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Christmas lights and winter illuminations

The Winter Lights Trail at Waddesdon Manor, Buckinghamshire
The Winter Lights Trail at Waddesdon Manor, Buckinghamshire | © National Trust/Peter Greenway

During winter, many of the houses and buildings in our care are transformed with colour as they host winter illuminations and magical lights trails.

Please check back for events in 2024

This year's winter illuminations and lights trails have finished but we're looking forward to welcoming you back for 2024. Check back later in the year for more details.

Christmas lights at Belton House, Lincolnshire
Explore a trail surrounded by twinkling lights at Belton this Christmas. Surround yourself with colour and lights on this after-dark Christmas light event.Book tickets
Christmas lights at Dunham Massey, Cheshire
Discover new light and sound installations for 2023 on the Christmas lights trail at Dunham Massey. Bring your friends and family along for a festive experience, and see if you can spot the glowing deer along the way.Book tickets
Christmas lights at Stourhead, Wiltshire
Take in the festive winter illuminations at Stourhead, where the annual Christmas lights trail is back again for 2023. See sparkling tunnels, giant baubles and even Father Christmas along the way.Book tickets
Christmas at Waddesdon, Buckinghamshire
Walk through the gardens at Waddesdon at dusk and explore new, bespoke animated projections in this year's light trail. Full of interactive elements and music, the new trail through the Aviary gardens features shooting stars and larger-than-life 3D birds lit with fairy lights. In partnership with light art pioneers Luminism.Book tickets
Visitors exploring the Christmas decorations inside the house at Killerton, Devon

Get into the festive spirit

From wreath-making workshops and carol concerts to winter illuminations, find Christmas days out near you.

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Visit Father Christmas 

Plan a festive family day out and meet Father Christmas in his grotto this Christmas. You can even settle down for a storytelling session or leave a gift at a reverse grotto at some of the places in our care.

Children looking through binoculars outside

What's on 

We've got plenty of events and activities on at the places in our care. From exhibitions and guided walks to outdoor theatre events, discover what's on near you.

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Places to spot winter wildlife 

Whether you're spotting seal pups in Norfolk or catching a glimpse of Devon's Dartmoor ponies, there's plenty of wildlife to see in winter. Get outdoors and discover the best places for winter wildlife watching.

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Make a natural Christmas wreath 

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing activity or a fun and festive way to bring the family together, follow our step-by-step guide to learn how to make a Christmas wreath.

Two women, one holding a small child, stand by the wooden stalls and fairy lights of the Christmas market, busy with shoppers, at Waddesdon Manor, Buckinghamshire

Christmas markets and winter fairs 

Find perfect Christmas presents or stock up on seasonal treats and decorations at a Christmas market or winter fair.