A Magical Christmas Adventure Through Berkshire's Best Lights and Festivities (2024)
From spectacular light trails to immersive family-friendly experiences, Berkshire offers an array of activities to fill your holidays with warmth and wonder.
The Christmas season brings a magical transformation to Berkshire, as the county lights up with festive joy. Here’s a detailed look at seven main attractions for Christmas 2024 that you and your loved ones won’t want to miss.
Windsor Great Park Illuminated
One of the most iconic Christmas events in Berkshire is the Windsor Great Park Illuminated light trail. This festive trail promises a magical evening filled with dazzling light displays and festive cheer.
Date: November 15, 2024 - January 4, 2025
Location: The Savill Garden, Wick Lane, Egham TW20 OUJ Windsor
Tickets: Get them here!
As you walk through the expansive woodlands of Windsor Great Park, you’ll encounter sparkling tunnels of light, illuminated trees reflected in serene lakes, and breathtaking projections that add a fairy-tale quality to the landscape. The designers of this event update the trail every year, ensuring that even return visitors experience something new. The 2024 event promises to be bigger than ever, featuring re-imagined installations and a variety of family-friendly activities.
The park’s natural beauty is further enhanced by the festive lighting, offering a peaceful and mesmerizing experience for both children and adults. You can also grab a warm drink or festive treat along the way, making the entire experience perfect for a cozy family evening.
Tip: Be sure to book your tickets in advance, as this popular event tends to sell out quickly.
Lapland UK, Ascot
A truly immersive experience, Lapland UK in Ascot offers families a once-in-a-lifetime Christmas adventure. Set in Whitmoor Forest, this interactive experience takes visitors through a beautifully designed world where children can help Santa prepare for Christmas.
Though Lapland UK often sells out far in advance, the experience is well worth the effort of booking. Visitors are taken on a journey through the Enchanted Forest to Santa’s Toy Factory, where children can help build toys and decorate gingerbread with Mother Christmas. The Elven Village and ice-skating rink add more fun to the day, but the highlight for many children is the private audience with Father Christmas himself.
This experience is designed to create magical Christmas memories for families, offering festive charm with every step. Though tickets for 2024 have already sold out, it’s worth registering for cancellations on their website.
Welford Park Spectacle of Light
Located near Newbury, Welford Park offers one of the most enchanting light trails in Berkshire. The Spectacle of Light is a family-friendly event that takes visitors through a mesmerizing journey of light and sound.
Date: 18 October - 10 November 2024
Location: Welford, Newbury RG20 8HU
Tickets: Get them here!
The illuminated trail meanders through Welford Park’s gardens and woodlands, with trees wrapped in twinkling lights, glowing paths, and colorful projections that light up the night sky. Each area of the park is designed to evoke a sense of wonder, with music and carefully crafted lighting that enhances the natural beauty of the surroundings.
This trail is perfect for families looking for a peaceful yet visually captivating holiday experience. You can also enjoy festive snacks like hot chocolate and mince pies along the way.
Christmas at Windsor Castle
Few places can match the grandeur and historic significance of Windsor Castle, and during the Christmas season, this royal residence transforms into a festive wonderland. Beginning on November 30, 2024, Christmas at Windsor Castle allows visitors to experience the castle’s State Apartments, which are adorned with elaborate decorations, including a towering Christmas tree in St. George’s Hall.
Date: December 22, 2024 - January 5, 2025
Location: Windsor SL4 1NJ, United Kingdom
Tickets: Get them here!
Families will enjoy special holiday-themed events such as storytelling sessions and craft workshops held on weekends throughout December. Walking through the castle, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped into a royal holiday tradition, surrounded by twinkling lights, garlands, and festive music.
This event offers a perfect blend of history and holiday spirit, making it an excellent outing for families and history lovers alike. With tickets offering year-round re-admission, you can enjoy Windsor Castle throughout the year after your Christmas visit.
Newbury Festival of Light
For a more traditional and community-focused Christmas event, the Newbury Festival of Light is a must-see. This annual candle-lit procession brings the streets of Newbury to life as hundreds of glowing lanterns wind through the town center.
Date: December 15, 2024
Location: Northbrook Street and Market Place, Newbury
Participants in the festival carry beautifully crafted lanterns, making their way down Northbrook Street and arriving at the Market Place, where live music and festive performances await. The event is free to attend and attracts both locals and visitors who want to experience the magic of a traditional Christmas festival.
With its relaxed and intimate atmosphere, the Newbury Festival of Light is a fantastic event for those who appreciate the more understated aspects of the holiday season.
Reading Winter Wonderland
For those looking for a livelier Christmas adventure, Reading Winter Wonderland has something for everyone. This event transforms Hills Meadow in Reading into a bustling hub of holiday activities.
Date: November 9, 2024 - January 5, 2025
Location: Hills Meadow, car park, George St, Reading RG4 8DH, United Kingdom
Tickets: Get them here!
Winter Wonderland features an undercover ice rink, perfect for a fun family skating session. There are also a variety of rides, including a Bavarian slide and a Ferris wheel, that offer festive thrills. For those seeking quieter moments, Santa’s Grotto provides a chance for children to meet Father Christmas, while parents can enjoy mulled wine from the food stalls.
The event’s festive market offers a wide selection of holiday goods and seasonal food, making it an excellent place to pick up unique gifts or indulge in some traditional treats. Entry is free, but tickets for individual attractions such as ice skating and rides can be purchased on-site.
Legoland Windsor’s Christmas Celebration
One of the most family-friendly attractions in Berkshire during Christmas is Legoland Windsor’s Christmas Celebration. Running from November 25 to December 23, 2024, Legoland offers a magical transformation of its famous theme park into a winter wonderland. Kids and adults alike will marvel at the snow-dusted trees, twinkling lights, and enchanting LEGO® scenes that bring the holiday spirit to life.
The park is home to over 25 rides, live shows, and themed attractions, making it a fantastic day out for the whole family. Children can also visit Santa’s Grotto and meet the jolly man himself, adding to the festive excitement. With special performances and unique LEGO® displays, this celebration offers fun-filled memories for visitors of all ages.
Berkshire’s Christmas season is packed with magical experiences for everyone, from immersive light trails to royal festivities and bustling winter markets. Whether you’re exploring the breathtaking light trails of Windsor Great Park, enjoying a day of holiday fun at Lapland UK, or taking part in the more traditional Newbury Festival of Light, there’s something to fill your heart with festive cheer.
Each event offers something unique, whether it's peaceful reflection under the stars at Welford Park or the excitement of Reading’s Winter Wonderland. With so much to see and do, it’s easy to get into the Christmas spirit and create lasting memories with family and friends.
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