Best Christmas light trails near Bristol 2026

Last checked: October 2026.

I’m all for adorning as many things in twinkly lights as possible, beaming neon-coloured lights into the world and making foliage glitter! One of our yuletide family traditions is to visit one of the magical Christmas light trails near Bristol each December and they never fail to get us into the festive spirit! Here are some of the best Christmas illumination events in Bristol and the surrounding West Country.

These are the Christmas illuminations that come back year after year. The themes and exact dates change each season, so I’ve linked to each venue’s own page for this year’s tickets. Most go on sale in September or October and the best weekend slots sell out fast.

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Christmas lights Bristol 2026

Christmas light trails in Bristol

Ashton Court Luminate Trail

27 November to 28 December 2026

Ashton Court’s illuminated trail returns for winter 2026. Stretching around 1.3 km through woodland and parkland, it features over 15 immersive installations, music-synchronised lighting, interactive displays, and seasonal food and drink. The trail will take approximately 60-90 minutes to complete.

Christmas house displays around Bristol

This Christmas Displays Bristol Facebook group will be rounding up the best places to find Bristol Christmas lights festive house displays around Bristol on Google maps, with coded driving and walking trails. These are Bristol and South Gloucestershire houses that have gone above and beyond with their outdoor illuminated Christmas decorations, many collecting for charity.

Christmas lights to visit near Bristol

Moments of Light, Dorothy House Hospice Care

Running from 1 October to 31 December 2026, Moments of Light transforms the grounds of Dorothy House Hospice Care, near Bradford-on-Avon, into a spectacular illuminated landscape. Created by internationally renowned artist Bruce Munro, this immersive light installation is breathtaking to behold.

There’s an almost Avatar-like feel to parts of the display, with glowing installations creating a magical world to explore after dark. My photos really don’t do it justice! Look out for lights dedicated to loved ones, adding a poignant touch to this celebration of life, love and remembrance. Tickets are free, with donations welcome to support Dorothy House’s vital end-of-life care.

For a full day out, why not combine your visit with the American Museum & Gardens, just a 10-minute drive away?

Westonbirt Christmas Lights 2026

Usually runs: late November to the end of December, selected evenings.

By day, Westonbirt Arboretum is breathtakingly beautiful, come Enchanted Christmas nights, the forest is transformed into a magical festive feast for the senses, ablaze with colour, twinkly fairy lights and sensory surprises. Grab a hog roast bap and mulled cider from one of the stalls to quaff on your way along the mile-long illuminated trail through the trees and witness the wonder and commotion that comes with elves creating Westonbirt’s Christmas lights walkthrough.

Out of the darkness come glittering disco balls, talking trees and colour-changing decorations hanging from sparkling branches – a new surprise awaits around every twist and turn.

As well as mesmerising light displays for Christmas, there are natural crafts and the chance to get a glimpse of a very special guest from the North Pole…Festive treats don’t get much more magical than this!

Book Westonbirt Christmas tickets | Read my review of Westonbirt Light Show here

Sudeley Castle Spectacle of Light, Cotswolds

One of the most beautiful winter lights trails I’ve ever been to, Sudeley Castle’s Spectacle of Light is brimming with wow moments and sparkly thrills. Christmas illuminations are all set against the backdrop of 15th century castle ruins – explore the gleaming grounds, full of glamorous topiary, dazzling plants, flickering flames and sparkling water features.

Fuel the festive merriment with whacking great cream-topped hot chocolates on your way round, and soak up the Yuletide buzz emanating from the Salvation Army band, tooting Christmas classics on their instruments.

Keep your peepers open on the journey from Bristol – the Cotswold town of Winchcombe is a quintessentially English town that wouldn’t look out of place in a Hollywood blockbuster’s re-imagining of England in winter. 

Click here to check availability and book tickets to Sudeley Festival of Light 2026

Wookey Hole at Christmas

Wookey Hole bedeck their caves with thousands of festive lights for the Christmas season, turning the subterranean world into a colourful twinkling grotto (with a few Santas and reindeer thrown in for good measure).

Families can explore the spectacular caves on a guided tour, ride the Wookey Express through an enchanted forest to meet Father Christmas, and let children choose a toy from his factory. Above ground, there’s plenty more to keep everyone entertained, including animatronic dinosaurs, a fairy garden, festive circus shows, a 4D cinema, soft play and a vintage penny arcade.

For an extra-special festive treat, look out for the hotel’s Christmas After Dark sleepovers, which can include private access to the attraction, festive dining, bedtime stories and premium Santa encounters.

Click here to check availability of tickets for Wookey Hole Christmas

Festival of Light at Longleat

Of all the illuminated Christmas trails near Bristol, Longleat’s Festival of Light is one of the biggest! Longleat’s giant lantern festival has a new theme every year, from Wallace & Gromit to British icons. It’s a great choice for younger kids who’ll love the characters.

Belt out carols with Britain’s biggest singing Christmas tree, go on a winter safari, let bats flap past your ears in the Bat Cave, and board the Santa Train (charged extra) to a snow-covered winter wonderland to meet Father Christmas and his elves.

Click here to find out more about the Longleat illuminations 2026

Christmas lights trail at Stourhead

The National Trust’s Stourhead, with its 18th century landscaped garden, lakeside walks, grottoes and classical temples is transformed with over a million twinkling lights at its Christmas lights event.

Wander along the illuminated mile-long trail to see the beautiful gardens dripping with festive colour. Discover gigantic luminescent sculptures rising high into the night sky, glittering trees swathed in light, giant baubles and a fire garden aglow with flames, all enhanced by a soundtrack of festive tunes.

Click here to view prices for Stourhead Festival of Light

Old Down Estate Illumination Trail 2026

A lovely trail just north of Bristol with themed areas like an ice kingdom and fairy land. Dogs on leads are welcome and the barn café serves hot chocolate. Great for toddlers who’d be overwhelmed by the bigger trails.

A selection of warming Yuletide treats will be available in the Christmas Village – treat yourself to a hot chocolate or mulled wine, go on, it’s Christmas! Dog-friendly light trail for well-behaved pups on leads.

Click here to check availability for Old Down Festive Illumination Trail

Sky Kingdom: The Drone Light Show at Seat Unique Stadium

Dates: Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 December 2026

Aim your eyes to the skies above Bristol for Sky Kingdom, Bristol’s captivating drone light show at Seat Unique Stadium.

Watch over 600 drones transform the night sky into dazzling giant dragons, soaring kingdoms and magical fantasy worlds in a large-scale outdoor spectacle inspired by myth and legend. This 40-minute open-air spectacle is perfect for all ages, with a family-friendly pre-show and food village.

There’ll also be festive food stalls, local street food, fairground rides, and music at the home of Gloucestershire County Cricket Club, Nevil Rd, Bristol, BS7 9EJ.

Read more

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