It’s that time of year when the nights draw in and after-dark adventures light up the winter evenings. I love nothing more than getting bundled up in my warmest clothes and heading out to one of Sussex’s Christmas light trails. It’s a wonderful way to light up the long winter evenings.
Christmas light trails and winter illuminations in Sussex 2024
In Sussex we know how to glow with spectacular illuminations, lantern festivals and winter light shows paired with hot chocolate, magical woodlands and starry nights.
When I was looking Christmas light trails near me I found quite a few to choose from in both East and West Sussex. Here’s our pick of the best Christmas light trails in Sussex…
Glow Wild at Wakehurst, Haywards Heath
Stroll through Wakehurst’s magical mile-long Woodland Trail, aglow with lanterns and enchanting light displays, one of my favourite festive light trails.
Discover iconic installations like the sparkling Christmas tree, giant soaring owl, and fire-breathing dragon, all inspired by the hidden world of trees in this illuminated wonderland.
Sussex’s award-winning light trail also features festive street food, a cozy fire pit for marshmallow toasting, and shopping at the gift shop.
When: 28th November 2024 – 1st January 2025
Where: Glow Wild at Wakehurst Selsfield Rd, Haywards Heath RH17 6TN
Cost: £13 – £25, under 4s go free. Booking essential
Leonardslee Lights, Horsham
Sussex favourite, Leonardslee Lights, returns this year with a spectacular winter woodland sound, light and colour experience guaranteed to light up a dark evening. Wander through gleaming light tunnels, light projections and glowing woodlands.
The whole family will love wandering through the enchanting new route which features stunning installations, and lake reflections. After you’ve soaked up the glowing illuminations there’s seasonal food and hot drinks to get you in the festive spirit.
The route takes around 60-90 minutes and there’s a quiet session, for those that need it, bookable for one night only on the 5th of December.
When: 22nd of November – 30th December 2024
Where: Leonardslee Lights Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens, Brighton Road, Lower Beeding, Horsham, RH13 6PP. A shuttle bus to and from Horsham station is available.
Cost: Adults £17.50, Under 16’s £10.50, under 2’s go free
The Brighton Lights at One Garden
Bigger, better and back for a second time after a successul debut is Brighton Lights at One Garden. Enjoy the captivating festival atmosphere as you wander through a mesmerising light display with a brand new route and even more magical installations than before.
Check out live performances, festive food and drink and enjoy and evening of merry moments in a celebration of winter and light.
This delightful festive experience is for the whole family with with an emphasis on accessibility needs for everyone.
The route is accessible for buggies and most all-terrain mobility scooters and wheelchairs.
When: 7th December & Sunday 8th December, 11th December – 23rd December 2024 (quieter sessions are available 12th and 17th of December)
Where: The Brighton Lights at One Garden Brighton, Stanmer Park, Lewes Road, Brighton, BN1 9SE
Cost: Adults £16, children under 16 £10, under 2s go free
Illuminated Battle Abbey, Battle, East Sussex
See Battle Abbey illuminated in a colourful display of light installations and dramatic effects.
Wander through stunning light displays, unique light installations, and dramatic effects that bring the era of Normans and Saxons to life. Blending the magical winter season with England’s iconic history, this enchanting experience is perfect for families and history lovers alike.
There’ll be a range of culinary delights on offer from warming hot chocolate or mulled wine or cider for the grown ups. Toast marshmallows on an open fire or dip into delicious custard and crumble and traditional Saxon and Norman cakes. The gift shop will also be open.
This one’s a no-brainer because it’s the best winter light trail near me! Looking for more things to do in the town? Our article on how to spend a day in Battle will help. There’s more to do than you’d think.
Where: Battle Abbey Battle Abbey, Butter Cross, High St, Battle TN33 0AE
When: 3rd December 2024 – 8th December 2024 ( 5pm, 5:30pm, 6pm, 6:30pm, 7pm, 7:30pm)
Cost: There’s a range of prices (cheaper for English Heritage Members) so check the Battle Abbey website for pricing and to pre-book.
Burning of the Clocks, Brighton
The Burning of the Clocks festival, held every year on 21st December in Brighton, celebrates the Winter Solstice by bringing light to the year’s darkest day.
This unique event with lantern festival and bonfire brings the community together to reflect on the past year and set intentions for the new one ahead. Taking place on the winter solstice, the shortest day, it’s a powerful festival of unity, community and renewal.
Read our Burning of the Clocks post with full information about the event including timings and procession route. If you’re looking for more things to see and do in Brighton this post of the Top 22 Attractions in Brighton has you covered.
When: December 21st each year
Where: Brighton town centre and seafront
Cost: Free unticketed event
Tulleys Christmas Lights Festival
Tulleys Farm really know how to put on a seasonal display; think spring tulips, summer sunflower fields and Halloween shockers. Once the spooks and pumkins have been shipped out the dazzling illuminated shows move in.
Discover 10 immersive light installations, a Ski Lodge Bar with live music, a massive observation wheel and wandering festive characters. In fact, there’s a whole magical world of festive fun and enchantment plus plenty of Instagrammable opportunities for some festive selfie fun.
When: 28th of November – 23rd December 2024
Where: Tulleys Farm Tulleys Christmas Nights Festival Turners Hill Road, Turners Hill, Crawley, West Sussex, (closest postcode for Sat Nav RH10 4PD) Free Parking
Cost: Age 14+ from from £15.95 to £24.95 and age 2 to 13 years from £10.95 to £19.95. Under 2s go free.
Steamlights at Bluebell Railway
Looking for something different to the usual Christmas light trails? A journey on the Bluebell Railway offers a wonderful winter train ride through the enchanting Sussex countryside.
The journey starts at Sheffield Park Station where Santa arrives to greet the children before they board the train which is covered in thousands of colourful lights. The dazzling light display is accompanied by festive music.
Once everyone is onboard, the train steams off into the Sussex countryside passing magical illuminated scenes in woodland clearings. There’s a stop at charming Horsted Keynes Station for photos before the brightly lit train returns to Sheffield Park station. The experience lasts around an hour and a half.
When: 15th November – 31st December 2024
Where: Santa’s Steamlights Bluebell Railway, Sheffield Park Station, Uckfield, East Sussex, TN22 3QL
Cost: £35 for adults and children
Read more about Sheffield Park Gardens.
A Christmas Carol Drone Light Show, Hove
This incredible and unique drone display performance of Charles Dickins’ “A Christmas Carol” is slightly different from your festive light show.
Gaze up into the night sky as characters like Ebenezer Scrooge and Tiny Tim come to life. Watch as the journey of Christmases past, present and future bedazzle the skyline.
Enjoy the wonderful festive atmosphere and treat yourself at the food village within the stadium.
When: 14th of December 2024
Where: Christmas Carol Drone Show: The 1st Central County Ground, Brighton & Hove, BN3 3AN – Parking is free
Cost: There’s a huge range of pricing options so check the website for more information and to pre-book.
So, that’s a round up of the 2024 festive and Christmas light trails in Sussex this winter. With some starting in early November and continuing right through until January 2025 you should find plenty of opportunities to brighten up the winter nights and get your festive glow on.
Have fun as you wander through a magical display of winter light trails and festive illuminations. If you’re looking for more festive fun check out our directory of the best Christmas markets in Sussex.
Suzanne Jones is owner and editor at Hello Sussex which was founded in 2017. When she’s not exploring Sussex or writing about it you’ll most likely find her, camera in hand, enjoying coastal and countryside hikes across the county.
Suzanne is also travel writer and content creator at top travel blog The Travelbunny which she founded in 2011.