Hylands Estate Chelmsford Christmas Light Trail

Enlightened Christmas Light Trails 2025
Available from 28 November 2025 to 3 January 2026

Discount tickets using promo code 'DAYSOUT'

See here for other light trail locations

Book Enlightened tickets & experience the UK’s most magical winter light trail at Hylands Estate!

  • Enlightened is back by popular demand with a breathtaking new route and immersive installations
  • Visit the award-winning Enlightened Light Trail at Hylands Park in Essex
  • Enjoy a magical evening stroll through Chelmsford’s Hylands Estate
  • Wander through a dazzling world of lights and festive wonder at Enlightened 2025
  • Perfect for all ages - families, couples and anyone seeking festive fun!

"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

Enjoy the award-winning Christmas light trail in Essex

  • Dates: 28th November 2025 to 3rd January 2026
  • Age Restrictions: All ages welcome (Infants under 3 go free)
  • Location: Hylands Estate (Writtle Entrance off Greenbury Way – A414), CM2 8FS1
  • Note: No access via London Road Entrance. Follow signs for Hylands Park, not Hylands House
  • Please note: Please make sure to select the correct dates and times for your Enlightened tickets. Tickets are NOT refundable or amendable after purchase. 

"Well worth the money for an lovely fun magical experience. Nice interactive parts for kids and adults. Really well done, would return again!" - Jamie

Enlightened at Hylands Park 2025 - bigger, brighter & more magical than ever!

Christmas light trails have become family festive traditions over the last few years - but Enlightened brings the kind of magic that sets it apart from other winter light trails. With sell-out events, award-winning installations, immersive experiences and festive fun for all ages, get ready to step into an illuminated winter wonderland at Hylands Park. 

  • Twinkling Tunnels: Stroll through shimmering arches of light that stretch across the estate & explore the illuminated trail
  • Laser Projections: Experience dazzling, high-tech laser displays choreographed to music as you wander around the winter wonderland
  • Brand-New Installations: Expect the unexpected with fresh designs and interactive features that have never been seen before. From motion-triggered light sculptures to immersive walk-through zones, every corner offers something new!
  • Immersive Atmosphere: Discover themed zones filled with ambient music, seasonal scents and theatrical lighting create a fully immersive environment
  • Enchanted Backdrops: Capture the magic with professionally designed photo zones featuring sparkling props, festive scenes, and whimsical lighting - perfect for festive photos
  • Meet & Greet: Encounter friendly illuminated characters who bring the trail to life - a delight for children and grown-ups
  • Food: Refuel with hot meals, artisan snacks, and festive treats from local vendors, all served fresh onsite
  • Drink: Sip on mulled wine, spiced cider, or rich hot chocolate as you explore. Specialty cocktails and non-alcoholic options are available too, served from themed bars and cozy stalls
  • Perfect for All Ages: Whether you're bringing toddlers, teens, or grandparents, the event is designed to enchant visitors of every generation
  • Accessibility: Held at the iconic Hylands Estate in Chelmsford, the trail uses existing paths and is accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs - though it may get muddy, so dress accordingly!
  • Dog-friendly: Enlightened Chelmsford is also a dog-friendly day out, so feel free to bring along your pooch for a special Essex day out at Hylands Estate! 

From immersive experiences to vibrant illuminations, Enlightened isn't just a walk, it's a journey through the world of light. Every step is designed to captivate and bring you closer to Christmas!

Ready to light up your winter? Book Enlightened tickets today and have them delivered instantly via email & SMS.

Location

Hylands Park

Writtle,
Chelmsford,
CM2 8FS
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How to find us

By car: 

Follow the signs for Hylands Park off Greenbury Way at CM2 8WQ.

Do not follow the signs for Hylands House, this is a different location. There is NO ENTRY via Hylands House. 

By bus: 

Hylands Park can be reached by bus using route C4 First Buses, alighting at Lodge Road and walking down Paradise Road through to the underpass and into the park via the Writtle car park entrance.

Route 351 will also take you to Hylands Park via London Road from the city centre, please use caution as this route involves crossing a busy dual-carriage way.

By train: 

The nearest train station to Hylands is Chelmsford Station. The station is approximately a 10 minute drive from Hylands Estate.

You can look at Greater Anglia or Trainline to check which trains stop at Chelmsford Station.

By bike: 

There are designated cycle routes for the Hylands Park entrances.

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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