Longleat Festival of Lights & Santa Visit 2019

*Ad-Gifted. All opinions are my own.

For me it is never too early to get into the Christmas spirit. I have said it for years and years that one of the most magical experiences I have ever had at  Christmas has been visiting Longleat Safari park and enjoying their amazing singing Christmas tree light display. I saw it for the first time aged 29 and it filled me with magic and has been doing it every year ever since. Now I am lucky enough to get to enjoy it with my own family too. Longleat also puts on the most amazing Festival of Lights each year, revolving around different themes each time. We were very fortunate to be invited back again this year to see the brand new Festival of Lights. This year the theme is Myths and Legends for 2019.

As I said, Longleat Safari Park really is one of the most magical places at Christmas time. We fortunately had a gloriously sunny day on the day we chose to visit and of course began in the Safari park. Something to note is that during the Winter, the last time you can go around the animal park is 2pm so that it isn’t dark when you’re going through the dangerous animal areas.

After the animal safari, we decided to visit the animals in the main part of the park. We didn’t go on the steam boat along the river this time as the queue was quite long and we had a demanding four year old keen to see everything!

We were also very fortunate and managed to grab tickets to go on the Santa train which is a truly amazing experience. You’re going along on the normal train, go through a tunnel and hear jingle bells and suddenly emerge in a snow covered area, manned by very awesome elves and head up to Santa. Alyssa was so transfixed and there are activities to keep the kids amused whilst waiting including crafts and face painting.

Then of course we made it back in time for the sky dimming and the amazing festival of lights beginning. As I said, this years theme was Myths and Legends which included the Greek Gods all the way through to fairies and leprechauns. It was so incredible that I put together a little video to show you for yourselves…

We finished off our day by visiting the giant Christmas tree in the centre of Longleat House. Do you know, I think it was even more magical this year. When the tree suddenly makes it snow and I saw Alyssa’s face, my eyes filled with tears. We sang and danced along and ooood and ahhhd at the amazing light show and the projections onto the walls of the house. It truly filled us all with joy and was the most amazing day out together. We wouldn’t hesitate to go again and advise anyone looking for Christmas spirit and a little magic to go here.