Updated for 2026. Last checked 26 September 2026.
This is our guide to the best Christmas light trails in the Midlands this winter, with 2026 dates, ticket prices, relaxed sessions and our own tips from years of wrapping up warm and heading out after dark. A light trail is the ideal way to get the family in the festive spirit. Wrap up warm, embrace the season and enjoy a hot chocolate as you explore some of our most loved attractions lit up at night. If you prefer to stay indoors on cold winter evenings then our Midlands panto guide might be useful, and most of the events in our festive markets guide are free to visit.
Quick picks for 2026
- Closest to Birmingham: Luminate at Birmingham Botanical Gardens in Edgbaston.
- Our personal favourite: The Enchanted Gardens at Webbs of Wychbold, with a Jungle Book theme this year.
- Best for sensory needs: Twycross Zoo’s Lanterns of the Wild, with four SEN evenings, and Webbs’ half capacity relaxed sessions.
- Best big day out: Christmas at Warwick Castle or Christmas at Blenheim Palace.
- Bring the dog: Christmas at Belton and the Winter Light Trails at Trentham and Delapré Abbey welcome well behaved dogs, and Winter Glow runs dog friendly dates.
- Something different: Lights of Abraham, where you ride the cable car before the trail.
Christmas light trails in the Midlands at a glance
| Light trail | Area | 2026 dates | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luminate, Botanical Gardens | Birmingham | 28 Nov to 2 Jan | See website |
| Himley Hall Enchanted Adventures | Dudley | 3 to 24 Dec | See website |
| Warwick Castle | Warwick | 21 Nov to 3 Jan | From £17 |
| Luminate, Coombe Abbey | Coventry | 28 Nov to 1 Jan | See website |
| Webbs Enchanted Gardens | Wychbold, Droitwich | 20 Nov to 2 Jan | Adult £17 to £26, child £11 to £20 |
| Winter Glow | Malvern | 20 Nov to 31 Dec | See website |
| St Peter’s Garden Centre | Worcester | TBC | Under a tenner (2025) |
| Attwell Farm Park | Redditch | TBC | TBC |
| Illuminated, National Memorial Arboretum | Alrewas | 4 to 22 Dec | Adult £20, child £12 (advance) |
| Trentham Winter Light Trail | Stoke-on-Trent | 20 Nov to 3 Jan | Adult £17, child £12.50 |
| Biddulph Grange Garden | Biddulph | TBC | TBC |
| Festive Gardens, Telford Town Park | Telford | December | TBC |
| Lanterns of the Wild, Twycross Zoo | Twycross | 6 Nov to 21 Feb | Adult from £19, child from £13.75 |
| Northern Lights, Abbey Park | Leicester | 18 Nov to 31 Dec | See website |
| Chatsworth | Bakewell | 7 Nov to 3 Jan | Adult £24, child £12 |
| Lights of Abraham | Matlock Bath | 20 Nov to 30 Dec | Adult from £23, child from £8 |
| Wollaton Winter Light Trail | Nottingham | 25 Nov to 3 Jan | Adult from £17, child from £12.50 |
| Wheelgate Park | Nottinghamshire | 6 Dec to 3 Jan | From £11.95 |
| Light Post Farm, White Post Farm | Farnsfield | 21 Nov to 23 Dec | £16.50 each |
| Christmas at Belton | Grantham | 20 Nov to 3 Jan | Adult from £18, child from £13 |
| Lincoln Castle Illuminated | Lincoln | TBC | From £3 (2025) |
| Delapré Abbey Winter Light Trail | Northampton | 27 Nov to 3 Jan | See website |
| Sudeley Castle Spectacle of Light | Winchcombe | 20 Nov to 30 Dec | From £20 |
| Christmas at Blenheim Palace | Woodstock | 13 Nov to 3 Jan | See website |
| Lanterns and Light, Chester Zoo | Chester | 13 Nov to 3 Jan | £12 to £27.50 |
| BeWILDerwood Cheshire | Malpas | 28 Nov to 23 Dec | £19.50 each |
TBC means the venue had not announced its 2026 details when this guide was updated. Most trails use peak and off peak pricing, so the cheapest tickets are usually weeknights in November or after Christmas.
Christmas light trails in Birmingham and the Black Country
1. Luminate, Birmingham Botanical Gardens
This company hosts trails across the UK, and here in the Midlands we are lucky to have two of them, at Birmingham Botanical Gardens and Coombe Abbey. The Botanical Gardens route is almost a mile long, with music synchronised installations, projection mapping and lasers. We visited a couple of years ago, so for our full review and plenty of pictures check out our Luminate trail at the Botanical Gardens post.
I often get asked which is the best, and they are all so unique, but for us the Botanical Gardens is the closest, so if you have little ones and do not want to be out too late or walk too far then it is ideal. It can get very busy at peak times. We love the festive vibe, the street food, the music and the marshmallow toasting.
- 2026 dates: Saturday 28 November 2026 to Saturday 2 January 2027, entry slots every 15 minutes from 4.30pm
- Tickets: Pre-book online. Peak pricing applies and online offers are common.
- Good to know: Parking at the gardens is for Blue Badge holders only, so public transport is the best option.
- Where: Westbourne Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 3TR
- Website: luminate.live/birmingham-botanical-gardens
2. Himley Hall Enchanted Adventures, Dudley
Himley Hall’s festive light trail takes you through the grounds with glowing installations, twinkling paths and illuminated displays. For 2026 the trail is double the length of previous years and adds a Santa’s grotto and an ice rink.
- 2026 dates: 3 to 24 December 2026, 4pm to 8.30pm
- Tickets: Book online, prices on the booking page
- Where: Himley Hall and Park, Dudley, DY3 4DF
- Website: www.himleyhallandpark.co.uk
Christmas light trails in Warwickshire
3. Christmas at Warwick Castle
One of our most beloved attractions in the Midlands. Christmas at the Castle hosts all manner of festive events, including an evening light trail with over half a million lights across 64 acres, so you see the castle and grounds from a whole new perspective. Stories with Santa is an adorable experience for young families, and there is ice skating and a festive food village too. The best thing here is that you can build your own experience and choose which attractions to do, so older ones can have a festive evening without having to see the big man in red.
- 2026 dates: 21 November 2026 to 3 January 2027
- Tickets: Light trail from £17 per person. Ice rink from £8, Stories with Santa from £29, castle entry from £18.
- Good to know: Each attraction is ticketed separately.
- Where: Warwick Castle, Warwick, CV34 4QU
- Website: www.warwick-castle.com/explore/events/christmas-at-the-castle
4. Luminate, Coombe Abbey, Coventry
The second Luminate trail in the Midlands winds through woodland and historic parkland at Coombe Abbey. It is longer than the Birmingham route at around 2.4km, with 13 highlight installations and fire pits for toasting marshmallows.
- 2026 dates: Saturday 28 November 2026 to Friday 1 January 2027, entry 4.30pm to 8.30pm
- Tickets: Pre-book online. Parking is £5 per car, added when you book.
- Good to know: Completely outdoors, so wrap up warm.
- Where: Coombe Abbey Park, Brinklow Road, Binley, Coventry, CV3 2AB
- Website: luminate.live/coombe-abbey
Christmas light trails in Worcestershire
5. The Enchanted Gardens at Webbs of Wychbold
Our personal favourite. Every year the riverside gardens at Webbs are transformed into a fairytale haven, and for 2026 the theme is Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book, told through theatrical sets, lanterns, projections and sound. Don’t forget to explore the garden centre and the Christmas displays too. Read our Webbs review post for more.
- 2026 dates: 20 November 2026 to 2 January 2027 (closed 24 to 26 December)
- Tickets: Off peak adult £17, child £11, family £53. Peak and super peak dates cost more (up to £26 adult, £20 child). Under 2s free but need a ticket.
- Good to know: Half capacity relaxed sessions with reduced volume and no flashing lights on Wednesday 25 November and Thursday 10 December (4.30pm to 5pm), book by calling 01527 860000. Santa’s workshop runs until 28 December. No dogs except assistance dogs. Card only.
- Where: Webbs, Wychbold, Droitwich, WR9 0DG
- Website: www.webbsdirect.co.uk/enchantedgardens
6. Winter Glow, Three Counties Showground, Malvern
Winter Glow combines an illuminated light trail with an ice rink, UV glow crazy golf and a Christmas market. The terrain here is flat so it is a nice one for little legs, but it can get extremely busy, so I would suggest an off peak visit and booking all the attractions together to make the most of your trip.
- 2026 dates: 20 November to 31 December 2026 (selected dates)
- Tickets: Classic, Multi-Pass, Any Day and Premium tickets. Kids go free on the light trail with a paying adult on selected tickets, check the offer when you book.
- Good to know: Sensory sessions and dog friendly dates are available. The trail takes around 45 to 75 minutes.
- Where: Three Counties Showground, Malvern, WR13 6NW
- Website: winterglow.co.uk/illuminated-light-trail
7. St Peter’s Garden Centre, Worcester
A lovely little light trail at this garden centre, with a free hot chocolate or tea for all bookers and an activity sheet for children to hand in for a chocolate reward. Santa and his elves wander the trail handing out badges, so it is a gentle, low cost option for younger children.
- 2026 dates: To be confirmed for 2026 (it opened in late November last year)
- Tickets: Last year it was Christmas magic for under a tenner
- Good to know: Santa is on the trail rather than in a grotto.
- Where: St Peters Garden Centre, Worcester
- Website: www.stpetersgardencentre.co.uk/christmas-at-st-peters
8. Attwell Farm Park, Redditch
Attwell Farm Park is a charming, family friendly farm, and its Festive Farm Light Trail has been a lovely way to combine the animals, reindeer, fire pits and a visit to Father Christmas.
- 2026 dates: To be confirmed for 2026
- Tickets: To be confirmed
- Good to know: This one has sold out quickly in previous years, so join their waiting list.
- Where: Seafield Lane, Beoley, Redditch, B98 9DB
- Website: attwellfarmpark.co.uk
Christmas light trails in Staffordshire and Shropshire
9. Illuminated, National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas
This event is simply stunning. The woodland and memorials are lit up beautifully and it really shows the grounds off in their best light. The route is around a mile long, which is a lovely distance for little legs. 2026 is the Arboretum’s 25th anniversary, and the trail will include storytelling installations about people who have shaped its history.
- 2026 dates: 4 to 22 December 2026
- Tickets: Adults £20 in advance (£25 standard), children 5 to 15 £12 in advance (£15 standard), under 5s free
- Good to know: Relaxed sessions have been offered in previous years, so check the website.
- Where: National Memorial Arboretum, Croxall Road, Alrewas, DE13 7AR
- Website: www.thenma.org.uk/what%27s-on/events/illuminated
10. Trentham Winter Light Trail, Stoke-on-Trent
This estate is stunning all year round (we love the Trentham trails at Easter too). The mile long light trail is promising all new installations for 2026, plus a food village and an après ski bar. We love this one because you can also explore the shopping village, pick up some great stocking fillers in the garden centre and maybe some treats for yourself too.
- 2026 dates: 20 November 2026 to 3 January 2027
- Tickets: Adults £17, children £12.50, under 3s free
- Good to know: Dogs are welcome on the trail. Private mini chalets can be booked for groups of 8 to 10.
- Where: Trentham Estate, Stone Road, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 8JG
- Website: trentham.co.uk/events/winter-light-trail
11. Biddulph Grange Garden (National Trust)
Biddulph Grange Garden’s festive lights transform the Victorian gardens, with illuminated trees and light sculptures in a stunning, tranquil setting. It is a lovely choice for a more relaxed but equally enchanting evening.
- 2026 dates: To be confirmed. The National Trust says the festive lights will return and tickets will be released later in the year.
- Tickets: To be confirmed (last year adults £15, children £10)
- Where: Grange Road, Biddulph, ST8 7SD
- Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/shropshire-staffordshire/biddulph-grange-garden/christmas-at-biddulph-grange
12. Festive Gardens, Telford Town Park
Telford Town Park is transformed into an illuminated garden with Santa’s grotto and festive activities. It has always been one of the best value trails in the region, with a family ticket for up to five people costing just £8 last year, and there has been an SEN session too.
- 2026 dates: December 2026, exact dates to be announced
- Tickets: To be confirmed
- Where: Telford Town Park, Telford
- Website: www.visittelford.co.uk
Christmas light trails in Leicestershire, Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire
13. Lanterns of the Wild, Twycross Zoo
One of our favourite local attractions, and the handcrafted lanterns show off animal habitats from around the world across the zoo. It also runs for longer than any other trail on this list, right through to February half term.
- 2026 dates: 6 November 2026 to 21 February 2027
- Tickets: Adults from £19, children from £13.75. Zoo and lanterns bundles from £32 adult and £26.75 child. Under 6 months free.
- Good to know: Four SEN evenings with reduced capacity, lowered music and static lights: 26 November, 10 December, 15 January and 7 February. Santa’s grotto available.
- Where: Twycross Zoo, Burton Road, Atherstone, CV9 3PX
- Website: twycrosszoo.org/lanterns-of-the-wild
14. Northern Lights, Abbey Park, Leicester
Leicester’s Abbey Park has a brand new light trail for 2026 from the Northern Lights team, with a mile long trail of immersive installations, a Christmas village, festive food and fairground rides. It replaces the old Enlightened trail.
- 2026 dates: 18 November to 31 December 2026 (selected dates), entry from 4.15pm
- Tickets: Book online, prices on the website
- Good to know: Relaxed sessions are available.
- Where: Abbey Park, Leicester, LE1 3EA
- Website: northernlightsleicester.com
15. Christmas at Chatsworth
Chatsworth House is a truly majestic location, and at Christmas it becomes even more spectacular. Explore the beautifully illuminated garden, and the Christmas market is filled with seasonal treats and unique gifts.
- 2026 dates: 7 November 2026 to 3 January 2027
- Tickets: Light trail only: adults £24, children 3 to 16 £12
- Good to know: Other ticket options include the house, farmyard and playground.
- Where: Chatsworth, Bakewell, DE45 1PP
- Website: www.chatsworth.org
16. Lights of Abraham, Matlock Bath
A truly unique experience, with the chance to ride the cable car across the river with stunning views before setting off on a trail which leans into the natural beauty of this lovely place. The café is open with warming treats and there are fires for marshmallow toasting too.
- 2026 dates: 20 November to 30 December 2026
- Tickets: Off peak adults £23, children £8. Peak adults £25, children £16. Under 3s free.
- Good to know: This experience is not wheelchair accessible, and a maximum of six people fit in each cable car, so larger groups may have to split up.
- Where: Heights of Abraham, Matlock Bath, DE4 3NT
- Website: www.heightsofabraham.com
17. Wollaton Winter Light Trail, Nottingham
The team behind the Trentham trail light up the grounds of Wollaton Hall, with interactive installations around the deer park.
- 2026 dates: 25 November 2026 to 3 January 2027
- Tickets: Adults £17 to £25.45, children and seniors £12.50 to £19, families £50 to £72.50
- Where: Wollaton Hall and Deer Park, Nottingham, NG8 2AE
- Website: www.winterlighttrail.co.uk
18. The Magic Lantern Festival, Wheelgate Park
Wheelgate Park opens after dark with an illuminated lantern trail, and the rides are open for thrill seekers, with indoor play barns for the little ones.
- 2026 dates: 6 December 2026 to 3 January 2027
- Tickets: Adults and children over 108cm £17.95 to £19.95, children 95 to 108cm £11.95 to £13.95
- Where: Wheelgate Park, White Post, Farnsfield, NG22 8HX
- Website: www.wheelgatepark.com/events/wheelgate-ride-and-light-trail-illuminations-evenings
19. Light Post Farm, White Post Farm
A new addition to our list, White Post Farm turns into Light Post Farm with a festive trail around the farm, which is ideal for younger children.
- 2026 dates: Selected dates 21 November to 23 December 2026, Thursday to Sunday
- Tickets: £16.50 per person, under 2s free
- Where: White Post Farm, Farnsfield, NG22 8HL
- Website: www.whitepostfarm.co.uk
Christmas light trails in Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire
20. Christmas at Belton
Belton House comes alive with festive illuminations each year. New for 2026 are a Sphere Field, Star Arches and a Moon and Stars display, alongside returning favourites like the Christmas Cathedral, the Fire Garden and projections on the house. You can also spot Santa on the trail.
- 2026 dates: 20 November 2026 to 3 January 2027
- Tickets: Adults £18 off peak or £26 peak, children £13 off peak or £19.50 peak. Fairground rides extra.
- Good to know: Well behaved dogs on leads welcome (except 16 December). Mobility vehicle and wheelchair hire available.
- Where: Belton Estate, Grantham, NG32 2LS
- Website: www.christmasatbelton.co.uk
21. Lincoln Castle Illuminated
The castle’s medieval architecture is the perfect backdrop for a light trail through the grounds, and you can even walk the castle walls at night. There is a mini Christmas Express train, fairground rides and festive food.
- 2026 dates: To be confirmed for 2026 (last year it ran Wednesday to Sunday from late November to 23 December)
- Tickets: Grounds entry from £3 last year, with an upgrade for the illuminated wall walk
- Good to know: Dog friendly evenings have run on selected Wednesdays.
- Where: Lincoln Castle, Castle Square, Lincoln, LN1 3AA
- Website: www.lincolncastle.com
22. Delapré Abbey Winter Light Trail, Northampton
The Winter Light Trail meanders through the abbey’s grounds with creative installations and soundscapes, brought to you by the same team as Trentham. There is marshmallow toasting, independent food vendors and warm drinks.
- 2026 dates: 27 November 2026 to 3 January 2027
- Tickets: Adult, child and under 3 tickets, see the website for prices
- Good to know: Dog friendly, with mini chalets for private groups.
- Where: Delapré Abbey, London Road, Northampton, NN4 8AW
- Website: www.winterlighttrail.co.uk/northampton
Worth the drive
23. Sudeley Castle Spectacle of Light
Sudeley Castle in the Cotswolds becomes a magical destination at Christmas, now in its 11th year. The 2026 theme is Alice’s Amazing Adventures in Wonderland, with the White Rabbit, Mad Hatter, Cheshire Cat and Queen of Hearts lighting up the castle grounds, plus mulled wine and hot chocolate.
- 2026 dates: 20 November to 30 December 2026
- Tickets: From £20, with 10% off in advance. Under 3s free but need a ticket.
- Good to know: Booked through the Everyman Theatre.
- Where: Sudeley Castle, Winchcombe, Gloucestershire
- Website: sudeleycastle.co.uk/events/spectacle-of-light-2026
24. Christmas at Blenheim Palace
A little further south, but one of the UK’s Christmas highlights. The illuminated trail has over a million lights, and inside the palace the state rooms tell the story of Cinderella. There is also an ice rink, an observation wheel and a Christmas market.
- 2026 dates: 13 November 2026 to 3 January 2027 (market until 20 December)
- Tickets: See the booking page, peak pricing applies
- Good to know: Parking must be pre-booked. Limited dog friendly trail nights.
- Where: Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, OX20 1PP
- Website: www.blenheimpalace.com/whats-on/events/christmas
25. Lanterns and Light, Chester Zoo
One of our favourite winter light trails and certainly worth the journey. The trail is spectacular, with interactive puppets and so many fabulous displays which lean into the animal theme. For 2026 there is a new route, a giant polar bear and adults only evenings.
- 2026 dates: 13 November 2026 to 3 January 2027
- Tickets: £12 to £27.50 depending on date and age
- Where: Chester Zoo, Upton-by-Chester, CH2 1LH
- Website: www.chesterzoo.org/events/lanterns-and-light
26. BeWILDerwood Cheshire
BeWILDerwood’s woodland turns into a festive wonderland with a sparkly light trail full of snowy surprises and quirky characters. This is perhaps one of the most beautiful places we have ever visited and one we highly recommend for neurodivergent families.
- 2026 dates: 28 November to 23 December 2026
- Tickets: £19.50 per person
- Where: BeWILDerwood Cheshire, near Malpas
- Website: bewilderwood.co.uk
Not a light trail, but lovely: Christmas on the Farm at Cotswold Farm Park
We love Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm Park. It is no longer an outdoor light trail, but Christmas on the Farm is a magical experience for young families, with a personal visit with Father Christmas, a gift from the present room, a teddy bear workshop, gingerbread decorating and marshmallows at the fire pits, plus entry to the farm park.
- 2026 dates: 27 to 29 November, 4 to 6 December, 11 to 13 December and daily 17 to 23 December
- Tickets: See the booking page
- Website: cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk/seasonal-events/christmas-on-the-farm
No light trail this year: Shugborough
Shugborough Estate has hosted a light trail in previous years, but no trail has been announced for 2026. We will update this guide if that changes.
Our tips for visiting a Christmas light trail
- Book early and look at off peak dates. The cheapest tickets are usually weeknights in November or after Christmas.
- Wear wellies. Lots of these trails get very busy and the footfall churns up paths and routes.
- Many trails sell lanterns and flashing toys, so pick up a torch or glow toy from somewhere like Poundland before you go and save some money.
- I like to buy a box of candy canes and hand them out as a treat en route rather than paying for expensive snacks.
- Be mindful that lots of places have extra attractions with additional fees, such as ice rinks, fairground rides and Santa’s grottos.
- Check the accessibility information before you book, as some trails have steps, slopes or uneven woodland paths.
Christmas light trails FAQ
When do Christmas light trails open in 2026?
The earliest trails open in early November, like Twycross Zoo from 6 November and Chatsworth from 7 November, but most start in the last two weeks of November and run until early January.
What is the closest Christmas light trail to Birmingham?
Luminate at Birmingham Botanical Gardens in Edgbaston is the closest. Himley Hall in Dudley, Webbs at Wychbold, Warwick Castle and the National Memorial Arboretum are all within around half an hour to 45 minutes of the city.
Are there relaxed or sensory friendly light trail sessions?
Yes. Twycross Zoo runs four SEN evenings with lowered music and static lights, Webbs runs half capacity relaxed sessions, and Winter Glow and Northern Lights Leicester offer sensory or relaxed sessions. Check each venue for dates and how to book.
Which light trails are dog friendly?
Christmas at Belton, Trentham and Delapré Abbey welcome well behaved dogs on leads, and Winter Glow and Blenheim Palace have selected dog friendly dates. Most other trails only allow assistance dogs.
We hope you find some festive magic this winter. As more information is released we will update this post, and if we have missed your favourite light trail, let us know on Instagram or Facebook.
Estimated reading time: 22 minutes
Last Updated on Saturday, September 26, 2026 by Lavania Oluban