As we head towards Christmas there are events and activities aplenty to get you in the festive mood with illuminated trails starting this month to kindle your enthusiasm for the season ahead
Tis the season to set eyes all aglow and nothing does that like the wonder of an illuminated trail. There’s still a few days left to discover the breath-taking trail through light, colour and fantasy at Welford Park near Newbury. Explore the night-time wonder of Welford Park through a wonderful spectacle of light and sound. Enjoy this beautiful, illuminated trail through the majestic woodland and around the gardens all lit under the stars until November 10th. Book at Spectacle of Light | Welford Park
Stourhead has been enhanced by the curated trail featuring the stunning Christmas Cathedral, in which more than a thousand pea lights will be woven into the forest landscape. New features this year include a Sea of Light stretching into the distance, larger-than-life snowflakes suspended in trees and Light a Wish, which fills the air with giant, floating dandelion seeds. You’ll be surrounded by a sea of light and feathers floating in the night sky from November 29th to January 1st. Book at Christmas 2024 | Stourhead | Wiltshire | National Trust
Create magical memories at Longleat as you journey through time at the Festival of Light with a Roman chariot, mammoth, dinosaurs and an Egyptian pyramid as well as a dragon boat from the Shang dynasty. The highlight will feature Longleat House transformed as part of an immersive video display. Travel through time from when dinosaurs roamed to the present day with an appearance by Elizabeth I. The display November 9th until January 5th features more than 1,000 lanterns. Tickets at Longleat
Be part of the Corn Exchange’s Festival of Light on Sunday, 15th December and help transform Newbury town centre into a twinkling wonderland. The procession will travel along Northbrook Street before arriving in the Market Place with live music and a festive atmosphere. In the run up to the event, join a lantern making workshop, November 30th – December 8th and create a traditional pyramid lantern out of willow and paper ready to carry in the procession. More details & booking at Lantern Making Workshop | Corn Exchange | Corn Exchange Newbury
The illuminated outdoor Christmas Trail in the grounds of Blenheim Palace is one of the highlights of the festive calendar. Wander the picture-perfect gardens filled with Christmas cheer to discover a place where new memories are made as a multitude of glowing lights and Christmassy sounds fill the air with festive fun. Inspired by the natural world and festive themes, the illuminations have been created by internationally renowned artists and are guaranteed to add extra magic to the festive season. Wander through thousands of twinkling lights, seasonal scents, sparkling baubles, shimmering tunnels of light and vibrant woodland lakeside displays. November 15th to January 1st. Booking essential Christmas at Blenheim | Festive Light Trail & Christmas Market
The family-friendly illuminated light trail at Cotswold Farm Park is a wondrous night-time experience, showcasing marvellous creations, installations and illuminations. The lights will guide you on an enchanting stroll through the park after hours along the picturesque trail. Enjoy thousands of lights Nov 22nd-24th, Nov 29th-Dec 1st, 6th-8th, 13th-15th, 18th-23rd and 28th-31st. Book at A Magical Enchanted Light Trail On The Farm | The Cotswolds
The elves are busy at Bucklebury Farm creating the most magical experience for you to enjoy this Christmas time. Book your grotto slot with Santa, select dates from 7th December. Book at Buy Father Christmas at the Farm Tickets online – Bucklebury Farm
Christmas comes to Marlborough on November 29th with the festive market and lights switch on. The following day brings the chance to shop for gifts at the Christmas fair at St Peter’s selling a range of products, from hampers and gifts to candles and infusers, local gins and natural skincare, handmade textiles, glass crafts and art.
Newbury gets into the Christmas spirit with the lights switch on (6pm) and a day of festivities on November 16th before finishing off with the official Lights Switch On Afterparty at Newbury Racecourse. The artisan Christmas market starts the day with unique and handmade gifts on offer. From Inch’s Yard to the Market Place and the Waterside Centre, the town will be filled with the sound of music and live performances throughout the day.
The Hungerford Victorian Extravaganza is a highlight of the area’s festive calendar on December 13th. The town becomes a Victorian-era wonderland, complete with fairy tale Christmas lights, steam engines, entertainers, charity stalls, food stalls, The Rock Choir, and Elsa, Anna and Olaf. The festivities kick off at 5pm with a Christmas street fair of stalls, Santa’s grotto, Christmas horse carriage rides, steam engines, festive food and drinks, big wheel and fairground rides. There’s also an indoor Christmas market in the Town Hall offering crafts, honey, cakes, cheese, chocolates and liqueurs, jewellery, glassware, knitted accessories, smoked trout, books, pies, pastries, cosmetics and organic oils.
One of the most popular Christmas markets and not just in Wiltshire is Bath Christmas Market which returns from Thursday, 28th November until Sunday, 15th December. Meander through the cobbled streets of the heritage city centre of Bath, soaking in the festive atmosphere whilst browsing some of the best independent makers for the South West and beyond. Bath Christmas Market is a free, open-air event that is sure to get
you in the festive mood.
This Christmas, discover a wonderland of light and festive cheer at the historic Town Gardens, Swindon as you embark on the Enchanted Gardens Light Trail. Wander through a magical backdrop of illuminated trees, discover a
trail of remarkable light art sculptures, low level soundscapes, interactive illuminations and a specially commissioned light show. Follow the trail from November 29th to December 24th. Book at Events for 29/11/2024
Hop aboard The Rose of Hungerford for an hour-long trip where everyone meets Santa and the children all receive a present. For more & to book visit The Rose of Hungerford – Kennet & Avon Canal Trust Take a trip on the Jubilee at Newbury which will be cruising to Greenham Land to find Santa. Enjoy a Christmas story, singing and time with Santa on the one-hour trip with a gift. More at Jubilee – Kennet & Avon Canal Trust Both trips available on selected December dates.
At the home of the Heritage and Rural Skills Centre at Coleshill, explore this makers market to discover artisan gifts hand made by local crafts people and craft course providers. Browse locally handmade crafts, gifts, and much more. Bring the kids along to enjoy some festive children’s activities too on Sunday, 24th November.
Steam into Christmas at Didcot Railway Centre and help Santa find his missing reindeer, November 30th and selected dates in December. The reindeer have escaped and are lost, he needs them to deliver all the presents on Christmas Eve. You’ll receive a special passport and stocking as you enter as well as a small gift at each reindeer station. On December 17th book for a very special one-man show, A Christmas Carol features Gerald Dickens, Charles’ great great grandson. Book at Didcot Railway Centre
The Greyhound Inn, Letcombe Regis near Wantage is offering a fixed price Festive Dining Menu from November 29th until Christmas Eve from £35pp. Private dining rooms available for larger groups. Wreath-making courses available 29th & 30th November. Stuck for a present idea? Buy a Greyhound Gift Voucher for a range of dining or stay experiences. All details at Home – The Greyhound Inn or call 01235 771969 to discuss your requirements.
Looking to create a hamper as a gift or for the perfect party fare? Gastro Nicks in Collingbourne Ducis is an Aladdin’s Cave of charcuterie, antipasti, cheese, chutneys, pasta, pesto, sauces and oils not to mention the wines, Champagne and sparkling wines to accompany it all. And no Christmas celebration would be complete without a slice of delicious Panettone. Add a touch of the Med to your festivities, shop at gastronicks.co.uk
And finally, Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas without that great British tradition, the panto… oh no it wouldn’t! Corn Exchange Newbury is staging Dick Whittington, the tale of the lad who went to London in search of his fortune from November 29th to January 5th, Book at Dick Whittington Pantomime 2024 | Corn Exchange Newbury
More next month in our panto special!
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