Christmas Lights Illuminate The Country 2021

FOURTEEN illuminated trails across the UK including 7 NEW trails

The countdown to Christmas is on! With fourteen outdoor light trails choreographed to music set to be unveiled in historic and iconic venues across the country, there’s never been a better time to plan your festivities with friends and family. Designed for visitors of all ages to enjoy, My Christmas Trails are a unique way of celebrating the festive season outdoors.

Each magical trail is created to showcase the natural and unique environment of the individual location, so wrap up warm and be transported into a winter wonderland, surrounded by millions of twinkling lights and amazing illuminated installations, all choreographed to a soundtrack of varied Christmas classics.

Independent street food vendors bring a delicious twist to tasty treats on offer. Have yourself a holly, jolly Christmas and complete your walk under the stars with a *spiced winter warmer, *hot chocolate, or a *toasted marshmallow with someone special.

My Christmas Trails – an unmissable opportunity to surround yourself with sparkle. 

SOUTH & SOUTH WEST

NEW FOR 2O21

CHRISTMAS AT KILLERTON, Exeter : 26 Nov 2021 – 2 Jan 2022

A magical trail, featuring spectacular lighting set to a soundtrack of favourite seasonal tunes, will transform the landscaped grounds and gardens of the National Trust’s Killerton, near Exeter into a winter wonderland.

There will be burnished lantern trees filled with flickering flames, neon strings stretched between towering trees, walkthrough Christmas bauble-trees, an arch of hearts, a carpet of gently glowing white roses and perhaps a glimpse of Father Christmas.

Killerton House, Broadclyst, Exeter EX5 3LE

http://ChristmasatKillerton.co.uk | #christmasattKillerton | #mychristmastrails

NEW FOR 2O21

CHRISTMAS AT KINGSTON LACY, Dorset: 3 Dec 2021 – 2 Jan 2022

A new enchanting trail will illuminate the beautiful garden of the National Trust’s Kingston Lacy, Dorset. The grounds of the elegant country mansion will be transformed into a winter wonderland. Walk by elegant rainbow Christmas trees, a giant bauble tree and through heart-shaped arches, then under colourful strings stretched between towering canopies and beside a carpet of glowing white roses.Independent street food vendors bring a delicious twist to tasty treats with winter warmers and more..

Kingston Lacy, Wimborne Minster, Dorset BH21 4EA

https://christmasatkingstonlacy.seetickets.com/raymondgubbay/christmas-at-kingston-lacy #christmasatkingstonlacy

CHRISTMAS AT BLENHEIM PALACE, Oxon:  19 Nov 2021 – 2 Jan 2022

This Christmas take a chance to see Blenheim Palace like you’ve never seen it before! The illuminated trail returns but follows a brand-new route that takes you across the South Lawn and into the woods beyond. View the moon and the stars reflected in the Lake – as the constellations seem closer than ever before, firework trees fizz with lights that flash up from the undergrowth and along the branches. There are stars and baubles where you least expect them, a rainbow effect in the laser garden and, for the first time in the UK, a new installation from French light artists TILT, Bloom will rise high into the night sky. With favourites like the Water Terrace fire garden and Christmas Cathedral returning

Inside the Palace The story of the Nutcracker has been re-imagined with each of the rooms exquisitely transformed and filled with hidden surprises, Explore the Palace’s state rooms, each one exquisitely transformed and filled with hidden surprises – from the toymaker’s workshop on a frosty Christmas Eve; through the glistening Land of Snow and onto the candy-cane Kingdom of Sweets adorned with the sweetest of treats and larger-than-life gingerbread men.  It’s a fairy-tale world where nothing is quite as it seems, from a dashing Nutcracker Prince and an army of mice to a Sugar Plum Fairy and a music box with a difference.

Taking place beneath the stunning backdrop of the baroque Oxfordshire Palace, visitors can escape the bustle of the high street and soak up the yuletide atmosphere at The Christmas Market which returns from 19 November – 19 December 2021. The traditional wooden chalets will be showcasing a range of festive treats from designer-makers and artisan food and drink producers.

Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxfordshire, OX20 1PP

Christmasatblenheim.seetickets.com#christmasatblenheimpalace

CHRISTMAS AT STOURHEAD, Wilts:  26 Nov 2021 – 2 Jan 2022

Marvel at the delights of the National Trust’s Stourhead’s unique gardens adorned with unique decoration. This family-friendly magical festive trail in the heart of the Wiltshire countryside will be flooded with enchanting illuminations, all choreographed to a soundtrack of much-loved seasonal music.

There will be neon strings stretched between towering trees, a walk through a tunnel of hearts and onto larger-than-life mistletoe, a flotilla of festive, brightly coloured boats bobbing on the lake, giant colour changing flora and plenty of fantastic selfie moments. Warm up with hot chocolate, winter wrmers and toasted marshmallows from independent food stalls.

Stourhead, Mere, Wiltshire, BA12 6QD

Christmasatstourhead.co.uk  #christmasatstourhead

SOUTH EAST

CHRISTMAS AT BEDGEBURY, Kent: 19 November 2021 – 2 January 2022

Now in its fourth year, this leafy after-dark light trail returns to the High Weald countryside. Greeted by the sights and sounds of Christmas, experience Bedgebury in a whole new light as you wander beneath unique canopies drenched in seasonal colour.

The one-mile magical winter trail is a place where fairy-tale meets fantasy with something for everyone. There will be giant colour changing lilies, fields of light and burnished lantern trees filled with flickering flames. neon strings stretched between towering trees, larger than life colourful flora and plenty of fantastic selfie moments.

Bedgebury National Pinetum & Forest, Goudhurst, Kent. TN17 2SJ www.christmasatbedgebury.co.uk  #christmasatbedgebury

CHRISTMAS AT KEW, London: 17 November 2021 – 9 January 2022

A botanical world filled with seasonal cheer. Christmas at Kew is a magical light trail across Kew Gardens making the perfect festive winter evening. Journey through the mesmerising flickering flames in the Fire Garden, spot larger-than-life illuminations and say hello to Father Christmas along the way. Enjoy the annual after-dark festivities with family and friends, as you discover sparkling tunnels of light, dancing waterside reflections, and trees drenched in jewel-like colour on your way to the panoramic Palm House light display.

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, London, TW9 3AE

https://www.kew.org/kew-gardens/whats-on/christmas #christmasatkew

EAST of ENGLAND

NEW FOR 2O21

CHRISTMAS AT WIMPOLE, Royston: 26 Nov 2021 – 2 Jan 2022

The Wimpole Estate grounds will be transformed into a winter wonderland by a new light trail this Christmas. Walk through the enchanting fairy glen, go among the flickering flames of the fire garden and marvel at the Edison trees. Each installation is created to showcase the stunning natural scenery of this ancient arable land and elegant house, all choreographed to a soundtrack of much-loved seasonal music. There will be burnished lantern trees filled with flickering flames, neon strings stretched between towering trees, singing trees, larger-than-life mistletoe and perhaps a glimpse at Father Christmas too

Wimpole Estate, Arrington, Royston SG8 0BW

Christmastatwimpole.co.uk | #christmasattwimpole | #mychristmastrails

CHRISTMAS AT BELTON, Lincs:  25 November 2021 – 2 January 2022

National Trust’s beautiful Belton House in Lincolnshire is getting ready to welcome its glittering Illuminated Trail back this year.Get your Christmas sparkle on, and be surrounded by over a million twinkling lights, colourful trees and amazing illuminated installations, transforming Belton’s majestic gardens into a winter wonderland. Look out for the incredible Carol of the Bells – lighting up the night sky with colour changing spheres of light, Triangulate Tunnel where moving lights, colours and patterns dance in time to the music and marvel at the Neon Tree as its branches interwoven with multicoloured neon lights moves in the wind. There will be giant water lilies, singing trees and a tunnel of hearts leading to larger-than-life mistletoe, so there’s plenty of selfie moments along the way.

Belton House, Grantham, Lincolnshire, NG32 2LS

Christmasatbelton.co.uk  #christmasatbelton

NORTH of ENGLAND

NEW FOR 2O21

CHRISTMAS AT GIBSIDE, Tyne & Wear : 26 Nov 2021 – 2 Jan 2022

Christmas at the National Trust’s Gibside, Tyne and Wear will be more than jolly and bright as the Georgian landscape gardens, forged in an industrial past, are transformed into a winter wonderland by a brand – new illuminated trail. There will be trees interwoven with neon, colourful strings stretched between towering canopies, singing trees, larger-than-life illuminated crystals plus snowflakes, and stars dripping from branches, all choreographed to a soundtrack of much-loved seasonal music.

Gibside, near Rowlands Gill, Gateshead, Tyne & Wear NE16 6BG

Christmasatgibside.co.uk | #christmasattgibside | #mychristmastrails

NEW FOR 2O21

CHRISTMAS AT DELAMERE FOREST,Cheshire: 26 Nov – 31 Dec 2021

A brand new Christmas trail featuring enchanting illuminations and Christmas tunes, will add sparkle to Forestry England’s Delamere Forest in Cheshire. Inspired by the landscape itself, visitors will explore a festive adventure in a world of trees, dramatically drenched with stunning lights and set to the soundtrack of seasonal favourites. The family-friendly trail features dragonflies, singing trees and shimmering reflections that cast light into hidden places. A Christmas Cathedral with a thousand pea lights will be woven into the forest landscape lighting hidden nooks of the deep forest. Internationally acclaimed lighting artists Pitaya’s new work Blossom is making its UK debut.. See the forest in a different light.

Delamere Forest, Linmere, Delamere, Northwich, Cheshire, CW8 2HZ christmasatdelamere.co.uk | #christmasattdelamereforest | #mychristmastrails

NEW FOR 2O21

CHRISTMAS AT TEMPLE NEWSAM, Leeds: 26 November 2021 – 2 January 2022

A magical trail, featuring spectacular light installations and enchanting visitors with classical Christmas tunes, will transform the estate’s ‘Capability’ Brown landscaped grounds and gardens.

There will be a carpet of gentle colour changing spheres, neon strings stretched between towering trees, a flotilla of festive, brightly coloured boats bobbing on the lake, glitterball snowmen and plenty of selfie moments along the way.

Temple Newsam Rd, Leeds LS15 0AE

http://christmasattemplenewsam.co.uk #christmasattemplenewsam | #mychristmastrails

CHRISTMAS AT DUNHAM MASSEY, Cheshire:  19 November 2021 – 2 January 2022

Discover new immersive installations as the magical winter trail is set to be bigger and better than ever at the Georgian house and gardens at Dunham Massey, Cheshire.

The parks eponymous deer have been honoured with giant glittering counterparts, light a wish, spot the elves and see flowers as you’ve never seen them before and as you enter into a world festooned with seasonal cheer set to soundtrack of festive classics.

Dunham Massey, Altrincham, Cheshire. WA14 4SJ

http://Christmasatdunhammassey.seetickets.com    #christmasatdunhammassey | #mychristmastrails

SCOTLAND

CHRISTMAS AT THE BOTANICS, Edinburgh: 26 November 2021 – 2 January 2022

The Royal Botanic Garden will once again be transformed into a winter wonderland with a million lights and sasonal sounds, filling the air with festive fun and inviting all ages to enjoy this most magical trail.

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Arboretum Place, EH3 5NZ

www.rbge.org.uk/whats-on/christmas-at-the-botanics-2021/ #christmasatthebotanics | #mychristmastrails

NORTHERN IRELAND

NEW FOR 2O21

CHRISTMAS AT HILLSBOROUGH CASTLE & GARDENS, Belfast Fri 3rd Dec – Sun 2th Jan (except 6th,7th & 25th Dec)

A stunning new illuminated Christmas trail will bring festive sparkle to Belfast for the first time this year. The magical after-dark trail at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, featuring spectacular lighting and enchanting visitors with classical festive tunes, will transform the estate’s beautifully landscaped grounds. Wander through the flickering flames of the fire garden or under the millions of lights of the Christmas Cathedral, why not rest a while on the Mistletoe bench with loved ones and marvel at the illuminating take on the 12 days of Christmas and don’t forget to look out for Father Christmas. An unforgettable experience for all ages.

Hillsborough Castle and Gardens,The Square, Hillsborough BT26 6GT

www.hrp.org.uk/hillsborough-castle | #christmasathillsborough |mychristmastrails

My Christmas Trails are brought to you by Sony Music, working with venue partners to transform heritage landscapes into magical winter wonderlands.

Trails are created by Culture Creative.

For more information please contact:

Matt Dixon | matt@flamingo-marketing.co.uk | T: 01637 808220

Notes to Editors

• For full pricing details and booking please visit: mychristmastrails.co.uk
• Additional facilities and significantly increased hygiene procedures will be made available for trail visitors. For further information about COVID19 and booking tickets with confidence visit:  https://mychristmastrails.co.uk/covid-19/
• *Additional charges apply

Image Credits

Fire Garden by Mandylights and lightfires, My Christmas Trails 2020. Photo by Richard Haughton © Sony Music

Christmas Cathedral by Mandylights, My Christmas Trails 2020. Photo by Richard Haughton © Sony Music

Neon Tree by Culture Creative, My Christmas Trails 2020. Photo by Richard Haughton © Sony Music

About Sony Music

Sony Music has been delivering illuminated Christmas trails for over eight years. Each trail is carefully designed to showcase the natural and unique environment of the individual location. There are currently 27 trails across the UK, Europe, USA and Australia within the My Christmas Trails and Lightscape portfolios.

The chosen partners for national and international heritage and prestigious venues include: Blenheim Palace; The National Trust; Forestry England; The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew; Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh; Botanic Gardens, Chicago, USA and Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, Melbourne, Australia.

mychristmastrails.co.uk | FB @mychristmastrails | Twitter @mychristmastrails

About Culture CreativeCulture Creative is a creative project and production management company based in the North East of England. The Company works across a wide-range of cultural fields including art, sport, heritage, tourism, festivals and events, developing projects from concept to delivery. Since 2013 Culture Creative has worked closely with Sony Music to create illuminated trails in various venues across the UK and overseas.

www.culturecreative.co.uk | FB @culturecreativeltd | Twitter @CCLCreative | Instagram @culturecreativeltd