See some of Gloucestershire's biggest attractions transform into twinkling winter wonderlands this Christmas, as illuminated light trails are switched on across the county to mark the start of the festive season.
From long-standing highlights in the county's festive calendar to brand-new installations for 2025, SoGlos shares six of the best illuminated light trails to see in and around Gloucestershire this Christmas.
Christmas light trail at Westonbirt Arboretum
Christmas at Westonbirt is an all-new festive attraction from the masterminds behind Christmas at Kew, bringing over one million twinkling lights, seasonal soundscapes and impressive installations – including a show stopping tunnel of light – to Forestry England Westonbirt, The National Arboretum.
Christmas at Westonbirt 2025 features new installations, too, such as 'Laser Lights', 'Mycelium Network', 'Fireworks Trees' and 'Wicker Animals', and it all takes place on selected evenings from Friday 28 November to Wednesday 31 December 2025.
Enchanted Garden By Night at Painswick Rococo Garden
Back for its third year as part of Gloucestershire's line-up of entrancing light trails, don't miss the Enchanted Garden By Night at Painswick Rococo Garden this Christmas. A festive spin-off of its popular summer trail, it features magical willow-sculpted creatures adorned in twinkling lights, with fairies, dragons and more to find around the 18th-century pleasure garden.
Enchanted Garden By Night takes place on selected evenings from Friday 28 November to Monday 29 December 2025.
Spectacle of Light trail at Sudeley Castle
Sudeley Castle’s illuminated light trail is back with a new theme for its big 10th anniversary; The Court of King Arthur. Embark on a medieval quest and discover the Magic of Merlin, passing light beams, lanterns and the Spectacle of Light's signature sparkling water features – all wrapped up with spiced mulled wine, rich hot chocolate and hot food to enjoy – as you explore the castle grounds.
Spectacle of Light takes place on selected evenings from Friday 21 November to Tuesday 30 December 2025.
Winter Glow light trail at Three Counties Showground
Journey just over the border to Winter Glow, transforming Three Counties Showground into a magical Christmas wonderland with its own illuminated light trail that features interactive installations and a bespoke soundscape. With over 20 mesmerising light installations spread across a 2km trail, families can set off on a glowing adventure that's bigger, brighter and sparklier than ever!
Winter Glow takes place from Friday 21 November to Wednesday 31 December 2025, with sensory-friendly and dog-friendly sessions on selected dates, too.
Christmas light trail at Gloucester Cathedral
There's the rare chance to see one of the county's most iconic buildings lit up for Christmas after dark, as Gloucester Cathedral's unmissable Cathedral Christmas Experience at Night event returns for 2025. See the historic building's imposing interiors illuminated, providing a stunning backdrop for spellbinding live music from its choir and musicians, with the opportunity to take a candlelit tour of the Library or soak up sky-high views across the county from the Tower, too.
Christmas Experience at Night takes place on selected evenings from Friday 5 to Saturday 20 December 2025.
Christmas light trail at Blenheim Palace
In neighbouring Oxfordshire, Blenheim Palace promises a memorable Christmas experience with its ever-popular light trail. Wander through glowing tunnels filled with stars, admire thousands of sparkling lights and catch a glimpse of Father Christmas along the way – before heading inside to follow the yellow brick road towards the Emerald City, as the palace is transformed into the magical land of Oz.
Christmas at Blenheim Palace runs from Friday 14 November 2024 to Saturday 3 January 2025.
