Looking for a festive day out with a difference? Christmas light trails have become a popular way to celebrate the season, combining illuminated gardens, woodland walks, spectacular installations and seasonal food and drink.
For groups across the south-east, they offer an appealing alternative to a traditional Christmas shopping trip or festive meal for a company outing, a private group excursion or a seasonal trip for friends and family.
Here are six Christmas light trails worth adding to your festive plans.
1. Christmas at Kew, London
Christmas at Kew is one of the capital’s best-known festive attractions, transforming the Royal Botanic Gardens into an illuminated evening experience. The route features colourful installations, light tunnels and soundscapes set against the gardens’ distinctive landscapes.
The 2026 event runs on selected dates from 13 November to 3 January 2027, with adult-only evenings on 3 and 9 December. Visitors can also enjoy seasonal food and drink along the trail, making it easy to turn the experience into a full evening out.
For groups travelling into London, this could be an excellent centrepiece for a festive excursion. You could arrange an early meal nearby or combine the visit with some Christmas shopping, provided the timings allow.
Advance booking is essential, and popular entry slots can sell out, so it is worth checking availability before confirming your plans.
2. RHS Glow at Wisley, Surrey
For groups who enjoy gardens and outdoor attractions, RHS Garden Wisley offers a festive light experience in the Surrey countryside.
RHS Glow returns on selected dates from 20 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, with illuminated garden landscapes, new installations and light shows accompanied by music. The displays provide a different perspective on the gardens after dark.
Wisley is worth considering for a private group or company outing, particularly if you want an event that feels seasonal without being centred entirely on shopping or theatre.
Remember that this is an outdoor experience, so warm clothing and comfortable footwear are advisable. Check the available dates and ticket options before organising transport.
3. Windsor Great Park Illuminated, Berkshire
Windsor Great Park is another option for groups looking for a festive evening surrounded by illuminated landscapes. The 2026 trail is scheduled to run from 13 November to 3 January 2027, featuring woodland lighting, projections and fountain displays.
The setting makes this a particularly attractive choice for a seasonal group excursion. Visitors can enjoy the displays at a relaxed pace, making it suitable for groups who want to spend time together rather than follow a tightly packed itinerary.
It could also work well as part of a wider festive outing, although it is sensible to keep other activities nearby and allow enough time for the trail itself.
4. Glow Wild at Wakehurst, West Sussex
Wakehurst, near Haywards Heath, offers another festive option for groups travelling around the South East.
Glow Wild combines illuminated landscapes with seasonal installations and performances, creating a walking experience through the gardens after dark. The 2026 dates include selected evenings from 26 November through to 2 January 2027.
This could suit a family group, social club or company looking for a seasonal outing with an outdoor focus. The garden setting offers something different from an urban light display, while the illuminated route provides a clear activity around which to organise the evening.
Check the event’s official booking information for entry arrangements and accessibility details.
5. Leonardslee Lights, West Sussex
For a festive outing in the West Sussex countryside, Leonardslee Gardens near Horsham is another destination to consider.
Leonardslee Lights returns from 27 November to 30 December 2026, with an expanded route and a range of illuminated installations.
The garden setting makes it a good option for groups seeking a seasonal experience away from the busiest parts of London. It could suit a private party or company outing, especially when combined with a meal or another activity in the local area.
As with other outdoor trails, check the recommended visit duration and available arrival slots when planning your itinerary.
6. SteamLights at Bluebell Railway, East Sussex
For something a little different, consider SteamLights at Bluebell Railway near Uckfield. This festive experience combines a heritage railway setting with seasonal illumination, offering an alternative to a conventional walking trail.
The 2026 event is scheduled for selected dates from 21 November, with further dates running into December. It could be an appealing option for families, railway enthusiasts and groups looking for a Christmas outing with a distinctive theme.
Check the official timetable and ticket information before booking, as the experience and departure times may differ from those of a standard light trail.
Make your Christmas light trail a group outing
Whichever destination you choose, a little advance planning can make the experience much easier to organise.
Check ticket availability, confirm the group’s numbers and allow enough time to reach the venue before your allocated entry slot. It is also worth considering whether you want to include a meal, festive shopping or another attraction as part of the trip.
For groups travelling from across the south east, bus hire can simplify the journey Everyone can travel together from an agreed pick-up point, avoiding the need to coordinate multiple cars or arrange parking at a busy seasonal attraction.
December dates, in particular, can be popular, so booking both tickets and transport early gives you more choice.
Christmas light trails offer a memorable way to enjoy the festive season, whether you choose the spectacular displays at Kew, the gardens at Wisley or a heritage experience at Bluebell Railway.
Pick a destination that suits your group, plan the practical details and make a real festive evening of it, without the hassle of route planning, navigation and parking.
