We all love Christmas lights, but this year more than ever home lights will be expensive to run. However, that doesn’t mean you have to miss out. Take a festive trip to your local gardens for the Christmas light trails of 2022.
There’s nothing quite like driving past an extravagant set of Christmas lights to get you into that festive spirit. It may be that this year we see fewer in the wild due to the rising cost of living and electricity bills. Don’t let that stop you from enjoying Christmas lights though! Plenty of places around the UK are putting on some beautiful Christmas lights for everyone to enjoy.
Though they often come with an entry cost, it’ll be a magical experience that won’t have you twitching by the light switch.
The Best UK Christmas Light Trails 2022
Not sure of what shows and trails might be around you? We’ve got a list covering lots of areas of the UK. Even if none of these are near you, it might still inspire you to go hunting for one closer to home.
Christmas at Wollaton
We start off in the Midlands with Nottingham’s Wollaton House. Once again the hall and gardens are putting on a spectacular show for residences of Nottingham and beyond.
“Awe-inspiring illuminations and installations will thrill the senses, transporting guests to an enchanting world of light and colour.”
With plenty of food and drink on offer whilst you walk around, it won’t only be your eyes that get a treat. The trail will be running from 2 December to 1 January and tickets must be pre-booked. You can either book peak tickets, which are more expensive, or off-peak tickets at a discounted price. They also offer family tickets which will cost less than individual tickets.
Longleat
Heading down to the southwest, we arrive at Longleat who are taking a special approach to their festivities this year. If you’re a children’s book lover then this is the Christmas trail for you. This year their Festive of Light is exploring the Wondrous Worlds of Roald Dahl.
“Meet all of your favourite characters from the Roald Dahl stories. Continue the adventure with our Enchanted Christmas Tree show, the Santa Train and our popular animal attractions!”
This event is running from 5 November to 8 January, so there’s more than enough time for a visit. As well as their trail and tree, Longleat are offering a winter edition of their famous safari.
The park are offering two types of tickets: one that gives you access to the whole park for the entire day, and one that’s purely for the Festival of Light with admission after 3 pm. If you have an annual pass, it will only cost you an additional £1 to attend the Christmas trail too!
Kew Gardens Christmas Lights
Famous all around the UK, Kew Gardens in Richmond always deliver a festive treat to remember.
“Enjoy our annual after-dark festivities with family and friends, as you discover sparkling tunnels of light, dancing lakeside reflections, and trees drenched in jewel-like colour. Journey through the mesmerising flickering flames in the fire garden, spot larger-than-life illuminations and say hello to Father Christmas along the way.”
Kew also off some delicious independent street food and some unmissable hot chocolate whilst you walk along their spectacular trail. Due to the overwhelming popularity of Kew Gardens Christmas lights, they set a capacity each evening. Make sure you book early so you get your preferred date and time.
The event runs from 16 November to 8 January and opens from 4.20 to 10 pm, with the last entry at 8 pm. It’s already sold out on many of its days, so if you’re keen to go, get your tickets here!
Blenheim Christmas Trail
Another one that fans across the UK flock to go see, Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire always puts on a show. This year, they’re boasting a completely new trail as well as some tantalising festive treats along the way.
“New for 2022, explore the Palace rooms, each one exquisitely transformed and filled with hidden surprises – discover the glistening Land of Snowflakes filled with a silvery frost-covered forest and venture into the wintery Kingdom of Ice adorned with larger-than-life shimmering crystals.”
“It’s a fairy-tale world where we really want a happy-ever-after. Will the ice-cold Snow Queen ever change her ways? Perhaps the kind reindeer will save the day and help reunite the two young friends. This fantastical winter wonderland is where the magic really begins….”
As well as their fantastic light show, there will also be a Christmas market and a Christmas themes Afternoon Tea is you can’t quite get enough magic this festive season.
Their event runs from November 18 to January 2nd January, with some of the spectacles stopping a little earlier. Tickets are essential and must be pre-booked, so nab some fast if this has tickled your festive fancy.
Christmas at Bute Park
Only debuting last year, Christmas at Bute Park in Cardiff sold out and went down a real treat. Even if you don’t live relatively near, it is well worth the trip.
“Immerse yourself in magic this festive season with an unforgettable light trail for you and the whole family to enjoy.”
The 1.4km walk is filled to the brim with Christmas lights and street food to keep your belly warm. It’s really a treat for the whole family to wander around and take it in. Christmas at Bute Park begins on 24 November and runs until 1 January. The last entry is 8:30 pm and tickets can be bought here.
There are so many Christmas trails going on in 2022, all you have to do is pick your favourite one close to you and have a very festive time!