Looking for the best Christmas light trails in Surrey this year? We’ve rounded up some of the most magical illuminated trails in Surrey and nearby for 2026, including many that we’ve visited ourselves.
There’s nothing quite like wrapping up warm and heading out to see thousands of twinkling lights to get you in the festive spirit. Add a hot chocolate or your first mulled wine of the season and it really does feel like the countdown to Christmas has begun.
From spectacular illuminated gardens to atmospheric woodland walks, there are some fantastic Christmas light trails in Surrey this year. And if you’re happy to venture a little further, you’ll find more impressive Christmas light trails near Surrey in Berkshire, Hampshire, London and Sussex.
Whether you’re planning a family evening out, a festive date night, or simply want to kick-start the Christmas season, here are some of our favourites for Christmas 2026.
*We have previously been gifted tickets for some of the light trails.
Contents: click to jump to a section
Christmas Light Trails in Surrey
Windsor Illuminated
One of our all-time favourite Christmas light trails in Surrey is Windsor Great Park Illuminated. Each year, the projections and installations seem to become even more imaginative.
The trail returns from 13th November 2026 to 3rd January 2027, with a new route through the woodland and around Obelisk Pond.
As you wander through the woods, look out for woodland creatures brought to life with light and sound, spectacular projections, and beautiful reflections across the water. There are stops for festive food and fire pits to melt your marshmallows.
Illuminate at Guildford Castle
One of Surrey’s newer festive light trails, Illuminate Guildford Castle, returns for 2026 with a completely redesigned route and brand-new light installations.
The 30-40 minute trail winds through the historic castle grounds, transforming the gardens and Norman keep with colourful illuminations. Its relatively short route makes it a particularly easy Christmas outing.
Plus, its town-centre location means you can easily combine the lights with dinner or drinks in Guildford afterwards.
Glow 26 at RHS Wisley
A wonderful way to kick-start the festive season is a visit to Glow at RHS Wisley, one of the best-known Christmas light trails in Surrey. We went last year and absolutely loved it.
For 2026, there’s an updated route with seven brand-new installations and two new light shows, combining light and some of Wisley’s best known landscapes.
Follow the illuminated pathways through the gardens, where trees, plants and water are transformed by colour and light.
Christmas Light Trails near Surrey
Christmas at Kew
Although we’ve not yet been, Christmas at Kew remains one of the biggest festive light trails within easy reach of Surrey.
The trail returns from 13th November 2026 to 3rd January 2027, with an approximately 3km route featuring huge light installations, sparkling tunnels, immersive soundscapes and new artworks.
There’s plenty of traditional Christmas atmosphere too, with Father Christmas, a fairground, festive street food and warm drinks.
They are also introducing adult-only evenings for 2026 (on 3rd and 9th December).
Leonardslee Lights
Last year’s visit to Leonardslee Lights was one of the highlights of our festive season in the run-up to Christmas.
Just over the Surrey border in Sussex, the woodland gardens at Leonardslee are transformed with light, sound, and colour. The illuminated trail winds through the grounds and down to the lakes, where the stunning suspended earth installation reflects beautifully on the water.
The illuminated trail at Leonardslee Gardens takes about 60-90 minutes to complete. Afterwards, you can head outside to enjoy to the Christmas Market and funfair.
Glow Wild at Wakehurst
Glow Wild returns to Wakehurst in Sussex from 26th November to 2nd January 2027.
This year’s Christmas light trail takes visitors in search of Nature’s Gift, with thousands of handcrafted lanterns, illuminated landscapes, music and performances.
Look out for magical creature and characters along the way before finished beneath Wakehurst’s enormous Redwood Christmas Tree.
West Green House Illuminated Trail
There is completely new theme at West Green House for Christmas 2026.
The kilometre-long Once Upon a Time Illuminated Trail, leads through the gardens and around the lakes, bringing favourite fairy tales to life. Look out for characters inspired by The Frog Prince, Hansel & Gretel and More.
You can enjoy listening to the choir and little children will enjoy petting animals.
Tulley's Christmas Light Experience
Tulley’s Christmas Light Festival near Crawley is another fun option if you’re looking for Christmas light trails near Surrey.
Rather than being simply a walk-through trail, Tulleys has more of a festival feel. Alongside its illuminated woodland experiences, there are two live music stages, festive street food and bars, a Christmas market, and the huge 33-metre Observation Wheel towering above the lights.
Other Christmas events in Surrey and nearby
Check out our bumper guide to some of the best Christmas events in Surrey. Alternatively you can discover fun things to do at Christmas in Hampshire and the best Christmas events in Berkshire.
Pin for Later: Dazzling Christmas light trails in Surrey and nearby
*Disclaimer: We have previously been gifted tickets for some of the events. (Read our full Disclosure Policy)
All rights reserved © Chimptrips. Republishing this article and/or any of its contents (text, photography, links, etc.), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited.
