LIGHT trails have become hugely popular in recent years with many outdoor attractions now holding their own version in the run-up to Christmas.

Providing the perfect festive treat for the family, here we have compiled a list of magical illumination light trails being held in and around Hampshire.

Light Up Trail

Basingstoke Gazette: Sir Harold Hillier GardensWhere: Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Ampfield, Romsey

Dates: November 28, 2024 to January 1, 2025. 

Tickets: From £12.50 for children and from £20 for adults

Website: lightuptrails.com/events/light-up-hillier-gardens

Light Up Sir Harold Hillier Gardens returns for another magical, memorable season of festive fun for all the family.

Prepare to be captivated as the award-winning producers return for an extraordinary third year, following an outpouring of rave reviews in 2023.

Brace yourself for an enchanting spectacle of new and breathtaking light and sound installations, weaving through a changed route that promises to captivate your senses at every turn. Each corner holds a new treasure, igniting joy and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

There will also be a bar and various refreshments available to buy. 

The Christmas Illuminated Garden Adventure

Basingstoke Gazette: West Green HouseWhere: West Green House, near Hartley Wintney, Hook

Dates: November 23 to December 29

Tickets: From £15 for children and from £19 for adults

Website: westgreenhouse.co.uk/events/the-christmas-illuminated-garden-adventure/?v=7885444af42e

Follow a sparkling mile of 'yellow brick road' through an illuminated garden, passing giant dancing fountains and mysterious follies.

Visitors can go on an adventure past a glowing poppy field, an evil witch, and a Barbie pink good witch, to find the Tin Man, the Scarecrow, the Lion and Dorothy looking for the Wizard.

There will also be locally produced food stalls with hot chocolate, mulled wine, Christmas treats for supper and a glittering Christmas shop.

Neverland Illuminova

Basingstoke Gazette: Neverland Illuminova

Where: Wellington Country Park, Odiham Road, Riseley

Dates: November 22 to December 23

Tickets: From £18 for children and from £22 for adults

Website: wellingtoncountrypark.co.uk/whats-on/wellington-illuminova-2/

Landing at Wellington Country Park this winter, prepare to be captivated by the magic of Wellington Illuminova as you step into a world where imagination knows no bounds.

Embark on a journey through the illuminated paths and let the enchanting lights spark your creativity and transport you to a realm where dreams come to life.

Experience the illuminated night trail that never grows old. 

Glow Marwell

Basingstoke Gazette: Glow MarwellWhere: Marwell Wildlife, Colden Common, Winchester

Dates: November 29 to December 30

Tickets: From £18 for children and from £22 for adults – members can book discounted tickets.

Website: marwell.org.uk/christmas/

Make memories to last a lifetime as Glow Marwell’s magical light experience returns this winter brighter than ever before.

Visitors are invited to explore Marwell in a whole new light. Follow our enchanted nature light trail through a magical world of breathtaking new displays and interactive experiences that will fill you with wonder.

All guests visiting Father Christmas must also have purchased Glow Marwell tickets.

Tickets to Glow Marwell includes free access to the zoo from 1pm until 4pm so you can explore the beautiful 140-acre park and amazing animals then watch as the zoo transforms into a twinkling wonderland.

Steam Illuminations

Basingstoke Gazette:

Where: The Watercress Line, between Alton and Alresford

Dates: November 29 to January 4

Tickets: From £32 per person

Website: watercressline.co.uk/steam-illuminations/

Steam Illuminations is an incredible sound and light show on and in a steam train, consisting of thousands of coloured LED lights and LED wristbands, creating a kaleidoscope of different colours and flashing patterns.

The journey will be filled with big Christmas hits that will get you jigging about in the festive spirit; or visit from December 29 for a musical journey from the 1960s to the present day with dance floor singalong anthems. Sing, dance and cheer on the magical, musical journey.

New for 2024 is a ‘Snowlight Cascade’, an enchanting display of falling lights at the summit of your magical journey.

Owls by Moonlight at Christmas

Where: The Hawk Conservancy Trust, near Andover

Dates: December 7 and 8

Tickets: £21.50

Website: hawk-conservancy.org/events/owls-by-moonlight-at-christmas/

Kick off the festive season with a magical evening with owls. The awesome owls will fly under moonlight at this special time of year with a few festive features to get you in the Christmas spirit. Watch these mystical birds twist and turn through the night sky and make sure you duck as they skim silently over the top of your head.

During the evening, you can explore parts of the grounds to meet some of the other owls. 

Feathers Restaurant will be open serving hot drinks, light snacks and festive hot chocolates. 

Visitors are advised to wrap up warm and take a torch. 

Windsor Great Illuminations

Basingstoke Gazette: Windsor Great ParkWhere: Windsor Great Park

Dates: November 15 to January 4

Tickets: From £13.50 for children and from £20.50 for adults

Website: windsorilluminated.com/

Windsor Great Park Illuminated is returning for its fourth year to light up the iconic Windsor Great Park. Bringing the woodland and water to life with a festive celebration of light and a sparkle of magic.

Visit the stunning trail with a host of dazzling new installations and reimagined favourites with friends and family, and don’t forget the dog!

Discover a new forest trail full of music and light where woodland creatures come to life and a whole host of festive moments will get you and your friends and family in the spirit.

Take a moment to enjoy a delicious dish, mulled wine and hot chocolate or toast a marshmallow around the fire pit at one of our cosy rest stops.