Suffolk’s Most Enchanting Christmas Light Displays
By Carl Scott
From illuminated gardens to traditional street displays, Suffolk certainly knows how to celebrate Christmas. Helping to set the perfect background for hot chocolates, mulled wine, Christmas shopping and all of the other festive activities that it’s easy to take advantage of in the towns near to our Barns for rent, we’ve put together a short guide on where to find the best Christmas light displays in Suffolk.
The Illuminated Garden Trail, Stowmarket:
It would be remiss of us to provide a guide to Suffolk’s Christmas lights and neglect to mention the Illuminated Garden Trail which takes place annually on the grounds of Helmingham Hall in Stowmarket. A delightful house dating back over 500 years, the grounds are transformed into a veritable winter wonderland until the 17th December. Inviting visitors to book in advance, this Christmas Time experience comes with a complimentary glass of mulled wine and provides a highly interactive way of discovering the rich history of Helmingham Hall.
Ickworth’s Illuminated Italianate Garden:
Similar to Helmingham Hall, Ickworth House near to Bury St Edmunds also provides a themed experience to guests visiting around Christmas Time. Draping its spectacular Italianate Garden with an immersive sound and light trail, this display provides a superb opportunity to discover a significant element of Suffolk history in a beautifully themed context. With the Orangery remaining open for mulled wine and snacks, you’re sure to fall under the house’s spell around Christmas.
The Woodbridge Lights
It would be mad for us to produce an article on Suffolk’s Christmas lights and fail to mention those adorning our hometown of Woodbridge, wouldn’t it? Primed for the ceremonial switch on at 6:00 pm on Thursday 30th November, the town will remain open later than usual to ensure that visitors are able to get in some Christmas shopping whilst taking in the dazzling lights on show. Rounded off by a procession through the town’s Thoroughfare, the lights will no doubt remain a site worth seeing right through December.
Southwold Christmas Lights
Lining the high street, the Christmas lights along Southwold’s High Street make a visit to this already fantastic town even more merry. Accompanied by choirs and other entertaining groups throughout December, it’s fair to say that Southwold fully embraces the Christmas spirit and demands a visit in winter.
To enjoy all of these Christmas light displays – as well as finding the perfect gifts for everyone you’re yet to tick off the list – be sure to take a look at the availability of our Barns and Barges to rent in Suffolk. Providing the best base to return to after a day spent enjoying all manner of festivities.
