Festive illuminations, lights trails and Christmas lantern parades to book now for 2025
Yes, winter in Winchester can be chilly. Sure, the days are short and the nights are long. But there's a lot of light to be found in the darkness - and we mean that literally.
Winchester district shines in November and December, bringing sparkly vibes to lift the darkest part of the year. There are twinkling bulbs strung up in shops, Christmas lights illuminating the district's highstreets and fairy lights flickering on enormous community Christmas trees. There's the Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market too, with its glowing huts and the wafting smell of warm mulled wine.
If you're after even more megawatts, book one of these festive illuminations and winter lights trails and you can end 2025 bathed in light.
Glow Marwell
Follow an enchanted nature light trail through a magical world of displays that will fill you with wonder for the natural world. A ticket also includes free entry to the zoo, so you can explore the beautiful 140-acre park in the daytime before it transforms into a twinkling wonderland at night.
Glow Marwell. 28 November - 3 January 2026.
Steam Illuminations
More of a ride than a trail, The Watercress Line's Steam Illuminations see the line's trains decked up in technicolour lights. Once you step into the glowing carriages, you’ll be wrapped in a vibrant light and sound display. Thousands of synchronised LED lights – both inside and out – create a dynamic, ever-changing show that surrounds you in colour and rhythm as the train steams through the countryside.
Steam Illuminations at The Watercress Line. 28 November - 4 January 2026.
Lantern Parade
The annual lantern parade is set to return to Winchester Cathedral in November. 2025's theme is Light, bright, and sparkling, inspired by Jane Austen’s description of Pride and Prejudice in the year which marks 250 years since her birth. Bring a lantern to parade through Winchester with or watch the glowing creations from the side lines. You don't need to book this one in advance, though Winchester Cathedral does ask that people register interest ahead of time.
Lantern Parade at Winchester Cathedral. 24 November.
Eco Light Festival
A winter lights trail with a feelgood difference, this thoughtful event is designed to have a minimal impact on the natural world, using renewable energy, solar power and UV to power the lights. You'll still find captivating light installations in a unique trail, but the local wildlife is left as undisturbed as possible.
Eco Light Festival at Gilbert Whites House. 20 November - 20 December.
Light Up
Sir Harold Hillier Gardens are being transformed with an enchanted after-dark trail filled with light, sound and festive wonder. Visitors will journey through eight zones, lighting up the garden in its seasonal finery.
Light Up: Sir Harold Hillier Gardens at Christmas. 27 November - 3 January 2026.
The Carnival of Animals
Head to West Green House in north Hampshire to find brilliantly lit great bears, giant owls in flight, dramatic peacocks and more illuminated along every path. There will also be real farm animals to meet at the end of the trail on selected dates.
The Carnival of Animals Trail at West Green House. 29 November - 30 December.
Updated: 14 October 2025
More things to do this festive season
Eco Light Festival at Gilbert White's House and…
Gilbert White's House
CLOSES: 21 December 2025
DATE: 20 Nov 2025 - 20 Dec 2025
CLOSES: 21st Dec 2025
CLOSES: 7th Nov 2025
Christmas Concert : A Festival of Choirs
Winchester Cathedral
CLOSES: 18 December 2025
DATE: 13 Dec 2025 - 13 Dec 2025
CLOSES: 18th Dec 2025
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!
Winchester Cathedral
CLOSES: 5 December 2025
DATE: 4 Dec 2025 - 4 Dec 2025
CLOSES: 5th Dec 2025
