Christmas light shows: 15 top illuminated trails 2022

Let there be light! It’s that time of the year again; the clocks have turned back and the evenings are darker which means Christmas is on the horizon. These outdoor events are a great way to spend time with family and friends and are always a hit with kids. We have compiled 14 of the best Christmas light shows to visit near you in the UK, from Edinburgh to Cornwall, in the hope that you can get your proper festive fix.

All of these Christmas light shows require booking in advance.

The best Christmas light shows in 2022

The best Christmas light shows in the south east

Glow at Wisley, RHS Garden Wisley, Surrey

The RHS Garden Wisley, near Woking in Surrey, has called its Christmas light show Glow for 2022, with a walking trail for visitors alongside captivating light shows and musical accompaniment which highlights some of the garden’s most-loved sights. The Christmas light show has been designed by the garden’s in-house team, ensuring visitors will see the very best of what RHS Wisley has to offer. Lights will draw visitors past the Jellicoe Canal and old Laboratory, through Wisteria Walk and the Glasshouse.

RHS Garden Wisley, Wisley Lane, Wisley, Woking, GU23 6QB

Selected dates from 17 November to 8 January 2022 (closed 24-26 December)

Book now at rhs.org.uk/wisley

RHS Garden Hyde Hall, Essex

See RHS Garden Hyde Hall in a whole new light thanks to the illuminated Christmas trail. The garden, near Chelmsford in Essex, has had a magical technicolour makeover, and the festive fun begins as soon as you arrive. Visitors are greeted with a magnificent lone oak tree, lit up on a distant hillside, before embarking on a winding, twinkling route around the rest of the garden.

New for this year, follow the trail up onto the Hilltop, past the iconic Thatched Barn and through the Dry Garden, where dazzling lights and sound effects add to the drama. The trail then takes you through the Winter Garden, where you'll be dazzled by living willow sculptures immersed in festive colour.

RHS Garden Hyde Hall, Creephedge Lane, Chelmsford, CM3 8ET

Selected dates from 22 November to 30 December 2022

Book now at rhs.org.uk/hydehall

Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens, West Sussex

Admire the historic mansion buildings and Grade I listed gardens at Leonardslee in West Sussex with its artistic Christmas light trail this year, with illuminations and large-scale projections, as well as a Victorian fun fair and Christmas market. One of the most popular features of Leonardslee Illuminated is the Christmas Moon that floats above the lake.

Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens, Brighton Road, Lower Beeding, Horsham, RH13 6PP

Selected dates from 24 November to 21 December 20222

Book now at leonardsleeilluminated.co.uk

Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, London

The hugely popular Kew gardens Christmas light show returns for another year. The iconic Kew gardens will be lit up by over one-million lights, making it one of the brightest and most sparkling of Christmas light shows. Visitors can enjoy festive bursts of colour throughout the gardens and marvel at the beautifully illuminated Palm House. A new installation for this year is 'Feathers': 16 floating UV feathers that will sway in the breeze, appearing as if from nowhere.

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, TW9 3AE

Selected dates from 16 November 2022 to 8 January 2023

Book now at kew.org

Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest, Kent

Nestled in the High Weald in Kent, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is Bedgbury National Pinetum and Forest. Take in the incredible scenery at their Christmas light show this year, which is full of seasonal surprises, sparkling lights, magical reflections and laser shows which illuminate and highlight the trees on an after-dark woodland walk. The festive trail with more than one million lights is always a hit with adults and children alike.

Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest, Lady Oak Lane, Goudhurst, TN17 2SJ

Selected dates until 18 November 2022 to 2 January 2023

Book now at forestryengland.uk

Belton House, Lincolnshire

There's an illuminated trail and Christmas light show through the gardens at The National Trust’s Belton House in Lincolnshire. Take in an amazing display of giant luminescent candles, baubles and glowing flowers, as well as a tunnel of light and a swaying meadow full of shimmering lights, and a host of independent street food vendors to sample along the way. Make sure to enjoy a mulled wine or hot chocolate and don’t forget to spot Santa and his elves…

Belton House, Grantham, Lincolnshire, NG32 2LS

24 November 2022 - 1 January 2023

Book now at nationaltrust.org.uk

Waddesdon Manor, Buckinghamshire

This year’s Christmas light trail at Waddesdon features mesmerising new light installations alongside some seasonal favourites. As twilight falls, highlights include the Manor’s façade illuminated with dancing lights, and the gardens glowing with a cascading field of flames, a tunnel of twinkling stars (the perfect photo opportunity) and colour-changing, interactive stepping stones.

Elsewhere, Daffodil Valley will be transformed with over 5,000 orbs adorning the hillside to create a glittering blanket of lights, which turns into a sea of animation set to music.

Waddesdon Manor, Aylesbury HP18 0JH

Selected dates from 12 November 2022 - 2 January 2023

The best Christmas light shows in the south west

RHS Garden Rosemoor, Devon

RHS Garden Rosemoor have created their longest Christmas light trail yet, with favourite garden areas, including the Lake and Woodland, lit up with festive colour and sparkle.

New for this year is an enchanting galaxy of giant stars on the Stream Field, a tunnel of lights along the Long Borders, and the Orchard shelter all aglow.

RHS Garden Rosemoor, Torrington, EX38 8PH

Selected dates from 17 November to 30 December

Book now at rhs.org.uk/rosemoor

The Eden Project, Cornwall

This year The Eden Project in Cornwall is pulling out all the stops with an all-round enchanting, winter wonderland, Christmas light festival extravaganza! Visitors will be dazzled by a musical light show around the site with a spectacular display in the Mediterranean Biome and a joyful backdrop of live Christmas music. The Rainforest Biome will be a beautifully-lit tropical paradise, including an illuminated waterfall.

There will also be an ice rink on site until February 19 2023.

Eden Project, Bodelva, Cornwall, PL24 2SG

Selected dates fom 3-30 December 2022 (closed Christmas Day)

Book tickets at edenproject.com

Stourhead, Wiltshire

Known for its spectacular trees and picturesque lake, Stourhead’s Christmas light show drenches the scenery in wonderful luminescent colours. One great highlight is the larger than life flora lit up on the way to the Crocus Lawn. Visitors can also expect lit up tree canopies, scented fire garden and a tunnel of light, as well as festive treats and music, and not forgetting Father Christmas, of course.

Stourhead, Mere, Wiltshire, BA12 6QD

25 November 2022 - 1 January 2023

Book now at nationaltrust.org.uk

The best Christmas light trails in the heart of England

Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, Gloucestershire

Embark on a nighttime journey through the statuesque trees at Westonbirt, The National Arboretum in Tetbury for the Enchanted Christmas show. Visitors can expect new light displays to discover and mischievous elves to meet among the sparkling trails. The bare trees come alive with the colourful light show, highlighting their amazing natural structures, textures and silhouettes.

Westonbirt, Tetbury, GL8 8QS

Selected dates from 25 November to 21 December 2022

Book now at forestryengland.uk

Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire

Wander under magical, lit up tree canopies and marvel at the garden landscape of Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire on their Christmas winter wonderland adventure this year. Dramatically illuminated lights, including lasers, light projections and silvery shards of light will marvel you as you take in the beautiful surroundings.

Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxfordshire OX20 1UL

18 November 2022 - 2 January 2023

Book now at blenheimpalace.com

The best Christmas light trails in the north of England

RHS Garden Harlow Carr, North Yorkshire

The Christmas light trail at the RHS’s most northern garden was extended last year to showcase more garden highlights to guests. Special lighting effects will show off the garden’s magnificent trees and shrubs and create spectacular reflections in the lake. Guests will be able to admire the garden sculptures and popular Winter Walk, as well as the route along the garden’s Streamside.

New for this year, enjoy ambient sounds around the Queen Mother's Lake, and a ‘pixel lawn’ with hundreds of synchronised, dancing lights.

RHS Garden Harlow Carr, Crag Lane, Beckwithshaw, Harrogate HG3 1QB

Selected dates from 17 November to 30 December 2022

Book now at rhs.org.uk/harlowcarr

Dunham Massey, Cheshire

Christmas at The National Trust’s Dunham Massey in Cheshire returns for its sixth year, after great success in previous years. Their popular Christmas light show includes a giant glittering deer (in honour of the deer park), huge sparkling snowflakes, colour-changing lakeside reflections and an incredible crystal and fire garden, all aglow with hundreds of flickering flames.

National Trust Dunham Massey, Altrincham, Cheshire, WA14 4SJ

18 November 2022 - 2 January 2023

Book now at nationaltrust.org.uk

Stockeld Park, North Yorkshire

After dusk during winter, Stockeld Park's ancient forest comes to life with its dazzling light effects, atmospheric soundscape and animated installations.

At Stockeld there'll also be lots of Christmas activities for families and children of all ages, including a chance to meet Santa in his grotto.

Stockeld Park, Wetherby, North Yorkshire, LS22 4AN

19 November 2022 - 3 January 2023

Book now at stockeldpark.co.uk

The best Christmas light trails in Scotland

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

Enter a botanical world full of festive cheer at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh’s Christmas light show. Laser lights resemble cheering fireworks and giant baubles and snowflakes are dotted around where you least expect them. Enjoy sparkling tunnels of light, a fire garden and giant luminescent sculptures that rise high into the night sky.

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Arboretum Place, Edinburgh EH3 5NZ

From 17 November 2022 - 30 December 2023

Book now at rbge.org.uk

And if the thought of Christmas light festivals has reminded you about your impending Christmas shopping list, be sure to take a look at our gardening gift ideas for inspiration. Or do you fancy bringing a bit of light to your own garden this winter? If so, check out some of our favourite garden lighting ideas to bring some merriment to the darker evenings.