Read time: 5 mins.
Wanting a break from all that and ‘to do’ lists?
Looking for something to kindle your Christmas spirit?!
Somewhere to take your family and friends in the weeks up to Christmas?
Wrap up warmly and head to one of the hundreds of illuminated trails around the UK.
Enchanting, dazzling, magical trails that will appeal to ALL ages. They’re great ideas for family Christmas days out.
Check out our top 10 garden and park suggestions for Christmas days out 2022:
1.
From 16 November 2022 – 8 January 2023.
4pm to 10pm (last entry 8.20pm).
From £21.50 for adults. Family ticket available.
If you’re looking for Christmas days out in London, this should top your list.
Experience the splendour of Kew Gardens. Follow beautifully lit winter trails with their sparkling trees, walk through amazing tunnels of light and visit the fire garden. Look out for Father Christmas!
A great selection of independent street food vendors selling hot food and sweet treats.
In our opinion – the best Christmas garden in London!
Head to Kew for a fabulous festive evening in London. by Ungry Young Man via Flickr. .
2.
From 17 November – 2nd January 2023.
4.30pm – 8pm.
From £19.50 for adults, family tickets available.
This famous, historic park promises a magical evening for all the family.
Illuminated trails through woodland, fountains of flowers, holograms of mythical creatures and laser displays.
Enjoy good food, mulled wine and hot chocolate and even toast marshmallows on a fire pit!
Our favourite Christmas day out near Surrey.
3.
From 17 November – 30th December, on selected dates.
From 4.15pm – 8pm.
From £18.50 for adults. Family tickets available.
A brilliant family Christmas activity in Edinburgh.
Enjoy a memorable evening at one of the world’s leading botanical gardens. Over a million twinkling lights and illuminated tree sculptures.
Look out for sudden shards of light, snowflakes and marching reindeer!
Treat yourselves at one of the many street food vendors.
Experience the twinkling lights at Edinburgh’s Royal Botanic Gardens. by Steve Talas via Flickr. .
4.
25th November – 21st December on selected evenings.
From 4pm – 9.30pm.
From £19 adult. Concessions available.
With over 15000 tree specimens over 150 acres this wonderful arboretum promises an enchanted evening for all the family.
Follow magical trails, let the elves entertain you and meet Father Christmas along the way! A beautiful Christmas garden.
Tasty treats and hot drinks available too!
5.
17th November – 17th December
From 4.30pm – 8.30pm.
From £7.95 (for members) or £12.95 (non members).
These popular gardens promise an even longer ‘glow trail’ this year. Be dazzled by colourful tree canopies, Christmas garden lights and glittering water features.
Hot drinks and treats are available along the trail and on selected evenings there is a craft fair and a fire show.
RHS Rosemoor at Christmas. by Andy Milham via Flickr. .
6.
From 24 November – 1st January 2023.
From 4.30pm – 8.15pm (times vary)
From £21 adults. Family tickets and concessions available.
One of our favourite family Christmas days out, particularly because it’s close to Hamper HQ!
The impressive gardens of this National Trust house have a new illuminated after-dark trail this year. Over 1 million sparkling lights and seasonal sounds!
Walk through tunnels of light and be mesmerized by the fire garden. Perhaps spot Father Christmas too.
Lots of interesting street food to enjoy.
As far as Lincolnshire day out ideas go, this is up there!
7.
From 18th November – 2nd January 2023.
From 4.15pm – 8.15pm
From £22.50 adult (member). Non member and child tickets available.
This English country house, owned by the National Trust, promises a wonderfully magical evening. Walk through tunnels of light and be transported by the beautiful lakeside reflections
You might come across Father Christmas on your travels!
Plenty of refreshments to enjoy, marshmallows to toast and a gift shop to visit. A brilliant Christmas activity with kids.
8.
From 2nd December – 1st January 2023.
From 4pm – 8pm.
From £21.45 adults. Discounts available.
Both the Hall and gardens will be transformed into a magical wonderland with stunning lights and music. See the star walkway in the Hall. Walk the newly extended trail through the Park and be captivated by the lights and lasers.
Enjoy delicious hot and cold treats along the way – a fun Christmas activity to do with friends or family.
This stunning house and garden are perfect for a family day out. by Lee Haywood via Flickr. .
9.
From 3rd December – 2nd January 2023, on selected dates.
From 4.30pm – 8pm.
From £20.50 adult (members). Non-members and child prices available.
Run by Historic Royal Palaces, Hillsborough’s illuminated trail promises an unforgettable experience.
Walk amongst a stunning million lights and glittering deer.
Maybe catch sight of Father Christmas!
Treat yourself to a ‘spiced winter warmer’ drink or a delicious hot chocolate.
10.
From 24th November – 24th December.
From 4.30pm – 8pm.
From £15 adults. Child and family tickets available.
Enjoy this winter light trail through the stunning gardens.
An unforgettable experience as light shows and music surround you.
Toast marshmallows at the fire pit!
Delicious food and drinks available at the courtyard café.
Feeling in a festive mood already?!
We hope so!
If you decide on any of these, let us know how it goes.
If you try another (and there are plenty more around the UK) drop us a line!
Need help with your Christmas shopping? Take inspiration from our range of thoughtful .
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