Families across Birmingham and the West Midlands still have time to experience the magic of spectacular Christmas light trails this festive season. With numerous illuminated events running through early January, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy these dazzling winter wonderlands.
Must-See Festive Light Displays
Luminate at Birmingham Botanical Gardens returns with its captivating illuminated trail featuring dazzling displays, interactive installations, and synchronised soundscapes. Running from Friday, November 28, to Wednesday, January 1, this nearly one-mile trail includes projection mapping, dynamic laser effects, and beautiful waterfall displays. Visitors typically spend 60-90 minutes exploring this magical experience between 4.30pm and 8pm.
Warwick Castle's Christmas Light Trail promises to be bigger and better than ever this year, illuminating the historic castle and grounds with thousands of shimmering lights. The event continues until Sunday, January 4 and includes special sensory-friendly evenings, dog-friendly trails, and additional festive attractions like an ice rink and Santa's grotto.
Twycross Zoo's Lanterns of the Wild offers a unique experience with over one mile of life-size animal lanterns across ten immersive zones. Highlights include the world's first Gruffalo lantern experience, running on selected dates until February 22, 2026.
Enchanted Gardens and Historic Estates
Enchanted Gardens at Webbs Wychbold invites visitors to follow the yellow brick road through a Wizard of Oz-inspired light trail. Now in its fifth year, this magical experience features theatrical sets, lanterns, and projections, with chances to meet classic characters along the way. The event runs on selected dates until Sunday, January 3.
Chatsworth House presents Christmas in the Garden, a light and sound trail weaving through the historic garden's best-loved landmarks including the Cascade and Rock Garden. The experience culminates in an animated show projected onto the house itself, running on selected dates until January 4.
Blenheim Palace's Illuminated Trail, listed among the UK's top light trails, returns for 2025 with promises of being bigger and brighter than ever. Visitors can experience the twinkling Water Terraces, Cathedral of Light, and Rainbow LED Tunnel until January 3.
Additional Magical Experiences
Winter Glow at Malvern Showground showcases installations created by local artists and designers, complemented by ice skating and visits with Father Christmas. This popular event continues until December 31.
Trentham Gardens' Winter Light Trail features never-before-seen installations across its mile-long route, alongside festive bars, marshmallow toasting, and food vendors until January 4.
The National Memorial Arboretum's Illuminated Arboretum transforms the landscape using light, sound, and colour to tell important stories, with this year marking 80 years since the end of the Second World War. This 1.5-mile trail runs from December 5 through to December 22.
Organisers strongly recommend pre-booking tickets for all events to avoid disappointment, though many still have availability for this magical festive season.
