Heritage and tradition are, of course, things that evolve. And one of the traditions that has developed and grown over recent decades and years in Sussex is that of the wonderfully creative and often mystical Christmas light display. From magically lit forests with thousands of fairy lights to imaginary beasts and glowing planets, these events often signal the start of the festive season. With this in mind, here is our round-up of the best Sussex Christmas light displays.
Glow Wild at Wakehurst
The incredible Glow Wild event at Wakehurst first lit up the landscape in 2014 and, since then, has become a popular favourite. It is an award-winning winter light trail that transforms the botanical gardens with thousands of handcrafted lanterns and light installations dotted with storytelling, mystical creatures, illuminated buildings and gasp-in-delight moments.
The 2025 theme is “Seed Safari – A Walk on the Wild Side”. Book tickets: Wakehurst Glow Wild
Leonardslee Lights, Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens
A more recent event that is fast becoming a perennial favourite is the Leonardslee Lights display at Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens. Transforming the garden trail with a myriad of different installations, the central highlight is a vast moon and earth lit up and glowing over the lakes. But also expect sculpture, storytelling, and magical moments.
The 2025 event’s theme is “A Midwinter Light’s Dream”.
Tulleys Christmas Light Festival, Tulleys Farm
Just outside Turners Hill, Tulleys always go big as you walk through a tunnel of fairy lights into the festive world. Expect fire and ice displays, an enchanted forest, thousands of lanterns, watery light shows, live music and apres-ski! There is even a big wheel so you can view Sussex at night from above.
Christmas at Bedgebury, Bedgebury Pinetum
Ok, so this isn’t actually in Sussex, but it is right on the border and it is one of the bigger light shows in the south. With over a million twinkling lights, follow the woodland trail and let the magical sounds whisk you away. This year installations include ‘Light as a Feather’, ‘Floating Candles’ and the harmonious ‘Choir of Trees’, all set against the stunning backdrop of Bedgebury’s towering conifers. And don’t forget to watch out for a magical glimpse of Father Christmas along the way!
Let It Glow: Chichester
This December (2025), Cathedral’s historic Bell Tower is going to be transformed into a glowing canvas of creativity with Let It Glow: Chichester’s Magical Winter Illumination. Running each evening from Monday 8 to Sunday 21 December, this free immersive light and sound experience will turn the historic Cathedral Green into a dazzling celebration of art, technology and community.
Under a weatherproof marquee on the Cathedral Green, visitors of all ages can use iPads to play with light and colour, watching their creations come to life on the ancient walls in front of them. Every visit offers a new burst of creativity, colour, and wonder. Each design becomes part of a living artwork, ensuring no two evenings are ever the same. Beyond the marquee, glowing interactive installations invite families to explore, play, and share in the spirit of Christmas together.
Burning of the Clocks
Burning the Clocks is not so much of a light display as a light and lantern procession. Filling the streets of Brighton, Burning the Clocks is a unique community event held on the 21st of December to mark the shortest day of the year. Local people make their own paper and willow lanterns and after parading through the city, they pass them into a blazing bonfire on Brighton beach, as a token of the year’s end. It took a break in 2025, but it will be back in 2026.
Watch this space
In previous years, there have been light displays in Battle and at One Garden, at Stanmer near Brighton. Neither of these events are happening in 2025. But watch this space, and let’s hope they return next year.
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