From dancing lasers and luminous lanterns to magical gardens and illuminated forest walks, imaginative light shows are being switched on throughout the UK this winter. 

Why not check out our top 10 Christmas light displays and see if you can squeeze in one last short Staycation before Christmas?

November and December are the perfect months to take advantage of our wonderful winter short breaks, which offer great discounts on selected cottages.

Tunnel of Light, Norwich

Image © VisitNorwich

When: 14 November 2019 - 4 January 2020
Where: Hay Hill, Norwich, Norfolk
Details: Returning for its fourth year - if you're yet to see the magical Tunnel of Light you really don't want to miss it! Why not take a trip to Norwich for some superb festive shopping and experience this seasonal showstopper whilst you’re there? Standing 45 metres long, four metres high and six metres wide, the tunnel is made from 50,000 pulsating LEDs with sequenced lights that echo the patterns and colours of the Northern Lights This year there are new light sequences to thrill the senses. Free to attend.
Find out more: www.visitnorwich.co.uk
Make a weekend of it: Check out our beautiful Norfolk properties, all between 20-40 minutes’ drive away.

Illuminated Light Trail, Blenheim Palace

Image © Blenheim Palace

When: 22 November 2019 - 1 January 2020; 4.40-10pm
Where: Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxfordshire
Details: Head to Blenheim Palace for a truly unmissable Cotswolds Christmas experience. Its after-dark trail of lights throughout the formal gardens will be brighter than ever before with lasers, projections, and thousands of pea-lights. Discover a scented Fire Garden, Christmas trees that sing, a swaying lawn of fibre optic colour, sparkling hedgerows, glowing cascades and much, much more. Finish your evening with a warming festive drink and explore the brand-new Blenheim Palace Christmas Market, set against the magnificent backdrop of the Great Court.
Find out more: www.blenheimpalace.com
Make a weekend of it: Enjoy a Cotswolds Christmas break at one of our beautiful holiday cottages across the Cotswolds.

Festival of Christmas, The Eden Project

Image © The Eden Project

When: 30 November - 30 December 2019 (selected times and dates)
Where: Eden Project, Bodelva, Par, Cornwall
Details: Enjoy a magical after-dark Christmas experience with playful light sculptures and live music. The breath-taking event runs alongside other favourite events, including an unmissable visit to Father Christmas and his elves (pre-booking required) and live storytelling. Or get your skates on at the Eden ice rink. There will also be the chance to try some wonderful seasonal food and drink at the cafés and do a spot of Christmas shopping at the shop, which is open late on selected evenings.
Find out more: www.edenproject.com
Make a weekend of it: Book a stay at one of our five Killigorrick Farm Cottages or Trencreek Farmhouse, all just 30 minutes’ drive away.

Trelissick Illuminated

Image © National Trust Images; credit John Millar

When: 6-8, 13-23, 27-31 December 2019; 4-7pm
Where: Trelissick (National Trust), near Truro, Cornwall
Details: If you’ve not yet experienced Christmas at Trelissick, it’s definitely worth wrapping up warm and making a visit. As dusk creeps in, the garden is transformed into an illuminated wonderland with pathways showered in light and glinting specks dancing among the tree branches. Head to the house after your adventure and warm up next to the roaring fire. Father Christmas tells a festive tale in a series of pre-bookable sessions at the stable-yard and his reindeer even fly in for a festive visit on Saturdays.
Find out more: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/trelissick
Make a weekend of it: Stay at Rosemundy Villa, Rosevean House, Trencreek Farmhouse or our cottages on the Bonython Estate.

Enchanted Christmas, Westonbirt Arboretum

Image © Westonbirt Arboretum; credit Paul Box

When: Fri, Sat & Sun from 29 November - 22 December 2019; 4-9pm
Where: Westonbirt Arboretum, Gloucestershire
Details: Westonbirt Arboretum is a fabulous reason to wrap up warm and enjoy the mile-long illuminated trail with breath-taking light spectacles and interactive displays amongst the trees! Once you’ve finished the trail, head to the new Christmas village and soak up the seasonal cheer by listening to Christmas choirs, getting the whole family involved in arts and crafts, having a go on fair ground rides, and catching a glimpse of some beloved Christmas characters. And there’s plenty of festive food and drink as well. Advanced booking essential.
Find out more: www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt
Make a weekend of it: For this magical Cotswolds Christmas experience, stay at our Cotswold Lake Lodges less than 30 minutes away.

Polperro Christmas Lights & Market

When: 8 December 2019; 2pm
Where: Polperro, South East Cornwall
Details: Always eager for a chance to celebrate, the folk of Polperro gather on the Big Green from 2pm onwards to turn their Christmas Lights switch-on into a proper festival. Craft stalls, live music, mulled wine and the smell of roasting chestnuts evoke a truly seasonal atmosphere, as well as offering a great chance to pick up some unique Christmas gifts. The local restaurants and eateries create dishes from seasonal local produce to give visitors a true taste of a proper Cornish Christmas. The festive lights line the roads with hundreds of brightly coloured bulbs, giving this unique fishing harbour a truly magical atmosphere.
Find out more: www.facebook.com/www.light.up.polperro
Make a weekend of it: Book a stay at one of our South East Cornwall holiday cottages, just 20-30 minutes’ drive away.

Garden of Lights, Blicking Estate

When: 30 November -20 December 2019; 10.30am-6.30pm
Where: Blickling Estate (National Trust), Aylsham, Norfolk
Details: Christmas is a magical time of year at Blickling. Stroll up the beautiful tree-lined drive and step inside the illuminated house festively decorated for a celebration of a Georgian Christmas. Please note that entry to the house requires a timed ticket. Outside 19,000 sparkling lights illuminate the gardens including the Temple Walk, Parterre and Walled Garden. Feeling the chill? Warm up with mulled wine and a mince pie as you soak up the enchanting atmosphere.
Find out more: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/blickling-estate
Make a weekend of it: Check out Banningham Coach House and Weavers Loft, just 10 minutes’ drive away.

Dunster by Candlelight

Image credit Ursula Franklin

When: 6 December 2019, 5 - 9pm; 7 December 2019, 4-9pm
Where: Dunster, Exmoor National Park
Details: With its impressive castle providing a dramatic backdrop, experience the medieval village of Dunster in a warm ambient glow, as the streets are lit with lanterns and candles to celebrate the days of old. There will be a lantern lighting procession on Friday and a soldiers’ procession with flaming torches and drums on Saturday. During two festive evenings of entertainment, the village is full of the sounds of live music, an array of street entertainers, food stalls and shops. Expect flaming sword duels, battle re-enactments, music from medieval musicians, entertainment from Giffords Circus and much more!
Find out more: dunsterbycandlelight.co.uk
Make a weekend of it: Explore the joys of Dunster by Candlelight with a stay at one of our Exmoor holiday cottages.

Heligan by Night

Image © The Lost Gardens of Heligan

When: 19-23, 27-30 December 2019, 2-4 January 2020; 5.30-8.30pm
Where: The Lost Gardens of Heligan, Pentewan, Cornwall
Details: Christmas is always a magical time at The Lost Gardens and there is plenty to get you into the festive spirit while you soak up the stunning surroundings. This December, step into ‘Heligan by Night’ and journey through the after dark magic of Heligan’s historic plantings. Delight in the incredible textures, colours and atmosphere created by renowned light artist Ulf Pedersen. There are timed ticket slots for your journey around ‘Heligan by Night’ which will take approx. 60 minutes. Booking is essential.
Find out more: www.heligan.com
Make a weekend of it: Stay at Trencreek Farmhouse less than 20 minutes’ drive away.

The Donkey Sanctuary by Candlelight

Image © The Donkey Sanctuary

When: 13 December 2018; 4-7pm
Where: The Donkey Sanctuary, Sidmouth, Devon
Details: The Donkey Sanctuary by Candlelight has a wonderful cosy atmosphere and quite literally glows as it is spectacularly illuminated by thousands of candles from 3pm onwards. The special Christmas celebrations then begin with a host of merry tunes on Main Yard, before the Christmas carol service at 5pm in the New Barn surrounded by lots of friendly donkeys – who may even join in! No booking required. This event is free to attend with free parking. Dogs on leads welcome. All proceeds go to the work of The Donkey Sanctuary worldwide.
Find out more: www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk
Make a weekend of it: Our gorgeous East Devon holiday cottages are all within a 15 - 30 minute drive.

Main blog image: Enchanted Christmas: Image courtesy of Westonbirt Arboretum; credit Paul Box