Whether you prefer them bright and brash or twinkling and enchanted, Christmas lights are bound to bring a smile to your face over the festive season. With high streets and homes up and down the country festooned for the season, it is the perfect opportunity to put off your shopping for another evening and enjoy some of the best light displays that the country has to offer.
Covent Garden Piazza, London
Sure to be one of the grandest light displays in the country this Christmas is to be found in the centre of London at the Covent Garden Piazza. With a breathtaking light display designed by United Visual Artists, a 32 foot topiary reindeer, and a majestic pine tree, this popular square is turned into a winter wonderland just waiting to put you in the festive spirit.
The Eden Project, Cornwall
If it is a taste of the traditional that you crave then a visit to the Christmas displays at the Eden Project in Cornwall is not to be missed. Set out from a Cornwall cottage wrapped up warm in your woolly hat and mittens ready to be enchanted by the spectacular lantern parade and the Cornish choirs which have become a highlight of Eden’s winter festival. With ice skating and warm festive treats as well, a trip to the Eden Project is sure to get the Scrooge out of anybody.
Manning Close, Wells
At Christmas time a quiet residential neighbourhood in Wells is transformed by lights and becomes what is surely one of the brightest communities in Britain. Inspired by the elaborate light displays in America, Paul Toole began transforming his house for Christmas years ago, and what began as a hobby for him has now swept the street, with eight houses joining in the fun this year. With over 50 000 LED lights this is a display on a scale not normally seen in the UK and most definitely brightens the dark winter nights.
Muncaster Castle, the Lake District
At night Muncaster Castle and Gardens in the Lake District becomes an enchanting and mystical wonderland, as an elaborate light display brings the grounds to life where you can see Santa and his reindeer soar across the castle facade in a truly unique light show. While at the castle you can take part in one of the candle lit Victoria Christmas tours, where you’ll get to see parts of the castle that are not normally open for viewing. The Lake District is not short on old fashioned Christmas cheer and is a wonderful place to spend a relaxing break and take advantage of the many wonderful Lake District cottages that are filled with festive charm.
Stratford-upon-Avon
Considered to be one of the finest light displays in the UK, the lights in the birthplace of William Shakespeare provide a splendid backdrop for exploring this historic city. The whole of the town centre is separated into distinct colour schemes, with each of twelve streets being individually designed and making for a unique Christmas experience. With craft fairs and festive events being held in the city right up until Christmas, Stratford is a magical place to spend some time this holiday season.
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