Here’s our guide to help you discover the most enchanting Christmas light trails in Surrey and beyond. And many of them are tried and tested by us.
Is there anything better than an illuminated trail to get you in the mood for the festive season? It really does mark the countdown to Christmas. Wrapping up warm, admiring the sparkly lights and displays, and of course sipping the first mulled wine of the year!
It’s one of the Christmas family events we all look forward to. Here’s our list of the top illuminated trails to visit in and around Surrey in 2024.
*We have previously been gifted tickets for some of the light trails.
Contents: click to jump to a section
Glow 24 at RHS Wisley
A good way to kick-start the festive season in Surrey is with a visit to Glow at RHS Wisley. We went last year and loved it. As you follow the light trail, the famous Surrey gardens come alive with colour and sparkles. The highlight comes at the end in front of the house, where you can enjoy a magical illuminated water display.
Illuminate Guildford Castle
One of the new Christmas light trails in Surrey for 2024, Illuminate at Guildford Castle, will be located in the heart of Guildford town centre.
This brand new Christmas illuminated trail is only short, but will provide an opportunity to see the Guildford Castle in a new light. It will take you on a 20-30 minute tour of the grounds, which will be transformed into a magical winter spectacle. Stunning light installations will light up all aspects of Guildford Castle on this new Surrey light trail.
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 your eyes out for woodland creatures which appear to dart through the trees and for fairies up above. Plus, cast your eye across the waters for some of the best reflections around. It really is a feast for your eyes!
Along the way, there are several stops for hot drinks and snacks and there are several carousels at the end.
Christmas at Kew
Although we’ve not yet been, Christmas at Kew is undoubtedly one of the UK’s most acclaimed illuminated trails and tickets always sell out fast. Take a visit to Christmas at Kew to enjoy the famous botanical gardens light up with lights and reflections, accompanied to the sound of seasonal music.
Don’t forget to 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 the West Green House in Hampshire is hosting a Wizard of Oz themed lights adventure in the gardens.
Join the Christmas Illuminated Garden Adventure to follow a sparkling mile of “yellow brick road“ through an illuminated garden , passing giant dancing fountains and mysterious follies. The adventure will take you past a glowing poppy field, an evil witch, and even a Barbie pink watch on the quest to find the favourite Oz characters.
Leonardslee Lights
Last year’s visit to Leonardslee Lights was one of the highlights of our festive events in the lead up to Christmas.
Just over the Surrey border in Sussex, the woodland gardens at Leonardslee were awash with light, sound and colour. The light trail leads down to the lakes where you can see the stunning suspended earth reflected in the water.
The illuminated trail at Leonardslee Gardens takes about 60-90 minutes, but then you can head outside to the Christmas Market and funfair.
Tulley's Christmas Light Experience
Another new Christmas light show for 2024 is Tulley’s Christmas Light Festival near Crawley in Sussex.
The new light show promises to provide an unforgettable Christmas experience, with light show attractions, illuminated shows, characters, an observation wheel and street food.
The Children's Trust Winter Festival
Support a local Surrey charity by joining the Children’s Trust Winter Festival on 7th December 2024.
Set in the grounds at Tadworth Court, near Epsom, the Winter Festival will have plenty of festive activities for the family. As the night draws, the garden and mansion will come to life with an illuminated winter light display. Enjoy the illuminations and performances on stage, whilst warming 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 find out 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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