Winter lights trails near Winchester

Festive illuminations, lights trails and Christmas lantern parades to book now for 2025

Marwell Zoo Glow Marwell 2024 Credit Paul Collins marshmallow toasting 2 1024x683

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.
Marwell Zoo GLOW 1500x1000 1

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.
Watercress line Steam Illuminations resized Steve Morley

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.
Lantern Parade

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.
Whites Eco Light Festival

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.
Light up at hillier gardens

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.
The Carnival of Animals lights trail

Updated: 14 October 2025

More things to do this festive season

Eco Light Festival at Gilbert White's House and…

Gilbert White's House

DATE: 20 Nov 2025 - 20 Dec 2025

CLOSES: 21st Dec 2025

Willow Lantern Making

BellaCrafts

DATE: 6 Nov 2025 - 6 Dec 2025

CLOSES: 7th Nov 2025

Christmas Concert : A Festival of Choirs

Winchester Cathedral

DATE: 13 Dec 2025 - 13 Dec 2025

CLOSES: 18th Dec 2025

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Winchester Cathedral

DATE: 4 Dec 2025 - 4 Dec 2025

CLOSES: 5th Dec 2025

Plan your Christmas in Winchester

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