DAYSOUT
Christmas Lights & Days to Delight cont...
Winter Lights Spectacular, Brands Hatch, West Kingsdown brandshatch. co. uk Until 31 December
Taking place at Kent’ s legendary motor racing circuit Brands Hatch, this all-new Winter Lights Spectacular will see the track’ s Southbank woods display spellbinding illuminations- some with a motor racing twist! Meet Elderwood, a magical talking tree full of wisdom and wonder where children can share and post their special wishes, and don’ t miss The Brabham Stewart building which combines vibrant colours and visuals in a stunning trail centrepiece.
Along the route, be sure to stop off at the cosy catering spots where you can warm up with seasonal food and drinks, toast marshmallows under the stars and take a spin on the funfair rides. The trail will open from Thursday to Sunday in early December, and daily( except Christmas Day) on the run up to the end of the year.
Christmas Lights at Leeds Castle, Maidstone leeds-castle. com Until 31 December
Leeds Castle’ s famed historic estate will once again transform into a winter wonderland aglow with the sights, sounds and scents of Christmas for its annual light spectacular. As families embark upon the illuminated trail featuring brand-new installations including the wondrous Neon Tree, the elegant Peacock Promenade and the dazzling Ribbon Tunnel, they can expect light and colour to captivate at every turn, with the opportunity to spot Father Christmas himself along the way an added magical bonus.
LEEDS CASTLE
The castle’ s festive fairground offers heaps more entertainment for visitors to enjoy and seasonal treats are available in abundance from the food and drink stalls- because let’ s face it, no outdoor Christmas adventure is complete without a warming hot chocolate or mulled wine in hand.
Christmas at Bedgebury, Goudhurst forestryengland. uk Until 31 December
Created by the award-winning light trail producers behind events such as Christmas at Kew and Christmas at Blenheim, this firm favourite on Kent’ s growing festive lights calendar- made all the more special as Bedgebury celebrates its 100th year this season- is not one to be missed.
Reimagined for 2025 to ensure both returning trail enthusiasts and first-time admirers are dazzled, the forest’ s world-leading collection of conifers will be illuminated by millions of sparkling festive lights and brought to life by the sounds of seasonal cheer. Look forward to catching new awe-inspiring installations such as the enchanting Light as a Feather, the warming glow of Floating Candles and the harmonious Choir of Trees, and keep your eyes peeled for Father Christmas on his trail travels. Furry friends are welcome to join in the fun and festive eats and drinks can be enjoyed under the stars.
BEDGEBURY
Port Lympne Illuminated, Hythe portlympneilluminated. com Until 3 January
Step into the secret after-dark world of Port Lympne’ s remarkable reserve where forest fairies have enchanted the woodland walks and gardens to create a glorious illuminated celebration of their animal companions. Accompanied by a thrilling vintage-inspired fun fair and delicious food and drink from the fairies’ kitchen, as well as a bookable visit to see Santa in his reserve grotto, Port Lympne Illuminated will turn the park’ s 600-acre landscape into a mesmerising nighttime spectacle. Brand-new for 2025, this fully immersive journey is set to feature original installations, captivating light and water shows, interactive experiences and holograms that blur the lines between real and virtual worlds.
PORT LYMPNE
44 • www. insidekent. co. uk