Nothing says Christmas more than a thousand twinkling lights, brightening the darkest nights of the year.

If you love a Christmas illumination, then make sure you visit the magical New Forest, where you’ll find all manner of displays; from simple, village Christmas trees, to the mighty Byron Road!

First of all, check out our pretty towns and villages for some beautiful, traditional lights; on Christmas trees, across the streets and in the shop windows, from

Lyndhurst to Ringwood, Fordingbridge to Lymington, and everywhere in between.


Image - Lyndhurst High Street

If you’re in the New Milton area, the neighbourhood Christmas lights in Byron Road are a must. Dubbed Britain’s Most Festive Street – you may have seen them on Good Morning Britain - residents pull out all the stops to put on a breath-taking annual display of decorated houses, all in the name of charity. The best way to visit is to park carefully, well away from the road itself, then walk along and let the joy wash over you.

Meanwhile, Sandy Balls near Fordingbridge has created a Christmas extravaganza, with more than 10,000 twinkly lights, beautiful decorations and all the festive feels. Forest of Light is running until January 2 2023, the Forest of Light can be booked online.


Image - Forest of Light at Sandy Balls

Or why not take the kids to check out the lantern decorating workshop at Furzey Gardens near Minstead? On completion of their lantern, the little ones can take it on a short, lit trail, to enjoy the tale of the Furzey Fairy Lantern Trail. Price is £8 which admits one adult and one child.

And, if you fancy roaming just outside the New Forest, take the trip to Marwell Zoo near Winchester. Their Glow Marwell event sees the grounds of the famous zoo turned into a wonderland of fairy lights, enchantment and delight, with more than 250,000 LED bulbs creating the magic.


Image - Glow Marwell at Marwell Zoo

Along the route they'll have winter warming catering with plenty of seasonal treats including marshmallow toasting round cosy firepits. Glow Marwell is on from now until December 30.