Halos, Mushrooms and Crystal Trees, just some of the new installations at Stourhead this year

Mesmerising new installations will create a unique experience for this year’s illuminated trail Christmas at Stourhead, which returns from 1 December to 31 December.

The National Trust’s Palladian house and garden in Wiltshire is preparing to wow visitors for another year, teaming up once again with Sony Music to create a light and soundscape which has become an unmissable event in the festive calendar.

Matthew Findlay, Head of UK Trails for Sony Music/Raymond Gubbay Ltd, said: “We have a brand new route so those people whom we welcomed to the trail last year can enjoy a different experience to create unforgettable Christmas memories for families, friends and loved ones.

“We’re also introducing some beautiful new installations which will create a unique trail for 2023 and underline it’s unmissable position as a must-see winter attraction.”

This magical meander through Stourhead’s unique gardens, deep in the heart of Wiltshire, will be filled with larger-than-life illuminations, all choreographed to a soundtrack of much-loved seasonal music.

One of the new features is Mycelium Network, by Stevie Thompson of Custom Fibre Optics. Stevie explained the origins of the idea: “Apart from being completely obsessed and passionate about fibre optic lighting, I’m also very interested and inspired by mushrooms too, with their magical and medicinal properties. So it was the perfect opportunity to collaborate both of my hobbies into a work of art.”

Another new installation at Stourhead will be Meadow of Light, by Lightworks, another design using fibre optics to create thousands of twinkling lights moving in waves across the ground.

Crystal Tree, by French lighting designers Pitaya, has a magical effect when the crystals light up as if animated by a glow of their own, whilst Tree Halos, by Event Design, are a series of glowing rings which appear to float in mid-air around the tree’s trunk at different heights.

Allow yourself to be transported into a winter wonderland and catch a glimpse of Father Christmas along the way.

Grab a seasonal snack from one of the hand-picked street food vendors who bring an indulgent twist to tempting treats on offer. Complete your walk under the stars with a perfectly festive *spiced winter warmer, hot chocolate or toasted marshmallow and share it with someone special. 

Christmas at Stourhead provides a special way to celebrate the festive season with an unmissable after-dark experience. The trail is designed for visitors of all ages and is accessible for everyone to enjoy.

*Separate charges apply

Book now to secure your choice of date and time at christmasatstourhead.co.uk

Christmas at Stourhead is brought to you by Sony Music in partnership with the National Trust. The trail is created by Culture Creative.

What: Christmas at Stourhead – The after-dark illuminated trail through festive gardens
When: From December 1-31.
Open from 4.30pm, last entry 8pm and closes at 10pm. Closed Dec 5/6/24/25.
Why Visit: Discover a Christmas illuminated trail for all the family set within the beautiful
landscape of Stourhead.
Admission: Advanced From: Off Peak Adult £15, Child £10; Family £70 (2 adults + 2 children) Peak Adult £22.00, Child £17 (Age 3-16) Parking £8 per car. Free for National Trust members when booked in advance.
Website: www.christmasatstourhead.co.uk
Address: Stourhead, Mere, Wiltshire, BA12 6SH

View photos of Christmas at Stourhead 2023

View photos of Christmas at Stourhead 2022