Event details

Hertfordshire's largest Christmas light trail, Ashridge House Illuminated, returns for 2026 with brand-new installations, spectacular projections transforming the House itself, and immersive moments to delight visitors of every age.

Set within 190 acres of Grade II* listed gardens, the light trail is the biggest in Hertfordshire, with more than 20 different magical light displays on offer

2026 sees a brand new route and improved Christmas Market with festive food and gifting options to boot

Two designated dog friendly nights per week where four-legged guests can enjoy the trail alongside their humans, making it an event that the whole family can enjoy

Tickets start from £15.40 for children and £24.50 for adults, with flexible booking options

Step into an all-new Illuminated at Ashridge House, inspired by the much-loved Christmas poem 'A Visit from St. Nicholas' by Clement Clarke Moore. A reimagined trail winds through the historic Grade II* listed garden, where light, sound and storytelling combine to bring festive wonder to life at every turn of the 1.7km illuminated trail.

Event Details

Open from 20th November 2026 through 2nd January 2027

First entry from 4pm, last entry from 7:30pm

Tickets from £15.40 for kids, £24.50 for adults, and value family tickets for £72

Free parking for ticket holders right near the trail's entrance

Wheelchair and buggy accessible*

Booking and managing tickets to Ashridge House's 'Twas the Night Before Christmas trail couldn't be easier, thanks to a flexible booking system.

Due to the popularity of dog-friendly sessions over the last few years, dogs are once again invited to join their humans for an evening of festive magic, with dedicated dog-friendly sessions every Wednesday and Thursday evening.

Visitors with dogs are encouraged to be mindful of others when enjoying the light trail, and must ensure dogs are kept on a lead at all times, and reminded to please pick up after them using the bins on site.

Pups and humans alike will have the opportunity to visit the bigger and better festive Food Village, which promises to deliver a wider range of traders than last year, serving up seasonal favourites, hot drinks and sweet treats, as well as the addition of a Christmas Market for 2026, selling a range of festive gifts to take away.

Confirmed traders will be serving:

Woodfire Pizza

Burger and chips

Lebanese Grill

Caribbean Fusion

Mac and Cheese

Noodles

Toasties

Waffles

Crumble

Marshmallows

And much more!