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Halloween Illuminated Trail
Where: Moors Valley Country Park & Forest, Ashley Heath, Dorset
When: 22nd October – 1st November 2026
Times: Sessions from 4pm – 9pm
About: This autumn, Moors Valley’s forest will be transformed after dark for a spectacular family-friendly Halloween Illuminated Trail.
Venture through the woodland and encounter towering giant skeletons, the sinister Demon Barber, a carnivorous garden and mysterious ancient forest rituals. Expect atmospheric lighting, immersive installations, creepy characters and spooky surprises around every corner, creating a Halloween experience that’s thrilling without losing its family-friendly appeal.
There’ll also be seasonal street food, sweet treats, hot chocolate and marshmallows available, with a food village to visit before or after the trail.
Booking: Advance booking is required.
Winter Lights at Corfe Castle
Where: Corfe Castle, Wareham
About: Explore the ruins of Corfe Castle beneath the stars, with warm, glowing lights bringing the historic surroundings to life.
Gather around a fire pit to toast marshmallows with friends and family, and enjoy a hot drink or mulled wine from local café, The Goat.
Braziers and festoon lights will illuminate the paths. Please bring a torch for the walk from the car park and to help you spot uneven ground within the ruins.
The castle will be open until 8pm, weather permitting, with last entry at 7.15pm.
Dates: Saturday 12th December 2026
Price: Free event, but normal admissions apply! View admission prices here.
How to book: Either on the doors, or book here.
FAQs: Christmas Light Trails in Dorset 2026
What are the best Christmas light trails in Dorset?
Dorset offers a variety of festive light trails in 2026, 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.
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 2026. 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: 12th November - 3rd January 2027
Price: Free but some activities require payment.
How to book: Find out more HERE.
Dorchester
Nutley Farm Christmas 2026
Where: Nutley Farm, Dorchester DT2 8DT
About: Step into the magic of Nutley Farm Christmas 2026, one of Dorset's most loved festive events. A cherished family tradition for visitors from Dorset, Somerset and beyond, Nutley Farm Christmas returns in 2026 with even more lights, festive displays and magical moments to enjoy together.
A festive evening packed full of family-friendly attractions. Visitors can wander through the spectacular illuminated Christmas Light Trail, meet Father Christmas in his cosy grotto, feed the resident reindeer, and explore the festive Christmas Courtyard. With funfair rides, an interactive Elf Trail, live music on selected dates, delicious seasonal food and drink, marshmallow toasting, sweet treats and plenty of festive shopping, there's something to delight visitors of all ages.
Dates: Friday 27th November to Wednesday 30th December 2026
How to book: To see all optons you can book Online here.
Out of Town
Christmas at Westonbirt Arboretum
Where: Westonbirt Arboretum, Westonbirt, Tetbury, GL8 8QS
About: Step into a magical winter wonderland as Christmas at Westonbirt returns for 2026. Their enchanting after-dark trail returns for 2026 with dazzling lights, spectacular installations, and festive fun for the whole family! Created by the award-winning producers behind Christmas at Kew, it’s a must-see festive experience.
This year’s trail is reimagined for 2026 with new installations and festive favourites to give you an unforgettable new experience.
Wander through the illuminated arboretum, where twinkling lights transform the forest into a festive wonderland. Marvel at the stunning installations, including the classic Christmas Cathedral, fan-favourite Fire Garden, mesmerising Sea of Light, and interactive Ribbon Tunnels.
Dates: Friday 27 November - Thursday 31 December 2026
Prices:
Standard tickets:
- Adults: £26.50
- Students: £24
- Children aged 3–16: £19
- Family ticket (2 adults and 2 children): £89
Off-peak tickets - selected midweek dates:
- Adults: £19.50
- Students: £18
- Children aged 3–16: £13
- Family ticket (2 adults and 2 children): £64
Anytime tickets - entry at any trail time on your chosen date:
- Adults: £46.50 standard / £39 off-peak
- Children aged 3–16: £33 standard / £26 off-peak
Children aged 0–2 and personal assistants: Free, but must have a ticket booked alongside a paid ticket. Students must show valid student ID.
How to book: Buy tickets online for Christmas at Westonbirt Arboretum HERE or by clicking below.
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: 20th November until 31st December (selective dates)
How to book: Click here
Wiltshire
Longleat's Festival of Light
Where: Longleat, near Warminster, Wiltshire
About: Looking for a Christmas light trail beyond Dorset? Longleat’s Festival of Light returns for 2026 with Legendary Worlds, a 2.5km trail featuring more than 1,000 lanterns inspired by myths and legends.
Explore an illuminated Atlantis, walk beneath a life-sized blue whale and discover dragons, giants and magical creatures. From King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table to Norse and Greek mythology, the displays bring stories from around the world to life.
Make an evening of it with the Enchanted Christmas Tree Show, festive market huts and seasonal food and drink. For a longer family day out, choose a Day Ticket including the Winter Drive-Through Safari. The Santa Train and festive guided tours of Longleat House are also available to book separately. longleat.co.uk
Dates: 7th November 2026 – 17th January 2027.
Price: Advance tickets from £34.95, with different ticket options available. Day Tickets including the Winter Drive-Through Safari start from £49.95.
Parking: Free parking available.
How to book: Advance booking is recommended.