15th Nov 2024 to 31st Dec 2024
Wrap up warm and head out after-dark to one of many colourful Christmas light events in South East England. Wander through dazzling light tunnels and colourful woodlands, marvel at exquisitely dressed Christmas trees and bespoke light installations, be amazed by animated light projections and stunning lantern festivals, all brightening up the long winter nights. These enchanting displays will ignite your holiday spirit, bring festive cheer and are a fantastic way to celebrate this special time of the year.
Why not catch up with family and friends at one of the free local festive light-switch on's that will be gracing our towns and villages in the lead up to Christmas Day. With twinkling fairy lights, tasty treats, Christmas carols and late-night shopping, these events are a great excuse to get together and start the festive season as you mean to go on.
Our featured illuminations showcase some of the best festive lights trail throughout South East England in starting date order. Don't forget to scroll to the bottom of the page to find many more across the destination and to explore the seasonal light switch-on events.
Take a look below for a full list of Christmas Light Trails and illumination events happening across South East England this winter, with many starting in early November and running until January 2025, giving you plenty of time to head out and enjoy a sparkling-Christmas whether you live here, are on holiday or visiting friends and family over the festive season.
Number of results: 45
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Special Events
Uckfield
Brighten up the chilly winter evenings with a seasonal lights spectacular!
Christmas
Gosport
Lots to see and do, with entertainment throughout the day presented by Hampshire Cultural Trust.
Christmas
Colden Common, Winchester
Glow Marwell 2024
Friday 29 November – Monday 30 December on selected dates.
For full information and to book visit www.Marwell.org.uk/Christmas/
Make Memories
Make memories to last a lifetime as Glow Marwell's magical light experience returns this…
Show / Display
Brighton
The dark grip of long wintry nights is broken by a flicker of light. Started in 1993, Burning the Clocks represents an alternative to the commercial Christmas. Thousands of people gather to make paper lanterns to carry through the city before…
Christmas
Selborne, Alton
Delve into the story of Gilbert White, discover our collections in a whole new light, and unlock your passion and an excitement for wildlife and the natural world around us. Journey through the house and gardens as we open the pages of The Natural…
Christmas
Sandwich
The annual Christmas lights switch on event in Sandwich will be coming to The Guildhall Square on the 30th November.
With stalls, face painting from 10am, live music from 12 - 6.30pm and a colourful lights parade at 5pm. The count down the Sandwich…
Ramsgate
Family friendly Lantern Parade taking place on New Years Eve in Ramsgate!
4.30pm - 6.30pm
The Parade route is from St George's Churchyard to Ramsgate Main Sands where the Parade will end with a fire sculpture celebrating the White Horse of…
Community
Winchester
Fun for all the family, Winchester Cathedral's popular Winter event returns and everyone is welcome to join in.
The annual lantern parade returns to Winchester Cathedral, and this year the theme is Christmas Creatures.
Join Winchester Cathedral in…
Christmas
Windsor
Standing over 50ft tall, Garter Tower is illuminated with stunning images of St George’s Chapel’s stained glass windows, architectural details and motifs, dating back to the 15th century, as well as images created by local schoolchildren.
Childrens Events
Lewes Road, Brighton
Tickets from Just £16 for Brighton’s Most Unique Winter Light Show...
Explore a light trail beyond the walled garden, through Stanmer’s famous orchard, and for the first time ever—walk through the beautifully illuminated Palm House.
A Winter…
Free Event
Oxford
This December, Oxford will be illuminated with festive cheer as the Oxford Christmas Light Bus travels on the city's streets. This magical event, organised by Oxford Bus Company, City Sightseeing Oxford, and Thames Travel, in partnership with Get…
Christmas
Reading
Wrap up the year with an evening of lights and lanterns in the museum garden.
Christmas
Aylesbury
This Christmas at Waddesdon, be spirited away to a magical wonderland as classic tales come to life with new decorations in the house and dazzling new light displays outside enchant and delight.
Special Events
Brighton
Burning the Clocks is a unique community event held on the 21st of December, created by Same Sky, that brings the whole city of Brighton together to mark the shortest day of the year. Local people make lantern and parade through the city, they pass…
Christmas
Poole
Join City Cruises, Poole as we celebrate the Poole Christmas Maritime Light Trail on the water. Throughout this magical Christmas event we will be running daily 30 minute long boat trips every Thursday, Friday or Saturday evening upon our magical…
Exhibition
Ampfield, Romsey
After an unforgettable transformation last year, the magnificent Sir Harold Hillier Gardens are set to shine bigger and brighter than ever before! Award winning producers, Light Up Trails return with a host of NEW glittering installations and…
Christmas
Edenbridge
This Christmas, spend quality time with loved ones and enjoy a seasonal experience that celebrates the past 10 years of festive joy at Hever Castle.
Immerse yourself in a magical Christmas in the Castle, witness enchanting reimaginations of classic…
Christmas
New Alresford
Steam Illuminations returns to The Watercress Line (November to January). Experience an incredible light show on and in a steam train, consisting of thousands of coloured lights and LED wristbands, creating a kaleidoscope of different colours and…
Christmas
Dover
Head along to Dover Market Square this December, and discover a range of stalls for Christmas gifts, food and drink and entertainment to enjoy on the 7th December 24.
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