If you’re looking for a festive adventure that blends wonder, colour and a healthy dose of Christmas sparkle, the Light Up Trail at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens is the perfect family evening out. We visited as a family on the last weekend of November and were completely captured by the atmosphere from the very first moment.
The light trail is on from 27 November 2025 to 3 January 2026, book tickets here: https://www.lightuptrails.com
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A Sparkling Welcome
As soon as you arrive, the glowing “LIGHT UP TRAILS” sign greets you in a wash of colour. It instantly sets the festive tone and gives little ones a thrill before they’ve even stepped onto the trail.
Walking Through a Shooting Star
One of the early highlights of the route is the giant illuminated shooting star archway.
It’s not only spectacular to look at but also a brilliant family photo spot. The arch is big, bright and inviting, the sort of scene that makes children feel like they’re stepping straight into a storybook.
Bundled up in coats and hats as it was particularly cold, we were already fully in festive mode.
The Christmas Projection House
A little further along the trail, the gardens reveal one of their most magical installations (and my husbands favourite), a beautifully lit building covered in animated projections.
Huge teddy bears, stockings, toys, elves and bright Christmas colours dance across the front of the house. The children stood completely still, watching the story unfold across the walls.
It’s joyful, nostalgic and wonderfully immersive. A definite highlight for families.
Step Into the Magic
Further on, we met a shimmering winter fairy beside the glowing “Step into the Magic” sign.
Her illuminated wings and frosty costume caught the light beautifully. The character interactions are sprinkled perfectly throughout the trail, adding a sense of live theatre to the experience that children particularly adore.
Enchanted Forest Scenes
The gardens truly come alive as you walk deeper into the trees. One section features cascading rainbow lights hanging from branches, with glowing butterflies dotted between them. It’s as if you’re walking through a magical woodland canopy, and the path beneath feels completely transformed.
In another area, two illuminated costumed performers twirled and glided along the trail. Their dresses, covered in moving lights, made them look like glowing flowers drifting through the forest. This was a huge hit with the children, who were delighted to see them moving and sparkling up close.
The Interactive Flower Floor
One of the most enchanting surprises was the digital flower floor, where colourful blooms are projected across the ground in swirling patterns.
Our daughter Cecilia stood among the flowers, mesmerised as the petals lit up around her. It’s gentle, sensory and absolutely magical.
Fields of Glowing Tulips
The glowing red tulip field was another standout moment. Dozens upon dozens of illuminated flowers create a sea of warm light that’s both beautiful and soothing to look at.
This was one of the quieter, calmer moments on the trail and gave us all a chance to slow down and take everything in.
Wishes, Peace & Joy
Throughout the trail, illuminated words add a lovely festive thread to the experience — from the peaceful blues of PEACE glowing between the trees, to the bold white JOY surrounded by lit animals and Christmas trees.
One of our favourite moments was at the Wish Pond, where little ones can pause and make a festive wish (or three!) and you can use interactive pads to have your wishes put on screens above the pond!
The Giant Christmas Tree
Towards the end of the walk stands the enormous illuminated Christmas tree.
Covered top to bottom in cascading lights, it’s the perfect finishing touch to the evening. Standing beside it, Cecilia looked tiny, which only added to the sense of wonder. There’s also smaller, beautifully shaped light trees at the entrance/exit that makes a lovely final photo opportunity.
Family-Friendly Magic
The Light Up Trail is ideal for families with young children. The paths are mostly flat and well-lit, making it easy for little legs and buggies.
There’s lots to look at, plenty of interactive-feeling moments (without needing to touch anything), and the installations never feel too overwhelming. My husband and I loved the rave area which took us back to younger days!
We loved that the whole experience encouraged children and adults alike to look, explore and imagine, all within the safe comfort of a beautifully organised event.
A Few Treats Along the Way
Food and drink stalls are dotted around, serving an array of warm goodies. Perfect for cold hands and a festive pick-me-up. As you get to the entrance of the ‘food market’ we spotted a cheerful food truck, an American-style yellow school bus topped with a waving neon Santa, and the children loved it.
Final Thoughts
Our trip to the Light Up Trails at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens was a truly magical evening.
From spectacular projections and glowing performers to enchanted forests and twinkling light sculptures, it offered the perfect mix of festive charm and family fun. There are also some added surprises which we haven’t discussed so you can find them yourselves!
It’s one of those experiences that leaves children wide-eyed and adults quietly delighted and we’d wholeheartedly recommend it for a sparkly, memory-making night out. The light trail is on from 27 November 2025 to 3 January 2026, book tickets here: https://www.lightuptrails.com
