We absolutely love a Christmas light trail and over the years we have visited a fair few. In fact, it has become a proper family Christmas tradition for us. And since we are heading into November many Christmas light trails in Sussex have tickets on sale now. Most of the light trails I have included in this blog post are ones we have actually been to. Rather than just a list. And all of them are based in West Sussex and East Sussex.
Over the years we have visited many light shows also in our local area some of which are outside the county. These include Christmas Light Trails in Surrey and Christmas Light Trails in Kent. All of these are within easy driving distance of Sussex should you also wish to travel further afield this festive season.
As ever I will try and give more information about Christmas light trails in Sussex as more information is released. However, if you are aware of any new installations then please do let me know in the comments and I will get them added to this article.
The Best Christmas Light Trails in Sussex 2024
There is something special about a Christmas light trail as they offer something for visitors of all ages. Over the years they have become so much more than just fairy lights. With sparking tunnels of light, fields of torches of fire and immersive soundscapes. Whichever Chrstmas light trail in Sussex you choose to visit, I hope it leaves you with lots of festive cheer as you sip hot chocolate under the night sky.
Glow Wild at Wakehurst
- This was our first-ever experience of a Christmas Light Trail in Sussex and it is a very special one. Unlike many of the other light trails here. At the Winter lantern trail Glow Wild, the children can carry around little coloured lanterns on sticks. Creating a sea of walking pyramids in bright colours. It also offers something different in as far as there are many wax animal lanterns.
- Sister to Kew Gardens it really brings the magic of Christmas alive. And is also home to the tallest living Christmas Tree in the county. It looks so beautiful covered in Christmas lights. In the house, they normally offer kids the opportunity to make little lanterns themselves at an additional cost.
- The light trail is on hard standing for most of it although it is hilly in parts, especially around the lakes. A real mix of displays including reflections in the lakes, a fire garden and more traditional installations hanging from trees.
- There are plenty of opportunities to buy hot drinks and street food. As well as do some Christmas shopping in the gift shop.
More information
- Location – Selsfield Rd, Haywards Heath, RH17 6TN
- Dates & Times – Various dates from the 28th November 2024 to 1 January 2025, 4.15 pm to 10 pm (last entry 8.20 pm)
- Ticket Prices – Adult tickets cost £21.50, a Wakehurst member / Kew member is reduced to £16.50. Children aged 4 to 16 cost £16.00. Children under 4 are free. You can also purchase a family ticket (2 adults, 2 children) for £78.50 or £62 if a member.
- More info – https://www.kew.org/wakehurst/whats-on/glow-wild-2024
Leonardslee Lights
- This is literally about ten minutes from our house and previously known as Leonardslee illuminated. Relatively new to the light trail game Leondarslee also has some funfair rides and artisan food trucks forming a street market in its car park. Full of tasty treats and alcoholic beverages at the end of the trail route.
- Your time slots is to enter the light displays but you are free to spend as much time as you like in the car park afterwards.
- The cafe is also open for mulled wine and snacks. I would encourage you to visit to make sure you see the greenhouse which houses an unusual visitor this time of year.
- The trail is well thought out as it leads you down through the glade to the beautiful grounds of Leonardslee Lakes. With an amazing reflection of the moon. A very popular spot to get your photos and probably the most impressive display.
- Unlike other trials, we also came across theatrical performances with actors telling stories and trying to make the kids laugh. They also offer live music.
- Part of the trail is gravel so can be loose underfoot and it is probably not suitable for a buggy on this basis.
More Information
- Location – Brighton Road, Lower Beeding, Horsham, RH13 6PP
- Dates & Times – on various dates between the 22nd of November 2024 to the 30th of December 2024, timed entry slots from 4.15 pm to 8.30 pm
- Ticket Prices – Members receive free entry on selected days and times. Adults cost from £17.50 and children £10.50 with under 2s being free. They charge a booking fee of £1.75 per ticket online.
- More info – https://www.leonardsleegardens.co.uk/lights
IGNITE at Nymans National Trust
- Our favourite National Trust I was thrilled to find out they were hosting a new light trail. Another one we visited last year you can read all about our visit here – IGNITE at Nymans National Trust – Everything you need to know. Although our visit actually took place in February last year. Which makes it an alternative enchanting Winter lantern trail if you have a busy holiday season. Something to look forward to for the new year.
- The boys really enjoyed carrying around a little solar lantern. All of the trails is on hard standing and are suitable for buggies.
- With fireballs and cute woodland displays. There are several different places to get food from including independent food retailers. As we visited in February there was a beautiful heart-shaped arch towards the exit. Instead of the more traditional tunnel of light. Allow around an hour and a half to enjoy some marshmallows and mulled wine.
More Information
- Location – Nymans, Handcross, Haywards Heath, RH17 6EB
- Dates & Times – Have not been released yet for 2024/2025
- Ticket Prices – Have not been released yet for 2024/2025
- More Info – https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/christmas/christmas-lights-and-winter-illuminations
Christmas at Cowdray – Light Up Trails
- Known for its polo Cowdray Park first came onto our radar when we were looking for wedding venues. Right next to the pretty town of Midhurst the trail is run by Light Up Trails. As well as the light trail there is also a Santa’s grotto, a Ferris wheel and lots of different options for festive drinks and food.
- You do need to buy Grotto tickets separately and on the website, Light Up Trails suggests making sure you book a Santa visit at least one hour after the start of your trail.
More Information
- Location – Cowdray Park, Midhurst, GU29 0AY
- Dates & Times – Dates have not been released for 2024 it appears that they are only running in Romsey in Hampshire.
- Ticket Prices – They have different prices for peak and off-peak times. Peak times an adult costs £22, child £15, under 2s are free and family of 4 £70. Car parking is £8 for a timed two-hour slot. If you also want to visit Santa then this is an additional £15 for a child and £7.50 for an adult. This would bring the total cost for a family of four to £127.
- More Info – https://www.lightuptrails.com/
SteamLights at the Bluebell Railway
- We finally managed to do this a couple of years ago. I really like that you book a carriage which means you can invite the whole family along on the adventure which is what we did.
- When you arrive you also get a chance to look around the railway sheds and see some of the engines before the spectacular lighting of the train. The kids got very excited as everyone counted down. The carriages and trains are covered in colourful lights. Once you reach the second station you can catch the train itself as it will turn around to pull you back towards Sheffield Park. During the ride, you will see little festive scenes in amongst the woodland.
- You can order a food and drink package in advance or pick something up at the station. The boys also had a go at the lucky dip and were very pleased with their respective prizes. Tickets tend to sell out very fast for this one because of the limited capacity of the steam train. So make sure you join the mailing list for notifications of when tickets go on sale.
- Please note this does not include visiting Father Christmas. The Bluebell Railway runs a separate event for this – Visiting Father Christmas at the Bluebell Railway.
More Information
- Location – Sheffield Park, Uckfield TN22 3QL
- Dates & Times – SteamLights will be running on selected dates from 15th November 2024 to 30th December 2024.
- Ticket Prices – Prices start at £35 per person. When we visited we booked a third class compartment which takes eight, the prices of these vary between £210. They also sell first-class compartments which take six and cost £250.
- More Info – https://www.bluebell-railway.com/whats-on/steamlights/
Illuminated Battle Abbey
- Step into history this festive season with an immersive trail of stunning lights, unique installations, and awe-inspiring effects, all themed around 1066 and the epic Battle of Hastings. Be transported back to the era of Normans and Saxons, where legendary moments come alive in a dazzling display of light
- There will be hot chocolate, mulled cider or wine. For those with a sweet tooth, there will also be toasting of marshmallows, delicious custard and crumble and traditional Saxon and Norman cakes.
More Information
- Location – 1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey and Battlefield
- Dates & Times – Tuesday 3rd December to Sunday 8 December 2024, time slots from 5 pm to 7.30 pm.
- Ticket Prices – Prices vary if you are a member or not, member tickets are £12,50 for an adult, £7.50 for children or family tickets starting at £20. For non-members, adults are £16, children £9.50 and family tickets from £25.50
- More Info – https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/whats-on/battle-abbey-illuminated-abbey/
The Brighton Lights
- Back for its second year, the Winter trail has been reimagined with a new route, increased light installations, and a greater festival atmosphere. These interactive installations come with live music and food stalls. The organisers have put on specific nights that are aimed at adults and older children. While still maintaining plenty of festive fun for families.
More Information
- Location – One Garden Brighton, Stanmer Park, BN1 9SE
- Dates & Times – Running on the 7th and 8th of December 2024 only.
- Ticket Prices – Prices cost £18 for adults and £12 for children with a £1 booking fee per ticket. Children under 2 are free.
- More Info – https://www.onegardenbrighton.com/explore/one-events/the-brighton-lights/
Burning of the Clocks Brighton
Not technically one of the many Winter light trails. This deserves a mention. The Burning of the Clocks is a unique and enchanting winter solstice festival held annually in Brighton. This event, which takes place on December 21st, combines elements of art, community, and celebration to mark the shortest day of the year. Organised by the community arts charity Same Sky, the festival has become a beloved tradition for both locals and visitors since its inception in 1993.
The centrepiece of the festival is a magical lantern procession through the streets of Brighton. Participants create their own lanterns using kits provided by Same Sky or by attending lantern-making workshops. The procession typically begins at the Brighton Pavilion and winds its way through the city, accompanied by live music and performers. The procession culminates at Brighton Beach, where a large bonfire is lit. More information can be found – https://samesky.co.uk/events/burning-the-clocks/
We are so lucky to have such fantastic light trails on our doorstep to get us in the Christmas spirit. Are you planning to visit a Christmas light trail in Sussex? Please let me know which one in your comments below.
Related Blog Posts
If you are in a Christmas planning mood then you may be interested in some of our other festive posts.
- We have also visited several other festive light trails which are a little further afield. Include Blenheim Palace near Oxford which in my opinion is well worth the drive. Especially if you combine it with going into the palace and the Christmas market.
- Another favourite is the colourful light show at Bedgebury Pinetum. Just one of The Best Christmas Light Trails in Kent.
- We also love these too – The Best Christmas Light Trails in Surrey
- Looking to visit a Christmas Tree Farm? Then I have pulled together Christmas Tree Farms in Sussex, Christmas Tree Farms in Surrey and Christmas Tree Farms in Kent. We really look forward to picking out our tree each year, so I have included some tips in each post that may help you if you do the same.
- Panto season is almost upon us. We normally go to a panto at our local theatre on Christmas Eve. There is such a wide selection to choose from across the county. If you are looking for something specific then Pantomimes in Sussex, Pantomimes in Surrey and Pantomimes in Kent will help you.
- If you are thinking of visiting a Christmas market in Kent to pick up handmade gifts and try all the festive treats. Then you may also be interested in other local markets both Christmas markets in Sussex and Christmas markets in Surrey.
If you’ve liked this post please follow me on my social media channels:
Mudpie Fridays: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | LinkedIn
PIN for later – Christmas Light Trails in Sussex
One Response
What a great list of places to go to! Lovely photos too, properly puts you in the Christmas spirit!