Car-free trips to seeChristmas Lightsaround the UK

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Brighten up the gloomy winter months with these fabulous displays of festive wonder. These events are all designed to bring some sparkle to dark nights with illuminated works of art. Featuring festive markets, lantern trails, fields of flame... you're sure to be enchanted. Make sure you book ahead as some of these sell out fast. Bring sturdy shoes, warm clothes, and plan in advance how you'll get away at the end (not all buses are as frequent as we'd like in the evenings).

  • County: around the UK
  • Great for: Christmas | family fun | forests | gardens | historic houses | Shopping |
  • Refreshments: cafes and kiosks, often pubs nearby
  • Please note: updated in October 2025. If anything’s changed or you have more tips to share, do get in touch: [email protected]

  1. 5. Westonbirt Arboretum, Gloucestershire

  1. 6. Chatsworth House, Derbyshire

  1. 7. Christmas at Waddesdon, Buckinghamshire

    Trails of winter lights, a legendary Christmas fair, and twinkling decorations all make Christmas at Waddesdon a dazzling experience. Waddesdon Manor’s chateau-style turrets look like a fairytale castle at any time of year, and at Christmas they really do look magical. This year the event will focus on different holiday traditions across Europe. There’s a Christmas market, too, with dozens of wooden chalets selling crafty gifts and artisanal food.

  1. 8. Heights of Abraham, Derbyshire

    At Christmas time the Heights of Abraham transforms into the Lights of Abraham. There are glittering archways, interactive stepping stones and a neon forest. Look for giant illuminated creatures including majestic swans, and colourful surprises round every corner.

    Board a cable car to take a flight across the valley and up through an avenue of colour to the summit. Once at the top, the trail winds along a circular tarmac pathway through woodlands and across raised boardwalks. The trail is pushchair friendly. Dogs aren’t allowed as salt is used on the pathways to stop ice.

    The bar and cafe will be open for festive tipples alongside hot snacks, cakes and Christmas treats. You can also toast marshmallows on outdoor firepits.

  1. 9. RHS Bridgewater's Glow, Salford

    RHS Bridgewater Gardens have a dazzling new trail with spectacular light performances every night. Snap a selfie in front of the star arch, chase swirling snowflake lights and spot giant petunias that come to life at a touch.

  1. 10. Bluebell Railway, Sussex

    All aboard a vintage steam train for Santa’s SteamLights this winter. Book ahead to meet Santa and then ride a steam train, covered in rainbow lights. Spot festive scenes among the trees and clearings, while enjoying a colourful light and music show.

    This was the first standard gauge preserved steam railway in the world to run a public passenger service. The Bluebell Railway also boasts the longest tunnel and longest viaduct of any UK heritage railway. It has more steam locos than anywhere outside the National Rail Museum in York.

  1. 11. Castle of Light, Edinburgh

    Edinburgh’s Castle of Light: Fire and Ice show returns. It’s the UK’s largest annual projection show. There are lots of illuminations to watch dancing across the castle walls. Stroll among dazzling displays, meet the Ice Queen in the Great Hall, and watch a mighty dragon light up the dark night sky.

    You can enjoy refreshments from the cafe and various street-food stalls. Plus you can toast marshmallows on a warming fire pit. This family-friendly event takes place outside, so it’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy a hot drink, tasty food and seasonal treats.

    • How to get to Edinburgh Castle: The castle is about a 15-minute walk from Waverley train station.
    • When? Selected dates from 21 November 2025 to 4 January 2026. There is a ‘Quiet Night’ on 7 December that will have reduced visitor numbers, dimmed lighting, no smoke machine and less noise.
  • The cable cars at Heights of Abraham travel on overhead wires in the dark, above trees lit up by blue, green and orange lights

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During the national lockdown please stay at home and avoid non-essential travel – find out more
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Covid-19

We live on a beautiful island and there’s no better way to explore it than by train, bus, bike and foot. But, at this exceptional time, please follow current advice to stay at home and avoid non-essential travel in England. Separate travel rules apply in Wales and Scotland.

We look forward to helping you enjoy great days out and more car-free adventures in the future.