This blog post is marked as an AD (advert) because I received free entry to Westonbirt Arboretum and the 2019 Enchanted Christmas trail in exchange for creating this content. I aim to be transparent in order to retain your trust and I hope you will continue to support the Thrifty Mumma Thrifty Bubba blog and social media channels.
As the days darken and the temperature drops Christmas draws closer and the first few twinkly lights brighten the night sky.
While this is traditionally a time to hunker down and stay warm inside, this year we bundled ourselves up, embraced twilight and visited Westonbirt Arboretum to experience the Enchanted Christmas trail.
With some new additions for 2019, the Enchanted Christmas trail guides you through the illuminated forest of Westonbirt Arboretum where fairies, nymphs and naiads weave their magic to create light shows, talking trees and a visit from Father Christmas himself.
Voted the number one Christmas light display in the county in 2018, in a survey by McCarthy and Stone, this trail boasts new features and state of the art lighting technologies.
We began the trail at the Christmas Village where food and drink stalls were aplenty and traditional fairground rides were in full swing. The carousel music and the spectacle of the merry-go-round adorned with fairy lights added to the festive atmosphere.
It was a cold, crisp evening so we bought hot chocolate to warm our hands as we entered the trail.
On the way through the ancient trees we encountered many light installations which project beautiful jewelled colours on to bark and branch. It was wonderful to stop, stare and marvel at the beauty of nature highlighted by the lights.
Children are able to play forest drums which then illuminate the trees above and press the buttons on Father Christmas’s sleigh launchpad!
We encountered forest fairies who were keen to interact with us, singing mystical songs and hiding between the branches. Bubba was amazed to see real life fairies!
A highlight was finding Father Christmas at the end of the trail. Dressed in a traditional green and gold robe he greeted us with a cheery wave and took the time to talk to Bubba before we wished him well for his sleigh ride ahead.
Of course, being in the great outdoors does wonders for the soul and the Enchanted Christmas trail is truly a breath of fresh air for families.
With the trail being flat it is very accessible and suitable for buggies, pushchairs and wheelchairs.
We warmed up in the arts and crafts area where traditional wares were available to purchase and the atmosphere was warm, welcoming and jolly.
We had a fantastic festive evening at this family friendly event and would recommend it to anyone who is looking to experience a Christmas adventure with a difference.
Thank you to the marketing team at Westonbirt Arboretum for inviting us along to experience the Enchanted Christmas trail.
Have you been to Westonbirt Arboretum? Do you love Christmas lights? Where are your favourite places to be at one with nature?
As always, thank you so much for reading.
Love, Thrifty Mumma X
To find out more about Westonbirt Arboretum and to book tickets for the Enchanted Christmas trail visit: https://www.forestryengland.uk/westonbirt/enchanted-christmas
Similar blog posts:
Thrifty Mumma Thrifty Bubba 