Christmas lights and winter illuminations

Christmas at the Blickling Estate in Norfolk — Christmas trees outside Blickling Hall in Norfolk | © National Trust Images/Rob Coleman

This winter, many of the houses and gardens in our care will be transformed with Christmas illuminations. From spectacular light shows at big country houses to family-friendly twinkling trails, there's something for everyone.

2025 events coming soon

Please note that the below events are from last year. We'll share Christmas 2025 events as soon as possible.

These popular events feature sound, illuminations and seasonal snacks, and we recommend booking entry in advance.

Belton Estate, Lincolnshire: Surround yourself with sparkling lights at Belton this Christmas. This after-dark illuminated trail features a meadow of light stretching out into the distance, colour-changing strings of neon flowers and festive street food.Book tickets
Blickling, Norfolk: Explore the Garden of Lights at Blickling on a newly accessible level route. Around the grounds, colourful displays will take you on a journey through the seasons. Head to the Parterre, where the seasons come together and there are activities for all the family, then grab a mince pie at the Festive Farmyard.Book tickets
Calke Abbey, Derbyshire: Calke Abbey will be lit up with lights inspired by nature over the festive period. Try to spot all the friendly illuminated creatures dotted along a trail around the Pleasure Grounds and St Giles Church. There'll also be Christmas markets and the chance to meet Santa.Book tickets
Croft Castle, Herefordshire: Rediscover the castle, gardens, gothic arch and church bathed in Christmas light and see the ancient trees sparkle at Illuminate; Croft Castle's after-dark light show. Complete the fun with festive snacks and mulled wine in the tea-rooms.Book tickets

Visitors enjoying the illuminated Christmas trail in the park at Dunham Massey, Greater Manchester | © National Trust Images/Trevor Ray Hart

Dunham Massey, Greater Manchester: Dunham Massey's light and sound installations are back this Christmas. Bring your friends and family along to discover bright beams play among ancient trees, dancing lights on the moat and colourful creations along the estate's winding paths.Book tickets
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, North Yorkshire: See the Abbey aglow with coloured lights illuminating the cellarium and the entire building bathed in white light at Fountains by Floodlight. Between 7pm and 8pm, the voices of choir singers will bring an even more festive atmosphere to the ruin.Book tickets
Knightshayes, Devon: Take the illuminated route through the Formal Garden at Knightshayes after dark and see some of your favourite spots with added festive sparkle. The house will be lit up, too, on selected dates in December.Book tickets
Powis Castle and Garden, Powys: Visit Powis Castle this Christmas from 13 to 23 December to see festive projections in the courtyard and twinkling lights illuminating the majestic architecture. Plus, step inside the house to enjoy a Dickensian Christmas of flickering candlelight.Book tickets
Shugborough, Staffordshire: As darkness descends, set off along the mile-long illuminated trail that weaves through the grounds at Shugborough and enjoy some mesmerising light displays, all set to music. Stock up on hot drinks, toasted marshmallows and mulled wine as you go.Book tickets

Two large Christmas trees with yellow lights at the entrance to the courtyard at Sizergh, and the grey stone manor house with its large oak door standing open. — Step back into a Christmas past in the house at Sizergh. | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

Sizergh, Lake District: Follow a nature-themed trail of lights through the woodland at Sizergh after dark. The light-and-sound installations will include magical animations of deer, glowing pond lilies and lamps shaped like creatures and plants.Book tickets
Stourhead, Wiltshire: Follow the Christmas trail at Stourhead to find a blaze of light stretching across the lake, huge illuminated feathers floating in the night sky, sparkling tunnels of light and a glimpse of Father Christmas along the way.Book tickets
Waddesdon, Buckinghamshire: The house and grounds at Waddesdon will feature new displays for an enchanting experience inspired by Sleeping Beauty. Enjoy decorated interiors, new projections on the Manor's façade, a trail of twinkling lights through the garden and a Christmas market.Book tickets
Wimpole, Cambridgeshire: A new trail will bring the estate at Wimpole to life with more than a million lights and seasonal sounds. See trees lit up in rainbow colours, long glowing tunnels, glittering larger-than-life flowers and keep an eye out for Father Christmas.Book tickets