Festive Events in the Cotswolds 2024: Christmas Light Trails

The festive season is officially here, there’s no better way to embrace the magic of Christmas than by exploring the dazzling light trails across the Cotswolds, Gloucestershire, Worcestershire, and Oxfordshire. From enchanting illuminated gardens to captivating storybook adventures, these trails offer a perfect blend of seasonal sparkle and family fun. Whether you’re seeking a romantic stroll under twinkling lights, a magical outing with the kids, or simply an unforgettable evening filled with festive cheer, there’s something for everyone. Here’s your guide to the must-visit Christmas light trails lighting up the region this festive season.

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Winter Glow, Malvern

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‍Winter Glow is back once again to illuminate the Three Counties Showground. This year, embark on an enchanting new adventure with the Light Guardians. Join Jingle on a quest to restore joy and happiness to the Winter Village Folk by reigniting the fading magic of the Guardians of Light. Perfect for families, the trail also offers selected dog-friendly evenings as well as sensory friendly light trails, suitable for those with additional needs—check the website for details. Beyond the light trail, Winter Glow features a festive fairground, a food quarter, a café and winter bar, and a Christmas market. While entry to the Winter Glow event is free, activities like the light trail, personalised Santa visits, ice skating, and the exciting new UV crazy golf do come at an extra cost and some must be booked in advance. The Christmas Market is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only and closed after Christmas Eve. Don’t miss this magical winter experience!

‍Where: Three Counties Showground, Malvern WR13 6NW

When: 22nd November - 31st December

Cost: Adult tickets start from £19.50, child tickets from £9.00 - under 3s free

Tickets: Purchase tickets online here

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Highlights:

• Selected dog-friendly dates
• Sensory friendly trails
• Multiple attractions
• Christmas market & food quarter
• Free parking

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Blenheim Palace

Experience the enchantment of Blenheim Palace’s illuminated light trail, firmly established as one of the UK’s leading after-dark spectaculars and a highlight of the festive season. Wander through a dazzling display of glowing lights and immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere, as seasonal sounds fill the crisp winter air with festivity. Perfect for making cherished memories with friends and family, the trail includes a magical glimpse of Father Christmas along the way. The light trail is only one of the attractions happening at Blenheim Palace this festive season - visit inside the palace and experience Neverland like never before, and new to 2024 is The Great Skate. Included with your light trail ticket is entry to the Christmas Market in the Great Court (open between 15th November and 22nd December), where you can also grab a bite to eat - see the website for market opening times. Blenheim Palace promises treasured memories to be made with your loved ones and is well worth a visit this festive season.

Where: Blenheim Palace, Woodstock OX20 1PS

When: 15th November - 1st January

Cost: Adult tickets start from £23.50, child tickets start from £18.00, under 3s free

Tickets: Get tickets here

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Highlights:

• Multiple attractions
• Christmas Market
• Beautiful location

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Cotswold Farm Park

Cotswold Farm Park brings you the Enchanted Light Trail - their most popular Christmas event. You and your loved ones (furry friends included!) can enjoy this magical night-time experience on selected dates in November & December - see here for dates. Not only will you be enchanted by the illuminations, but your ticket also includes feeding animals, meeting performers, themed play, and a choice of hot food and festive treats - why not warm up by the firepits while you toast your marshmallows! Cotswold Farm Park is also offering the ultimate Christmas experience for your little ones - as well as access to the light trail, children can enjoy a 1 on 1 visit with the big man himself with a gift to take home, get stuck in with gingerbread decorating and a build-a-bear workshop, as well as feeding the animals and indoor play. The cost of this is £59.95 per child (age 3+) - see here for tickets and dates.

‍Where: Cotswold Farm Park, Guiting Power, Cheltenham GL54 5FL

When: Selected dates between 29th November - 31st December

Cost: Adult tickets from £18.95, child (4-15) tickets from £15.95 

Tickets: Book online here (light trail only)

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Highlights:

• Feed the farm animals
• Festive treats and hot food available
• Dog-friendly
• Free parking

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Sudeley Castle - Spectacle of Light

Experience the Spectacle of Light at Sudeley Castle, an enchanting after-dark adventure now in its 9th year. This year’s trail unveils the timeless tale of The Sleeping Beauty, inviting you to wander through the castle’s magical gardens illuminated in breathtaking displays. Encounter captivating characters, from the wicked fairy who cast the spell to the good fairies working to save the Princess, and the courageous Prince who will awaken her after a century-long slumber. Indulge in festive delights along the way, with mulled wine, hot chocolate, sizzling hot food, and sweet donuts from the Castle Terrace. 

Where: Sudeley Castle, Winchcombe GL54 5LP

When: On selected evenings between Nov 22nd-Dec 30th from 4:45

Cost: Adult tickets £25.00, child tickets (3-15) £14.00, under 3s free, family ticket (2 adults + 2 children) £66.00

Tickets: Click here to book online / by phone 01242 705555 / in person at The Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham (note this is an externally organised event, therefore tickets are not available to purchase at Sudeley Castle itself)

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Highlights:

• Festive treats and food available
• Beautiful setting
• Gift shop

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Westonbirt Arboretum

In collaboration with the light trail producers responsible for Christmas at Kew, Christmas at Bedgebury and Christmas at Blenheim, Westonbirt Arboretum brings you an all-new illuminated trail this Christmas season. Discover trees from around the world in a whole new way at the National Arboretum. Over a million shimmering lights and cheerful seasonal sounds transform the grounds into a festive wonderland. The brand-new trail promises a magical experience for all, complete with a delightful sighting of Father Christmas. Wander through radiant tunnels of light and admire vibrant neon trees as the arboretum comes alive in every colour imaginable. Enjoy the trail with various festive treats including hot chocolate, a spiced winter warmer or toasted marshmallows. 

‍When: Selected dates between 29th November and 31st December

Where: Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, Tetbury GL8 8QS

Cost: Adult tickets start from £18.00, child (3-16) tickets start from £12.00, family tickets (2 adults + 2 children) start from £57.00, under 3s free.

Tickets: Purchase tickets online here 

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Highlights:

• Nature setting
• Relaxed sessions available (see here for dates and tickets)
• Fairground rides
• Festive treats available to purchase

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Painswick Rococo Gardens

Step into the Enchanted Garden by Night, where shimmering lights bring mythical creatures to life. As you wander through softly lit pathways and enchanted woodlands, you'll meet graceful fairies dancing among glowing dandelions, playful boggarts, majestic unicorns and friendly dragons with warm, glowing breath. Listen closely, and you might hear the whispers of wildlife and the murmur of a gentle stream guiding you deeper into this extraordinary realm. This is no ordinary garden—it’s a spellbinding world of wonder perfect for an unforgettable Christmas adventure!

Where: Painswick Rococo Garden, GL6 6TH

When: 30th November - 4th January

Cost: £17.00 adult ticket, £9.00 child ticket, under 4s free

Tickets: Tickets can be purchased online here

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Highlights:

• Selected sensory sessions - click here for more information
• Well behaved dogs welcome, to be kept on a short lead
• Festive treats & food available to buy
• Gift shop

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Free Festive Light Trail, Pear Tree Farm, Worcester

Christmas can be a costly time of year, especially with the added pressure of keeping the family entertained. That’s why St Peter’s Garden Centre in Worcester is spreading festive cheer with a free Christmas light trail at Pear Tree Farm, Broomhall, Worcester. It’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy a magical evening without breaking the bank. Check out the event details here.

‍Where: Pear Tree Farm, Broomhall, Worcester WR5 2NY

When: Mondays-Saturdays from 4pm, 23rd November -24th December

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Highlights:

• Free event
• Special appearances from Father Christmas on selected dates
• Sweet treats available at Poppy’s Cafe

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With so many enchanting Christmas light trails to explore across the region, this festive season promises to be truly magical. Each trail offers its own unique charm, from dazzling illuminations to heartwarming stories, making them perfect for creating special memories with loved ones. Don’t forget to check out the latest edition of CotswoldXL Magazine for more festive events happening locally.

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