Christmas lights and light trails in Sussex
Winter light trails have become one of the most popular evening outings of the season. These are the illuminated trails and light events in Sussex we have been able to confirm for 2026.
Most run timed entry slots after dark, so dress for cold, uneven ground and book a slot that suits young children's bedtimes.
4 events we have checked
- BookChristmas lightsHeritage railways
SteamLights on the Bluebell Railway
Bluebell Railway, Sheffield Park station, Sheffield Park · 21 November to 30 December 2026
An after-dark steam train ride past bright lineside light displays themed on the four seasons, with a narrated story and music in every carriage. The train makes a short stop at Horsted Keynes before returning to Sheffield Park.
- Price:
- From £35
- Dates:
- 21, 22 and 25 to 29 November; 2 to 6, 8 to 13, 15 to 23 and 27 to 30 December 2026. Evening departures; check times when booking.
- BookChristmas lightsFamily days out
Glow Wild at Wakehurst
Wakehurst, Ardingly · 26 November to 2 January 2027
Wakehurst's winter light trail winds for just over a mile through the botanic garden after dark, lit by lanterns and large installations. Allow about an hour, and book ahead because every visitor needs a timed ticket.
- Price:
- From £14.50
- Ages:
- All ages; under 18s must be with an adult. Adult evening sessions run on 11, 12, 18 and 19 December.
- Dates:
- 31 evenings: 26 to 29 November; 2 to 6 December; 9 to 24 December; 27 December to 2 January 2027. Entry slots from 4pm, last slot 7.45pm to 8.15pm depending on date (7pm on Christmas Eve).
- BookChristmas lightsFamily days out
Leonardslee Lights
Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens, Lower Beeding · 27 November to 30 December 2026
A winter light trail through Leonardslee's Grade I listed woodland gardens, taking 60 to 90 minutes on foot. Afterwards, Leonardslee Village serves mulled wine, doughnuts and local food until 10pm, with fire pits for toasting marshmallows.
- Price:
- From £13.50
- Dates:
- Selected evenings from 27 November to 30 December 2026. Trail start times 4.15pm to 8.15pm. Quiet night on 10 December.
- DetailsChristmas lightsFireworks and bonfires
Burning the Clocks
Central Brighton and the beach, Brighton · 21 December 2026
Burning the Clocks is Brighton's winter solstice celebration, created by the arts charity Same Sky in 1994. A parade of around 2,000 people carrying handmade paper and willow lanterns winds through the city to the beach, where the lanterns are passed into a bonfire before a fire show and fireworks. It draws more than 30,000 spectators and returns in full for 2026.
- Price:
- Check the Same Sky website for details.
- Dates:
- Monday 21 December 2026, the winter solstice. Same Sky confirms the event returns in full in 2026; route and timings are published nearer the date.
Questions people ask
When is the best time to visit a light trail?
Earlier slots and weekdays are usually quieter. Late slots in the week before Christmas are the busiest.