Cosy nights filled with bright, twinkling lights,
gather loved ones to make your Christmas jolly and bright!
We’ve gathered together free Christmas light trails,
so grab your hats and scarfs and see what each trail entails!
Free UK Christmas light trails 2025
As it gets dark earlier and the holiday songs start playing in every corner, what better way to spend your evenings than with family watching hundreds of twinkling lights surrounding the trees, guiding you through the ultimate winter wonderland! Here is a small list of some FREE Christmas light trails for you and your loved ones this cozy season, to get you in the Christmas spirit.
Bournemouth Christmas Tree Wonderland
đź“Ť Lower Gardens, Bournemouth
13th November 2025 – 4th January 2026
Christmas Tree Wonderland is returning to Bournemouth this Christmas! In the heart of Bournemouth’s historic Lower Gardens, wander through a dazzling display of light-up trees, the iconic sparkling Christmas tree and the maze. You can also hop aboard the Santa Express along the way, and end your walk at the Big Whee which lights up the beautiful skyline. This Light Trail is a must see if you live in Dorset or even visiting! Perfect for families and friends to enjoy a magical Christmas walk.
Light Up Wakefield
đź“ŤCity Centre, Wakefield, West Yorkshire
21st November – 23rd November 2025
Light Up Wakefield is a free to attend dazzling light art installation event organised by Wakefield Council. This family friendly event will bring you all the Christmas vibes, with beautiful art and shining lights that will leave you mesmerized! There will be 3 sessions for this event, running on: 21st November 4pm – 9pm, 22nd November 5pm – 9pm, and 23rd November 5pm – 8pm.
Lightwaves Salford
đź“ŤSalford Quays, Salford, Greater Manchester
4th December – 7th December 2025
This December, Salford Quays is set to sparkle once again as Lightwaves transforms the Quays into a magical and mystical open-air gallery of light and imagination! From 4th – 7th December, families can attend this event and wander through the illuminated pathways filled with inspiring light installations. Wrap up warm and get together for this wonderful display.
Maidenhead Christmas Lights Switch On
đź“ŤTown Hall, St Ives Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire
22nd November – end of December/early January
Maidenhead’s Christmas Lights Switch-On event is the town’s big festive kick off! Start of your holiday season with a day filled with festive fun, live music all day, and an extravagant firework display in the evening! You can then start your Christmas Light Trail in surrounding neighbourhoods to experience more personal home lighting displays. The Countdown to Christmas for Maidenhead officially starts on 22nd November – so gather the family and get ready to light up your holiday season!
Reading annual Christmas Lights Switch On
đź“ŤBroad Street, Reading
15th November – end of December/early January
The Christmas season is officially underway in Reading! On 15th November, the town centre’s Christmas lights turn on, a magical display which is much loved and unique to Reading, with links to the town’s rich culture and heritage. Over 800,000 LED shine bright among the town, spreading the ultimate Christmas cheer!
WGC Christmas Lights Trail
đź“ŤWelwyn Garden City Town Centre, Hertfordshire
15th November 2025 – 2nd January 2026
WGC Christmas Lights Trail is back by popular demand for 2025! The town centre will light up again this festive season, with dazzling displays which are free for everyone to enjoy! The Christmas Trail Lights switch on at 6pm on Saturday 15th November, bringing you Christmas cheer, family fun and so much more.
Oxford Street Christmas
đź“ŤOxford Street, London
3rd November – end of December/early January
Oxford Street is one of London’s most iconic Christmas Lights locations, with 300,000 stars dangling above Oxford Street. This is a magical experience everyone has to see at least once in their lives! Beside the lights, there are hundreds of shops for you to browse in, to ensure you get the full Christmas vibes. on 7th December, Oxford Street is becoming a day of joy with live performances, activities and other festive experiences in aid of their Christmas charity partner ‘Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity’ (GOSH)
Derby’s Festive Lighting Trail
đź“ŤDerby City Centre, Derbyshire
27th November 2025 – 2nd January 2026
This Christmas, Derby City Centre will sparkle brighter than ever before with a beautiful Festive Lighting Trail! Follow to Trail through the heart of the city centre and discover a series of festive light installations designed to bring winter magic to every corner. A free, family friendly event that will ensure happiness and warmth in everyone!
Eton Christmas Light Switch On
đź“ŤEton High Street, Eton, Windsor, Berkshire
13th November – end of December/early January
Celebrate Christmas in Eton as their beautiful Christmas Light display turns on! On Thursday 13th November from 5pm, Eton kicks off their Christmas celebrations presented with food stalls, funfair rides, music, dancing and of course, the Christmas Lights which are set to turn on at around 7pm.
Lisburn Light Trail
đź“ŤCastle Gardens, Lisburn City Centre, Lisburn, Northern Ireland
21st November – 22nd December 2025
Lisburn Light Trail is an enchanting and magical evening in the heart of the city centre. The city is brought to life through twinkling lights, festive decorations and the ultimate holiday atmosphere! This free event is perfect for some evening family fun, with so many activities as an extra you do not want to miss.
Although most major Christmas Light Trails for 2025 are costly, we managed to find as many confirmed FREE light trails for you and the family to enjoy, budget friendly:)
Are there any we missed out? let us know!
What have you been up to? We’d really love to know! Someone else might love it, and really want to go! If you’ve got ideas, suggestions or reviews, you can shout all about it on whatever channel you choose!
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