longleat safari park christmas lights

Festival of Lights Longleat

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• Last Update December 6, 2023

This Festival is an amazing seasonal event that can definitely boost your Christmas spirit. Everyone deserves a break once in a while, and going to this kind of event is definitely worth your time.

About the Longleat festival of light

The lights Festival Longleat is a fantastic seasonal event you can enjoy with your loved ones. The Festival of Lights in Longleat is one of the most awaited events every year. Festival of lights in Longleat’s brings more than 7 000 lanterns in 10 miles silk, blinking Christmas lights , twinkle lights, lights exhibition, fairy lights , 25 miles of LED lights, 30 tons of steel frames illuminated structure, and more!

Aside from the main attraction light shows, you can have strolled downtown Greensboro and visit some fantastic restaurants and entertainment centers in the area. Watching the Festival of Light is an excellent thing to do this winter season.

The Festival of Lights has been a staple tourist and local attraction in Longleat safari park for years. Watching the amazing light show display in safari park can give you an incredible experience. You can do a lot of things at this Festival, stroll down and enjoy the ambiance of the night, watch the amazing light show, take a souvenir, eat delicious street food, and more!

This Festival is an amazing seasonal event that can definitely boost your Christmas spirit. Everyone deserves a break once in a while, and going to this kind of event is definitely worth your time. Escape the busy and toxic life by visiting this particular event with your family and friends. So if you’re looking for a fun activity in the holiday season, you should consider going to one of the most popular and beautiful seasonal festivals.

Not only can it amaze you, but it can give you an awesome and unforgettable experience that you can treasure for a lifetime. The Festival of Lights Longleat is a beautiful seasonal event for you and your family to enjoy.

longleat festival of light Dates

Longleat festival of light is held every year. This year, it will run from November 11, 2023 to January 7, 2024. The event kicks off in early  November and ends in January, making it a long seasonal event.

The Festival of Lights Longleat is a yearly event that celebrates the holiday season.

For another breathtaking spectacle, check out China Lights 2023: Nature’s Glow or London Zoo Nights

Where’s The Festival of Lights Longleat Located and How to Get There

The lights festival is located in Warminster UK in Longleat Safari and Adventure Park. If you want to see the fantastic light show festival Greensboro, you can go to the nearest bus top locations that travel to

Warminster route. This is the nearest station that drops by downtown. Take a train or bus going to Longleat. Some stops nearby are possible in these lines and routes. There are more than 50 bus lines which travel near safari park, and if you don’t want to ride a bus, you can ride a taxi or train, either way, it depends on your choice.

If you own a car, you can reach the Festival of lights much faster, and if you don’t know how to get there, you can ask someone for directions, or you can use your car or phone’s GPS

There are other dazzling light festivals in United Kingdom. You may also want to check out these captivating festivals:

Wakehurst Glow Wild

Durham Lumiere Light Festival

Light Up Lancaster

Festival Hours

The Festival of lights Longleat kicks of usually in early November to January. Basically, it’s a 2-month to 3-month seasonal event. The usual festival hours’ operation is 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm. Visiting downtown can get too crowded, especially on weekends. So if you want to go where fewer people are visiting, you can try to go Monday-Thursday.

How Much Does It Cost To Visit The Light Festival?

This long-awaited seasonal Festival is held as early of November to January. each year. This Festival features an amazing light show display. The best thing about the Festival of Lights in Longleat is it’s available for everyone, and if you want to enjoy it more you can book a ticket.

Festival of Lights Longleat Tickets prices:

• Adult/ Disabled Adult – £24.95 to £49.95
• Child/Disabled Child (3 – 15) – £18.70 to £37.45
• Infant (under 3) – free
• Carers, when accompanying a disabled guest are also free of charge.

This Festival is worth your money with that offers an amazing light show display at an affordable price.

Weather In Festival Dates And What To Wear

The Festival of Lights starts as early as early  November to January. The weather in Longleat when November could reach up to 10°C -4°C. At the same time, it can get up to 8 C -2°C in December and January.  It can get pretty cold during the nighttime. You can wear anything you want as long as it can give you enough heat. Make sure you bring an umbrella with you as this month is a rainy day.

Hotels Nearby the Longleat land of light

Of course, if you want to visit the Longleat land of light, you need a place to stay so you can make the most out of your vacation. There is no need to worry, and there are a lot of unique places that you can visit, whether you want to stay at an Inn or hotel. Warminster has a lot of great places to visit. Choosing the nearest and the best place to stay is easy. You can use your smartphone and browse hotel booking websites, or you can ask locals. Below are some hotels and Inns you can consider:

Hidden Wood Glamping

Hidden Wood Glamping is located approximately 10 kilometers away from the famous safari park. This hotel is a Warminster’s site of off-grid glamping. If you like a quiet place to stay, then this place is perfect for you. This hotel boasts a wood-burning, unique hot tub, a beautiful garden, and free BBQ facilities for you to use. The hotel lodge is also equipped with a kitchen with oven, cable flatscreen TV, fridge, and stovetop. Toilet papers are on the house. If you love hiking, then going to this hotel would be amazing because you can also enjoy hiking in the nearby area. The price starts at 150 GBP per person.

Heath House Farm

Heath house farm is also a great place to stay near the festival location. This house has free WiFi and a beautiful garden. The holiday home provides guests with a patio for relaxing and admiring the beautiful country scenery.

The home is fully equipped with a cable flat-screen TV, a private shower, an oven, toaster, kettle, hairdryer, and a BBQ facility, and onsite hiking can also be enjoyed in the nearby location. The price is 100 GBP per person.

The Lighthouse

The lighthouse is a fantastic place to stay that provides guests with 4-star accommodation. This place is very close to the safari park. It has free WiFi and an onsite parking area for its guests. Rooms are fully decorated tastefully, and each room comes with a flat-screen TV, underflooring heating, a kitchen facility, and complimentary toiletries and tea. Breakfast is free and included in the room rate. The property has a garden and a nearby lake. The price is 100 GBP per person.

Great Places And Restaurants To Eat In Longleat

There are many amazing places to eat in Longleat, whether you are craving for a stake or maybe you are looking for vegan food. This place can provide you with mouthwatering dishes. Below are some restaurants you can consider visiting:

Archangel is one of the most popular restaurants near safari park. Archangel has a great reputation for its food, service, hospitality, and top-class accommodation. The archangel interior design, despite the multiple renovations, still has its medieval history. Its walls and beams make the restaurant so historic, and modern touches are also added, making the place more glamourous. This place is worth visiting when you visit the Festival of Lights.

The George Inn

If you’re looking for a place to relax, drink, and eat, then this place is perfect for you. This place is located 4.4 miles away from the Festival of light location. This pub has a cozy ambiance and offers a delicious home-cooked meal that you have probably missed. The George Inn is well known for its excellent food and services, very hospitable, and welcoming.

Hillbrush – Restaurant

Hillbrush is a new restaurant, but its popularity continues to grow.  The restaurant ambiance is spacious and airy. This place is also located near the light Festival, so if you want to grab some coffee or a bite before going to the Festival, this place is very recommendable.

More Things To Do In Longleat

Longleat is an amazing place that offers fun activities and beautiful places to visit like urban parks, entertainment centers, restaurants, museums, and more. Besides the light Festival, you can enjoy the following things:

• Bring your family and friends with you and visit the famous Longleat House
• If you love extreme sports, you can visit the great western airports
• Visit the amazing and mesmerizing Nunney Castle
• Watch a movie in Westway Cinema
• See the famous Westbury White horse scenery
• Have a boat ride in shearwater lake
• If you love animals, then you can visit the hope nature center for animals

Longleat festival of light in the past

Longleat festival of light 2019, longleat festival of light 2018, longleat festival of light 2017.

Thank you for visiting my blog, if you have already entered the holiday spirit or if you just want to decorate your garden, read here about Outdoor Solar String Light and how to do it best. or you can visit other lights festivals like: Wild Lights Dublin Zoo Lyon France Festival Of Lights

https://longleat.co.uk/the-festival-of-light

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Visiting Longleat's Festival of Lights in 2023

Get ready to embark on a magical Christmas family adventure now that Longleat's Festival of Light 2023 is back and it's bigger and more enchanting than ever .

In my guide below, I’ll take you through what you can expect as well as everything you need to know to plan your visit.

Longleat is just 10 minutes drive from us and I’ve taken my children to the festival almost every year for the past several years, I’ll admit the Festival of Light enchants them as well as myself and my partner. In my opinion it is definitely worth booking a ticket!

If you're travelling from afar then why not book one of our self catering holiday lodges near Longleat ? For those staying with us we can also secure Longleat Day tickets (Safari and non-Safari) with 20% off - get in touch for more details!

          View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Longleat (@longleatofficial)

What is the Festival of Light at Longleat?

The Longleat Festival of Light  is an annual event held at Longleat, a historic stately home and safari park in Wiltshire. The event is a celebration of the Christmas season, featuring mesmerising light displays, enchanting lanterns as well as other festive attractions the kids will love. Each year the festival showcases a different theme, bringing beloved stories to life through illuminated characters and scenes.

When Does the Festival of Light Take Place?

The Festival of Light for 2023 at Longleat runs from the 11th of November to the 7th of January 2024 on selected dates . This extended period allows you to choose a date that best suits your family's schedule.

What Happens at Longleat's Festival of Light?

Typically a theme happens throughout the festival which changes every year. 

This year's festival is a "The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe" by C.S. Lewis theme. You can step through the wardrobe and immerse yourself in a world of illuminated characters, from the majestic lion, Aslan to the bewitching White Witch ( I’ll admit she terrorised me as a kid! ) as well as scenes from Cinderella and Winnie the Pooh too.

One of the festival's highlights is the amazing Winter Drive Through Safari, where you can get up close and personal with some of Longleat's famous animal residents. Longleat's stunning grounds and gardens are also beautifully decorated for Christmas, creating a magical atmosphere. Do note some of these Safari attractions close to the public once it gets dark so get there in plenty of time!

Do I Need to Pre-book My Tickets?

Yes, from experience I’d strongly recommended pre-booking tickets for the Festival of Light, especially if you plan to attend on peak dates. This Christmas event is ALWAYS incredibly popular and tickets sell out quickly, so securing your spot in advance is the best way to avoid disappointment.

Ticket Types

For the 2023 Festival of Light, Longleat has listened to customer feedback from 2022 and introduced three ticket types to cater for different preferences:

Day Tickets: This ticket type gives you access to the full Longleat experience, including the Drive Through Safari, starting at 9:30am and the rest of the park from 11am. You can enjoy all the festival's attractions until the park closes at 7:30pm. Note last entry for the Drive Through Safari is 2pm.

Non-Safari Day Tickets: This option includes access to all the attractions, such as the House though no Drive Through Safari, with entry from 11am.

Twilight Tickets: These tickets grant you access to the Festival of Light lanterns, festive attractions, and some Main Square attractions from 5pm onwards. These are usually the ones that sell out the fastest so you’ll need to be quick!

Peak and Off-Peak pricing are available for Longleat’s Festival of Light allowing you to choose quieter times for a more affordable ticket.

How Much Are Tickets?

Ticket prices for the Festival of Light - known as "Twilight Tickets" start with off-peak at £33.70 for a child (Under 3’s are free) and £44.95 for an adult. Peak admissions are quite a bit more I am afraid at £37.45 for Children 3 to 15, whilst a 16+ ticket is £49.95 , but there are different ticket types available which is helpful, so you can choose the one that best suits your preferences. See below for more details.

Additional Festive Attractions

In addition to the magical lanterns, the Festival of Light offers several other festive attractions that you won't want to miss including:

Enchanted Christmas Tree Show

This breathtaking display features Britain's biggest singing Christmas tree, standing at over 15 metres tall. It's illuminated with more than 88,000 twinkling lights and even produces snow. The show runs every 20 minutes from 4:30pm to 7:10pm and is included with all Festival of Light tickets.

Discover more today

Santa Train

All aboard for the North Pole! Take a train ride to a snow-covered winter wonderland and meet Father Christmas in his grotto. This experience is extremely popular, so be sure to pre-book your tickets.

Dazzling Christmas Light Show

As the sun sets, Longleat House comes to life with a mesmerizing light show synchronized to festive music. Make sure to follow the Garden Trail for the best view. And don't forget to catch the spectacular fountain display on Half Mile Pond.

The Flight Before Christmas

Enjoy a seasonal show featuring stunning owls taking flight in the Longhouse. This enchanting performance will captivate both children and adults. Showtimes are at 3pm, 4pm, 5pm, and 6pm and run for 15 minutes. You’ll need to get in early as they close the doors closer to the start time for the birds safety.

Festive House Tours

Step back in time with a guided tour of Longleat House, classically decorated for Christmas. You can explore traditional decorations, multiple Christmas trees, and learn about the classic works of children's literature that inspired the festival's scenes.

Create unforgettable festive memories with your family at Longleat's 2023 Festival of Light, you could even make it a part of a Christmas tradition, you won’t regret it I promise!

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The Festival of Light: Longleat Safari Park at Christmas

Are you needing to get into the Christmas spirit? If so, the Longleat Festival of Light is sure to bring festive cheer and wonder to even the Grinchiest of souls!

This glowing walk through light trail in Wiltshire is certainly a sight to behold, with it’s ginormous show-stopping lanterns and dazzling light displays as far as the eyes can see.

So grab your winter coat and wrap up warm, ready to soak in all the festive atmosphere Longleat Safari Park has to offer!

In this article...

How much are tickets for Longleat’s Festival of Light?

This year there are 3 types of tickets to chose from for the Festival of Light:

• Day ticket with the safari
• Day ticket without the safari
• Twilight ticket

The prices vary depending on whether you require a full day ticket to explore the entirety of the park, or if you’re happy purchasing a slightly cheaper ‘twilight’ ticket, which gives you entry from 3pm for the Festival of Light. There are peak and off-peak pricing options too. But in all cases, under 3’s go free!

With no discounted family ticket options available, an all day trip to Longleat Safari Park can work out pretty costly at £174.80 for a family of 4. Whereas the peak twilight ticket will come in at £104.80, which may make this trip a little more accessible for some.

It’s also worth mentioning there are some optional additional charges once you’re in too! Like the Santa train for example, but we will get to that later.

What is there to do at Longleat safari park?

Longleat is actually the UK’s OG safari ! In 1966, it became the first drive through safari park to open outside of Africa!

Other than enjoying the festival of Light, you can carefully drive your own car through the animal safari where you will pass elephants, lions, tigers, deers and wolves. You’ll also have the option to cruise through Monkey Mayhem, where you’ll likely experience a cheeky monkey perched on your bonnet whilst another clambers along your roof. Just be aware, these monkeys have been known to peel off wiper blades like banana skins. So, if you’re particularly precious about your car, you may wish to bypass a trip through the chaos that can sometimes be caused in Monkey Mayhem!

Other than the Safari, house and array of animals to see and learn about. There is a huge park for the kids, a fun Rockin’ Rhino ride, plus the chance to take a ride on the train and boat. You’ll also find the largest maze in all of Britain here!

Longleat is vast and there’s loads to explore. The safari itself can take 2-3 hours to complete, so you can easily spend an entire day here.

Top tip: To avoid becoming the lions lunch, motorbikes and soft top cars aren’t allowed to drive through the safari.

What’s the address for Longleat safari park?

Longleat is just off the A36 between the picturesque city of Bath and Salisbury. As you get closer to Longleat, you’ll see plenty of brown tourist signs to help guide you the rest of the way. Or, tap the following postcode straight in to your google maps:

Longleat, Warminster, Wiltshire, BA12 7NW

How long is the Festival of Light on for?

The festival of light only runs for a few months out of the year. Opening on selected dates between  11th November 2023 – 7th January 2024 . Head over to the Longleat website to see which days they are open.

What is Longleat’s Festival of Light?

The Festival of Light is an immersive walking trail which winds it’s away around the grounds of Longleat Safari Park. This year the light trail has 1500 exciting and incredibly detailed glowing lanterns, with some stretching over 15 meters high! Plus theres other impressive light shows to admire too, like the enchanted Christmas Tree show.

Every year they unveil a different theme for their Festival of Light, so if you’ve been before – know that it will be a different theme the following year.

What is the 2023 theme at Longleat?

The 2023 Festival of Light is named Treasured Tales , so get ready to step into all of your favourite childhood books this year. The epic displays will include scenes from The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Cinderella, Snow White, and The Wizard of Oz to name a few!

My photos are from a previous year, where the theme was ‘Myths & Legends’.

Are dogs allowed?

As Longleat is a safari and home to many animals. No dogs (or pets of any sort) are allowed.

Do you have to pay to park

There is no additional charge for parking at Longleat, its included in your ticket price.

Longlest Festival of Light blue light card holder discount

Longleat offer a discount to any blue light card holders when tickets are prebooked online in advance.

They offer a blue light discount on the twilight tickets too, plus you get earlier access than the regular twilight tickets with entry from 11am instead of 3pm.

Whats the Enchanted Christmas Tree show?

Be sure to head over to the Enchanted Christmas Tree during your visit to The Festival of Light. Illuminated with over 88,000 twinkling fairy lights, this singing christmas tree stands a whopping 15 meter high! This year the tree has been fitted with multiple snow machines to provide you with a magical flutter of snow and even more Christmas cheer.

The Enchanted Christmas Tree show has a duration of 15 minutes, which is repeated every 20 minutes between 3:30pm-7:10pm.

Can you drive the safari with a Festival of Light ticket?

You’ll be able to drive the 6.5 mile safari with your Festival of Light safari day ticket. It’s worth remembering that during the winter, last entry for the drive-through Safari is at 2pm. The safari is unavailable for people who have booked ‘non safari’ and ‘twilight’ tickets.

Top Tip: Some of the animals don’t enjoy the cold too much, and will be snuggled up inside in the warm. Which means you may not see quite so many out and about on the winter safari!

Is the Santa train an extra charge at Longleat?

Fancy a quick trip to the North Pole whilst you’re here? Then you’ll need to fork out even more money, as a ticket for the Santa Train is an additional cost on top of your Festival of Light ticket. Adult tickets for the Santa train are £6.95 each, and children are £22.50 each.

For the adults, the train ride to visit Father Christmas includes a hot chocolate and a mince pie. Whereas the children’s tickets will include a gift instead. If you’re bringing a baby along (who doesn’t require a gift) then they wont need a train ticket and can stay bundled up in your arms for the ride.

Longleat Christmas light show

Back again, but this year it’s bigger and better! This dazzling light show is synchronised to music and projected onto the front of Longleat House – a little bit like the Saks light show in NYC! Plus, there’s even more magic to be found at the all new fountain show on half mile pond.

How long do you need to spend at the Festival of Light?

You’ll probably find you’ll be here for the majority of your twilight ticket. Even though the lights get switched on around 3:30pm, the Festival of Light comes alive once the night sky turns dark. I would advise to allow 2-3 hours to see it all.

Food options at the Festival of Light

Around the main square you’ll find seasonal pop up stalls offering some tasty takeaway options like hot dogs, dirty fries and loaded nachos. There’s vegan options on the menu too, and nearby you can tuck into something sweet with some mouthwatering churros!

Or you could head over to Pizza Piazza for a delicious little slice of Italy, and if you’re looking for somewhere warm to sit down, the regular cafes are open too.

Is the Festival of Light wheelchair friendly?

The majority of the Festival of Light takes you along flat, concrete paths. Making it accessible for wheelchair users and pushchairs.

Places to stay near Longleat’s Festival of Light

Longleat has a few fabulous accommodation options on site. I think the best one looks like ‘Keepers House’ or ‘Keepers Cottage’ which is situated in the heart of the safari! Imagine waking up and seeing a zebra right outside of your window?!

Theres also Longleat Centre Parcs just down the road, although I recommend booking well in advance as the lodges get snapped up quickly.

For cheaper options, maybe look a smidge further away at Frome , Westbury or Warminster .

Top tips for visiting the Festival of Light

To help you be extra prepared for your trip, here’s a few tips:

• The cheaper twilight tickets sell out fast, book early if you want one.
• Be sure to prebook your Santa train tickets. You cant just turn up on the day and they aren’t included in your entry fee.
• Don’t miss watching the Enchanted Christmas Tree show – it’s really beautiful.
• Expect everywhere to get extra busy from 3pm when all the twilight ticket holders start to arrive!
• Some attractions like the Lorikeet Aviary, Boat Safari and the Maze, will close before the Park does (they wont open in the dark).
• To help beat the queues, order food before the influx of twilight guests arrive.
• The catering areas and shops are only accepting debit card/credit card/smartphone payments.
• It’s a good idea to pack a power bank in your bag. You don’t want your phone battery to run out with all the photos you’re going to be taking.

Longleat Safari Park is a special destination for a family day out, and there’s no doubt in my mind that you’ll make heaps of lovely memories together here. Yes, it might be a bit of a splurge for a day trip. But the sheer magic and wonder of the place, especially during the immersive Festival of Light, makes it a unique experience that’s sure to captivate everyone, young and old alike.

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Festival of Light at Longleat 2023

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Put your family at the centre of the most magical Christmas story of them all this year, as The Festival of Light returns, with more life-size lanterns than ever before and an iconic Winter Safari.

Discover brand-new, show-stopping scenes from treasured tales, featuring The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S Lewis; Cinderella; Peter Pan; The Wizard of Oz; Winnie the Pooh and many more.

This year’s event is brimming with festive treats – from firm favourites like the incredible 15-metre Enchanted Christmas Tree show and beloved Santa Train, to a spectacular fountain display on Half Mile Pond. Longleat House will be even more luminous, with a phenomenal light show bringing its historic facade to life.

Journey to Narnia

Step through the wardrobe and immerse yourself in a world of illuminated characters from The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe by C.S Lewis. From the might of Aslan to the bewitching White Witch, delve deep into the heart of a classic.

Rediscover more beloved stories that shaped our childhood as you venture through a myriad of fantasy worlds – travel from Narnia and the Emerald City all the way to Never-Never-Land.

Enchanted Christmas Tree Show 

Britain's biggest singing Christmas tree is back! Visit Longleat for a spectacular display featuring lights, carols and even flurries of snow!

Santa Train 

All aboard for the North Pole! A trip on our Santa Train is the perfect way to make this Christmas extra magical.

Dazzling Christmas Light Show 

Don’t miss the mesmerising light show to round off the evening, illuminating Longleat House and culminating in a show-stopping fountain display on Half Mile Pond.

The Flight Before Christmas

Don't miss this sensational seasonal show! Some feathery friends are taking up residence in the Longhouse and they can't wait to meet you.

Festive House Tours 

Step back in time with a wonderfully festive guided tour of Longleat House. Beautifully dressed for Christmas, the House will feature traditional decorations and numerous Christmas trees, including a six-metre-tall showstopper in the Great Hall.

Winter Drive Through Safari 

Oh the weather outside may be frightful, but the Drive Through Safari is still delightful!

Visit the website for more information

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Longleat Festival of Light returns for the Christmas season

Visitors are invited to step into the pages of treasured tales, reimagined as 1,500 stunning lanterns

• 11:57, 7 NOV 2023

Longleat Festival of Light is set to return for the Christmas season this week. The event promises more life-size lanterns than ever before and an iconic Winter Safari.

There’s a special preview and lights switch-on event from 3pm on Friday (November 10) followed by the main launch on Saturday. The lantern festival will run until January 7, 2024.

Visitors are invited to step into the pages of treasured tales, reimagined as 1,500 stunning lanterns. This year’s event is brimming with festive treats – from firm favourites like the 20-metre Enchanted Christmas Tree show and Santa Train, to a show-stopping fountain display on the lake.

READ MORE - Best autumn walks to enjoy near Trowbridge

READ MORE - Beautiful walks in Wiltshire’s least visited Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Longleat House is set to come to life with a light show. Stories covered in the extensive event include those of the Emerald City and Never-Never-Land.

Amazing artistry goes into creating bespoke lanterns that tower over you at every turn, with some stretching to more than 15 metres tall. Show-stopping scenes are taken from The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S Lewis; Cinderella; Snow White; The Wizard of Oz; Winnie the Pooh and more.

Longleat says there is nowhere else where you could see most-loved animal characters like Aslan, the rightful King of Narnia, at the same time as spotting their Jungle Kings in real life as you discover the Drive Through Safari.

As well as innovative new light trails, you can enjoy access to all Longleat’s popular animal and adventure attractions. There are three ticket types for The Festival of Light:

The Festival of Light Day Ticket (from £44.95 per adult)

Experience Longleat’s Drive Through Safari, Walking Safari, Boat Safari, festive attractions and amazing lantern scenes.

The Festival of Light Non-Safari Day Ticket (from £34.95 per adult)

This ticket doesn't include Longleat’s Drive Through Safari but you can still say hello to some of amazing animals on foot and enjoy the festive attractions and stunning lantern scenes.

The Festival of Light Twilight Ticket (from £24.95 per adult)

Let Longleat’s lanterns take the spotlight and enjoy the festive attractions and lantern scenes from 5pm.

For the ultimate festive getaway, book a luxury stay in your very own country cottage on the Longleat Estate. Experience an unforgettable winter break in one of seven individually decorated luxurious country getaways; each with its own stunning setting and fascinating history.

For more information and to book visit www.longleat.co.uk

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REVIEW: THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHT AT LONGLEAT

The Festival Of Light at Longleat Safari Park is a breathtaking and enchanting experience that truly lives up to its reputation as one of the most spectacular light festivals in the world. This year's event exceeded all expectations, creating a magical atmosphere that captivated visitors of all ages.

The festival's main draw is undoubtedly the mesmerising light displays that adorn the large grounds of Longleat. As night falls, the estate is transformed into a kaleidoscope of colours, with intricate and imaginative light installations illuminating the landscape. From larger-than-life animals to mythical creatures and dazzling geometric patterns, each display is a work of art.

It's a multisensory experience as they incorporate music, sound effects, and interactive elements into the displays. The carefully curated soundtrack enhances the magical ambiance, syncing seamlessly with the changing lights and creating a truly immersive experience.

We experienced the three distinct trails - The Garden Trail and Narnia, Animal Trail, The Enchanted Forest and North Pole Trail, at this extraordinary lantern festival you can immerse yourself in the enchantment of 1,500 stunning lanterns that bring to life the pages of the most cherished stories, reimagined in a magical display.

The Animal Trail gave us glimpses of meerkats, porcupines, anteaters, red pandas, Cuban crocodiles, koala bears, pigs, and sloths, as well as butterflies and gorillas. We had the opportunity to stroll through the meerkat enclosure for an up-close view. 

The Enchanted Forest & North Pole Trail presented us with radiant lanterns featuring characters from Cinderella, Rapunzel, Peter Pan, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Hansel and Gretel, Little Red Riding Hood, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, Wind in the Willows, Winnie the Pooh, Snow White, and the North Pole. As you stroll along this brilliantly illuminated and colourful trail, the narrative of each tale unfolds.

The Festival Of Light also offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. From festive food stalls serving delicious treats, with our favourites being the freshly baked hot sugared donuts and the warm waffle with a scoop of cookie dough ice cream, The Enchanted Christmas Tree Show to Santa's Train and their impressive Winter Safari, there is something for everyone. 

We experienced the unmissable Longleat House Light Display and the brand-new Fountain Show on Half Mile Pond. As the afternoons and evenings grow darker, it provides the perfect setting for a dazzling light spectacle at Longleat House, expertly synchronised to festive music. 

The revitalised magic on Half Mile Pond is breathtaking with a 60-meter fountain display, now more magnificent than ever, adorned with a captivating array of dazzling lights.

The Festival Of Light 2023 is a must-see event, the combination of stunning visual displays, immersive experiences, and a festive atmosphere makes it a memorable and enchanting outing for anyone seeking a magical winter adventure.

BOOK TICKETS TODAY!

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Mudpie Fridays >> Christmas Days Out >> Longleat Festival of Lights – Roald Dahl Light Trail

Longleat Festival of Lights – Roald Dahl Light Trail

If you are a regular follower of Mudpie Fridays and you know we love a light trail . In fact, we’ve been very lucky and visited quite a few light shows this year. However, one that I’ve always wanted to visit and never have is the Longleat festival of lights . Last weekend, we finally managed to visit not only the festival of lights but Longleat Safari as well. This year it was the Roald Dahl Light trail with each lantern themed around some of the wonderful stories. All with the historic backdrop of Longleat House. Here’s how we got on when we visited the Longleat Light Trail and finally found our Christmas spirit.

Table of Contents

Where is the Longleat festival of lights?

Longleat Safari Park is what is one of the first safari parks in the UK opening in 1966. At this time it was the first drive-through safari outside of Africa. It’s located in Wiltshire. It’s also very very close to Longleat Center Parcs which many people I’ve also heard of. It is easy to reach by car on the A362 between Warminster and Frome. You can use postcode BA12 7NW but then as you get close revert to the brown tourist signs.

You can also reach Longley Safari Park by train and then a taxi. The closest train stations are:

• Frome Station is the closest station to Longleat and has good service from Bath and London.
• Warminster station is about 5 miles from Longleat and is on the Cardiff to Portsmouth line.
• Westbury station is about 12 miles from Longleat and is on the London Paddington to Penzance line.

When is the Longleat festival of lights?

Longleat festival of lights runs on selected dates from 5th November to the 9th of January. The lights switch on at 4:30 pm in the evenings and run till approximately 7 pm. Most of the food outlets are shutting by this time. It’s important to know as this means it does tend to close earlier than many of the other light trails we have been on. In fact, we were quite surprised by this on the basis that we would expect it to go on to 8 or 9 o’clock in the evening.

Also, when booking tickets you do not need to select a timeslot. The last entry is 6:30 pm. This does mean that everyone tends to ascend at the same time, a.k.a. 4.30 pm to 5 pm which does have an impact on both the route and also the amenities. 

Tickets for the Longleat festival of lights

I think there is a clear intention by Longleat Safari Park to encourage individuals to do both the Safari and the Longleat light trail. This is evidenced by the way that the tickets are priced. It really makes no sense for you to just do the festival of light trail. Due to the difference in price.

A day ticket which included a safari and everything else Longleat has to offer costs £44.95 for an adult and £33.70 for a child. The festival of lights tickets with twilight entry at 3 pm cost £29.95 per adult and £22.45 for a child. This means that the difference is £15 for an adult and £11.25 for a child which is effectively the light trial price. I think this partly explains why the light trail runs the time it does as the majority of people attending will have day tickets as well.

Food options at Longleat festival of lights

There are several different places where you can get food at the Longleat festival of nights. They have several different pop-up artisan food vans. They sell a selection of hotdogs and burgers. But there is also the café which has a varied menu and the pizza restaurant which is popular. If you are after hot drinks then there is a café shop next to the main café where you can access self-service hot drinks and hot chocolate. Which should have been quicker than getting a drink from one of the other outlets but wasn’t.

We ate at Longleat during the day and tried one of the burger van options and I must admit that it was expensive for what it was. I had a chicken burger for £9 and it was a buttered chicken breast in a bun and that was it with the option to add raw onion and salad on the station next door to the burger van. The beef burger was not much better. I would encourage you to take a picnic if you are visiting all day as I wish we’d done this. And look into potentially having a pizza early evening. There seems to be the best value option available.

And how long will you need at the Longleat festival of lights?

You really need a full day. In the morning we went inside Longleat House and looked around the formal gardens and popular animal exhibits. Before heading to the safari. But we still didn’t see it all missing the Longleat hedge maze and the ever-popular adventure castle.

If you arrive in the afternoon as we did after driving around the winter safari drive-through. You are directed down into the main square area where there is a map that shows the route. I took a picture of this, although it is quite self-explanatory and easy to follow. Basically, the square area is the middle of the trail and you can turn left or you can turn right both going around in a small loop similar to a figure of eight.

When we visited it, got dark at about 4.30 pm we probably didn’t enter the light trail till around 5 o’clock as we were looking at some of the on-foot animal attractions. Many of them were closing around five, but if you’ve got evening-only tickets and you should still be able to see some of the smaller animal exhibits that are located just off the square area such as the Jungle Kingdom and Koala Creek.

We left Longleat at around 6.30 pm which would indicate that the trial took around an hour and a half in total. However, we did not eat anything in the evening instead returning to a local hotel to eat there.

We did find that some of the bigger exhibits such as Willy Wonka‘s Chocolate Factory and James & the Giant Peach had long queues. However, they have set up an excellent queuing system and actually it worked quite nicely.

Where to stay close to the Festival of Lights

Longleat Safari park itself offers various different accommodation types and this may be something we look into should we visit again. This time we opted for the local Premier Inn which is in Frome . And cost around £140 with dinner and breakfast included. It is only a ten-minute drive and so perfect to visit the safari park. Because of this, it tends to book up well in advance. I booked our overnight stay the same day that I booked the Longleat Festival of Lights tickets. 

Top tips for visiting the Longleat Festival of Lights.

• Definitely combine day tickets, Longleat Safari Park is amazing, especially the Jungle Cruise and it really adds to the experience.
• Longleat light trial gets busiest between the times of 4.30 pm and 6 pm so bear this in mind. Although we did not find the queuing to be of any great significance.
• Food is expensive and to be honest not that great so bring your own where possible.
• The much-loved Santa train which is extremely popular and was sold out when we visited. Therefore you should book these in advance.
• You should also book the Longleat Festival of Light tickets in advance as when we visited the yellow sign at the entrance said pre-booked tickets only and that they are sold out.
• Make sure your battery camera is fully charged because you will want to take a lot of photos it’s a beautiful trail and genuinely something different compared to so many of the other Christmas trials.
• It’s all on flat concrete paths and so suitable for buggies and wheelchairs. They also have an easily accessible starting point if required.
• Make sure you leave some time at the end of your visit to catch the gigantic Christmas tree show. Longleat’s famous 15-metre tree has its own light show that runs every 15 to 20 minutes. The best place to stand to watch this is as you come out of the trial. Because there is also a projection that goes onto the building behind it. Standing here will allow you to see both at the same time. There is also a couple of snow machines which the kids absolutely adore. The last show is at 6:50 pm.
• Don’t forget your pocket money to buy little gifts in the shops including some rather expensive Christmas decorations.
• I wish we had re-read some of the Roald Dahl stories before visiting th Roald Dahl Light Trail. 

Longleat festival of lights what will you see?

Longleat transforms into this amazing magical journey with a different lantern scene at every turn. Of course, you do not need to be a fan of the wondrous worlds of Roald Dahl but it helps. The map will highlight the iconic books that the trail covers. Each one is a Roald Dahl story with some of them being much larger individual lanterns than others. Even those that are not Roald Dahl fans would love this light show. They have captured many of the iconic characters, including Miss Honey and the fearsome Miss Trunchbull and Augustus Gloop in the chocolate river beautifully. With many of the Quentin Blake illustrations really shine through in the light-up lanterns.

The trail is run in conjunction with the Roald Dahl Story Company.

The Roald Dahl Light Trail

In total there are 11 stories covered by the Longleat light trail lanterns. Many are favourite characters from the much-loved stories:

• Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
• James and the Giant Peach
• The Witches
• Fantastic Mr Fox
• George’s Marvellous Medicine
• The Enormous Crocodile
• The Giraffe and the Pelly and Me

There are also book lanterns all over the adventure attractions. Including a giant stack of Roald Dahl books once of the festive main square attractions. As well as a three-metre-tall book tunnel. It is really difficult to portray in the photos just how large these light installations are. There is a 5-metre-tall BFG and the big friendly giant is a small giant in comparison to the rest of the giant country.

Our favourite Lanterns

All the lanterns on the Longleat light trail are brilliant. If we had to pick some favourites then for us, it would be the BFG. The detail that has gone into his cave is immense, and the fact that the other lanterns are so large it really does add to the dynamic.

We also really like Charlie and the chocolate factory and walking through Wonka’s famous factory gates was on of the key moments of our visit. It’s impossible to miss the Willy Wonka factor since it takes up pretty much the whole of the drive. You will see it as you come down to the park. You can actually walk around inside the garden area of the chocolate factory and see the oompa loompas. Although if the queue is large, you can buy pass this all together. However, I wouldn’t it. It’s brilliant.

We also really like James and the Giant Peach lanterns as well as James’ giant peach floating on the lake which is actually the brave shark-infested seas. You can see all of the peaches inhabitants in the garden area where they have put twinkly lights across all of the box hedging. With all the trees in the background, it really does make a beautiful picture.

Each of the stories has a book with an excerpt from the key scenes in front of you. There are several for bigger installations to explain part of the story and what is going on. Don’t forget to get a picture of your children in the chokey when you see the Matilda area.

Having never visited Longleat light festival before. I am glad we chose this year as our first time, to be able to see the Roald Dahl Light Trail. However, if this is the way that they do it each year with the giant lanterns. Then we will most definitely be back next year to experience more of the same. And I can’t wait to see next year’s theme for the lantern festival and illuminated outdoor trail.

Related blog posts

If you have enjoyed this blog post then you may find some of these other ones of interest. Especially if you are looking for some festive fun this Christmas.

Longleat Centre Parcs Review

Winchester christmas market – what you need to know before you go, the best light trails in surrey.

Have you visited Longleat Safari Park? Have you been to the Longley Longleat festival of lights.? Let me know in the comments below how you found it and if you’ve got any top tips. For more information and to book tickets please see the Longleat website.

Wishing you a festive holidays season xx

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Welcome to Mudpie Fridays where I share our travels. Both here in the UK but also across Europe and further afield. My name is Clare and I am married with two mischievous boys, Charlie aged 11 and Harry who is 7. Read along as we find hidden gems, pack as much holiday time in as possible, while working a 9-5 and find amazing and unusual experiences. Proving travel can be fun, educational and hugely rewarding with kids. Grab a coffee and come and join us on our latest adventures.

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South west farmer, longleat safari park announces new theme for festival of lights, longleat safari park announces roald dahl theme for festival of lights.

Longleat Safari Park has today (June 30) announced the theme for this years Festival of Light. 

With the announcement that The Wonderous Worlds of Roald Dahl will take over the park this autumn. 

The festival will run on selected dates starting on November 5 until January 8 2023.

Known as the UK's original, biggest, and most exciting lantern festival, this year is set to be more extraordinary than ever. 

We are thrilled to announce that the Festival of Light this year is... The Wondrous Worlds of Roald Dahl! Join the festive fun on selected dates from 5th November to 8th January. Tickets launch in July so keep your eyes peeled 👀 @roald_dahl pic.twitter.com/aOLtbYEc0Z — Longleat (@Longleat) June 30, 2022

Guests will be able to embark on the magical journey and meet all their characters from the iconic Roald Dahl stories. 

Each lantern scene brings key moments from the books to life, including The BFG, Charlie and The Chocolate Factory, Matilda, The Twits, and Fantastic Mr Fox. 

You'll be able to marvel at the five-meter-tall BFG and walk through Wonka's famous factory gates. 

Plus Jame's Giant Peach will take center stage, and you can be awestruck by George's Marvelous Medicine and don't miss out on Matilda and Miss Honey. 

Set over 30 acres of grounds there will be hundreds of lanterns for guests to enjoy.

So get prepared to be amazed by the winter sunsets and watch as Longleat transforms into a breath-taking illuminated world. 

How to get tickets to Longleat's Festival of Lights:

If you want to get tickets to the festival then there's not long to wait to grab some tickets. 

Although no exact date yet, Longleat has said that tickets will go on sale in July. 

To find out when tickets go on sale you can sign up to update emails now. 

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REVIEW: The Festival Of Light at Longleat

The Festival Of Light at Longleat Safari Park is a breathtaking and enchanting experience that truly lives up to its reputation as one of the most spectacular light festivals in the world. This year's event exceeded all expectations, creating a magical atmosphere that captivated visitors of all ages.

The festival's main draw is undoubtedly the mesmerising light displays that adorn the large grounds of Longleat. As night falls, the estate is transformed into a kaleidoscope of colours, with intricate and imaginative light installations illuminating the landscape. From larger-than-life animals to mythical creatures and dazzling geometric patterns, each display is a work of art.

It's a multisensory experience as they incorporate music, sound effects, and interactive elements into the displays. The carefully curated soundtrack enhances the magical ambiance, syncing seamlessly with the changing lights and creating a truly immersive experience.

We experienced the three distinct trails - The Garden Trail and Narnia, Animal Trail, The Enchanted Forest and North Pole Trail, at this extraordinary lantern festival you can immerse yourself in the enchantment of 1,500 stunning lanterns that bring to life the pages of the most cherished stories, reimagined in a magical display.

The Animal Trail gave us glimpses of meerkats, porcupines, anteaters, red pandas, Cuban crocodiles, koala bears, pigs, and sloths, as well as butterflies and gorillas. We had the opportunity to stroll through the meerkat enclosure for an up-close view. 

The Enchanted Forest & North Pole Trail presented us with radiant lanterns featuring characters from Cinderella, Rapunzel, Peter Pan, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Hansel and Gretel, Little Red Riding Hood, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, Wind in the Willows, Winnie the Pooh, Snow White, and the North Pole. As you stroll along this brilliantly illuminated and colourful trail, the narrative of each tale unfolds.

The Festival Of Light also offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. From festive food stalls serving delicious treats, with our favourites being the freshly baked hot sugared donuts and the warm waffle with a scoop of cookie dough ice cream, The Enchanted Christmas Tree Show to Santa's Train and their impressive Winter Safari, there is something for everyone. 

We experienced the unmissable Longleat House Light Display and the brand-new Fountain Show on Half Mile Pond. As the afternoons and evenings grow darker, it provides the perfect setting for a dazzling light spectacle at Longleat House, expertly synchronised to festive music. 

The revitalised magic on Half Mile Pond is breathtaking with a 60-meter fountain display, now more magnificent than ever, adorned with a captivating array of dazzling lights.

The Festival Of Light 2023 is a must-see event, the combination of stunning visual displays, immersive experiences, and a festive atmosphere makes it a memorable and enchanting outing for anyone seeking a magical winter adventure.

BOOK TICKETS TODAY!

Longleat Safari Park, Warminster, Wiltshire, BA12 7NW

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You are here: Latest News > Longleat to bring treasured tales to life this Christmas as its Festival of Light returns

Longleat to bring treasured tales to life this Christmas as its Festival of Light returns

The Festival of Light returns to Longleat this winter, promising to be bigger and better than ever with a magical new theme.

The UK’s original and best lantern festival is back from 11 November 2023 to 7 January 2024, inviting visitors to step straight into the pages of their favourite books, reimagined as stunning lanterns.

Rediscover the stories that shaped your childhood and make your own magical memories as Longleat presents, Treasured Tales: The Festival of Light 2023.

Among the spectacular new displays will be iconic scenes from The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S Lewis, Cinderella, Snow White and The Wizard of Oz.

This year’s event is set to feel more festive than ever, with a brand-new Christmas Market area, the incredible 15-metre Enchanted Christmas Tree show and the beloved Santa Train. 

A brand-new light show will round off the evening, illuminating Longleat House and culminating in a show-stopping fountain display on the lake. 

Alongside Aslan, king of the lions, visitors will also be able to come face to face with Longleat’s very own pride of big cats along with a host of other exotic animals in the world-renowned Safari Park.

Tickets go on sale on Wednesday 19 April 2023, with three new ticket types: 

The Festival of Light Day Ticket (from £44.95 per adult): Experience Longleat’s Drive Through Safari, Walking Safari, Boat Safari, festive attractions and amazing lantern scenes.

The Festival of Light Non-Safari Day Ticket (from £34.95 per adult): This ticket doesn't include Longleat’s Drive Through Safari but you can still say hello to some of amazing animals on foot and enjoy the festive attractions and stunning lantern scenes.

The Festival of Light Twilight Ticket (from £24.95 per adult): Let Longleat’s lanterns take the spotlight and enjoy the festive attractions and lantern scenes from 5pm.

For the ultimate festive getaway, book a luxury stay in your very own country cottage on the Longleat Estate.

Experience an unforgettable winter break in one of seven individually decorated luxurious country getaways; each with its own stunning setting and fascinating history.

For more information and to book, visit the Longleat website .

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Aerial imagery.

Moscow Sky Lights Up With Strange Glow After Explosion at Electrical Substation: Reports

N ew footage has emerged showing bright flashes lighting up the night sky in southern Moscow during the early morning hours of November 22.

Knewz.com has learned that there was an explosion at an electrical substation on the outskirts of Russia's capital city followed by an alleged power outage in "several" homes.

Video snippets, shared on Russian news channels like ASTRA , captured a series of flashes that caused the sky to change color. Smoke could also be seen rising from a building.

Corroborating the video, several Russian Telegram accounts reported an explosion near the south of Moscow and a subsequent fire at the Lyublino electrical substation, southeast of central Moscow, per Newsweek .

The local authorities from the area have since confirmed that an explosion occurred in the village of Molokovo, but they reassured the public that all vital facilities were operating as normal.

Russian outlet MSK1.ru reported the blaze at the substation and noted “several” power outages.

The town of Lytkarino, located to the southeast of Moscow, was one of the affected areas, as reported by the independent outlet, Meduza .

Additional power failures were reported in the southern Domodedovo section of the city. However, electricity was later restored to these areas.

One local resident speculated that a drone may have been responsible for the explosion, but additional sources are yet to support this theory.

Newsweek reported that messages on the ASTRA Telegram account run by independent Russian journalists showed residents near the substation panicking. One concerned Russian called it a "nightmare."

The incident follows an attack by Russia on a power station in southwestern Ukraine that left 2,000 people without electricity .

Knewz.com reported previously:

“ Russian forces launched a total of 38 Iranian-made Shahed-136/131 drones during the later hours of November 17 and 18.

The Ukrainian Air Force Command reported that 29 of these drones were shot down [...].

One civilian was injured as a result of the attack that targeted energy infrastructure in the southwestern Odesa Oblast.”

The assault came after repeated warnings by Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky that Russia would try to cripple its power grid as winter approaches.

Ukraine's leader warned that if Russia resorted to attacking its power utilities, it would respond in kind.

Ukraine has conducted numerous long-range aerial drone strikes on Moscow since May 2023.

Most recently on November 20, it was reported that one such incursion was intercepted close to the city, per Kyiv Post .

Moscow’s Mayor Sergei Sobyanin confirmed this and elaborated that the region's air defense systems intercepted the unmanned craft over the city of Elektrostal to the east of Moscow, as well as another over the Bogorodsky district, northeast of central Moscow.

The details of the recently surfaced video footage have yet to be independently verified.

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Christmas gift guide to Moscow surroundings

Visitors from America and Western Europe might be surprised to discover that Russia celebrates Christmas on January 7th. That’s because the Russian Orthodox Church follows the Julian calendar. After the end of the Soviet Union, some Russians have begun celebrating Christmas on December 25 in accordance with the Gregorian calendar. But many Russians still observe the tradition of fasting on January 6th, breaking the fast with a large feast on Christmas Eve after the first star has appeared in the sky.

During the Soviet era, Christmas and religious traditions were banned in Russia. Santa Claus was replaced by Ded Moroz, or, Grandfather Frost, an old man with a long white beard who would bring gifts to children on New Year’s instead of Christmas. According to Russian tradition, Ded Moroz is accompanied by his granddaughter, Snegurochka, the Snowmaiden, who helps him on his journey to give presents to children.

Although the tradition of having a Christmas tree, known as a yolka in Russian, was also banned during Soviet times, Russians got around this by having New Year’s trees from which they hung homemade decorations. Today, the restrictions of the Soviet Union have faded into history, and during the Christmas season visitors to Russia can even purchase Christmas ornaments in the shape of matryoshka dolls, or religious icons that depict nativity scenes.

Heading counterclockwise around the Golden Ring this holiday season, northeast of Moscow, your first stop will most likely be the city of Vladimir, home to some of Russia’s most striking churches and cathedrals. The Vladimir region is known for its fine crystal. Stop by the Crystal, Lacquer Miniatures, and Embroidery Museum ( 2 Bolshaya Moskovskaya ) for an overview of traditional crafts before visiting the gift shop in the museum to browse the crystal selection. Vladimir Chic ( 2 Dvoryanskaya ) also sells local glass and crystal work.

Typical souvenirs are also for sale in Vladimir’s old town, especially by the Golden Gate, a triumphal arch and defensive tower that is one of the last-remaining parts of the wall that once surrounded ancient Vladimir and a sure stop on any tour of the Golden Ring.

Just 63 kilometers from Vladimir lays the nearby city of Gus-Khrustalny , the ‘Crystal Goose,’ also home to a rich glass and crystal making tradition. You can visit the glassmaking factory in Gus-Khrustalny and buy gifts ranging from plates and vases to decanters, or visit the outlet store back in Moscow ( 4 Ilyinka ) just east of the Kremlin.

North of Vladimir, you’ll arrive in Suzdal, one of the Golden Ring route’s more tranquil towns. Suzdal boasts a number of small bazaars and stands outside the main tourist sites where visitors can purchase local honey mead, called medovukha, along with traditional crafts, like a pair valenki, or Russian woolen boots, which make an ideal Christmas gift for friends and family back home. The shopping stands outside Suzdal’s Museum of Wooden Architecture and Peasant Life ( Ul. Pushkarskaya ) are also highly recommended. Market Square ( Torgovaya Pl ) houses a number of shops where visitors can search for arts and crafts.

Following the Golden Ring north of Suzdal, many tours will stop in the city of Kostroma, a former trading outpost on the immense Volga River. One of the city’s highlights is the Museum of Linen and Birchbark ( 38 Tereshkova ), where visitors can view exhibits on traditional Russian crafts woven from flax and bark. A gift shop in the basement sells tablecloths, napkins, baskets, linen dolls, and traditional clothing typical of the region.

South from Kostroma, stop in the city of Rostov-Veliky for enamel jewelry, a craft which allows artists to produce small paintings on metal that are then fired to produce a thin glaze over the image. Rostov became famous for its tradition of enamel work. Today, visitors can purchase rings, earrings, bracelets, brooches, and jewelry boxes in the gift shop of the Rostov Enamel factory ( 3 Borisoglebskoye Highway ).

While you’re in Rostov, visit the House of Crafts ( 16 Vtoraya Tolstovskaya Naberezhnaya ) for local pottery and the Souvenirs shop ( 5 Ul. Kamennyi Most ) for ushanka hats—Russian fur caps with earflaps—paintings, and samovars for tea lovers.

The last two stops on a tour of the Golden Ring are the cities of Pereslavl-Zalesskiy and Sergiev Posad. Pereslavl is most famous for its embroidery work, available at the Art Salon ( 12 Ul. Sovetskaya ) along with souvenirs made of wood and stone. Nearby Sergiev Posad is considered the place where Russia’s matryoshka dolls were first invented, and was the chief production center of the dolls before Soviet times. Visit the city’s Toy Museum ( 123 Pr. Krasny Armii ) to get a better sense of the birthplace of one of Russia’s most recognizable toys, then head over to the market alongside the Trinity Monastery of St. Sergius—one of the city’s most important sites—to load up on matryoshka dolls, painted eggs, and icons before going home.

If you’ll be in the Golden Ring during New Years, the city of Vladimir hosts an impressive Christmas fair, with an iceskating rink and performances by local artists, in the main square ( Sobornaya Pl ). In most other Golden Ring cities you’ll find similar events in the center square as Christmas nears.

Most shops and markets in the Golden Ring are open year round. If you’re coming to Russia for a short period of time, whether in winter or summer, consider a trip to this stunning part of the country, and bring an extra bag if you plan to go shopping for Christmas gifts.

All rights reserved by Rossiyskaya Gazeta.

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