Dog-friendly lights trail near London has new magical displays

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.

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

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.

Carrie Cleaver, the new Head of Live Events at Ashridge House, says: "We're so excited to welcome visitors back to Ashridge House for what is surely becoming one of Hertfordshire's most magical festive traditions.

"Illuminated isn't just a stunning light trail, it's a chance to experience the beauty of the historic grounds in a completely unique way. This year we've created a brand new route, and for the first time the House itself will be lit up with projections - a real showstopper moment.

"We've listened to our visitors, so popular features like dog-friendly sessions are back, and we've expanded the festive Food Village with even more local produce and exciting vendors. New for 2026, we're also opening a Christmas Market alongside it, where visitors can pick up gifts and treats from local makers too.

"Illuminated really is a magical way to celebrate the season with friends and family, and we can't wait to open our gates and share this special experience once again, as events like this are vital in helping us care for and preserve Ashridge House so it can be enjoyed for generations to come.”

Ashridge House is conveniently located in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, off J20 on the M25, just a 30 min drive from Luton and 45 min drive from Heathrow. The nearest train station is Berkhamsted, which visitors can reach in only 35 mins from London Euston train station.

Book now: https://www.ashridgehouse.org.uk/whats-on/ashridge-house-illuminated/