The best Christmas light shows in 2024

It's nearly Christmas time which means festive Christmas markets, the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping and, of course, the magic of a light show.

To help you have a merry Christmas, Grand Central has gathered a list of some of the best Christmas light displays in England, which are perfect for any age.

These impressive Christmas events include activities such as art displays, Christmas tree trails and much more - and you’ll be surprised to know that they can suit every budget too!

Kew Gardens Christmas light show

At Kew Gardens Christmas light displays in London, you will find a one-mile path leads you through a magical exhibition of glistening Christmas lights, and endless eye-catching displays. It is the perfect Christmas destination to visit with family and friends, and will delight all ages. 

What’s at the Kew Garden Christmas Light Show in London?

Some of our top picks  to get in the Christmas spirit include the Tunnel of Lights, dancing illuminated fountains and a traditional festive fair.

Kew Garden in London Christmas dates

If you’re looking to experience this Christmas event for yourself, we recommend that you book your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment. The opening dates are from the 13th of November to the 5th of January - 4:20pm until 10pm. 

Christmas Kew Garden in London ticket costs

Non-member adult: off-peak £25.50, peak £32
Member adult: off-peak £21.50, peak £26
Family and child tickets are available.

How to get to Kew Garden by train

Get your train tickets to Kew Garden here.

Mousehole Harbour Christmas Lights in Cornwall

Celebrate the 52nd anniversary of Mousehole Harbour Christmas lights in Cornwall, which have been taking place since 1963.

What’s at the Christmas Mousehole Harbour lights?

This year the switch-on will be on the 12th of December and will include a wide range of festive treats to look forward to; an open-air Carolaire service which boasts stunning lighting displays, both in the water and surrounding streets. The village will also be lit up with light and colour, leaving you with so much to explore. 

Are the Christmas Mousehole Harbour lights dog friendly?

Don’t forget to bring your furry friends as this event is dog friendly, making it the perfect atmosphere to get wrapped up warm and have a cosy night stroll.

Parking and when are the Mousehole Harbour lights?

When it comes to parking, there are limited spaces available which means it’s important to plan ahead and arrive early. The main event will begin on the 13th of December and runs until the 5th of January. Although it’s free, donations are welcome around town to pay for next year’s events. 

Getting to Cornwall by train

Get your train tickets to discover this Cornish Christmas event.

Waddesdon Manor Christmas light trail

Knowing that the Waddesdon Manor Christmas light installations are created by the artist Bruce Munro makes them even more special. Inspired by his interest in shared human experiences, this will be the third year in a row that this magical event has been hosted at Waddesdon Manor.  

When is the Christmas light show at Waddesdon Manor in Buckinghamshire?

Make sure to wrap up warm for this wintery outdoor trail! Follow the light show around the grounds of the manor, and don’t worry about getting there in time for Christmas -  the show runs from the 15th of November to the 5th of January, allowing you plenty of time to fit it into your winter schedule. 

What is the cost of tickets at Waddesdon Manor?

Adult tickets £22.00 (National Trust members £11.50). 
Child £10 (National Trust member £5).

Buckinghamshire trains

Find out what trains to Buckinghamshire are available. 

Westonbirt Christmas Lights in Tetbury, Gloucestershire

Get some Christmas tree inspiration at this Westonbirt Arboretum light display, where you will see rows and rows of pines as far as the eye can see!  Stretching a mile long, this trail is different each year so you will never get bored, even if you’re a regular visitor. 

What is there to do at Westonbirt Arboretum Christmas event?

Children will have the opportunity to meet Santa Claus, Christmas fairies, choirs, stilt walkers and much more. 

Festive food and drink

Your taste buds will also be able to experience the Christmas spirit with plenty of festive food and drink on offer - there is something for everyone here. 

Costs and when is the Westonbirt Christmas event?

Off-peak – Adults £18; Children (3-16) £12
Standard – Adults £22.50, Children £15
Peak – Adults £24, Children £17
Family (2 adults, 2 children) – £57 (off-peak), £72 (standard), £79 (peak).

How to get to Tetbury, Gloucestershire

Get started on your train journey to Tetbury, Gloucestershire.

Christmas at Calke in Derbyshire

This gorgeous land belongs to the National Trust, with Calke Abbey hosting a wonderful Christmas light display each year from the 6th of December until the 23rd of December, including a candle-lit tree trail leading up to the church. 

Calke in Derbyshire event information

Visit the Calke Abbey website for upcoming information regarding costs, times and other essential information you may need.

The event runs on the weekends of December before Christmas, with a family ticket coming to just £12 to view the enchanting lights on display. 

A festive train ride to Calke in Derbyshire

Search what trains we have to Derbyshire.

Oxford Street Christmas Lights

London at Christmas is magical, with Oxford Street Christmas lights being no exception!

Oxford Street Christmas shopping

Visit Oxford Street in London for the perfect winter trip where you can see fantastic Christmas light displays on the famous London high street. Then warm yourself up with some last-minute Christmas shopping, or check out our blog on things to do in London this Christmas for even more inspiration.  

Other Christmas activities near Oxford Street

Other Christmas activities near Oxford Street include a trip to the theatre, outdoor ice skating and other famous London landmarks. 

Travelling to Oxford Street for Christmas

Discover London this Christmas by booking your train to Oxford Circus today. 

Stockheld Park at Christmas in West Yorkshire 

This award-winning Christmas event at Stockheld Park is back for another year, running from the 16th November up until the 6th January.

Things to do at the Christmas Adventure event in Stockheld Park, West Yorkshire

Experience outdoor ice skating, a forest trail with illuminated sculptures, a maze and a chance for kids to meet Santa himself. 

How much do tickets cost for the Christmas Adventure event at Stockheld Park? 

This day out is really where magic is made and adventures begin, with Christmas day packages starting from £16.50.

Getting to Stockheld Park via train

Travel to Stockheld Park via train.

Shakespeare’s Birthplace Christmas Light Show in Stratford-Upon-Avon, Warwickshire

Celebrate Christmas in the home of William Shakespeare. Here you can view light and sound displays that will be projected onto his house. Available dates include 29th-30th November, and the 6th, 7th, 13th, and 14th December.

Shakespeare tour

If you have some spare time, why not take a tour through Shakespeare’s past and work, accompanied by traditional Tudor music? There are also candlelit tours of his house available. 

Christmas light show in Stratford-Upon-Avon cost

Adults: £15
Children: £9.75
Concession: £12

Statford-Upon-Avon trains

See what trains are available to Stratford-Upon-Avon.

Christmas Lights Festival in Oxford and Oxford Christmas Market

A fun-packed Christmas light festival is waiting for you in Oxford.

Events taking place at the Christmas Lights Festival

The list of events will be published on the website nearer to the event so don’t forget to keep an eye out. Past activities included live performances, dazzling lighting displays, outdoor ice skating, ice sculpting, arts and crafts, festive food and lots more. 

What to wear to the Oxford Christmas light festival?

A mix of both indoor and outdoor activities will mean that you will need to wrap up warm - don’t forget your hat and scarf! 

Get the train there

Trains that will take you to Oxford.

Standen Christmas Lights, West Sussex

Festive magic is how we would describe this dog-friendly Christmas light display in Standen, West Sussex. Gardens of Light tells the story of the Nutcracker, featuring its world-famous ballet music, impressive light displays and different themed gardens that will be filled with candles, lanterns and Christmas trees. 

What is there to do for the kids at the Standen, Sussex Christmas light display?

Children will be delighted to hear that they can meet the Sugar Plum Fairy at this display; there’s really no better way to start Christmas than at this festive event. 

Travelling on the train for the Sussex Christmas light display?

Trains to Sussex can get you there.

Go and see a light show this Christmas with Grand Central.

Contact our helpful team for further information or check out our Christmas train times.