I was left in awe by what I saw. It was undoubtedly the most spectacular Christmas lights display I’ve ever witnessed, with each section outdoing the last in grandeur and drama.

The location certainly added to the charm—a Christmas lights display nestled in the heart of the English countryside, adjacent to one of the nation’s most magnificent mansions, is bound to be more enchanting than a city centre display, however impressive it may be. I found myself at The Festival of Light at Longleat in Wiltshire.

This year, the festival’s theme is “Journey Through Time”, tracing the evolution of the Earth from the era of dinosaurs to the present day. The event runs until January 5, 2025.

However, my visit took place in 2023, when the theme was “Treasured Tales.” I was staying at the nearby Center Parcs, so it was a short drive down Longleat House’s impressively long driveway to the car park outside the stunning country estate.

But even if it required a longer journey, such as the 1 hour 45 minutes drive from south-east Wales, the display is so extraordinary that it would be worth it.

The displays included iconic scenes from beloved childhood stories like The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Cinderella, Snow White and The Wizard of Oz, with characters from these tales reimagined as breathtaking light and lantern displays, reports Wales Online.

Among the festive attractions was the mesmerising 15-metre-tall Christmas tree, hailed as “Britain’s biggest singing Christmas tree.” It dazzled crowds with a 15-minute choreographed music and lights show every 20 minutes.

Additionally, there’s a magical Santa train journey that meanders by the estate’s Half Mile Pond before reaching the “North Pole Halt”, a snow-dusted paradise where Father Christmas greets visitors in his grotto (advance booking is crucial due to its popularity).

Longleat House itself becomes part of the spectacle, surrounded by holiday scenes and bathed in a spectacular light show projected onto its grand façade. The house often emerges as the centrepiece, whether intended or not, with its sheer size and opulence making it hard to fathom.

It proudly proclaims itself “Britain’s most astonishing stately home”, a title that seems quite fitting. Constructed over a period of 13 years from 1567 to 1580, it has housed sixteen generations of the Thynn family.

Currently, it serves as the residence for the eighth Marquess and Marchioness of Bath, Ceawlin Thynn and his wife, Emma. As of 2020, The Sunday Times Rich List estimated their wealth at £215 million.

The walls of the house are adorned with hundreds of paintings, many showcasing renowned historical figures dating back to Sir John Thynne, the original builder of the house. In addition, the walls feature tapestries and hand-painted Chinese wallpaper, while the ceilings boast intricate designs inspired by Venetian palaces.

The property also houses seven libraries containing approximately 44,000 books. This level of opulence is beyond the reach of most, but it certainly makes for a spectacular Christmas display.