From glowing woodland trails to spectacular drone shows, the UK lights up every winter with events that delight all ages. Whether you’re in London, the South West, Brighton, the West Midlands or South Wales, here are the best light shows to see in 2025 — including breathtaking drone productions from Yuup and Celestial.
1. WILD: The Drone Light Show (Multiple locations)
Experience the natural world like never before as hundreds of illuminated drones form stunning animals and ecosystems in the night sky. WILD celebrates the beauty of the animal kingdom through storytelling, sound and light in a show that lasts around 40 minutes.
📍 Locations: Birmingham, Nottingham, Brighton and Bristol
📅 Dates: November 2025 – December 2025
🎟️ Tickets: From £12 per adult wilddroneshow.com
💫 Why go: An emotional and visually breathtaking display suitable for all ages.
2. A Christmas Carol: The Drone Light Show (Northampton)
Dickens’ festive classic reimagined in the sky! Thousands of drones bring Scrooge, the Ghosts of Christmas, and Victorian London to life in an uplifting 40-minute retelling with music and narration from Matt Lucas.
📍 Locations: Northampton
📅 Dates: December 2025
🎟️ Tickets: From £14 per adult christmasdronelightshow.co.uk
💫 Why go: A heartwarming Christmas experience combining storytelling, music, and drone art.
3. Festival of Light at Longleat (Wiltshire, South West)
The UK’s largest lantern festival returns with a brand-new theme for 2025. Expect enormous glowing sculptures, mythical creatures, and dazzling tunnels of light spread across the Longleat estate.
📍 Location: Longleat, Wiltshire
📅 Dates: 7 November 2025 – 5 January 2026
🎟️ Tickets: From £29 (advance booking essential)
💫 Why go: An unmissable festive tradition for families in the South West.
4. Christmas at Kew (London)
Kew Gardens’ world-famous light trail is back, with glittering tunnels, illuminated trees, and dancing reflections around the lake. The trail covers over a mile of dazzling light and sound.
📍 Location: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
📅 Dates: 20 November 2025 – 5 January 2026
🎟️ Tickets: From £26
💫 Why go: London’s most spectacular and atmospheric light trail.
5. Winter Glow (Malvern, West Midlands)
An all-in-one festive destination featuring a magical light trail, ice rink, big wheel, and food village. Each section tells a story through creative illumination and soundscapes.
📍 Location: Three Counties Showground, Malvern
📅 Dates: 21 November 2025 – 4 January 2026
🎟️ Tickets: From £17
💫 Why go: Family-friendly, fun, and full of festive spirit — perfect for a Christmas day out.
6. Christmas Train of Lights (Devon, South West)
Hop aboard a vintage steam train decked with thousands of sparkling lights, travelling along the Dartmouth Steam Railway with views of illuminated beaches and tunnels.
📍 Location: Dartmouth, Devon
📅 Dates: 22 November 2025 – 2 January 2026
🎟️ Tickets: From £25
💫 Why go: A magical moving light show with coastal views — pure Christmas nostalgia.
Credit: Christmas Train of Lights
7. Glow Wild at Wakehurst (West Sussex / near Brighton)
A stunning after-dark trail through Wakehurst’s botanical gardens, filled with hand-crafted lanterns, fire installations, and illuminated sculptures.
📍 Location: Wakehurst, near Haywards Heath (close to Brighton)
📅 Dates: 21 November 2025 – 5 January 2026
🎟️ Tickets: From £18
💫 Why go: Nature meets artistry in one of the South’s most beautiful settings.
8. Christmas at Cardiff Castle (South Wales)
The castle transforms into a festive wonderland with a themed light trail, ice rink, food stalls, and Christmas market. The castle walls and towers are illuminated with stunning projections.
📍 Location: Cardiff Castle, Cardiff
📅 Dates: 22 November 2025 – 1 January 2026
🎟️ Tickets: From £10
💫 Why go: The most atmospheric light experience in South Wales, perfect for families and couples alike.
Visiting light shows in the UK
When planning your visit, book early — December weekends sell out quickly, especially for popular trails and drone shows. Dress warmly and wear comfortable shoes, as most events are outdoors and often involve walking. Midweek dates tend to be quieter and cheaper, offering the best chance to enjoy the magic without crowds. Many light trails also offer accessible routes, so check ahead if you’re visiting with a wheelchair or pram. And remember to give yourself time to explore — grab a hot drink, browse the food stalls, and soak in the glow.
Experience more winter experiences with Yuup
Whether you’re watching a Dickens classic unfold above you with drones, crafting the perfect festive wreath or decorating gingerbread biscuits with the kids, this winter, Yuup has a line up of festive local experiences to light up the whole family.
Discover more seasonal magic on yuup.co
