The UK hosts some spectacular light shows throughout the year, especially during the festive season, each dedicated to stunning visitors with creative designs and beautiful lighting effects. There's a whole range of experiences on offer from high-tech drone displays to traditional garden illuminations, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Here's a roundup of some of the most dazzling light shows, from drone shows to a festive steam train.
Top light shows and trails
A Christmas Carol, The Drone Light Show; Bristol, Brighton and Nottingham
Adding an extra sprinkle of magic this Christmas, Charles Dickens’ much-loved tale, A Christmas Carol, will be reimagined in an enchanting new animated drone light show with Matt Lucas as narrator.
During the festive show, hundreds of drones will illuminate the night sky, bringing Ebenezer Scrooge and his ghostly visitors to life in a mesmerising display that will enchant audiences of all ages.
A Christmas Carol will be on show at world-class venues in Bristol, Brighton and Nottingham.
Evolution, The Drone Light Show, UK tour
Evolution is an immersive outdoor show using state-of-the-art technology that will spark imagination and stir the soul.
Watch hundreds of animated drone lights tell the story of the birth of the universe and millions of years of evolution. Expect immersive storytelling of extraordinary proportions, unlike anything seen before.
Evolution is touring cities across the UK from Bristol to Durham, and is the perfect evening out for all the family thanks to being a low-noise experience.
Want to know the best part? This drone light show isn't just for Christmas, the UK tour features dates throughout the year.
Luxmuralis: In The Beginning, Bristol Cathedral
In The Beginning is an awe-inspiring display of festive light and sound, celebrating the Nativity story.
Using the atmospheric internal architecture of Bristol Cathedral as a virtual canvas, award-winning artistic collaboration, Luxmuralis, will bring the original story of Christmas to life in a visual interpretation of light, colour and sound.
Audiences will move through a series of immersive installations projected onto the Cathedral walls, which combined will reimagine the Nativity story through a dazzling contemporary lens.
Visitors of all ages will be enchanted by this Christmas experience like no other, in the heart of Bristol.
Christmas at the Botanics, Edinburgh
The Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh transform into a magical illuminated trail with stunning displays and immersive experiences over the festive period.
Created by award-winning, internationally acclaimed light trail producers, Christmas at the Botanics has everything you need for an unforgettable time with friends and family.
Northern Lights in Leazes Park, Newcastle
Northern Lights is an immersive Christmas light trail that transforms the grounds of Newcastle’s Leazes Park into an enchanted wonderland, suitable for all ages. It includes a spectrum of jaw-dropping illuminations including art installations, interactive elements and special effects including a spectacular lakeshow.
Train of Lights, Dartmouth Steam Railway, Devon
The Devon Train of Lights is an illuminated festive spectacle around that's guaranteed to wow new and returning visitors of all ages.
Run by the Dartmouth Steam Railway and River Boat Company, the vintage carriages of The Devon Train of Lights are decorated with thousands of sparkling lights, creating a magical atmosphere for train passengers as well as landside spectators watching at Goodrington and Broadsands Beaches.
Festival of Light, Longleat, Wiltshire
Longleat’s Festival of Light is well known for its large-scale lanterns and impressive light installations, with a different theme appearing each year.
It's considered to be the UK's original, biggest and most exciting lantern festival and is the perfect festive experience when combined with the beautiful Longleat House Light Show and Enchanted Christmas Tree Show.
This year visitors can expect to walk through a great pyramid of Egypt, dodge a dinosaur’s roar, and marvel at the 10 metre high Roman Colosseum complete with chariots and gladiators.
(Credit: Lloyd Winters)
Christmas at Kew, London
As one of the UK’s leading and most acclaimed illuminated trails, Christmas at Kew is an unmissable opportunity to herald the start of Christmas or welcome in the New Year.
It’s a botanical world brimming with seasonal cheer as twinkling lights and seasonal sounds fill the air. Discover glittering tunnels of light, dancing lakeside reflections and trees drenched in jewel-like colour.
Lanterns and Light, Chester Zoo, Cheshire
Explore a magical world of animal lanterns and creative light installations within the zoo grounds at Chester Zoo. Journey through vibrant lands where orangutans, elephants, and lions roam. Explore a glowing tunnel of lights, fill up on festive treats at the Christmas food markets, and even come face-to-face with Father Christmas himself along the trail.
Christmas at Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire
Discover a festive atmosphere like no other at Blenheim Palace in 2024. The historic Palace and Gardens will once again come alive with thousands of twinkling lights, seasonal scents, sparkling baubles and warmth of the festive season.
Enchanted Christmas at Westonbirt, Gloucestershire
Prepare to be dazzled by an enthralling winter wonderland, filled with sparkling lights, festive sounds, and mesmerising installations – making for an unforgettable experience for all the family.
Westonbirt’s captivating landscape and stunningly lit trees creates an enchanting world full of wonder and imagination – the perfect place to create cherished memories that will last a lifetime.
