Our 5 Favourite Light Displays This Year
Written by: Emily Rayner
Here at Lights4fun, it might not come as a surprise that nothing gets us more in the Christmas spirit than an extravagant light display! While we love decorating our homes, we also love travelling around the UK to see new light displays and enjoy those magical moments with friends and family. Here we’ve complied 5 of our favourite light displays for you to enjoy with your loved ones too.
1. Royal Botanic Gardens (Edinburgh)
Winter in picturesque Edinburgh is truly something out of a fairy-tale and with Edinburgh’s Christmas at the Botanics returning this year, venturing north this festive season couldn’t be more appealing! This one-mile-long trail of breathtakingly beautiful displays winds through Edinburgh’s famous Royal Botanic Garden and truly brings it to life. With whimsical light tunnels, enchanting waterside exhibits, and the iconic Cathedral of Light and Festive Finale illuminations, Edinburgh’s marquee light display promises to be more spectacular than ever. Just a 5-minute taxi from the heart of Edinburgh, why not visit the famous Christmas market and its collection of bars and food stands to fuel up (and warm up!) before you visit?
2. Temple Newsam (Leeds)
As a local display to our head office, the after-dark illuminated trail at Temple Newsam is a team favourite. With sparkling light tunnels, a fire garden and giant baubles, this is definitely the place to get you in the festive spirit. The light display event also has a café selling winter warmer drinks so you can keep yourself cosy whilst trying to catch a glimpse of Father Christmas!
3. Lightopia (Manchester, London And Alton Towers)
Whether you’re from the north or south, the Lightopia Festival is a stunning event not to be missed! Located in London, Manchester and Alton Towers you’ll witness an award-winning display of art come to life. Each destination has a different fantasy trail to enjoy with water shows, colourful lasers and stunning installations, it’s sure to be a Christmas you won't forget! To fuel yourself for the trail, there’s an amazing food court and bar to keep you warm throughout your walk.
4. Glow Wild at Wakehurst (Sussex)
Back for its eighth year, Glow Wild at Wakehurst is a stunning exploration of colour this Christmas. With the UK’s largest natural screen and the tallest living Christmas tree all decked out for Winter, this really is a magical place to welcome the festive season. To take your experience to the next level, you can try the Winter lodge dining experience in the Elizabethan Mansion to fill you up before beginning the trail. To ensure the lights are enjoyable for everyone, there are quiet sessions for visitors with disabilities on select evenings.
5. Christmas at Gibside (Tyne and Wear)
The stunning Georgian landscape at Gibside has a magical makeover at Christmas and is filled with stars, giant baubles and a flickering flame garden for you and your family to enjoy. Throughout the trail you can catch a glimpse of Father Christmas as you take in the breathtaking illuminations and enjoy your time with your loved ones. To keep you cosy and refreshed, walk under the stars with some toasted marshmallows, hot chocolate or a spiced Winter warmer to embrace a truly memorable family Christmas!