What is Christmas all about? Family, of course, then presents and food. But it’s also about that magical sensation you get seeing houses and streets transform into twinkly and dazzling explosions of colour and light. That feeling and more are contained in Christmas light trails – endless gleaming lights that just scream: festivities. So to put you in the festive spirit, here are some of the most magical Christmas light trails you can find near Birmingham.
1. Luminate Birmingham
We all know how stunning Birmingham Botanical Gardens are on an average day. But come Christmas, they take another leap forward into the extraordinary. Weaving through this mile-long trail around the historic grounds, you’ll discover stunning lighting elements and fabulous light play, all set to ambient music. Halfway around, stop off for toasted marshmallows and mulled wine to warm you up on a winter’s night. Luminate Birmingham runs from November 25 to January 2.
Westbourne Rd, Birmingham B15 3TR
2. Winter Glow
The West Midlands’ biggest Christmas light trail returns to Malvern Showground from November 24 to January 6. Winter Glow is one of the longest outdoor light trails you’ll find and this year explores the story of the Golden Snowflake. Created by local artists, lighting designers, and craft persons, it takes families on a journey around the North Pole with Santa’s head elf, Jingle, to bring the precious golden snowflake home.
For more festivities, you can also join Santa and his merry elves on an immersive adventure with Santa’s Grotto Experience. Elsewhere, experience ice skating on one of the largest all-weather ice rinks in the West Midlands; the Christmas Market and Food Quarter offering local arts, crafts and incredible festive food; and the festive Fairground featuring Dodgems, a Funhouse, and bungee trampolines.
Three Counties Showground, Malvern WR13 6NW
3. The Enchanted Gardens: Neverland
At this massive garden centre in Wychbold, you can fly to a magical island where children never grow up this Christmas. Webbs returns with its most ambitious Christmas light trail yet, telling the story of Peter Pan through a mixture of lighting, lanterns, projections, and sounds. The Enchanted Gardens: Neverland is lit in jewel-like colours, festoons, and fairy lights.
Fly across the London skyline to Neverland, dive into the watery world of the Mermaid’s Lagoon, walk the plank at Pirate’s Creek and join the Lost Children around the fire. Taking place between November 17 and January 3, you can also stop by Santa’s snow-covered workshop, where you can meet the Big Man himself and see the elves hard at work.
Webbs, Worcester Rd, Droitwich WR9 0DG
4. Warwick Castle
An after-dark trail, Warwick Castle is once again illuminated in Christmassy fashion this year. There are thousands of shimmering lights spread across the castle grounds, along with some astonishing new installations to discover. From twinkling trees to projections lighting up the sky, larger-than-life illuminations and a Nutcracker-inspired entrance, the castle has never looked so magical. Head down November 25 – January 7 to see it come to life.
Warwick Castle, Warwick CV34 6AU
5. St Peters Garden Centre
Enchanting lights, treats, and surprises guide the way to a special fireside meeting with Santa Claus himself at St Peters Garden Centre. Warm up in his cosy yurt, where your little one will receive a very special Teddy Bear at the end. Between December 4 and 23, you’ll also receive a free ride token for the Mini Fun Fair and more! Learn more here.
Farm Pear Tree Dr, Norton Rd, Brockhill Village, Worcester WR5 2NY
6. Lights in the Woods
Christmas at Alderford sees a brand new magical Christmas light trail adventure set up by the lake, November 24 – January 8. Lights in the Woods is a spectacle of lights and interactive displays, weaving through the nearby woodland. Expect glistening trees and festive sounds to dazzle your every step and put you firmly in the Christmas spirit.
Alderford Lake, Tilstock Rd, Whitchurch SY13 3JQ
7. Luminate Coombe
Set within the historic Coombe Abbey Park, Luminate Coombe transforms the grounds with stunning lighting elements and light play set to ambient music. This Christmas light trail near Birmingham features more than 23 interactive exhibits. Including a talking tree, which greets you upon entry! There’s even a marshmallow fire pit with picnic benches to help warm up on these cold Christmas nights. Available to visit from November 25 to January 2, head here to learn more.
Coombe Abbey Hotel, Brinklow Road, Binley, Warwickshire, CV3 2AB