Illuminated trails have become a staple of the festive season within the past decade, with their shimmering lights, handcrafted lanterns and sparkling projections sprinkling a yuletide helping of surprise and romance to an evening out. Many of the events we've featured below take place in the grand gardens of country estates outside of main cities, but they're more than worth travelling for.

Tickets for these events tend to sell out quickly, so we recommend booking as soon as you can to guarantee a magical experience.

Enchanted Audley End

Audley End's spectacular new light show in its grounds and gardens promises spectacle and surprise, with giant lily pads in their glistening river and massive projections on the Audley End house itself. The gardens, originally designed by Capability Brown, are a treat no matter the weather, so wrap up warm and prepare to be dazzled.

Enchanted Audley End is open on selected dates between Thursday 9 December-Thursday 30 December 2021. Tickets are available now.

Christmas At Trentham

A fairy tale of light and colour, this brand new illuminated trail from engineers Kilimanjaro will accentuate the natural beauty surrounding Trentham House's Grade-II listed Italian Garden. Promising to give the light night tradition a modern twist, expect plenty of Instagrammable moments during your walk.

Christmas at Trentham is open on selected dates from Friday 26 November-Saturday 9 January. Tickets are available now.

Windsor Great Park Illuminated

The woods of Windsor's Great Park will come to life this festive season with a series of illuminations from the DEAG Entertainment Group, creator of 15 acclaimed light trails across Europe. Expect fountains of flowers, holograms of mythical creatures and many more unique sights as you take in the natural beauty of this picturesque royal park.

Windsor Great Park Illuminated is open on selected dates from Thursday 18 November-Saturday 9 January. Tickets are available now.

Christmas At Blenheim Palace

Blenheim Palace is sumptuous with or without Christmas decorations, but during the festive season it's transformed by a rainbow of illuminations and sparkling installations. The trail promises all-new pieces this year, including The Heart Of Stars, which features neon tunnels, lakeside reflections and fairy lights scattered through the trees.

Christmas At Blenheim Palace is open on selected dates from Friday 19 November-Monday 3 January. Tickets are available now.

Glow Wild

Kew Gardens Glow Wild winter lantern trail is back for the eighth year running, with mesmerising projections, echoing soundscapes, glistening torches of fire, and the tallest living Christmas tree covered in 1800 lights. This is only the tip of the iceberg in a trail packed with natural wildlife, flowers and gorgeous sculptures.

Glow Wild is open on selected dates from Thursday 25 November-Sunday 2 January. Tickets are available now.

Christmas At Gibside

The National Trust's Gibside in Newcastle will fill you with the festive spirit thanks to an illuminated trail rooted in tradition, with giant baubles, a tunnel of light, and a surprise visit from a portly, bearded Santa Clause.

Christmas at Gibside is open on selected dates from Friday 26 November-Sunday 2 January. Tickets are available now.

Christmas At Killerton

This after-dark illuminated trail through the festive gardens of Killerton will fill those dreary winter evenings with a little bit of magic. Its tranquil location is perfect whether you're spending the evening with your family or hoping to share some mulled wine with your partner.

Christmas at Killerton is open on selected dates from Friday 26 November-Sunday 2 January. Tickets are available now.

Christmas At Belton

With a trail that'll take you 90 minutes to walk, Christmas At Belton will give you all you need for a suitably festive evening out. Located in the heart of Lincolnshire, the scale of this stunning 17th century manor, fully restored by the National Trust, will

Christmas At Belton is open on selected dates from Thursday 25 November-Sunday 2nd January. Tickets are available now.