Christmas light trails are back across the UK for 2026, and families are planning early. Searches for “Christmas light trail” have jumped 250% in a month, according to holiday rentals firm cottages.com, which has picked five of the most popular trails this winter and the cosy villages nearby where you can stay over and skip the late-night drive home.
Interest in some trails is soaring. Searches for the new Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail are up more than 1,000% in a month, while the Christmas Train of Lights in Devon has seen a 5,000% rise.
Belinda Vazquez, staycation expert at cottages.com, said: “Light trails are one of the most magical things to do as a family at Christmas, but they’re evening events and that brings practical travel challenges. Booking a cottage nearby means no rushing back to the car and no late-night motorway drive.”
She added that December weekends book up quickly, so families should secure dates as early as possible. Many cottages also welcome dogs, although most of the trails below only allow assistance dogs.
The Festival of Light at Longleat, Wiltshire
Longleat’s famous lantern spectacular runs on selected dates from 7 November 2026 to 10 January 2027. This year’s legends theme includes the lost city of Atlantis and the chance to walk beneath a life-sized whale, alongside festive favourites like the Santa Train. Twilight tickets let you enjoy the lantern trail from 4pm.
Where to stay: villages around Warminster, such as Bishopstrow and Dilton Marsh, are just 10 to 20 minutes from the park. Spend the next day on a frosty walk up Cley Hill or around Stourhead, or pop into Bath or Salisbury for festive shopping.
Find out more about The Festival of Light
The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail, Cheshire
Disney Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail makes its UK debut at Arley Hall & Gardens near Northwich this year, running from 22 October 2026 into early January 2027. The after-dark walk brings Halloween Town and its characters to life, with tickets from £26.40.
Where to stay: Wilmslow, Mobberley and Knutsford all make good bases. Families can go deer spotting at National Trust parks Tatton and Dunham Massey, browse Knutsford’s Georgian streets and independent shops, or head to Chester for Christmas shopping.
Find out more about The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail
The Alnwick Garden Winter Lights, Northumberland
Winter Lights returns to The Alnwick Garden from 20 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, with evening sessions from 4.30pm. Saver tickets start from £11.70 on quieter midweek dates, and you can visit the Lilidorei play village before or after your session.
Where to stay: Alnwick itself is a great base, with Shilbottle, Alnmouth, Longhoughton and Warkworth all close by. Fill your days with bracing beach walks along the Northumberland coast, a visit to Alnwick Castle and a wander through historic Warkworth.
Find out more about Winter Lights
Christmas at Westonbirt, Gloucestershire
The after-dark trail at Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, runs on selected evenings from 27 November to 31 December 2026. Highlights include the Christmas Cathedral, Fire Garden and Sea of Light, plus a glimpse of Father Christmas along the way. Family tickets for two adults and two children cost £64 off peak or £89 standard, and relaxed sessions are available on selected dates.
Where to stay: the Cotswold villages around Tetbury and Malmesbury, such as Sherston and Didmarton, are only a few minutes’ drive from the arboretum. Bath and Cirencester are both close enough for a day of Christmas shopping.
Find out more about Christmas at Westonbirt
Christmas Train of Lights, Devon
The Christmas Train of Lights departs from Queen’s Park Station in Paignton on selected dates from 27 November to 30 December 2026. The vintage carriages are decorated inside and out with thousands of lights, and the 80-minute journey includes a tunnel and an illuminated forest, with new displays for 2026. A family ticket costs £105.
Where to stay: riverside villages between Paignton and Dartmouth, such as Galmpton, Churston Ferrers and Stoke Gabriel, are a short drive from the station. Spend the rest of your break exploring Dartmouth and the colourful harbour at Brixham.
Find out more about the Christmas Train of Lights
For cottages near each trail, visit cottages.com.
