We are big fans of Bedgebury Pinetum. As you may have read from one of my other posts, it’s a great place to walk or cycle. There’s a lot to do there. This year, as they have done in previous years, Bedgebury are offering people a lovely wintery walk through their Bedgebury Christmas Lights Trail. Here’s a review of our visit.
Bedgebury Christmas Lights Trail Review
Updated November 2025
If you’re looking for something truly special to get you into the festive spirit this year, Christmas at Bedgebury is one of the most magical experiences around. As Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest celebrates its centenary, the much-loved light trail returns with even more sparkle, creativity, and festive cheer. We visited and it was truly mesmerising – as always.
This year’s showstopper is a shimmering swarm of giant dragonflies created by Scottish artist Martha Ellis. Each hand-crafted lantern stretches over a metre and a half long, with glowing 1.8-metre wings that bring a touch of woodland wonder to the night sky. Commissioned by the brilliant team at Culture Creative and produced by Sony Music in partnership with Forestry England, these illuminated dragonflies are breathtaking.
Running from 21 November to 31 December 2025, the trail will lead visitors through Bedgebury’s glittering forest, where light, music and festive magic fill the air. You can stroll along glowing pathways, warm up with a mulled wine or hot chocolate, and soak up the cosy Christmas atmosphere with friends and family.
With new installations, returning favourites, and plenty of festive treats along the way, Christmas at Bedgebury 2025 is a heart-warming celebration of light, creativity, and one hundred years of this beautiful Kent landscape.
For tickets and full details, visit mychristmastrails.co.uk/events/christmas-at-bedgebury.
Disclosure: We have been offered complimentary trail tickets, but as always, my opinions are my own.
Here are some of our photos from our visit to the Bedgebury Christmas Light Trail 2025.
I’ve seen Christmas light installations before, but the way that the team at Bedgebury does their trail is amazing. The trail works its way through the gorgeous trees and across the lake at Bedgebury. The lake show is particularly impressive with the dancing water. Not only are there beautiful lights and sounds, but the forest is stunning in the evening.
The trail cuts through a number of very different light installations. Each area of the trail was beautiful and different from the last. There was something for everyone. Lights and music that would be more suitable for children, and then other displays which had a more subtle beauty that the older eye would appreciate. Father Christmas is also positioned about halfway along the trail and we popped by to say hello.
The trail is just over a mile long, and it can get a little muddy, so I’d recommend taking suitable footwear and wrapping up with a warm coat and gloves. There are toilets halfway around the trail, and there are also places to buy drinks and food.
I thought the whole trail was really well thought out, and my little ones loved the details with the projections on the floor. It always is one of the best Christmassy nights out each year, and I’m excited that it was so close to where we live. I’d highly recommend it to anyone, no matter what age, whether you’ve got kids or not; it’s a lovely Christmassy evening walk. Very beautiful and truly awesome!
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We went this year too and it was incredible. The kiddies loved it, especially my little one.
They’ve done a really good job Rachel. I’d love to go again next year.