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A Magical Evening at Tulleys Christmas Light Festival

We got an exclusive peak at the Tulleys Christmas Light Festival this year, and it turned out to be a wonderful evening. The moment you step inside, you're greeted by a glowing archway, the scent of mulled wine drifting through the air, and families wrapped up warm, ready for a night of festive magic.

If you're planning a visit, the event runs into early January, with entry times generally between 4:00pm and 10:00pm. The lights look their best from about 5pm onward, once the sky is fully dark.

 

The Light Trail: A Magical Walk Through the Woods

The woodland trail is beautifully done — lanterns hanging overhead, soft colours glowing through the trees, and little illuminated features tucked away in unexpected corners. The whole walk takes around 45 to 90 minutes, depending on how often you stop for photos (and trust me, there are many photo-worthy moments).

If it’s been raining recently, parts of the trail can become a little muddy. I'd definitely recommend wearing comfortable boots or shoes with good grip.

The Observation Wheel: A Must-Do

The 33-metre-high observation wheel is one of the standout features. Even if you’re not great with heights, the ride is surprisingly smooth, and the view from the top is breathtaking. You see the entire festival glowing beneath you — the forest, market area, food stands and lantern-lit pathways stretching out into the night.

Queues tend to build between 6:00pm and 7:30pm, so try going either earlier or later if you prefer a quieter ride.

The Christmas Light Experiences

  • The Fire & Ice Show - Witness the ultimate contrast of the elements
  • The Enchanted Forest - great for little ones
  • Love Lane - a romantic stroll through lanterns and love
  • The Spirit of Christmas Show - Watch the lights dance across the water
  • Let It Snow - where winter never fades and the snow never melts
  • Gingerbread Windmill - straight from a Christmas storybook
  • Twilight Reflections -= every shimmer feels like a note in a holiday melody

Live Music and Shows

Theres different stages with live music and shows going on as you wander about, really too much for a short visit so make sure you plan some decent time there. We suggest at least 4 hours.

Food, Drinks & Festive Market Stalls

There’s plenty to eat and drink — wood-fired pizzas, loaded fries, hog roast, churros, hot chocolate piled high with cream and of course, mulled wine. Most mains range between £8–£14, with drinks around £4–£6.

To avoid queues, I recommend grabbing food either before 6pm or after 8pm. There are also festive stalls selling handcrafted gifts, decorations and winter treats — a lovely bonus if you enjoy browsing local makers.

Meet The Wynterfolk Characters

One of the charming surprises of the night was Santa and the Wynterfolk — magical roaming characters who drift around the trails, interacting with visitors and posing for photos. Kids were enchanted, and even adults found themselves smiling unexpectedly. You’re most likely to spot them between 5pm and 8pm.

Getting There: Transport & Parking Tips

Driving is the easiest option, and parking at Tulleys is free. It can get busy around peak times, so arriving before 5:00pm is helpful.

If you’re using public transport:

  • Nearest train stations: Three Bridges or Crawley
  • Taxi from station: About 10–12 minutes
  • Buses: No direct bus to the venue — most visitors take a taxi from the station

Taxis get booked up quickly on December weekends, so it’s worth arranging one in advance.

What I Wish I’d Known Before Visiting

  • It’s colder than you think — wear layers and definitely bring gloves.
  • You’ll spend at least 2–3 hours there if you explore everything.
  • Phone batteries drain fast in cold air — bring a charger or battery pack.
  • Some parts of the path can be uneven after rain.
  • Midweek evenings are noticeably quieter and more peaceful

Would we Recommend It?

Absolutely. The combination of lights, atmosphere, food and festive charm makes it a brilliant evening out for families, couples and groups of friends alike. You leave feeling genuinely uplifted — the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit.

Useful Information (Quick Reference)

  • Opening times: Usually 4:00pm–10:00pm
  • Trail duration: 45–90 minutes
  • Total visit time: 2–3 hours
  • Parking: Free
  • Public transport: Train to Three Bridges or Crawley + taxi
  • Accessibility: Mostly accessible; some paths uneven after rain
  • Food prices: £8–£14 mains, £4–£6 drinks
  • Toilets: Available across the site (with baby changing)
  • Booking: Tickets must be purchased online in advance

10 Tips Before You Go

  1. Dress warmly — coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
  2. Wear comfortable, weatherproof footwear.
  3. Bring a portable phone charger.
  4. Arrive early to avoid queues.
  5. Book your tickets (and taxi, if needed) in advance.
  6. Visit midweek for a quieter experience.
  7. Plan food timings to dodge peak queues.
  8. Check accessibility needs before your visit.
  9. Carry a small bag for snacks or hand warmers.
  10. Make a night of it — enjoy the full trail, food stalls and music.

Other Christmas Light Trails in the UK, Wales & Scotland

If you’re looking for more festive adventures, here are some brilliant light trails happening around the UK this Christmas:

For more details on Tulleys, visit: Tulleys Christmas Light Festival (Official Website)

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