Outdoor winter events are some of the most festive on offer and that you needn't be round a fire to light up your Christmas spirit or bundled up outside a pub. One of the loveliest things to do in the build up to the big day (aside from gorging yourself on treats from your food advent calendar or Christmas hamper) is to go and see one of the many Christmas light displays the UK has on offer. Wrap up warm, get your mitts on some mulled wine and spend an evening embracing your inner child and marvelling at the festive joy created by an abundance of colourful lights. Booking in advance is imperative and tickets for the larger events are already being snapped up fast, so get yourself organised and get excited.
Christmas at Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire
The light trail at Blenheim Palace takes you all the way through the Palace gardens via colourful tunnels, lakeside reflections and softly glowing trees which light up the baroque architecture. This year several new installations - the mysteriously named Blue Neuron and Heart of Stars - have been added, so returning guests will have plenty of new territory to explore, as well as a light show finale in the Great Court. Additionally, you can explore the Palace rooms, each packed with magical Christmas surprises. blenheimpalace.com
- When: 17 November - 1 January
- Where: Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire
- Tickets: for a combined, entry-only adult ticket, £61.50; no Blenheim Palace discount applies (incl. NHS, partner codes or Tesco vouchers)
Christmas at Kew, London
It's fair to say that Christmas at Kew has become a festive staple for most of London (and the surrounding areas); securing a weekend booking here is akin to getting Glastonbury tickets. Now in its tenth year, the event sees swathes of Kew Gardens illuminated, from glittering tunnels in the Rose Garden to laser projections in the Temperate House, and includes a spectacular light finale at the Palm House Pond. kew.org
- When: 15 November - 7 January
- Where: Kew Gardens, with entrances at Victoria, Brentford and Elizabeth Gates
- Tickets: for a standard advance adult, £22.50 (off-peak) & £29.00 (peak); family tickets available; ticket discount for Kew members
Christmas at Waddeson, Buckinghamshire
As well as a Christmas light trail, Waddeson Manor, a Rothschild House & Gardens, has a dedicated Christmas market for you to browse during your visit. Festive afternoon teas are also on offer with an abundance of mince pies and hot drinks. The Manor is bathed in soft light set to music and there are several unique installations throughout the trail. Also, for the first time since 2019, you can enter the festively decorated House. waddeson.org.uk
- When: 22 November - 1 January
- Where: Waddeson Manor, a Rothchild House & Gardens, Buckinghamshire
- Tickets: for a House & Grounds adult entry, £35.50; discounts for local residents and National Trust members
Christmas at the Castle, Kent
Leeds Castle invites visitors to wander down the glamorous, brand-new Christmas trail, which will feature enchanting illuminations and Christmas music. ‘Create everlasting memories’ at one of England's most-visited attractions. Sparkling tunnels of light, waterside reflections, and jewel-toned trees await you, and, when you get peckish, independent street food vendors. leeds-castle.com
- When: 24 November - 31 December
- Where: Leeds Castle, Kent
- Tickets: for an adult trail entry, £22.50
The Festival of Light at Longleat, Wiltshire
Wrap your Christmas celebrations up with huge lanterns, decorations that take you through tales such as The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe and add a winter safari experience on too – Longleat truly has it all. Scenes from all your favourite childhood tales decorate this winter walk, all illuminated spectacularly. longleat.co.uk
- When: 11 November - 7 January
- Where: Longleat, Wiltshire
- Tickets: for an adult ticket, £29.95; discounts for Annual Pass holders
Westonbirt Arboretum, Gloucestershire
The child-friendly show at Westonbirt includes flashing lights and a delectable forest of candy canes. Glittering walkways and softly lit trees are great for grown-ups too, who may even get so far into the Christmas spirit that they start chatting to the talking trees. Santa will be present for story-telling, helped by his usual, mischievous elves. forestryengland.uk
- When: 24 November - 23 December
- Where: Westonbirt Arboretum, Gloucestershire
- Tickets: for a standard adult ticket, £21
Christmas at Belton, Lincolnshire
This National Trust property has gardens big enough for the most socially-distanced outing you could imagine. Riding high on the success of last year's event, the evening is soundtracked with festive classics to get you humming along as you walk between giant candles and illuminated snowflakes, overlooking the reflections of hundreds of origami paper boats afloat on the water. Enjoy ‘The Rose Garden’, an artistic light show inspired by England's national flower. nationaltrust.org.uk
- When: 24 November - 31 December
- Where: Belton House, Grantham, Lincolnshire, NG32 2LS
- Tickets: for a standard adult ticket with parking, £30.50; discounts for National Trust members
Ushaw Gardens, Durham
This historic house in Durham is holding a Christmas tree festival and light show in its sprawling gardens. ‘Illuminating Ushaw: Land of Enchantment’ transports visitors to a world of magic and delight, including a show in the stunning interior of St. Cuthbert's Chapel. Street food vendors will sell Christmassy treats to sustain you as you journey around the light trail, visit the giant reindeers and enjoy the stained glass window display that graces the grounds. ushaw.org
- When: 3-4, 10-11, 16-18 December
- Where: Ushaw Historic House, Chapels & Gardens, Durham
- Tickets: for an adult ticket, £12
Christmas at the Botanics, Edinburgh
Edinburgh's Botanical Gardens, a hotspot during the summer months, should not be missed this Christmas. Get your gloves on and wander around the botanical-themed display, where annual installations such as the Cathedral of Light are paired with newer sights, including thousands of LED stars, to bring festive cheer to one and all. rgbe.org.uk
- When: 16 November - 30 December
- Where: Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Scotland
- Tickets: for a pre-ordered adult ticket, £22.50; free tickets for carers and infants must be booked in advance
