13 Dec at 7pm, a documentary following the creation of Global Grooves, ‘A Sharing of Gifts’ that was debuted at The Queens Platinum Jubilee Pageant in June 2022.
Poole | Enter a world of Christmas in Poole this weekend at the Poole Christmas Maritime Light Festival! Be prepared to be dazzled as thousands of twinkling lights take you on a nautical journey that starts at the gateways to Poole; the Twin Sails Bridge, Hunger Hill and The Lighthouse. Running until 2 Jan.
Cambridgeshire, Altrincham, Lincolnshire, Wiltshire, Staffordshire | The National Trust has lots of magical festive events happening at locations around the country this winter. Winter Lights at Anglesey Abbey opens today with ‘Nature by Night, Nature by Light’, a beautiful, sensory after-dark journey. This weekend you can also visit Christmas at Dunham Massey’s light trail in Altrincham, running until 2 Jan, or the new after-dark illuminated trail at Christmas at Belton running until 1 Jan, or head to Christmas at Wimpole for the illuminations trail, wreath-making, and carol singing. Don’t miss the after-dark trail through the garden at Stourhead running until 1 Jan, or the Shugborough Estate Winter Light Trail.
Leonardslee | Walk through the beautiful grounds of Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens as they come to life with spellbinding illuminations, large scale projections, music and theatrical performances, in Leonardslee Illuminated from 7-21 Dec.
Gloucestershire & Midlothian | Spectacle of Light is open at Sudeley Castle until 30 Dec! Explore the beautiful new night-time trail around Sudeley Castle’s stunning grounds, marvelling at the majestic trees and romantic ruins all lit under the stars. Spectacle of Light is also at Dalkeith Country Park until 31 Dec with a swashbuckling adventure for the whole family, inspired by Treasure Island!
Chester | Experience The Lanterns at Chester Zoo until 23 Dec! 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.
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 until 8 Jan.
London, Manchester, Alton Towers, Brussels | The award-winning Lightopia has returned to London, to the historic Crystal Palace Park, running until 2 Jan. 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 until 8 Jan. In Manchester, Lightopia has taken over Heaton park until 2 Jan, and you can also experience Lightopia at Alton Towers until 2 Jan!
Eastleigh | Experience Glow Marwell this weekend, an immersive light extravaganza that sees Marwell zoo’s majestic grounds turned into a twinkling wonderland full of fairy lights, magic and delight, running until 30 Dec.
Cardiff | The award winning light trail has returned to the iconic Bute Park, with a host of dazzling installations in tow, for Christmas at Bute Park, running until 8 Jan. Immerse yourself in magic with an unforgettable light trail for the whole family to enjoy.
