While the jury is out as to whether 2021 Christmas pantos and carol singing could be cancelled, the socially distanced outdoor light trails are a safer bet. Strict timed entries and limited capacity is making 2021 illuminated trails sell out earlier than ever before. While it may feel premature, many have already snapped up their light trail tickets.
Here are five Christmas Light Trails going all out for 2021.
Christmas at Kew, London
From 17 Nov 2021 – 9 January 2022
It’s no secret that the most enchanting place in London over Christmas is Kew Gardens. For its ninth year, the botanical park will transform into a technicolour wonderland blending innovation with tradition. Expect singing neon trees, a meadow of Light, a 2.5km light trail featuring over a million lights. LED light spheres will illuminate the night sky 200 metres overhead to replicate the visual phenomenon of the Aurora Borealis. Nab some seasonal street food, spiced mulled wine and brace yourself for the musical finale at the Palm House displays beautiful projections across the historic glasshouse and lake. Tough to rival. Book it here.
Christmas at Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire
From 19 November 2021 – 2 January 2022
The Blenheim Christmas light trail is so eagerly anticipated that some dates for 2021 have already sold out. For a few weeks every year, glittering tunnels of dancing lakeside reflections, neon lights, lasers, jewel-lit trees and seasonal music abound in the gardens of Blenheim Palace. Their magical after dark trail, which takes about 1.5 hours, must be one of the best in the country. Inside the Palace this year, the story of The Nutcracker is re-imagined. Spot an army of mice, a Sugar Plum Fairy, a dashing Nutcracker Prince, toymaker’s workshop on a frosty Christmas Eve and, ahem, the Kingdom of Sweets. Book it here.
Stourhead, Wiltshire
26 November 2021 – 2 January 2022
Back by popular demand, the illuminated light trail in the National Trust gardens at Stourhead in Wiltshire is a relative newcomer. Their first trail, in 2019, was a huge hit. The tree-tops glistened, the gardens glimmered, and everyone was merry. Don your comfortable shoes and arrive after dark for the mile-long after-dark illuminated trail. There is much hype about the rainbow installation of small boats floating along the water. Book it here.
Christmas at Westonbirt Arboretum, Gloucestershire
26 November – 21 December 2021
Let the kids run free or take a romantic stroll through the illuminated trees at Westonbirt Arboretum. Having been closed during the national lockdowns, the 600-acre site, is welcoming visitors this Christmas with a mile-long ‘Search for the Lost Reindeer’ walk. Some of the 18,000 trees will be lit up. Visitors are invited to speak to the trees and tree elves for clues to help Father Christmas find the reindeer he lost in an almighty storm. Father Christmas will be on the woodland trail and there are two Christmas Villages, one at the start and one at the end of the trail. Book it here.
Royal Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh
25 November 2021 – 2 January 2022
Making a bold promise to be better than ever before, the Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh are lighting up the gardens for 32 nights this year. The same events company that lights up Kew and Blenheim Palace has turned its attention on this historic Inverleith House. This year’s installations include Digital Rain, Fireflies in the Wood and the cascading Sea of Light. There’s a kaleidoscope of colour, an arboretum of multicoloured trees, luminescent sculptures and a tunnel of light. Have yourself a holly, jolly Christmas. Book it here.
By Annabel Jack
September 2021
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