Essex


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-castle-park-colchester-6-dec-to-24-dec"><a href="https://www.enlightenedmoments.co.uk/events/colchester-castle-park-2024/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Castle Park</a><br>Colchester, 6 Dec to 24 Dec</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/10/2-11.jpg" alt="Castle Park Colchester Essex and London light trails" class="wp-image-14337" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/10/2-11.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/10/2-11-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/10/2-11-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/10/2-11-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>First on our Essex and London light trails is over at Colchester&#8217;s Castle Park. Managed by Enlightened Moments, who also look after the Hylands Estate and Marshall Arboretum &amp; Gardens trails (they must be busy festive bees!), make sure to pre-book as you can&#8217;t buy tickets on the door. First entry&#8217;s at 5pm with slots until 9pm. Under threes go free; <a href="https://www.enlightenedmoments.co.uk/events/colchester-castle-park-2024/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">full info and how to book here</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-christmas-in-chelsea-london-4-to-29-dec"><a href="https://www.christmasinchelsea.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Christmas in Chelsea</a><br>London, 4 to 29 Dec</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/11/1-1.jpg" alt="Christmas in Chelsea" class="wp-image-19523" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/11/1-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/11/1-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/11/1-1-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Brand new for 2024 is London&#8217;s <a href="https://www.christmasinchelsea.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Christmas in Chelsea</a>, transforming the Royal Hospital Chelsea into what it describes as a &#8216;dazzling winter wonderland&#8217;. Start by stepping into a 1km journey of light displays through Ranelagh Gardens, then wander through its jam-packed festive market. Join in with creative workshops, from wreath-making to festive candles and more, then enjoy classic carols and modern favourites courtesy of their pop-up choirs. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-colchester-zoo-colchester-30-nov-to-30-dec"><a href="https://www.colchesterzoologicalsociety.com/event/enchanted-trail-of-light/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Colchester Zoo</a><br>Colchester, 30 Nov to 30 Dec</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/10/3-8.jpg" alt="Colchester Zoo Essex and London light trails" class="wp-image-14338" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/10/3-8.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/10/3-8-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/10/3-8-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/10/3-8-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Here&#8217;s another <a href="https://www.colchesterzoologicalsociety.com/event/enchanted-trail-of-light/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">enchanting event</a> on our Essex and London light trails to head to, still in Colchester but this time at the Zoo. There&#8217;s illuminations along a designated route, plus dancing fountains and fairies kids&#8217;ll love. You can even control the magic with interactive light zones, before enjoying a ride on their festive train. All that plus seasonal food and drink to fill those bellies, plus a live musical performance.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-epping-ongar-railway-ongar-16-nov-to-31-jan"><a href="https://www.eorailway.co.uk/events/epping-ongar-lights-express/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Epping Ongar Railway</a><br>Ongar, 16 Nov to 31 Jan</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/10/4-8.jpg" alt="Epping Ongar Lights Express 2023" class="wp-image-14339" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/10/4-8.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/10/4-8-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/10/4-8-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/10/4-8-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The <a href="https://www.eorailway.co.uk/events/epping-ongar-lights-express/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Epping Ongar Lights Express</a> is an incredible show on an actual steam train. There&#8217;s thousands of LED lights in this fully immersive light show, along with your own interactive wristband synchronised to music. Hosted by the legendary Voiceover Man from Britain&#8217;s Got Talent and X-Factor, you can laugh with him (or at him!) and compete against each other in his on-board game.<a href="https://eppingongar.tygit.com/shop/launch/pk/a3351ad76b960fc573eb17255e2f6a3c"></a></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hylands-estate-chelmsford-29-nov-to-4-jan"><a href="https://hylandsestate.co.uk/events/category/enlightened/list/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hylands Estate</a><br>Chelmsford, 29 Nov to 4 Jan</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/10/5-7.jpg" alt="Hylands Estate Enlightened Moments 2023 event " class="wp-image-14340" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/10/5-7.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/10/5-7-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/10/5-7-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/10/5-7-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Enjoy the <a href="https://hylandsestate.co.uk/events/category/enlightened/list/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mile-long light trail</a> at Hylands Estate that&#8217;s now set to be bigger than ever. With its specially curated illuminations, along with brand new installations never seen before, we say immerse yourself in the 50m long digital tunnel of light, before being amazed by the laser show. Be sure to also check out some mysterious creatures brought to life with 3D special effects.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-markshall-arboretum-amp-gardens-enlightened-coggeshall-6-dec-to-24-dec"><a href="https://www.markshall.org.uk/whatsonevent/enlightened-markshall-2024/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Markshall Arboretum &amp; Gardens Enlightened</a><br>Coggeshall, 6 Dec to 24 Dec</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/11/2-1.jpg" alt="Markshall Arboretum &amp; Gardens Enlightened" class="wp-image-19524" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/11/2-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/11/2-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/11/2-1-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>For the very first time <a href="https://www.markshall.org.uk/whatsonevent/enlightened-markshall-2024/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Markshall Arboretum &amp; Gardens</a> is also getting in on the winter light illuminations action. Go for a stroll through their enchanted woodland then try your hand at one of the many new interactive exhibits on offer. Don’t forget to visit the land of wishes where &#8216;magical guardians&#8217; see dreams come true, before taking in the ocean of light and high-energy fountain show set to a uniquely commissioned soundscape.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rhs-garden-hyde-hall-chelmsford-22-nov-to-28-dec"><a href="https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/hyde-hall/whats-on/hyde-hall-glow" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RHS Garden Hyde Hall</a><br>Chelmsford, 22 Nov to 28 Dec</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/10/6-5.jpg" alt="RHS Garden Hyde Hall light trail" class="wp-image-14341" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/10/6-5.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/10/6-5-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/10/6-5-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/10/6-5-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Be sure to also check out <a href="https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/hyde-hall/whats-on/hyde-hall-glow" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RHS Garden Hyde Hall&#8217;s Glow</a> event when looking at the best Essex and London light trails. Here you step into a magical trail, enjoying the transformation of the gardens under the glow of hundreds of illuminations. There’s tasty food and treats to savour, and plenty of gifts to stock up on in their Christmas shop. Pre-booking essential.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-royal-botanic-gardens-london-15-dec-to-5-jan"><a href="https://www.kew.org/kew-gardens/whats-on/christmas" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Botanic Gardens</a><br>London, 15 Dec to 5 Jan</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/10/7-5.jpg" alt="Christmas at Kew Gardens 2023" class="wp-image-14342" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/10/7-5.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/10/7-5-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/10/7-5-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/10/7-5-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>We&#8217;re heading back to the capital for this one. Why? <a href="https://www.kew.org/kew-gardens/whats-on/christmas" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Christmas at Kew is unmissable</a>, with its tunnels of light, lakeside reflections and trees drenched in colour. Be sure to also pause at the flames in the fire garden and wander beneath their larger-than-life illuminations. You might even catch a glimpse of Father Christmas along the way, before stopping at one of the many indie street food vendors, enjoying hot food and drink and plenty of sweet treats.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-ever-after-garden-london-14-nov-to-18-dec"><a href="https://www.royalmarsden.org/support-us/give/ever-after-garden" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Ever After Garden</a><br>London, 14 Nov to 18 Dec</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/11/3-1.jpg" alt="The Ever After Garden" class="wp-image-19525" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/11/3-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/11/3-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/11/3-1-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>This is very much a London light display to visit, with Mayfair&#8217;s Grosvenor Square lit with over 30,000 illuminated white roses in its <a href="https://www.royalmarsden.org/support-us/give/ever-after-garden" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ever After Garden</a>. Free to enter, as it&#8217;s been designed as a garden of remembrance most who visit donate to the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. Want to dedicate your own rose to a loved one you&#8217;ve lost? Do so <a href="https://www.royalmarsden.org/support-us/give/dedicate-rose-ever-after-garden" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">online now</a>, with a suggested minimum donation of £10, or visit the garden&#8217;s chalet and dedicate one in person.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-famous-nayling-road-lights-braintree-from-1-dec"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Naylingroad/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Famous Nayling Road Lights</a><br>Braintree, from 1 Dec</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/10/8-3.jpg" alt="Nayling Road Braintree Christmas Lights" class="wp-image-14343" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/10/8-3.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/10/8-3-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/10/8-3-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/10/8-3-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Last on our Essex and London light trails is this Braintree road illumination where supporting <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Naylingroad/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">charities is the name of the game</a>. The road&#8217;s residents decorate their houses every Dec to support worthy causes. Last year they raised over £10K to 12 charities including The Samaritans, Diabetes UK and the British Heart Foundation, so pretty please when visiting take pound coins along to drop in their pots.</p>


Let there be light! 10 Essex and London light trails to visit

You may also like