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The Best Christmas Light Trails in Surrey 2024

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The Best Christmas Light Trails in Surrey 2024

It is the most wonderful time of the year – the Christmas Light Trail season! We absolutely love visiting light displays and over the years we have visited a fair few Winter lights. In fact, it has become a proper Christmas family traditions for us. And since we are heading into November many Christmas light trails in Surrey have tickets on sale now. Most of the festive trails I have included in this blog post are ones we have been to. Rather than just a list. And all of these magical illuminated trails are based in Surrey.

Over the years we have visited many light shows in our local area including Christmas Light Trails in Sussex and Christmas Light Trails in Kent. All these are within easy driving distance of Surrey 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 Surrey 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. Updated October 2024.

Great Windsor Park Illuminated

Windsor Great Park Illuminated returns for its fourth year to light up the iconic Windsor Great Park. Bringing the woodland and water to life with a festive celebration of light and a sparkle of magic in their Winter illuminations. Visit the stunning trail with a host of dazzling new lights and reimagined favourites
With mulled wine, hot chocolate and marshmallows.
Location – near Windsor Great Park’s Savill Garden and around the Obelisk Pond. Use postcode TW20 0UJ and will be signposted.
Dates & Times – Running from the 25th November 2024 to the 5th January 2025. Open every day apart from Christmas Day between 4.30 pm and 10.30 pm.
Ticket Prices – Tickets must be booked in advance. Prices are dependant on the time and date. Super off-peak family tickets cost £56.10 for two adults and two children up to £85.25 for peak times. The car park costs £7.70.
More Info – https://help.windsorilluminated.com/hc/en-gb

Illuminate Guildford Cathedral

This is a brand-new light trail in the heart of Guildford town centre. Explore stunning light installations around the 20-30 minute trail of Guildford Castle. Illuminate will be transforming all aspects of the castle into an enchanting experience.
Location – Guildford Castle, Castle St, Guildford, GU1 3SX
Dates & Times – 16th November 2024 to 5th of January 2025, opens at 4 pm with last entry at 8 pm
Ticket Prices – entrance is free but you still need to book your tickets via Eventbrite
More Info – https://www.illuminateguildford.co.uk/

Glow at RHS Garden Wisley

Being RHS gardens members we visit Wisely on a regular basis. There is so much for the kids to do it makes a great day out.
Each year they change this festive adventure. Follow an exciting new route through the stunning Seven Acres, past giant flowers that come to life with a simple touch. To the Glasshouse, stroll through the Tropical House and see amazing tropical plants lit up in all their glory. And a floating pontoon will take you over Glasshouse Lake. Making it a wonderful family-friendly Winter light trail.
Festive food stalls bring various street food and you can even do a bit of Christmas shopping as you walk around finding that special gift for a loved one.
Location – Wisley Lane, Wisley, Woking GU23 6QB
Dates & Times – Running from the 22nd of November 2024 to the 4th of January 2025 from 4 pm to 9 pm. No Glow event between 24th-26th of December.
Ticket Prices – Tickets must be booked in advance with members receiving a discount. Under 5s are free. Peak times are more expensive. Member prices start at £10.45 for an adult and £5.25 for a child. Non-member prices start at £17.95 for an adult and £11.95 for a child.
More Info – https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley/whats-on/glow-at-wisley

Christmas at Kew Gardens

We have only been to the super popular (read sell out) light show once when Charlie was about six months old. It is now in its ninth year. I have fond memories of my husband holding a huge golfing umbrella over the two of us as he fed in the pouring rain. In fact, I think it didn’t stop once during our whole visit and it’s a long trail.
However, that did not detract from the incredible lights show that lit up the palm house. With the flood-lit fountains in front, lakeside reflections and the beautiful formal gardens and Christmas trail. One of the most magical light trails we have done.
Parking can be a challenge here so it really should only be considered if you can reach it by local transport. But it really is a beautiful light show and should be on everyone’s list.
Location – Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 3AB
Dates & Times – Selected dates from 13 November 2024 to 5 January 2025. Entry is 4.20 pm to 10 pm with the last entry at 8 pm or 7 pm on Christmas Eve, depending on the gate as they do have different times so it is best to check the website for this information. Not open on Christmas Day.
Ticket Prices – When booking you need to select your entrance gate. Adults cost £32 peak time. Children aged 4 to 15 cost £20.00. Children under 4 are free but still need a ticket. You can also purchase a family ticket (2 adults, 2 children) for £94.00. There is a £2 transaction fee per ticket. With discounts for members and non-peak times. Parking costs £10 bookable in advance. One of the most popular events in the South East so tickets do tend to sell out.
More Info – https://www.kew.org/kew-gardens/whats-on/christmas

Palace of Light at Hampton Court Palace

Beasts of all shapes and sizes. Some of the installations are interactive, with jewel-like colours, light tunnels and seasonal music and sound effects.
You can combine your tickets with those for Hampton Court and if you visit in early December there is also an ice rink. Plus there will be lots of festive food, drink and tasty treats.
Location – Hampton Ct Way, Molesey, East Molesey, KT8 9AU
Dates & Times – No dates have been released for 2024
Ticket Prices – Light trail only ticket prices, adult £14.50 and child £9.50, member adult £7.25 and member child £4.75. There are various options for family tickets depending on how many children are attending. Under 5s are free and do not require a ticket. It is also possible to purchase a combined light trail and palace ticket. Entry to the palace is between 10 am and 4 pm.
More Info – https://www.hrp.org.uk/hampton-court-palace/whats-on/

Laps of Lights at Silverstone

If you are looking for something completely different then Laps of Lights at Silverstone is exactly that. A light show which you drive around. Not only do you get a chance to drive on the famous race circuit. I would be lying if that was not the main attraction for the husband. But it doesn’t matter if it rains as you will be nice and dry inside your car. We even saw a nativity scene and Father Christmas waving from a snow globe.
These light installations are on a different scale and are huge because of the sheer amount of space available. The challenge is that because you drive it goes much quicker than some of the others featured in this post. However, Silverstone has addressed this by putting on cinema at the end of the experience. When we visited they played the snowman which the boys loved. There is something for the whole family.
Plus they are now offering festive food and drink.
Location – Towcester, NN12 8TN
Dates & Times – This light show is not running for 2024

Lightopia at Crystal Palace

Unlike some of the other Christmas Light trails in Surrey, this one is based around large light-up animals. Steel and wire structures are covered In different shades of coloured wax paper. So that it gives the illusion of the model glowing and a spectacular light display. There are also fields of lights, tunnels of light and an amazing lit-up Christmas tree. Parking can be challenging at Crystal Palace so public transport is recommended.
Location – Crystal Palace Park, Canada Gate, Anerley Hill, London SE19 2BA
Dates & Times – This is not running in 2024 after the company went into administration. Although they may be back in 2025 and are running a Land of Lights event in Milton Keyes and Warrington in Lancashire.
More Info – https://www.landoflights.co.uk/

IGNITE Fire & Fantasy at Polesden Lacey National Trust

Another National Trust favourite we visited last year and have tickets to visit again this year. I will be really interested to see what has changed in the light trail. The boy’s favourite parts were the fire-breathing dragon and the tunnel of light. Looking over the grounds in front of the house to a sea of lights which looked like a fire garden with flickering flames was pretty special. I also liked the giant baubles with cut out metal work all lit up.
Plenty of food and hot drinks options both from the National Trust and independent retailers and food trucks including the opportunity to toast marshmallows over fire pits. The gift shop is open for some early Christmas shopping.
You can read all about our visit and what to expect here – IGNITE at Polesdon Lacey – Everything you need to know. I will be updating it once we have visited for the second year.
Location – Great Bookham, Near Dorking, Surrey, RH5 6BD
Dates & Times – Dates have not been released yet for 2024/2025
Ticket Prices – Adult tickets cost £16.50, children £12.50 and under 2s are free. Parking is £8 per car but free for National Trust members. You can also buy a family ticket
More Info – https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/surrey/polesden-lacey/events

I hope you have enjoyed this post about light trails in Surrey. Are you planning to visit a Christmas display with colourful lights or Surrey Christmas lights ? Let me know your favourite holiday lights in the comments below.