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IN THE DARK STREETS SHINETH

THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHT, WILTSHIRE ENCHANTED CHRISTMAS, GLOUCESTERSHIRE

Roald Dahl is the theme for Longleat’s lantern spectacular, so expect fantastic foxes and giant peaches. As the house is also open to visitors, come in from the cold to find opulent drawing rooms aglow with roaring fires and ornately dressed trees.

Now-Jan 8, all-in-one ticket £39.95 adult (£29.95 child); longleat.co.uk

ENLIGHTENED AT THE CASTLE, ESSEX

Colchester’s remarkably intact Norman castle overlooks a landscaped park, which will become a riot of colour and light at Christmas. With disco balls suspended from branches, trees dripping in lights and dazzling walkways, like other similar trails, this incorporates music too.

Until Jan 2, £16 adult (£12 child); enlightenedmoments.co.uk

CINDERELLA’S LOST SLIPPER, LEICESTERSHIRE

Cinders shall go to the ball at Belvoir Castle, which is undergoing its own transformation to transport visitors inside the fairy tale. There is a glass slipper to find somewhere in the state rooms, gallery or ballroom, all of which are elaborately decorated by award-winning interior designer Charlotte Lloyd Webber. Mrs Claus tells stories to children who visit Santa (costs extra).

Until Jan 1, adult £24 (child £10); belvoircastle.com

For festive forest bathing, there is no better place than Westonbirt, our national arboretum. The story goes that Westonbirt’s illuminations are set up by mischievous elves each year, so the displays here include real-life elf action. Father Christmas makes an appearance and there are fairground rides afterwards.

Until Dec 21, adult £19 (£11 child); forestryengland.uk

THE SNOW QUEEN, OXFORDSHIRE

Blenheim Palace becomes a winter wonderland under the chilly rule of the Snow Queen, whose presence can be felt in rooms where sets depict fairy-tale lands of snowflakes and ice. A Christmas market takes place out in the grounds, while there is also an illuminated trail beside the lake.

Until Jan 2, combined adult £57 (£36.50); blenheimpalace.com

CHRISTMAS AT KEW, LONDON

Celebrating 10 years of its festive lights extravaganza, Kew Gardens is again staging sound and light spectacles along a 1½-mile trail. These include colourful projections on to the Palm House, a fire garden, immersive animations and a new starry nightscape, featuring thousands of twinkling lights.

Until Jan 8, adult from £21.50

(child £14); kew.org

DAYS OUT

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Daily Telegraph