Normally, the festive season doesn’t make you any lighter.
But that’s not the case at all over at Eltham Palace in South-East London. Because from 1st December until New Year’s Day, you’ll find a dazzling winter lights trail running a huge 2km circuit through the grounds surrounding the palace itself.
Eltham Palace, if you were wondering, is a kind of half-medieval castle, half-Art Deco country pile just past Greenwich, complete with an actual moat. So it’s already pretty enchanting. But for this annual spectacle, the gardens themselves are transformed with a huge trail that the show-runners estimate will take you about an hour to make your way around. And no surprise either, given that in previous years they’ve packed in holographic talking birds in ornate cages; glowing fountains in the ancient moat; tunnels and pathways of fairy lights; torchlit gardens; an actual maze of lights; a talking tree; and illuminated projections over the palace walls.
Annnnd the grand finale at the Eltham Palace trail? There’s a traditional fairground at the end, complete with mulled wine, mince pies, and a chance to toast your own marshmallows over an open fire.
After which you certainly won’t be any lighter.
NOTE: Christmas at Eltham Palace runs from 1st December 2023 – 1st January 2024. You can find out more, and book your ticket (£20.50) right HERE.
Eltham Palace | Court Yard, SE9 5QE
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