Now the clocks have gone back and Halloween is over, it’s finally time to start getting into the Christmas spirit! With a hot chocolate in hand and a warm mice pie, there’s no better way to feel Christmassy than by spending those darker afternoon and evenings surrounded by twinkling lights and impressive illuminations. If you’re wanting to make a trip, read on for our pick of the UK’s best Christmas lights to see in 2024.

UK’s best Christmas lights to see in 2024

Blenheim Palace

Dates: Friday 15^th November 2024 – Wednesday 1^st January 2025

First up on our list of the best Christmas lights to see in the UK is the beautiful Blenheim Palace in Woodstock. Soak up that festive feeling by talking a walk around their Christmas light trail, enjoy a skate on their rink, no matter if you’re a little wobbly or are a pro, and browse their beautiful Christmas makers market. With plenty of stalls serving warm food and even warmer drinks, a day out at Christmas at Blenheim is not to be missed!

Kew Gardens

Dates: Wednesday 13^th November 2024 – Sunday 5^th January 2025

Our local! Just around the corner from our West London studio is the glorious Kew Gardens, and if you love seeing Christmas lights, we’re pretty sure you already would have heard of Christmas at Kew. One of the UK’s most acclaimed illuminated trials, Christmas at Kew is a bucket list must for anyone wanting to soak up that seasonal cheer. With larger-than-life lakeside reflections that’ll impress the hard-to-impress, and tunnels of light that are Instagram-worthy, Kew Gardens is home to some of the country’s best Christmas lights.

Carnaby Street

Dates: Thursday 7^th November 2024 – Monday 6^th January 2025

If you’re wanting to see some of the best Christmas lights in the capital, look no further than the iconic Carnaby Street. You won’t need tickets to enjoy the illuminations that hang above the streets, and it makes for a great pit stop after a spot of Christmas shopping. Close by is also Oxford Street and Regents Street that light up with their own set of Christmas lights, so you can complete the trilogy. With a different fabulous theme each year, you can get that warm Christmas glow and marvel at their magnificence, with some tasty food in hand from Kingly Court.

Glow at RHS Wisley

Dates: Friday 22^nd November 2024 – Sunday 5^th January 2025

Get ready for the brightest night of the year with Glow at RHS Wisley in the heart of stunning Surrey. With a warm drink in hand and some festive snacks secured, enjoy the beautifully illuminated light trail and the spectacular scenes that await. An enchanting evening for the whole family to enjoy, Glow at RHS Wisley boasts some of the best Christmas lights you’ll see this winter.

Hyde Hall

Dates: Friday 22^nd November 2024 – Friday 28^th December 2024

Make magical memories this Christmas with an enchanting evening at RHS Hyde Hall in Chelmsford, Essex. Embark on their beautifully illuminated light trail to discover new light installations, swirling snowflake lights to guide the way and shimmering mirror balls where light dances through the garden’s trees and plants! A wonderful evening for all, Hyde Hall is home to some of the best Christmas lights this winter and should not be missed!

Wakehurst Gardens

Dates: Thursday 28^th November 2024 – Wednesday 1^st January 2025

Next up on our list of the best Christmas lights to see in the UK this winter is the wonderful Wakehurst Gardens. Glow Wild at Wakehurst is transformed into a winter wonderland with over a mile of lovely light installations by varying artists. Discover a giant flying owl, a hidden dragon and a breathtaking Christmas tree as you weave your way through this award-winning trail.

Helmingham Hall

Dates: Friday 15^th November 2024 – Wednesday 18^th December 2024

As the sun goes down and the evening draws in, see Helmingham Hall like you’ve never seen it before as it transforms into a stunning world of light. Based in the heart of Suffolk, this iconic stately home and gardens, with a moat and drawbridge no less, shines bright with their impressive illuminations for all to enjoy. With fire pits to toast marshmallows and festive treats aplenty, you’ll be in for a wonderful evening and is well worth a visit this winter!  

Bedgebury Pinetum

Dates: Friday 15^th November 2024 – Wednesday 1^st January 2025

Explore the wonderful world of trees at Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest in Kent. You can stroll after-dark through this world-leading collection of conifers and enjoy the best Christmas lights the forest has to offer. As you make your way through the pinetum, you can discover a feast for the eyes; from floating luminous seed pods, sparkling robins flying high and even a glimpse at Santa. Some of the best Christmas lights in Kent, make sure you book in advance for an evening filled with festive fun!

Chester Zoo

Dates: Friday 15^th November 2024 – Wednesday 1^st January 2025

Next up on our list of the best Christmas lights to see in 2024 is Cheshire’s leading Christmas light trail, Lanterns and Lights at Chester Zoo. Produced by Sony, you can journey through vibrant lands with giant candy canes, a ribbon tunnel and neon walkways where animals await around every corner. Don’t miss the warm treats on offer from the Christmas food market and meet Santa in his grotto at the end, too. An unforgettable evening that’ll leave you feel full of festivity!

Liverpool Cathedral

Dates: Friday 29^th November 2024 – Saturday 7^th December 2024

And last but certainly not least on our list of the best Christmas lights to see in the UK is at Liverpool Cathedral. Whilst most Christmas lights are based outside, Liverpool Cathedral is welcoming the festivities in by illuminating the iconic architecture with an impressive display of Christmas lights. Named The Light Before Christmas, you can explore the gothic interior to discover a selection of dazzling light displays to get you into the Christmas spirit.

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We hope this has inspired you to book a truly magic evening out and enjoy some of the country’s best Christmas lights in 2024. Let us know in the comments where you will be headed this Christmas!

P.S. Our Christmas shop is now open! Discover stationery gifts galore to help them unwrap a little bit of magic this Christmas and beyond.