Castle Park Colchester Christmas Light Trail

Enlightened Christmas Light Trails 2025
Available until 28 December 2025

Discount tickets using promo code 'DAYSOUT'

See here for other light trail locations

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Buy your tickets to one of the best things to do in Essex this Christmas at Colchester Castle Park winter light trail

Experience the magic of Christmas with Enlightened, an Essex winter light trail near you in Colchester!

If you're looking for Essex Christmas events, it's time to embark on an enchanting journey through the castle, in one of the best things to do in Essex this Christmas at Colchester Castle Park.

Please make sure to select the correct dates and times for your Enlightened tickets. Tickets are NOT refundable or amendable after purchase. 

Enlightened Moments Highlights:

  • Experience brand new installations and interactive displays throughout the trails
  • Enjoy an immersive Christmas experience this festive season 
  • Be surrounded by a world of light and wonder as you snap memorable photographs
  • Create cherished memories and festive anecdotes with your family

What is an Enlightened Christmas light trail?

Enlightened are a series of magical outdoor light trails hosted at multiple venues throughout the UK each winter. Last year, over 200,000 people took a stroll along an Enlightened trail and the visitor feedback was overwhelmingly superb: 

  • "It was an amazing experience. So well organised. Lovely guides along the way who were fun and added to the event." - Dawn
  • "We’d not been before but knew it would be amazing from the videos on social media. It really was spectacular and I would highly recommend to everyone, not just families." - Emily
  • "Well worth the money for an lovely fun magical experience. Nice interactive parts for kids and adults. Really well done, would return again!" - Jamie

2024 brings new installations and interactive elements across the trails to make this year's Enlightened the biggest and brightest season of winter events to date.

Castle Park in Colchester, Essex will be host to an Enlightened trail. Don't miss out on a unique and magical experience for the whole family in Colchester this Christmas in the enchanted and illuminated world of Enlightened. 

So if you want to head on a festive day out in Essex, are looking for the best places to visit in Essex with the family, or are even looking for things to do for couples in Colchester, Enlightened is an inspiring and breath-taking Essex day out. Buy your best price tickets online today! 

Accessibility: The trail at Castle Park, Colchester has a number of steps towards the start of the trail and may be unsuitable for wheelchair users.

Please Note: Tickets for Enlightened are non-refundable and non-amendable after purchase.

Location
High St,
Colchester,
CO1 1UG
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How to find us

Colchester Castle Park, Colchester, Essex, C01 1TJ

The entrance is located by the war memorial on the High Street only. There is no access to Enlightened from any other castle park entrance.

Facilities
  • Refreshment stands
  • Toilets
More Info
How will my Enlightened tickets arrive?

Once you have booked your tickets, they will be sent to you via email and SMS. 

Do children need to pay for Enlightened tickets?

All children must book a ticket. Children under the age of 3 are free of charge but must still book a ticket. There is a charge for children age 3-15 years. Children 16 and over pay the adult price.

Am I able to change or refund my Enlightened tickets?

Tickets for Enlightened are non-refundable and non-amendable after purchase. 

How far is the walk around the Enlightened trail?

The Enlightened trail is approximately a mile in length and takes about an hour to walk around.

Is site re-entry allowed to Enlightened?

Re-entry is not permitted at the Enlightened trails. 

Is Enlightened wheelchair or pushchair friendly?

Please see the individual pages for more information on accessibility at each of the Enlightened sites. 

Will there be strobe or flashing lights at Enlightened?

There will be pulsating and flashing light effects across all sections of the light trails (with additional haze/smoke effects at various points). Customers with motion sensitivity are also advised there are sections of the trail with slow motion lighting effect.

Is there a discount for carers at Enlightened?

Yes, you may select a free carer ticket when booking a trail. 

Are dogs allowed at Enlightened?

Dogs on leads are only permitted on the trail at Hylands Estate in Essex. They are not permitted at any of the other trails. 

What happens if it is raining or snowing at Enlightened?

Unless the weather presents a safety issue, the event will go ahead in all conditions (rain or shine!) so please come prepared. Make sure that you wrap up warm and wear appropriate footwear for the winter weather.

How do the Enlightened time ticket slots work?

Please arrive at the time you have booked for. Tickets are available every 15 minutes from the event opening time.

Is Enlightened dark in places?

This is a night-time outdoor attraction that illuminates a dedicated trail of light around the grounds of the venue. On the trail there are numerous static and interactive light up attractions with an enchanting soundscape.

Are refreshments included in the price of the Enlightened ticket?

No, refreshments are not included in the price of entry. Food vendors do accept cash and card payments. 

Will Father Christmas be at Enlightened?

Unfortunately, Father Christmas is far too busy this time of year to stop by Enlightened! 

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