Now that the clocks have turned back, the UK is starting to look a little drab, dark and depressing (more so than usual). Looking to lift our winter blues with a splash of colour, light and spectacle, Longleat will celebrate the 10th anniversary of its iconic lantern trail this Christmas. Get ready to “Journey through time” at The Festival of Light.
Between November 9 and January 5, the time-travelling Christmas light trail explores Earth’s evolution from the dinosaurs to the present. With over a thousand interactive and immersive lanterns, you’ll come across everything from an Ice Age sabre-toothed cat to a 10-metre-high Roman Colosseum with chariots and gladiators.
Elsewhere on the lantern tail, you’ll walk through a great pyramid of Egypt, meet Elizabeth I 450 years after she first visited Longleat House, and enjoy the Wiltshire estate’s festive favourites, Emperor penguins. A highly original family-friendly festive trail, unlike anything else in the South West, the time will simply disappear!
What is happening for Christmas at Longleat?
Longleat’s legendary lantern trail isn’t all that’s celebrating this Christmas. As one of the first privately owned stately homes to commercially open to the public, the House opened its doors 75 years ago. What better way to celebrate than a light show projected on the front of this iconic stately home?
The façade of Longleat House will stick to the time motif as a narrated eight-minute animation, paired with an original score, tells the story of the estate. From its construction to the English Civil War, through two World Wars, and the opening of the first Safari Park outside Africa. Plus, there’s a special appearance from Father Christmas too.
Elsewhere, make sure to check out Britain’s biggest singing Christmas tree, seriously… Standing over 15 metres tall, illuminated with over 88,000 twinkling lights and fitted with four snow-making machines for a magical winter experience. Plus, remember to take the Santa Train to the North Pole where the big man himself is waiting in his grotto!
It’s safe to say that Longleat comes to life at Christmas. The drive-through safari is as full of wonder as it is any other time of the year, while inside Longleat House is transformed with traditional decorations and numerous Christmas trees. Tickets for The Festival of Light start from £20.95, but to see everything at Longleat this Christmas will cost considerably more. To learn more about Longleat head here.