CHRISTMASINKENT
LIGHTS , BRIGHTS AND FESTIVE DELIGHTS
A MAGICAL TIME THAT ONLY COMES ONCE A YEAR - WHEN KENT IS SET AGLOW WITH THOUSANDS OF CHRISTMAS LIGHTS , READY TO BRIGHTEN UP THE SEASON IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE .
© Richard Haughton for Sony Music
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS AT LEEDS CASTLE NEON TREE
Although the run up to Christmas is a dark and wintery time , the magic of these months promises to expel any gloom as the illumination of festive lights across Kent sets the county aglow and ignites our excitement for this special time of year . Our love of Christmas lights and their important ties to this festival go back hundreds of years , originating with decorated Christmas trees in Europe that were brought to British shores by Queen Victoria ’ s German husband Albert and thought to originally symbolise Jesus ’ s light . Before electricity , bulbs and the untangling of those pesky strings of lights we take out of storage each year , Christmas trees were adorned with real candles and traditionally decorated on Christmas Eve when all the family would gather in the parlour to dress and admire the tree together . In lots of European countries , today this tradition is still done in much the same way with great care and caution .
Although the idea of Christmas lights and making winter festive with the light and warmth of fire is much older than electricity , it was this miraculous invention that really took Christmas decorations and customs to bright , new electrifying levels - resulting in the spectacular light displays of colour and creativity we see today . What started with a simple string of white lights by inventor of the bulb Thomas Edison in 1880 , who hung his creation around the Menlo Park Laboratory ( the very first display of electric lights for the holiday season ) has now turned into a Christmas tradition of its own , from the lights that twinkle on our own Christmas trees at home to celebrity Christmas switch-ons , creative light trails and even the breathtaking displays we see lighting up historic buildings across Kent .
Just as glittering and bright as ever before , Christmas 2022 in Kent promises to set every corner of the county aglow with beautiful displays , events and trails at which anyone can attend to marvel at this tradition we have come to know and love so well . From the candles of Europe to Edision ’ s string bulbs , we ’ ve come a long way in shining the magic of Christmas as much as we can , so join insideKENT in celebrating the glowing festivities across Kent with our round up of the county ’ s best lights , brights and festive delights this season .
Leeds Castle Christmas Trail , 25 November - 1 January leeds-castle . com / events / christmas-lights-at-leeds-castle
A brand-new Christmas trail featuring enchanting illuminations and Christmas music will light up the glamorous and historic Leeds Castle this year . Set to transform its unique landscape , making for an unmissable outdoor experience , wander between installations designed by a range of international artists , all carefully choreographed to a soundtrack of moving festive music . Over a million lights , lasers and seasonal soundtracks will fill the air with festive fun in the gardens of the iconic country retreat that is Leeds Castle . Look forward to spending time with family and friends as you discover sparkling tunnels of light , dancing waterside reflections and trees drenched in jewel-like colour . Pause to reflect at the mesmerising , flickering flames in the fire garden , enjoy the larger-than-life light installations , and don ’ t forget to wave at Father Christmas along the way . Complete your walk under the stars with a toasted marshmallow , spiced winter warmers or hot chocolates from the independent street food vendors .
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