Top Christmas trails in London and Surrey 2022
Top Christmas trails in London and Surrey 2022
A stroll along a Christmas trail – what is more dreamy than that? This year, London is looking very very special, glittering with dozens of colourful lights! Read for the best.
North to South and East to West, there are stunning Christmas trails across London and Surrey in 2022. From classic twinkling lights under a star-studded sky to superheroes and dinosaurs, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
1 Palace of Light – Hampton Court Palace, 7 December to 2 January
Bigger and better than ever before, Henry VIII’s favourite palace will light up with elaborate installations, dramatic displays and curious creatures, from glittering unicorns to polka-dot panthers. Plus yummy street food and drink offer. The displays are inspired by the Royal Beasts, a collection of heraldic statues commissioned by Henry VIII himself.
2 Enchanted Woodland at Syon Park – 11-27 November
See the 600-year-old gardens transformed by a charming display of lights and music. The trail winds through the arboretum, passes through Syon House (a treat for Bridgerton fans!) and ends at the Great Conservatory.
3 Glow at Wisley – RHS Garden Wisley, 17 November – 8 January
Let it go glow at Wisley this year and experience a magical spectacle of lights, music, and fire. Don’t forget to peek into the Glasshouse decorated with a white Christmas theme and head to the village square for very special chalets selling delicious treats.
4 Walking with The Snowman – Winkworth Arboretum, 26 November – January
Do you love the cult Christmas classic The Snowman? Who doesn’t. Walk in the air through Winkworth Arboretum and soak up the magic of Christmas with some very special The Snowman sculptures designed by a range of talented artists – or hop on a glittering carousel.
5 Christmas at Kew – Kew Gardens, 16 November – 8 January
Explore glistening light tunnels, dancing lakeside reflections, flickering flames and spectacular illuminations as you roam through the magical Kew Gardens. And of course, tasty festive delights, sweet treats, spiced winter warmers and plenty of hot chocolate.
6 Painshill’s Festive Heroes Trail – 19 November – 8 January
Festive Heroes Trail doesn’t have lights. It is cooler than that. The Painshill grounds have been covered in some very familiar superhero figures – Superman, Wonder Woman, Hulk, Spider-Man, you name it, they have it!
7 Illuminature – WWT London Wetland Centre, 18 November – 8 January
Experience the beauty of wildlife at night. Embark on a journey through the Wetlands to spot magical illuminated displays of fauna and flora, including a giant owl, colour-changing otters, fabulous flamingos and light-up lily pads.
8 The Ever After Garden – Grosvenor Square, 23 November – 20 December
The Ever After Garden is not exactly a trail but it’s a stunning initiative worthy of visiting, so we think it deserves inclusion here. A beautiful light installation in the heart of Mayfair, it consists of more than 20,000 illuminated white roses. You can light one yourself for a donation of minimum £10 – it goes towards The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity and their ground-breaking research – and attach a note remembering your loved ones.
9 Lightopia – Crystal Palace Park, 17 November – 2 January
If small and intimate light trails are your thing, do not head south-east to Lightopia. Because Lightopia is BIG – and we mean, genuinely massive. Explore all the beautiful sparkling displays along the long trail – last year’s attractions included a burning replica of Crystal Palace itself and of course, illuminated dinosaur sculptures.
10 Enchanted Eltham – Eltham Palace, selected dates only between 2 and 30 December
Escape the gloomy winter nights and discover a wonderful world of lighting, sound, and colour as you stroll around the grounds and gardens to see the Great Hall drenched in light. Sip some delish mulled wine, roast a marshmallow or hop on a fairground ride.
11 Epping Ongar Light Fantastic – Ongar station, 18 November – 15 January
A trail that’s a train that’s a trail that’s a train. Complete with the movie-style grand arrival, music and mystical Tomte hiding along the way. It’s a magical train ride that will take you through the route of wonders.
12 Christmas at Kenwood – Kenwood House, 2 December – 1 January
Tucked away in Hampstead Heath, Kenwood House will light up with thousands of lights. Discover the beautiful displays inspired by the fascinating history of the house and designed to fit in with the natural flora and fauna of the heath.
