Looking for the most magical Christmas light trails in Surrey this year? We’ve put together a guide to the best illuminated trails in and around Surrey for 2025 – many of which we’ve visited ourselves and can highly recommended.
There’s nothing quite like a sparkling illuminated trail to get you in the festive spirit. Wrapped up warm, enjoying the lights, and sipping your first mulled wine of the season – it’s one of those Christmas family events that really marks the countdown to Christmas.
Whether you’re planning a family day out, a festive date night, or just want to enjoy the festive atmosphere, these Surrey Christmas light displays are well worth a visit.
*We have previously been gifted tickets for some of the light trails.
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Windsor Illuminated
One of our all-time favourite Christmas light trails in Surrey is at Windsor Great Park Illuminated. Each year, the projections just seem to get more imaginative and creative.
As you take a leisurely stroll through the woods, keep an eye out for woodland creatures darting through the trees and for fairies floating up above. Cast your eye across the water for some of the best reflections around. It really is a feast for your senses!
Along the way, there are several stops for hot drinks and snacks and the trail finishes with a number of fairground rides, making it a perfect Christmas family event.
Illuminate at Guildford Castle
One of the newest Christmas light trails in Surrey, Illuminate at Guildford Castle, is returning to the heart of Guildford town centre for 2025.
This illuminated trail is short but offers a unique way to see Guildford Castle in a different light. Over 20–30 minutes, the castle grounds are transformed into a festive spectacle, with colourful installations highlighting the historic walls, gardens, and pathways.
Perfect for families and friends, Illuminate at Guildford Castle promises to be one of the most atmospheric Christmas family events in Surrey this season.
Glow 25 at RHS Wisley
A wonderful way to kick-start the festive season in Surrey is with a visit to Glow at RHS Wisley. We went last year and absolutely loved it.
Follow the illuminated trail to see the famous Surrey gardens transformed with colours, lights, and festive sparkle. The walk takes you along beautifully lit pathways and ends with a spectacular finale in front of the iconic Wisley house.
This popular event is one of the standout Christmas light trails in Surrey, making it a perfect choice for couples, friends, and one of the most memorable Christmas family events of the season.
Christmas at Kew
Although we’ve not yet been, Christmas at Kew is undoubtedly one of the UK’s most popular and acclaimed illuminated trails, with tickets selling out quickly each year.
Just a short journey from Surrey, it’s a brilliant option if you’re looking for Christmas light trails near Surrey. The famous botanical gardens are transformed with sparkling lights, shimmering reflections on the water, and seasonal music that makes the whole experience feel magical.
And for families, keep an eye out for Father Christmas along the way!
Glow Wild Wakehurst
As darkness falls at Wakehurst, the garden is transformed into an illuminated wonderland, inspired by the hidden world of trees.
Escape to Sussex for over a mile of light installations, handcrafted by leading artists. Discover the iconic Christmas tree, giant flying owl, and fiery hidden dragon, all surrounded by a thousand lanterns, on our award-winning trail.
The Christmas Illuminated Adventure at West Green House
This year, West Green House in Hampshire is hosting a brand-new Carnival of Animals Trail in its gardens.
Part of the Christmas Illuminated Garden Adventure, the mile-long illuminated trail features brilliantly lit bears, owls, peacocks, and more. On selected weekends, families can also visit the manger at the end of the trail, where children have the chance to meet and pet the animals.
To round off the evening, festive food and drinks will be served in the Orangery. Just a short drive away in Hampshire, it’s an excellent choice if you’re looking for Christmas light trails near Surrey.
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.
Tulley's Christmas Light Experience
Another exciting Christmas light show last year was Tulley’s Christmas Light Festival near Crawley in Sussex.
Returning for 2025, this Christmas light show in Sussex promises an unforgettable festive experience, featuring spectacular illuminated displays, interactive light attractions, festive characters, a 33-metre observation wheel, and a variety of street food.
Just a short drive from Surrey, it’s a perfect choice for those seeking Christmas light trails near Surrey and a fun-filled Christmas family event with something for all ages.
The Children's Trust Winter Festival
Support a local Surrey charity by joining the Children’s Trust Winter Festival on 6th December 2025.
Set in the grounds of Tadworth Court, near Epsom, this festive event offers plenty of activities for the whole family. As night falls, the garden and mansion are transformed with a beautiful illuminated winter light display. Guests can enjoy the lights, live performances on stage, and warm up with a hot drink.
Other Christmas events in and around Surrey
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 and near Surrey
*Disclaimer: We have previously been gifted tickets for some of the events. (Read our full Disclosure Policy)
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