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Dorchester
Nutley Farm Christmas Lights and Reindeer Experience
Where: Nutley Farm, Dorchester DT2 8DT
About: Explore a festive trail of colour, wonder and light as you explore Nutley Farm’s most spectacular trail yet.
This year, the walk will be packed with even more beautiful displays, from colour-wrapped trees and glowing tunnels to magical woodland scenes filled with sparkling mirror balls and snow-filled wonderlands. Discover interactive installations, music, dazzling light effects and surprise moments along the way. Keep an eye out for the illuminated animals, and the enchanting reindeer landing strip.
Nutley Farm add something new each year, and for 2025, they've pulled out all the stops. Nutley Farm will be bursting with Christmas magic for you all to enjoy.
Tickets sell out quickly for popular evenings, so Book with confidence to know that you can change the date of your visit if required.
Dates: Various dates from 28th November - 30th December 2025
How to book: To see all optons you can book Online here.
Wiltshire
Longleat's Festival of Light
Where: Longleat, Warminster, Wiltshire, BA12 7NW
About: Longleat's Festival of Light is returning for 2024-25, where families can immerse themselves in a magical Christmas event! This Festival of Light is biggest and better than before, featuring a Winter Safari, featuring lifesized lanterns inspired by many exciting stories; including Wizard of Oz, Cinderella & The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.
This light trail includes a 15-metre Enchanted Christmas Tree Show, a Santa Train and a fountain display.
Dates: 8th November 2025 - 11th January 2026
Price: Prices start from £18.70, with a variety of ticket types. View here.
How to book: Book here.
Weymouth
Illuminate at Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens
Where: Bullers Wy, Abbotsbury, Weymouth DT3 4LA
About: An outdoor Winter enchanted lights display within the Gardens. Colourful lights transform and illuminate the Subtropical 18th century Gardens.
With a new route comes a new perspective on the planting and features in the Gardens. Colours, textures, and shapes create a magical event that can be enjoyed with family and friends. The perfect Christmas and Winter walk to brighten up the cold season and prepare for the festive celebrations
Dates: Various dates from 21st November - 31st December 2025
Price: Adults £15, Kids £8.50
How to book: Click here
Bournemouth
Bournemouth Christmas Tree Wonderland
Where: All over Bournemouth, best address for sat-nav: Gervis Pl, Bournemouth BH1 2AF
About: Bournemouth’s free festive Christmas light trail is bringing festive joy to Bournemouth in 2025. Lighting up Bournemouth with over 100 festive-themed illuminations, 60ft light tunnel, a giant tree of light, a waterfall, reindeer, and more Christmas decorations, this is a great place to get into the spirit of Xmas.
Starting at Lansdowne Precinct, this winter wonderland is under a 20-minute drive from Poole and boats an outstanding Christmas tree and light trail featuring over 100 trees and thousands of lights. The trail is free to explore however charges are incurred for some activities.
Dates: 13th November 2025 - 4th January 2026
Price: Free but some activities require payment.
How to book: Find out more HERE.
Wareham
Enchanted Gardens Light Trail at Carey's Secret Garden
Where: Garden Wood, Wareham, BH20 7PG
About: From the 20th November to 13th December inclusive, join Carey's Secret Garden on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings for the Enchanted Gardens Light Trail. Guests are invited to book a time slot and discover the gardens transformed into a glowing wonderland after dark.
Wander the historic walled garden and woodland paths, beautifully and gently illuminated with fairy lights.
Dates: 20th November to 13th December
Price: £10 per person, FREE for 5yrs and under
How to book: Click here
Poole
Runton Road Christmas Lights
Where: Runton Road, Poole, Dorset, BH12 1NX
About: Runton Road has been wowing residents of Poole with mesmerising Christmas lights for over 20 years, and this year the residents of Runton are once again putting on a magical Christmas light show. Runton Road residents light up their houses and gardens with magical Christmas lights for you to walk past and explore, making this one of the most easily accessible and uplifting Christmas light trail in Poole. Christmas lights are turned on between 5pm and 6pm and turned off at 10pm.
Dates: 14 December 2024, 4:00 pm–31 December 2024, 10:00 pm - 2025 dates tbc
Price: Free
How to book: No requirement to book
Winter Lights at Corfe Castle
Where: Corfe Castle, Wareham
About: For a single evening venture into the illuminated ruins of Corfe Castle, admiring the warm glow of lights while the starry sky stretches above you.
As you walk along, don't forget to make a special Christmas wish at the wishing bridge. Later, come together around a cozy fire pit to roast marshmallows, all the while cherishing quality time with your friends and family.
To guide your way, braziers and festoon lights will line the paths, but it's a good idea to take a flashlight to safely navigate from the car park and to identify any uneven terrain amidst the ancient ruins.
This magical event will coincide with the Corfe Castle Village light switch-on, set to take place at 17:00.
Dates: 13th and 19th December 2025 | 4pm - 8pm
Price: Free event, but normal admissions apply! View admission prices here.
How to book: Either on the doors, or book here.
Out of Town
Christmas at Westonbirt Arboretum
Where: Westonbirt Arboretum, Westonbirt, Tetbury, GL8 8QS
About: Get ready for an unforgettable Christmas evening at Westonbirt, The National Arboretum. This magical after-dark trail returns for 2025 with brand-new lights, spectacular installations, and festive fun for the whole family!
Wander through the illuminated arboretum, where twinkling lights bring the stunning setting to life. Marvel at the brand-new installations for 2025, including ‘Laser Lights’, ‘Mycelium Network’, ‘Fireworks Trees’ and ‘Wicker Animals’. Keep your eyes peeled for Father Christmas, as you can spot him on the trail!
Dates: From 28th November - 31st December 2025
Price:
- Adult Standard £25 | Adult Off-Peak £19
- Student Standard £22* | Off-Peal £17*
- Child (3-16 years old) Standard £18 | Off-Peak £12
- Infant (0-2 years old) Standard Free* | Off-Peak Free*
- Family (2 adults, 2 children) Standard £82** | Off-Peak £59**
- Personal assistant Standard Free* | Off-Peak Free*
How to book: Buy tickets online for Christmas at Westonbirt Arboretum HERE or by clicking below.
Stourhead Christmas Light Trail
Where: Pick up signs near Mere, Wiltshire, BA12 6QD
About: Celebrate Christmas in magical style by visiting the Christmas at Stourhead light trail featuring over a million lights, lasers, and festive sounds that fill the air with Christmas cheer.
This mesmerising after-dark light trail is just a short drive from Swindon and is an exciting Christmas adventure for the whole family to enjoy featuring tunnels of light dancing reflections, trees decorated in jewel-like colour and more.
If you’re looking to take a walk and explore a brilliant Christmas light trail near Swindon then head on down to Stourhead for an exciting Xmas adventure that we promise you won't regret!
Dates: Friday 28th November - Wednesday 31st December 2025
Christmas Features: Illuminated light trail, Lasers, Festive music, Christmas adventure activities.
How to book: Buy tickets online for Christmas at Stourhead 2025 HERE.
FAQs: Christmas Light Trails in Dorset 2025
What are the best Christmas light trails in Dorset?
Dorset offers a variety of festive light trails in 2025, from illuminated gardens and woodland walks to immersive Christmas experiences.
When do the Christmas light trails in Dorset open?
Most light trails start in late November and run until just before Christmas or early January. Dates vary by location, so it’s best to check individual venues for opening times.
How much do Christmas light trails in Dorset cost?
Entry prices vary depending on the size and scale of the event. Some trails are free, while others charge between £5 and £20 per person. Many also offer family tickets or group discounts.
Are Christmas light trails in Dorset suitable for children?
Yes! Most trails are family-friendly and include festive activities, food stalls, and interactive displays. They’re perfect for a magical day out with kids or even a cosy evening walk.
Can I combine a visit to a Christmas light trail with other festive activities in Dorset?
Absolutely! Dorset has plenty to offer during the holiday season. From meeting Santa and making wreaths to enjoying a Christmas pantomime.
Are there any tips for visiting Christmas light trails in Dorset?
Dress warmly, book tickets in advance for popular trails, and consider visiting on weekdays to avoid crowds. Many trails also have festive food and drink stalls, so bring cash or a card for treats.