LIGHT trails have become hugely popular in recent years with many outdoor attractions now holding their own version in the run-up to Christmas.
Providing the perfect festive treat for the family, here we have compiled a list of magical illumination light trails being held in and around Hampshire.
Light Up Trail
Dates: November 30 to December 31
Tickets: From £12.50 for children and from £20 for adults
Website: lightuptrails.com/
Light Up Sir Harold Hillier Gardens returns for another magical, memorable season of festive fun for all the family. As you wander under the starry skies, discover an enchanting winter wonderland of sparkling illuminations, evocative soundscapes, and a feast of scrumptious, tasty treats and winder warmers, in one of the UK’s most distinctive and stunning locations.
The Christmas Illuminated Garden Adventure
Dates: November 25 to December 30
Tickets: From £15 for children and from £19 for adults
Website: westgreenhouse.co.uk/events/the-christmas-illuminated-garden-adventure/
Enjoy an evening of wonder along a mile-long trail around the lake which is lit by thousands of lights. The trail, which this year has an Alice in Wonderland theme, includes giant 10ft to 15ft high fountains dancing to music rising from the lake.
The spectacular illuminated installations designed by guest designers include a tunnel of light with creatures beneath and the Paradice Garden transformed into a flamingo’s croquet lawn.
A menu with new and old favourite warming drinks and hot food to go can be bought from cabins along the sparkling trail or the beautifully decorated tea room will be serving Christmas spiced wine, hot chocolate, coffee and delicious hot food.
Neverland Illuminova
Where: Wellington Country Park, Odiham Road, Riseley
Dates: November 18 to December 23
Tickets: From £18 for children and from £22 for adults
Website: neverlandilluminova.co.uk/
Step into a new and extended illuminated adventure this winter at Neverland Illuminova. New for 2023, explore the awakened woodlands and reach for the stars with an extended trail and enjoy a magical quest with friends and family that will ignite your imagination along the way.
Glow Marwell
Dates: November 24 to December 30
Tickets: From £15 for children and from £19 for adults – members can book discounted tickets on selected dates
Website: marwell.org.uk/christmas/
Join Marwell this winter as its magical Christmas lights experience Glow Marwell returns with double the sparkle. This year’s theme is an enchanted nature trail featuring brand new illuminations and immersive displays using more than 500,000 lights in a rainbow of colours.
Venture through a 36 metre multicoloured light tunnel, gaze in wonder at a towering enchanted tree with fluttering butterflies, wander through colourful clouds projected overhead and meet some new creatures brought to life in a magical glow forest.
Glow family favourites such as a fun-filled LED see-saw photo opportunity and light-up stepping stones, snow machines and a magical wishing tree will return.
Christmas food cabins will be selling delicious winter warming treats including mulled wine and the chance to huddle around a fire pit to toast marshmallows.
Steam Illuminations
Where: The Watercress Line, between Alton and Alresford
Dates: November 24 to January 6
Tickets: From £59 for two people
Website: watercressline.co.uk/special-days/steam-illuminations/
This incredible light show returns to The Watercress Line consisting of thousands of coloured LED lights and LED wristbands on and inside a steam train, creating a kaleidoscope of different colours and flashing patterns.
Join the festive action on board with a Christmas chart crackers DJ mix up until Christmas day followed by pop anthems to celebrate the New Year. Both journeys are filled with interactive sound light fun for friends, family groups, couples and corporate gatherings all while hosted by the legendary ‘Voiceover Man’ from Britain’s Got Talent and X-Factor.
The journey lasts approximately one hour and 45 minutes offering a wonderful experience for the whole family.
Winter Woodland Lights
Where: The Hawk Conservancy Trust, near Andover
Dates: January 12 to January 28, 2024
Tickets: From £12.95 for children and from £19.95 for adults
Website: hawk-conservancy.org/events/winter-woodland-lights/
This fundraising event supports the charitable work of the Hawk Conservancy Trust.
The magical Winter Wonderland Lights are returning in January when the Hawk Conservancy will become even more magical, with beautiful illuminations and a live owl display set in a stunning, colourful woodland.
This sparkling start to the year is one of the trust’s most popular events, offering visitors the chance to explore a new self-led trail bringing the grounds to life like never before. There will be even more lights, a new story to tell with new music and effects to amaze and inspire, finished with a breathtaking display by the trust’s beautiful owls.
Windsor Great Illuminations
Dates: November 16 to January 2
Tickets: From £12.10 for children and from £19.80 for adults
Website: windsorilluminated.com/
Enjoy a magical evening with family and friends as this very special light trail returns to light up the festive season, more dazzling than ever with a generous sprinkling of new installations and the return of some firm favourites.
Visitors can follow a path through woodland awash with colour as mythical creatures, sparkles of fireflies and dancing fairies blaze the way, the lake alive with flood-lit fountains and breathtaking projections.
Mouth-wateringly good food is available at cosy rest spots including mulled wine and hot chocolate or marshmallows toasted over a fire pit.
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