Experience the magic of the Winter Light Trail at Trentham Gardens, running from 21 November 2025 to 4 January 2026; a mile-long journey of twinkling lights, interactive installations and festive food that makes the perfect family night out in Staffordshire. Hello Staffordshire were provided with complimentary tickets to Winter Light Trail at Trentham Gardens in return for an honest review.
It’s that time of year to pull on gloves and woolly hats and head out for an evening of twinkling lights, interactive displays, hot chocolates and toasted marshmallows. Visiting one of Staffordshire’s winter light trails truly marks the start of the festive season and is fast becoming a favourite tradition for families across the UK.
Welcome to the Winter Light Trail at Trentham Gardens, running from November 21st 2025 to January 4th 2026. The Hello Staffordshire team were invited to the opening night of the light trail, and what a spectacular night it was. Here is our honest review.
What to expect from this year’s Winter Light Trail
Think twinkling lights, incredible installations and interactive displays throughout a 1 mile long trail, this is the perfect festive family friendly event. With local independent vendors serving delicious food and drink, toasted marshmallows on the fire pit, and the opportunity to book a private mini chalet, it is honestly such a magical night out for all ages.
A visit to Trentham Estate is one of our favourite things to do in Staffordshire and with an annual pass for the gardens it is a great place to spend an hour or two over the weekend. There are so many seasonal things to do over the Festive period including the Christmas Makers Markets, meet Father Christmas, and their magical winter light trail.
The Winter Light Trail is absolutely wonderful. We don’t want to spoil it for you and describe the installations or what you might find and we have added limited photos incase you have booked tickets and prefer a surprise. If you attended last year I can honestly say it is bigger and better (if that is even possible.)
The light trail took us about one hour fifteen minutes, but of course you can take as long as you like. You must enter the trail within your 20 minute session time (so go straight to the trail not to the Apres Bar once you have entered through the visitor centre). The 20 minute time slot is not the duration of your booking, but simply the time period you must enter within, once you are in the trail you can take as long as you like.
One you have walked through the trail you can head to the chalets and vendors for yummy food and drink. The hot chocolates and mulled wine signalled the start of the festive period for us, with minced pies and toasted marshmallows too. The kids LOVED the Photo Booth too, a really nice touch (£5 for 4 instant photos).
Ticket Prices
Child 3-15 tickets from £12.50
Adult 16-59 tickets from £17
Senior 60+ tickets from £12.50
Family tickets (2 adults and 2 children) from £50
Prices vary depending on if you visit during peak, off peak, or super off peak times.
Infant 0-2 free and must be added at the time of booking.
Winter Light Trail located at Trentham
The Trentham Winter Light trail is located in Trentham Gardens, Trentham Estate, Stone Rd, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 8JG.
You access the trail through the gardens at the entrance in the Shopping village. Car parking is free and the large car park and overspill car park ensures that there are plenty of parking spaces.
Is the Winter Light Trail dog friendly?
Yes, the trail is dog friendly, which is absolutely lovely, so you do not need to keep your pooch at home. Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times and you must clean up after your dog.
What to wear for the Light Trail
We all know that the weather can be unpredictable. So I would definitely suggest a warm coat, winter boots or wellies. The majority of the trail is hard standing, but there are some areas that may get muddy if it rains so I wouldn’t suggest brand new trainers. We visited on a cold and crisp night and it was really quite cold for hands and fingers, so definitely add the layers and make sure you pack a hat, gloves and warm socks.
Hand warmers worked a treat for the kids too.
Winter Light Trail Facilities
There are toilets at the entrance in the shopping village and also in the trail (including baby changing.)
Food and drink is available at the end of the trail and there are plenty of options including vegan and vegetarian, and child friendly options. There are also plenty of options for drinks including soft drinks, tea and coffee, milled wine and hot chocolate.
Booking a Mini Chalet
The mini chalets are available to book for after the trail and really are special. Decorated with twinkling fairy lights they are a lovely addition to the light trail booking and offer a private place for food and drink. The Mini Chalets cost £20 per 1 hour 30 minute to hire and you must have a booking for the light trail to access the Apres Bar and Chalet.
There are additional covered areas with picnic benches around the Apres Bar to enjoy your food and drink.
Final thoughts on Trentham Estate’s Winter Light Trail
The Winter Light Trail at Trentham for 2025/2026 is spectacular and I promise you that if you get tickets this year, you won’t be disappointed. We absolutely love this family friendly and dog friendly festive trail, and I think honestly this year may be the best year yet.
We have visited the light trail for a few years now and love it so much. With the interactive displays, the sparkling tunnels, flickering lanterns and all of the photo opportunities dotted around the trail, you will have a magical night to remember that will warm your bones and make your soul smile!
We all had the most lovely night and our kids aged between 9 and 15 all loved it too. I can’t recommend it enough so grab your tickets as this event does sell out.
To get your tickets click here.
Before your go, check out these useful reads for your visit:
BEST things to do in Staffordshire
BEST places to eat in Staffordshire
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BEST campsites in Staffordshire
