There’s something undeniably magical about bundling up the family, loading the car with snacks and spare gloves, and heading out to wander through a winter wonderland of twinkling lights. It’s one of those rare festive outings that manages to delight kids and grown-ups alike—assuming no one loses a mitten or spills their hot chocolate five minutes in.
We’ve been to a few Christmas light trails over the years, and I can confirm the following: toddlers will be amazed by literally anything that flashes, older kids will sprint ahead and vanish into the mist like festive ninjas, and at least one adult (usually me) will wonder aloud how many extension leads were needed in the making of it all.
If you’re planning a family trip this year, here are some of the best Christmas light trails for 2024—all properly dad-tested and family-friendly. Bring snacks, layer up, and don’t forget to charge your phone. You will be asked to take photos. Lots of them.
1. Christmas at Kew – London
Dates: 13 November 2024 – 5 January 2025
Let’s start with the big one. Christmas at Kew is basically the Champions League of light trails. The scale is incredible, and the attention to detail is next level—from the glittering tunnel of lights to the fire garden and the laser show on the lake.
Kids love the giant illuminated animals, and grown-ups can get their mulled wine fix halfway through. It does get busy (and isn’t the cheapest night out), but it’s brilliantly run and easy to get to via public transport. If you’re going to splash out on one trail this year, make it this one.
Dad tip: Book early and aim for a weekday if you can. Weekends get very packed, and that’s when the mood can shift from festive to frazzled in about three seconds flat.
2. Glow Wild – Wakehurst, West Sussex
Dates: 21 November – 22 December 2024
Tucked away in the Sussex countryside, Glow Wild is a more peaceful, artsy kind of trail—perfect if you’ve got slightly older kids or just want something a bit calmer than the usual sensory overload.
It’s not all quiet contemplation though—there are glowing lanterns, enormous sculptures, and an impressively moody soundtrack that makes it feel like you’re walking through a festive film set. Plus, Wakehurst is part of Kew Gardens, so they know what they’re doing when it comes to plants and pyrotechnics.
Dad tip: It’s a bit of a drive if you’re not local, but parking is easy and plentiful—and there’s something quite satisfying about hot chocolate in the dark while your breath steams like a Victorian chimney.
3. Blenheim Palace – Oxfordshire
Dates: 15 November 2024 – 1 January 2025
Blenheim is a proper day out. Not only is there the light trail itself (complete with lasers, fairy-lit trees, and the obligatory giant baubles), but the palace usually has a themed indoor trail too. In past years we’ve wandered through a Nutcracker-themed experience that had the kids wide-eyed and the grown-ups quietly humming Tchaikovsky.
There’s also a Christmas market, food stalls that sell those giant sausages only dads can justify eating, and some very decent hot cider. It’s classy but still fun—and the setting is stunning.
Dad tip: The indoor trail is warm, which makes it a lifesaver if the weather turns grim. And yes, they do sell marshmallows for toasting.
4. Lightopia – Heaton Park, Manchester
Dates: 21 November – 31 December 2024
Lightopia is colourful, creative, and a big hit with little ones. The lanterns are genuinely impressive—think dragons, castles, glowing mushrooms, and massive peacocks—and the whole thing has a fantasy vibe that kids absolutely love.
It’s well spaced out, the music adds to the atmosphere, and Heaton Park itself is big enough to handle crowds without things getting stressful.
Dad tip: Layer up—it’s properly chilly up north in December, and Heaton Park can feel like the set of Frozen on a windy night.
5. Westonbirt Enchanted Christmas – Gloucestershire
Dates: 29 November – 22 December 2024 (selected dates)
This one’s a bit different—it takes place in the National Arboretum, so you’re walking through an actual forest while the trees light up around you. There’s a proper sense of space and wonder here, and the trail is brilliantly designed with interactive elements and a nice balance between quiet corners and wow moments.
It also feels more like a traditional family evening out than some of the slicker shows elsewhere. Think marshmallow toasting, Christmas music, and the kind of warm fuzziness you only get from spending time in actual woods.
Dad tip: The kids’ craft village is a nice touch, and it gives you a chance to stand still for more than 30 seconds.
6. Yorkshire Wildlife Park – Winter Illuminations
Dates: 15 November 2024 – 14 January 2025
Where else can you see polar bears and giant light-up pandas in the same evening? Winter Illuminations at Yorkshire Wildlife Park is a clever mix of zoo trip and light trail, with over 2,500 lanterns across themed zones.
Kids go mad for the animal-shaped lights, and if they’re lucky they might spot a real animal or two as well. There’s a fair bit of walking involved, but it’s flat and buggy-friendly. Bonus points for being open well into January.
Dad tip: Wrap up, but don’t overdo it—if the kids spot a tiger, there will be running.
7. Eltham Palace – Enchanted Eltham, London
Dates: 6 – 29 December 2024 (selected dates)
Run by English Heritage, this is a bit of a hidden gem. Eltham Palace is already pretty dramatic, but add a few thousand lights and a trail through the gardens and it becomes a genuinely lovely festive outing.
It’s smaller than some of the others on this list, which actually makes it perfect for younger kids or grandparents in tow. There are projections on the walls, food and drink stalls, and a gentle, almost vintage Christmas vibe that’s very different from the full-on sparkle-fest elsewhere.
Dad tip: Great option if you’re in or near London and want a shorter trail with less crowd stress.
8. Belfast Castle – Castle of Light
Dates: 22 November – 22 December 2024
If you’re in Northern Ireland, this one’s well worth a visit. The setting alone—Belfast Castle on the slopes of Cave Hill—is spectacular, and the light trail makes full use of it. Expect dazzling projections, interactive installations, and plenty of chances to pretend you’re in a fantasy epic.
It’s also one of the more affordable trails, and the smaller size makes it less exhausting if you’ve got younger children.
Dad tip: Castle = steps. If you’re pushing a buggy, bring your upper body strength—or a backup plan.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re heading to a palace, a park, or a forest this Christmas, light trails are a brilliant way to make festive memories that don’t involve assembling toys at midnight or explaining yet again why the Elf on the Shelf didn’t move.
Pick a trail that suits your crew, dress for the Arctic, and embrace the chaos. At worst, you’ll end up slightly damp and over-caffeinated. At best, you’ll have one of those nights the kids talk about for weeks—and that’s worth a soggy sock or two.
If you’ve got a favourite Christmas light trail I’ve missed, let me know—I’m always on the lookout for the next magical, battery-powered adventure.