See some of Gloucestershire's biggest attractions transform into twinkling winter wonderlands this Christmas, as illuminated light trails are switched on across the county to mark the start of the festive season.
From long-standing highlights in the county's festive calendar to brand-new light trails for 2024, SoGlos shares seven of the best illuminated light trails to see in and around Gloucestershire this Christmas.
Christmas at Westonbirt light trail
Christmas at Westonbirt is an all-new festive attraction from the masterminds behind Christmas at Kew and Christmas at Blenheim, bringing over one million twinkling lights, seasonal soundscapes, and impressive installations — including a showstopping tunnel of light — to Forestry England Westonbirt, The National Arboretum.
Christmas at Westonbirt takes place on selected evenings from Friday 29 November to Tuesday 31 December 2024, hosting relaxed sessions for families with additional needs on Saturday 30 November, Saturday 7 and Thursday 12 December 2024.
Enchanted Garden By Night at Painswick Rococo Garden
After making its debut in Gloucestershire's line-up of entrancing light trails last year, Enchanted Garden By Night is back at Painswick Rococo Garden this Christmas. A festive spin-off of its popular summer trail, it features magical willow-sculpted creatures adorned in twinkling lights, with fairies, dragons and more to find around the 18th-century pleasure garden.
Enchanted Garden By Night takes place on selected evenings from Saturday 30 November 2024 to Thursday 2 January 2025. Dogs on short leads are also welcome!
Spectacle of Light trail at Sudeley Castle
Sudeley Castle’s illuminated light trail is back with a Sleeping Beauty theme for its ninth anniversary. Meet the characters from this classic fairy tale, passing light beams, lanterns and Spectacle of Light's signature sparkling water features — all wrapped up with spiced mulled wine, rich hot chocolate and hot food to enjoy as you explore the castle grounds.
Spectacle of Light takes place on selected evenings from Friday 22 November to Monday 30 December 2024.
Enchanted Light Trail at Cotswold Farm Park
See Cotswold Farm Park in a whole new light when the popular Enchanted Light Trail returns — and this year, for the very first time, it's dog-friendly, too! Explore the park after hours, guided by a myriad of twinkling lights, with the chance to feed the animals in lit-up barns and the promise of crackling fire pits and toasted s'mores at the end.
Enchanted Light Trail takes place on selected evenings from Friday 22 November to Tuesday 31 December 2024.
Winter Glow light trail at Three Counties Showground
Journey just over the border to Winter Glow, transforming Three Counties Showground into a magical Christmas wonderland with its own illuminated light trail that features interactive installations and a bespoke soundscape. With a new immersive theme for 2024, set off on an adventure to restore the Light Guardians' fading magic and bring festive joy to the Winter Village Folk.
Winter Glow takes place from Friday 22 November to Tuesday 31 December 2024, with sensory-friendly and dog-friendly sessions on selected dates, too.
Christmas Experience at Night at Gloucester Cathedral
There's the rare chance to see one of the county's most iconic buildings lit up for Christmas after dark, as Gloucester Cathedral's unmissable Cathedral Christmas Experience at Night event returns for 2024. See its imposing interiors illuminated, providing a stunning backdrop for spellbinding live music from its choir and musicians, with the opportunity to take a candlelit tour of the Library or soak up sky-high views across the county from the Tower, too.
Christmas Experience at Night takes place on selected evenings from Friday 6 to Saturday 21 December 2024.
Christmas at Blenheim light trail
In neighbouring Oxfordshire, Blenheim Palace promises a memorable Christmas experience with its ever-popular light trail. Wander through glowing tunnels filled with stars, admire thousands of sparkling lights and follow Tinkerbell into the palace to visit Neverland, with the state rooms exquistely transformed into Peter Pan's fantasy homeland.
Christmas at Blenheim Palace runs from Friday 15 November 2024 to Wednesday 1 January 2025.
