Strings of twinkly fairy lights feel like they’re as much a part of Christmas traditions as mince pies, crackers and a bowl of nuts on the sideboard that last until midsummer.
And over the years this tradition has grown, from increasingly impressive front garden displays to commercial ventures, which turn our love of sparkly lights on a cold December evening into an evening out.
It’s definitely one of the more wholesome festive traditions – wrapping up and going for a night time walk feels magical in itself. Throw in laser lights, projections, fields of illuminated flowers and that magic goes into overdrive – even better if there’s a snow machine in the mix.
This year’s Light Up Trail at Hilliers has all that and a lot more.
I have to admit, I felt rather disappointed by last year’s display. I wondered if it was because I’d been to similar events for a few years running, and the wonder was beginning to wear off. Not so this year – which sees the trail bounce back with aplomb, with a stunning illuminated nocturnal adventure, full of so many treats and surprises it would be difficult to recall them all now – and anyway, there wouldn’t be any surprises left if I did that.
The trail has some familiar favourites – I think those who have been before would be disappointed if the opportunity to type a seasonal message and have it appear on a giant illuminated sign wasn’t there, so you can type seasonal messages of ending war, poverty, or whatever else you want to share with fellow visitors to your heart’s content at ‘The Wish Pond’.
For me, one of the highlights was ‘The Rhythm of Light,’ a section with lasers and smoke machines creating as much of a club vibe as you can get in an arboretum.
There are a number of interactive displays. I’m pretty sure that the dry ice-filled bubbles were motion sensitive and certainly the chance to make a carpet of flowers grow at your feet was, and of course the light up piano.
Half way round there’s a chance to stop for warm snacks, or an entire meal if you’re feeling flush, as well as marshmallow toasting and more, at one of the food and drink stalls in the Christmas Village.
Then onto the remainder of the display – the charmingly illuminated Jermyn’s house with a projection of Santa’s workshop, coloured stepping stones, fairies in trees and more.
Near the end of the adventure is a large projection depicting the changing seasons – be sure to walk to the far end of the display area to get to enjoy the artificial snow when ‘winter’ appears on the screen.
We went on a standard evening and spent almost three hours on site. Be sure to wrap up warm, and think about taking something to sit on if you’re likely to want to make use of one of the many benches that are along the route.
The only shelter is in the bar in the ‘Christmas Village’, so do keep an eye on the weather.
If you’re feeling flashy, the super peak evenings include wandering light up performers but I can’t speak for how good that is, having not experienced it.
The Light Up Trail was definitely worth a visit and makes a magical way to get the Christmas season underway.
- In Common is not for profit. We rely on donations from readers to keep the site running. Could you help to support us for as little as 25p a week? Please help us to carry on offering independent grass roots media. Visit: https://www.patreon.com/incommonsoton
