Festive Illumination Light Trail 2026

Step into a world of colour, light and imagination as you explore our spectacular illuminated trail.

Our Festive Illumination Light Trail invites you to become part of the experience, rather than simply watching from the sidelines. Wander through glowing walkways, discover beautiful new displays and watch as the familiar surroundings of Old Down Estate are transformed into an enchanting festive landscape.

It's a wonderful opportunity for children and grown ups alike to explore, discover and enjoy the magic of Christmas together.

With brand new installations every year, even those who have visited us before will have something new to discover.

We want as many families as possible to enjoy the magic of Christmas, which is why we're particularly excited to offer a dedicated Quieter Session on Monday 14th December 2026.

Light experiences can be a wonderful way for children to explore their senses. The colours, patterns, glowing installations and immersive surroundings can encourage curiosity, visual exploration and a sense of wonder.

For some children with sensory processing differences, visual experiences can be particularly engaging and enjoyable. Being able to explore at their own pace, notice different colours and patterns and experience the displays together as a family can make for some really special moments.

We also recognise that busy environments, noise and sensory stimulation can sometimes feel overwhelming.

That's why our dedicated Quieter Session has been designed with this in mind. On Monday 14th December, visitors can enjoy:

• Reduced visitor capacity.

• Lower noise levels.

• A calmer, more relaxed atmosphere.

This session is ideal for families with sensory-sensitive children, individuals who prefer quieter environments or anyone who would simply enjoy a more relaxed visit.

We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to experience a little Christmas magic, and we hope this makes visiting Old Down Estate that bit more accessible and enjoyable.

Christmas is a time for the whole family, and that includes the four-legged members!

Unlike many Christmas light trails, Old Down Estate is dog friendly, so you don't have to leave your beloved pooch at home.

Bring your well behaved dog along and enjoy a festive evening exploring the illuminated walkways together. We simply ask that dogs remain on leads throughout your visit and that owners clean up after them.

It's the perfect opportunity for a family outing where nobody gets left behind!

There's plenty more to discover at Old Down Estate beyond our spectacular light trail.

If you're planning a full day out, why not visit our Country Park and come and see our lovely animals? It's a wonderful way for little ones to get closer to nature, learn about the animals and enjoy everything our beautiful estate has to offer.

Please remember that daytime Country Park admission is separate from your evening light trail ticket. All visitors must leave the park by 4pm before returning for their allocated evening entry session.

One of the highlights of the Festive Illumination experience is our Christmas Village, where you can stop, relax and soak up the festive atmosphere.

Gather around our fire pits and enjoy FREE marshmallow toasting – yes, your marshmallows are on us!

You can also treat yourself to a warming hot chocolate, a glass of mulled wine or our famous apple crumble with cream or custard.

It's the perfect place to pause, warm up and enjoy a little festive indulgence before continuing your adventure.

The magic doesn't stop at the light trail!

Our Adventure Park will also be illuminated after dark, giving little ones even more opportunities for twilight adventures.

It's another reason why our Christmas light trail makes such a brilliant family evening out, with plenty to keep younger visitors entertained.

We know that family days out can quickly become expensive, so we're pleased to make one thing easier.

Parking at Old Down Estate is completely FREE!

No expensive parking charges, no searching for a space elsewhere – just arrive, park up and get ready to enjoy a magical evening.

If you're searching for Christmas lights in Bristol, family-friendly Christmas events or a magical winter evening out in South Gloucestershire, we'd love to welcome you to Old Down Estate.

Here are all the details you need:

Event: Festive Illumination Light Trail 2026
Dates: 28th November – 28th December 2026
Entry times: From 4:30pm
Park closing time: 8pm
Location: Old Down Estate, Foxholes Lane, Tockington, Bristol, BS32 4PG

And don't forget:

• FREE parking.

• FREE marshmallow toasting.

• Dogs welcome on leads.

• Brand-new illuminated displays.

• Christmas Village with festive food and drinks.

• Illuminated Adventure Park.

• Dedicated Quieter Session on Monday 14th December.

• 45% off tickets for Old Down Estate members when booked through the members' portal.

There is no time limit on how long you can enjoy the trail. Once you've entered during your allocated session, you can explore as many times as you like until the park closes at 8pm.

Ready to make some magical Christmas memories?

Gather your family, invite your friends, bring the dog and join us for the fifth year of our Festive Illumination Light Trail.

We can't wait to welcome you!