Have you visited a magical light trail? They start as the nights get dark in November with many of the Christmas trails ending at the end of the year, however there are usually a number of free displays in public places in January or February. I love that light trails take the magic you get when you see houses all lit up before Christmas and mix it with a structured walk where you don’t have to hunt for the decorations.
Last year there was a burst of new light trails, but this year many attractions seems to be focusing on Christmas experiences instead. If you are looking for a light trail near you then check out the list of light trails in Essex, London and Hertfordshire for 2026 to 2027. (Last updated 3/9/26)
|
| Lightopia is one of the great light trails in London, Essex and Hertfordshire this year |
Tickets for early evenings, especially at weekends, go quickly as parents try and nab the most child friendly time, but if you can go on a weeknight or a little later in the evenings you might find availability is better (and sometimes cost too).
Skip straight to:
Light trails in Essex
Light trails in London
Light trails in Hertfordshire
Light Trails Near You in Essex, London & Herts
What Is A Light Trail? (And Advice For Visiting One)
Light trails are outside exhibitions which use light and often sound too to create exciting displays. They vary between locations with some taking a subtle approach with trees lit up pretty colours and strings of lights, while others have creative sculptures made of light and interactive displays.
At some venues the light trail is their festive event for the year, but other locations have separate Christmas events normally taking place in the day. As dusk falls they then reopen as the light event. While some venues offer discounted tickets if you want to visit in the day too, you normally have to leave the venue and wait for your evening time slot to re-enter and enjoy the lights.
Wrap up warm and have waterproofs on standby because they often don't have any protection from the elements and they are on even if it's raining (although in high winds or storm conditions they may be closed). Suitable footwear is recommended as the ground can be uneven and muddy.
Some venues ask you not to bring torches (and definitely no head torches or open flames), while others advise you might want to bring one. I would suggest you bring a torch to get to and from the trail and if you want to use it on the trail just be careful not to ruin the light effects for other visitors.
Most venues require prebooking of tickets. Some venues (like Kew gardens) sell out early in the year while others have last minute availability.
Most trails have no re-entry and you can only go through once (the exception seems to be the English Heritage sites) so make sure you bring everything with you and make the most of your time walking through.
Please note the information below is mostly taken from press releases and the venues websites. They are not meant as endorsements of the events. I have visited Enlightened at Hylands multiple times so make sure to check out my reviews if you are interested in visiting these trails.
Light Trails In Essex
Audley End Enchanted Railway - Forestlight Enchanted Light Trail NOT HAPPENING THIS YEAR
Audley End - Audley End House and Gardens, Saffron Walden NOT ANNOUNCED CURRENTLY
Location: Audley End House and Gardens, Off London Road, Saffron Walden, CB11
4JF
Dates and times: This event did not take place in 2025 and looks like it wont happen in 2026, but they have not announced events beyond Halloween at time of last update.
Call of the Wild Zoo - Glow on the Wild Side Light Trail NOT ANNOUNCED CURRENTLY
Location: Call of The Wild Zoo, Wickford Rd, South Woodham Ferrers CM3 5QZ
Dates and times: This was new for 2025 and it looks like they will be focusing on a Christmas event instead this year, details not confirmed yet.
Enchanted - Trail of Light, Colchester Zoo BOOKING OPEN
Location: Colchester Zoo, Maldon Road, Colchester, CO3 0SL
Dates and times: 27th, 28th and 29th November, 4th, 5th, 6th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 18th, 19th, 20th, 23rd, 27th and 28th December 2026 Entry slots from 16.30 to 19.15.
Tickets: £15.50 to £18 per person depending on day/ time. There is no discount for members, but children under 3 go free. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Described as: Illuminations along a one mile trail with light tunnel, animal sculptures, dancing fountains, festive road train and appearance by a special guest from the North Pole (pre Christmas dates only).
Useful to know:
The trail can take 1 1/2 hours.
You will not be able to see the animals during the visit.
Free parking.
Toilets and refreshments available (card only).
 |
| Havering MIND Christmas Land in Hornchurch |
Enlightened, Castle Park - Colchester NOT HAPPENING THIS YEAR
Location: Colchester Castle Park, Colchester, Essex, C01 1TJ
Dates and times: Enlightened in 2026 is only taking place at Hylands Estate and Markshall.
Organised by Enlightened Moments.
Enlightened, Hylands Estate, Chelmsford BOOKING OPEN
Location: Writtle Entrance off Greenbury Way, Chelmsford, CM2 8FS (the
same entrance you would use for the playground)
Dates and times: 27th November 2026 to 2nd January 2027 Entry slots from 4.30pm until 9pm
Tickets: Peak
£12.50 adults, £15.00 children. Off peak £13.50 adults, £10 children. Children under 3
are free, but need a ticket.
Described as: “A dedicated trail of light around
the ground of Hylands. On the trail there are numerous static and interactive
light up attractions with an enchanting soundscape.”
Useful to know:
The trail is about a mile long and the visit is expected to take about an hour.
Parking is included with your
ticket (so don’t use the parking machines). If you book on a later time slot leave plenty of time to park as there are usually long parking queues at peak times.
Refreshments and
toilets available by the car park. There is normally some food and drink stands open near the Stables area (half way round) as well as a few next to the car park.
Dogs on leads are allowed.
Organised by
Enlightened Moments.
Read my review of our 2022 visit to Enlightened here.
Enlightened, Markshall Estate, Coggeshall BOOKING OPEN
Dates and times: 11th to 24th December 2026, entry slots from 4.30pm until 8.00pm
Tickets: Peak £22.50 adults, £15 children. Off peak start at £13.50 adults, £10 children. Children under 3 are free, but need a ticket.
Described as: A dedicated trail of light around Markshall Arboretum. On the trail there are numerous static and interactive light up attractions with music.
Useful to know:
The trail is about a mile long and the visit is expected to take about an hour.
There is free parking.
Refreshments and toilets available expected to be available.
Dogs on leads are allowed.
Organised by Enlightened Moments.
Epping Ongar Lights Express - Epping Ongar Railway BOOKING OPEN
Location: Epping Ongar Railway. Starting at Station Approach, off Ongar High
Street, Ongar, CM5 9AB
Dates and times: Selected dates from 14th November 2026 to 2nd January 2027 (mostly Friday to Sunday and daily Friday 18th December to 23rd, then 27th, 28th, 29th, 30ths, 31st and 2nd)
Tickets: £22 children, £25 adults, a limited number of private carriages are also available.
Described as:
a light trail with a difference. Instead of walking around and seeing the
lights you get to enjoy them while on a train journey. The train will be lit
up, passengers will have interactive LED wristbands and there will be line side displays as well as on board narration and
music. They have 3 different music themed offerings so book the train time depending on your families music taste (Christmas songs, party anthems and Groove Train for 70s/ 80s disco fans.
Useful to know:
Lasts approximately 90 mins.
Starts at
Ongar station where there is no dedicated parking, but there is street parking
and a pay and display car park at the other end of the High Street. Unlike their normal events the train will not be stopping at North Weald and the heritage bus service
won’t be running.
Refreshments
and toilets available at Ongar station.
Care must be taken on the
platforms and no visitors should walk on the track.
|
| Epping Ongar Railway Light Fantastic Event |
RHS Glow 2026 at Hyde Hall, Chelmsford BOOKING OPEN
Location: Creephedge Lane, Rettendon Common, Chelmsford CM3 8RA
Dates
and times: Selected dates 26th November to 30th December 2026. Entry slots 4.30pm to 7.15pm, closes at 9pm.
Tickets: £12/ £18.50 adults, £7.50/ £11.25 children off peak/ peak. Reduced price for members. Under 5s go
free, but a ticket must be booked for them.
Described as: "brand-new route through our stunning gardens goes in a completely different direction, reaching areas not lit before. Starting with delicate reed lights in the Birch Grove, you’ll encounter striking illuminated willow sculptures, spectacular large-scale installations, playful interactive circles of colour and light". Expect beautifully lit plants rather than animals or sculptures.
Useful to
know:
Free car parking.
Refreshments.
Toilets and refreshments available.
The garden centre will be open for shopping.
Dogs not allowed
An accessible flat route is advertised as available.
Havering Christmas Land BOOKING OPEN
Location: Harrow Lodge Park, Hornchurch, Havering RM11 1JRDates and times: This charity event is returning for 2026 on selected dates between 27th November and 2nd January, from 4.30pm to 8pm.
Useful to know:
They have special SEN sessions (20th November and 7th December with a SEN friendly grotto available on the same dates) and dog friendly evenings (1st and 6th December). Check the website for availability.
On the 4th, 5th, 11th and 12th December they have an outdoor disco, £7 per person, book separately.
Santas grotto needs booking separately (£8 per child), you can take your own photos.
 |
| Support charity with a visit to Havering Christmas Land |
Marsh Farm Lumina, South Woodham Ferrers BOOKING OPEN
Location: Marsh Farm Road, South Woodham Ferrers, Essex CM3 5WP
Dates and times: 21st/ 22nd, 27th to 29th November, 4th to 6th, 11th to 13th, 18th to 23rd, 27th to 30th December. Entry slots from 4.30pm to 7.30pm
Tickets: Tickets £9.95/ £13.95 per person off peak/ peak (under 2s free). Plus 50p booking per ticket.
Described as: "Lumina is a spectacular after-dark light trail at Marsh Farm in Essex. Follow a mile-long illuminated route through colourful installations, sparkling landscapes and magical themed worlds. Along the way, you’ll encounter prehistoric giants, enchanting forests and plenty of hidden surprises, all brought to life through light, music and imagination."
Useful to know:
The trail is roughly 1 mile long and expected to take up to an hour.
It says that the normal rides and play areas will be open.
Refreshments available.
While Marsh Farm is a family attraction, adult only visits are allowed for the Lumina event.
Free parking
Light Trails In London
Canary Wharf Winter Lights Festival, E14
Location: Takes place around the Canary Wharf area. Download the map before
visiting to find all the installations or collect a paper map from a steward.
Dates and times: 2027 event expected from 22nd to 31st January between 5pm and 10pm.
Tickets: Not required: the installations are all in
public areas.
Described as: The Winter Lights
Festival stands out because firstly it’s in January (after most of the other
trails have been packed away) and secondly it’s free. Expect around 10 new pieces as well as the permanent light artworks around Canary Wharf. I loved visiting in previous
years, but it gets very busy. You can download a map or they have people handing out paper copies.
Useful to know:
There are public car parks in Canary Wharf
area, but on weekdays it might be easier to get public transport. At weekends
you can get 3 hours free parking if you spend over £10 in participating shops.
cafés, bars or restaurants.
There are toilet facilities in the shopping
centres.
|
| Winter Lights Festival is a free light trail in Canary Wharf in January |
Battersea Power Station Light Festival, Battersea
Location: Circus Rd W, Nine Elms, London SW11 8AL
Dates and times: Normally in late January to February this didn't take place in 2025. No details announced for 2027 yet.
Tickets: Free, tickets not required.
Described as: In 2025 there were 8 light art installations from British and international artists. Both outdoors and inside the iconic Grade II* listed Power Station. There are also family-friendly workshops, live entertainment and music throughout the festival, some of which need to be booked in advance.
Useful to know:
There are food trucks plus numerous bars and restaurants
Nearest tube station is Battersea Power Station on the Northern Line
Halloween at Kenwood, Hampstead Heath
Christmas at Kenwood, Hampstead Heath
Location: Kenwood, Hampstead Lane, Hampstead, NW3 7JR
Dates and times: In 2025 Kenwood House had an illuminated trail for Halloween and a special Christmas event running. Nothing has been announced for 2026 yet.
Christmas at Kew BOOKING NOW
Location: Kew Gardens, Kew, Richmond, London, TW9 3AE. Entrance gate depends
on your booking.
Dates and times: Selected dates, 13th November 2026 to 3rd January 2027. Entry times 4.20pm to 8pm (closes at 10pm).
Tickets: Peak £37 adults, £24 children. Off peak £29.50 adults, £20 children. Children under 4 are free. Discount for members and family tickets (2 adults and 2 children). It is probably the most popular light trail in the area so book tickets early as they sell out quickly.
Described
as: “The iconic Christmas lights trail in London, where you'll be welcomed into a stunning botanical world filled with light, music and the enchantment of the season. Experience Kew Gardens illuminated in vibrant hues through an extraordinary array of new light displays." They produce a Visual Guide (available from mid November, but you can see last years before then) which is really helpful to get a clear understanding of what to expect.
Useful to know:
Trail is
3km long and takes around 2 hours to walk around.
Bicycles, tricycles, roller skates, skateboards, micro-scooters, balance bikes aren't permitted and must be left at the gates.
Parking is available at
Brentford Gate (must be prebooked, £10 and is a 10 minute walk to the trail).
Parking also available at the National Archives car park, but public transport
is encouraged.
Refreshments available including independent street food.
Accessible toilets available at multiple locations, Changing Places facility near Brentford Gate.
There are some fairground rides and tokens can be prebooked at a discount or bought on
site.
Christmas Winter Illuminations BOOKING NOW
Location: Royal Hospital Chelsea, Royal Hospital Road, London, SW3 4SR
Dates and times: 25th November to 28th December 2026. Entry from 4.30pm to 8.30pm.
Tickets: Adult tickets range from £18 to £29.95, children £12 to £19.95 plus £1 booking fee per ticket.
Described as: "Begin with Chelsea Winter Illuminations, a journey through a longer and more extended light trail filled with large-scale art from some of Britain's leading light artists, interactive installations and imaginative soundscapes. Then continue the festivities at Chelsea Winter Village, a free-to-enter hub featuring a Christmas market, mulled wine & festive bars, workshops, bandstand with live performances and traditional fairground rides."
Useful to know:
Neuro-inclusive sessions early evening Wednesday 2nd December
The nearest underground station is Sloane Square and overground is Victoria, the 170 bus stops right outside if you need a direct service.
London Christmas Street Lights
Of course many of the main shopping streets in London have Christmas lights that are well worth seeing too. It may not be a dedicated trail, but it's free, you can go any evening you want in late November and December and you can check out amazing shop window displays too. Check out this useful walking route to take in some of the best areas.
|
| A festive water show in 2022 (Crystal Palace, London) |
If you are near to Kent, then Bedgebury light trail is also worth checking out- running from 20th November to 31st December 2026. Tickets for peak times are £27.50 for adults, £19.00 for children with under 2's free. Off peak tickets are slightly cheaper.
Light Trails In Hertfordshire
While it appears that Lumagica (Willow's Farm and Hatfield House) light trails are again not happening this year, the good news for those living in Hertfordshire is the Ashridge House light trail is back form 2026. I have included details below as well as other christmassy places to go in Herts this year.
Ashridge House Illuminated, Berkhamsted BOOKING NOW
Location: Ashridge House, Ashridge, Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire HP4 1NS
Dates and times: 20th November 2026 to 2nd January 2027 from 4pm to 8pm (last entry)
Tickets: Tickets from £24.50 to £30 adults, £15.40 to £19 children plus booking fee. Under 4s are free.
Described as: 'Twas the Night Before Christmas themed. "As Hertfordshire's largest Christmas light trail, Illuminated 2026 unveils brand-new installations, spectacular projection transforming the House, and immersive moments designed to delight all ages. Before or after your journey, explore our expanded and newly located Christmas market, featuring seasonal treats, warming drinks and Christmas shopping."
Useful to know:
Trail is approx 1.7km. Average time to walk it expected to take 60 to 75 minutes, but you are encouraged to go at your own pace. There is limited seating around the trail and additional seating in the food village,
Refreshments and toilets available.
Free Parking available.
Christmas market.
Dogs are welcome on Wednesday and Thursday evenings
 |
| A light trail returns to Ashridge House in Hertfordshire for 2026 |
Welwyn Garden City light trail. The Christmas Lights Trail will return to Welwyn Garden City town centre from 15th November until 6th January 2027.
If you are looking for something to get you in the Christmas mood in Hertfordshire then I would suggest maybe a garden centre like Van Hage (Great Amwell, SG12 9RP).
The Magic of Christmas (a Christmas shop with Grotto in Walkern SG2 7PD) opens in October selling anything and everything associated to Christmas. You can also book tickets for the Grotto via their website.
There is also a Christmas Fair at Knebworth House on Friday 27th to Sunday 29th November 2026.
Harpenden have a free Christmas Carnival and light switch on on Sunday 22nd November 2026 featuring a Farmers’ Market, Santa's Grotto, Funfair, live entertainment from Midday to 6pm. The light switch on is normally at 5pm.
|
| Visitors at Lumagica were greeted by a Hummingbird display |
For more Christmas magic why not go outdoor ice skating or choose your own tree from a Christmas Tree Farm? Check out where the Christmas Tree Farms are in Essex here.
If you are struggling to get your children outside in the colder weather then check out this post on how to be an outdoor family in winter.
No comments
Thanks for your comment (unless it is spam in which case, why?)