From frosted window displays to crooner playlists. It goes without say that the festive season brings on lashings of feel-good reverie for both adults and children to enjoy. And whether it’s the magic of a full-scale ‘luminations’ event or the simple charm of a village’s annual ‘switch-on’, nothing adds enchantment quite like a Christmas light display.

So, if you’re looking for something magical to enjoy with the kids, we think you’ll love this list of upcoming events. You might decide it’s worth seeing them all.

A Winter Lantern experience at Heligan Night Garden, Cornwall

Discover a world of enchantment this Christmas with a thoroughly otherworldly lantern experience at Cornwall’s famous Heligan’s Lost Gardens.

A feast for the senses at any time of the year, the Gardens will pile on even more wonderment this December. Woodlands, flora and fauna will be beautifully lit up by a variety of installations and lanterns.

Designed by The Lantern Company, this year’s illuminated installations at Heligan will magnify the often-overlooked wonders and beauty of the nature. From badgers to fungi, bees to butterflies, and a joyful family of cheeky Tamworth pigs.

When? Various nights in November, December and January 2023

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A Winter’s Tide at Coleton Fishacre, Devon

A beautiful fixture on Devon’s South Hams coastline, this National Trust owned Arts and Crafts country home settles in 24 acres of lush grounds, with a garden to inspire even the least green-fingered out there.

This Christmas the lower level of house will be decorated to dazzle with an enchanting and immersive experience that includes light displays and soundscapes to scents of the sea, while children will delight in the indoor spotter trail where they will discover festive traditions from around the world.

When? Weekends 3rd to 18th December. Daily 27th to 31st December and 7th to 8th January 2023.

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Dartmouth Steam Railway Christmas Train of Lights, Devon

A firm favourite on our Christmas events calendar, this multi award-winning Christmas experience is a sell-out event that you don’t want to miss!  The UK’s first steam train of lights, The Christmas Train of Lights is a show that captures the magic of Christmas and is full of surprises from beginning to end.

Starting at Queen’s Park Station, Paignton, your vintage carriages will await – decorated with thousands of lights, both inside and out. A magical round trip to Kingswear passes through the 450-metre Greenway tunnel that leads you to the enchanted forest which will be transformed by a multitude of lights with brand new feature displays – plus some old favourites! We suggest you book well in advance for this delightful experience.

When? 25th November to 30th December

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Zooluminate Christmas Zoo Nights in Dartmoor, Devon

For a truly unique wintry experience head up to the moors this festive season to experience Zooluminate – a series of beautiful light installations that will showcase Dartmoor Zoo in a way you’ve never seen before!

Pick your way around our site to discover beautifully lit spaces, including some of the animal enclosures where you may even spot their residents snuggled up for the night.

The lights have been specifically researched and chosen to illuminate without causing any harm or disruption, so you’ll be able to capture some fantastic pics on your way round.

When? 9th December – 2nd January

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Mousehole Harbour Lights, Cornwall

As if you needed another reason to visit this utterly charming Cornish Village. Started in 1963, the Mousehole Harbour Lights are switched on each December, illuminating the village until early January and have become a major attraction. There are over 60 displays using a whopping 7000+ lightbulbs, and if you’re looking for a photo op, the reflections on the water of the harbour are outstanding.

This year instead of one main switch-on, the village will light up its streets and harbour in phases, with the whole event taking place over six days. Expect an array of twinkling illuminations and the famous ‘Mousehole’ sign.

In honour of the Penlee Lifeboat Solomon Browne tragedy however, all lights on December apart from the Millenium Cross on St Clements Island, the Cross and Angels on Raginnis Hill and the cross on the Penlee Lifeboat Station will be switched off from 8 pm until 9pm.

When? 12th to 17th December

Find out more>>

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