Our Guide to the Top Christmas Light Displays Across the U.K

Here’s a guide to the best Christmas light displays for 2024. From charming villages to grand city displays, these locations capture the magic of the season with breath taking illuminations, making for memorable family outings, romantic evenings, and festive fun with friends.

London

• Covent Garden: Covent Garden never fails to impress with its giant Christmas tree, sparkling lights, and festive decorations. The Apple Market is beautifully illuminated, and the surrounding shops and restaurants offer seasonal treats.

• Regent Street & Oxford Street: Known for its grand, sweeping light displays, Regent Street’s angel-themed illuminations have become iconic. Oxford Street often complements this with a more modern take, and both streets create a magical atmosphere in the heart of London.

• Kew Gardens: Christmas at Kew is a must-visit for families, with a mile-long trail featuring dazzling light installations, an enchanting Fire Garden, and an impressive tunnel of lights.

Edinburgh

• George Street: Edinburgh’s Christmas lights add charm to this historic city. George Street transforms with colourful displays, often accompanied by markets and festive rides. The city’s light switch-on event is a big highlight.

• Royal Botanic Garden: The Botanic Garden in Edinburgh hosts a spectacular after-dark event, where visitors can walk through magical light displays, with music and interactive installations adding to the festive experience.

Manchester

• Albert Square & Piccadilly Gardens: Manchester’s Christmas lights cover the city’s main square and feature giant illuminated decorations, including an iconic Santa figure. The surrounding Christmas market adds to the lively and festive atmosphere.

• Lightopia at Heaton Park: This annual festival offers a family-friendly experience, with creative and interactive light sculptures, magical paths, and installations that tell festive stories, making it one of the best light displays in the North.

Birmingham

• Victoria Square: Birmingham’s Christmas lights are set against the backdrop of the city’s bustling Christmas market. Victoria Square is adorned with festive lights, large decorations, and a big Christmas tree, creating a warm seasonal glow.

• Birmingham Botanical Gardens: The gardens are transformed into a glowing wonderland with themed displays, festive music, and illuminated paths. It’s a beautiful, quieter alternative to the bustling city centre.

Bath

• Abbey Quarter & Southgate Street: Bath’s charming Georgian streets are beautifully lit up each Christmas. The Christmas lights add a romantic ambiance around the Abbey, with festive decorations around Southgate Street and Milsom Street.

• American Museum & Gardens: This museum offers a “Christmas Illuminations” event, featuring artfully arranged light displays around its historic grounds, a treat for all ages.

Liverpool

• Liverpool ONE: Liverpool ONE shopping center is decked out with vibrant lights, including a massive Christmas tree made entirely of lights. The shopping district comes alive with festive decorations, pop-up markets, and cozy food stalls.

• Sefton Park’s Christmas Light Trail: A newer addition, this immersive trail through Sefton Park brings together music, lights, and nature, making for a magical walk through illuminated installations.

Cornwall

• Mousehole Harbour Lights: This picturesque fishing village is famous for its Christmas lights. The harbour is adorned with festive illuminations, and the streets are lit with charming displays. It’s a unique experience, with a cozy, community feel.

• Eden Project: The Eden Project hosts a Christmas experience with twinkling light trails, live music, and a beautiful display around its biodomes, making it a magical winter destination for families.

Yorkshire

• York Christmas Light Trail: York’s medieval streets and historic architecture make it an enchanting place for a Christmas light display. The city centre is aglow with decorations and lights, especially around The Shambles and York Minster.

• Harewood House, Leeds: Harewood House hosts a seasonal light trail that takes visitors through beautifully lit gardens and parklands. The estate is illuminated with both traditional and creative light displays, offering an immersive experience.

Belfast

• City Hall & Donegall Square: Belfast’s City Hall is illuminated with colourful displays, while Donegall Square and the surrounding areas are decorated with festive lights and Christmas markets. The light switch-on event is a popular family occasion.

• Botanic Gardens, Belfast: This garden hosts a seasonal light trail with artistic displays, festive music, and illuminated paths through the gardens, making it a festive evening outing.

Cardiff

• Bute Park Light Trail: Cardiff’s Bute Park transforms into a dazzling wonderland with its “Christmas at Bute Park” light trail. Featuring intricate installations, tunnels of lights, and seasonal music, it’s a highlight of the Welsh festive season.

• Cardiff Castle: The castle and surrounding areas are lit up in a beautiful Christmas display, adding to the city’s already charming winter vibe. Don’t miss the Christmas markets nearby for some local treats and gifts.

These Christmas light displays across the UK promise a magical experience and are a wonderful way to celebrate the holiday season. Whether you’re looking for grand displays or quaint village lights, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.