Christmas at Westonbirt 2026
Visitors wander along a circular illuminated woodland route featuring installations like the Christmas Cathedral, Fire Garden, Sea of Light, and Ribbon Tunnels. Along the glowing pathways through the historic trees, guests can catch a glimpse of Father Christmas. The festive experience also offers a Christmas Village with fairground rides and stalls serving food and warm drinks.
What to Expect
Enchanting after-dark illuminated trail through the majestic National Arboretum.
Event Details
Duration
Approximately 1.5 - 2 hours.
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
RG Live
Food & Drink
Food and drink stalls serve winter warmers; separate charges apply, and only card payments are accepted.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and festive light-trail fans
Vibe
Glowing and festive
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
££
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Standard / Off peak / Anytime - Standard / Anytime - Off peak: Adult £26.50 / £19.50 / £46.50 / £39; Student £24 / £18 / not offered / not offered; Child (3–16 years old) £19 / £13 / £33 / £26; Family (2 adults, 2 children) £89 / £64 / not offered / not offered; Infant (0–2 years old) free in all ticket types; Personal assistant free in all ticket types. Off peak tickets are on selected midweek dates. Booking fees are included. Infants and personal assistants need tickets booked with a paid ticket; students must show valid student ID on arrival. Fairground rides and food and drink stalls have separate charges. – Get tickets
- Hours: Entry times vary depending on the date, but generally take place every 15 minutes between 4pm to 8pm.
- Parking: If arriving by car, visitors must pre-book parking before arrival with their trail tickets. Standard or Blue Badge parking costs £10 per space when booked in advance. Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum and Forestry England Members can get one free parking space when it is pre-booked at least one day in advance with Forestry England; Blue Badge member parking must be booked by contacting customerrelations@forestryengland.uk and is subject to availability. A valid membership card must be shown on arrival with the member parking ticket.
- Accessibility: The circular trail uses hardstanding stone and tarmac footpaths with gradual slopes, and free manual wheelchairs and mobility scooters can be pre-booked.
- Pets: Dogs are not permitted, except assistance dogs with proof of eligibility.
Tips & Advice
- Book well ahead and choose a timed entry, as capacity is limited and early evening and weekend slots are likely to sell out.
- If driving, pre-book parking with your trail tickets; each vehicle needs a valid ticket, and standard or Blue Badge parking costs £10.
- Arrive at Westonbirt 15 minutes before your trail time because the trail entrance is a short walk from the arboretum entrance and car park.
- Wear appropriate outdoor clothing and footwear for winter weather, as the illuminated trail is outdoors.
- Bring a payment card, since only card payments are accepted; fairground rides and food and drink stalls cost extra.
Special Events & Promotions
- Infants aged 0–2 can enter free with a ticket booked alongside a paid ticket.
- Students can get discounted tickets with valid student ID.
- Personal assistants can enter free with a ticket booked alongside a paid ticket.
- Off-peak tickets are available on selected midweek dates.
- Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum and Forestry England members can get one free parking space when pre-booked at least one day in advance.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Christmas at Westonbirt suitable for families?
The trail is described as festive fun for the whole family. Infants aged two and under need a ticket booked with a paid ticket.
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
Yes. Advance booking is essential, and trail entry is booked for a selected date and entry time.
What can visitors see and do along the trail?
The illuminated route features installations including the Christmas Cathedral, Fire Garden, Sea of Light and interactive Ribbon Tunnels. Fairground rides are available for an additional charge.
Are food and drinks available?
Food and drink stalls serve winter warmers; separate charges apply.
How long should I allow, and what happens in bad weather?
The trail takes approximately one and a half to two hours. It runs in inclement weather, but hazardous weather may lead to a safety cancellation.
More Christmas Events near Chipping Sodbury
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.