Treasured Tales come to life at Longleat this Christmas

The Festival of Light returns to Longleat this winter and promises is bigger and better than ever with a magical new theme.

In pictures – The Festival of Light 2023

The UK’s original and best lantern festival is back from 11 November 2023 to 7 January 2024, inviting visitors to step straight into the pages of their favourite books, reimagined as stunning lanterns.

Rediscover the stories that shaped your childhood and make your own magical memories as Longleat presents, Treasured Tales: The Festival of Light 2023.

Among the spectacular new displays are iconic scenes from The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S Lewis, Cinderella, Snow White and The Wizard of OZ.

This year’s event feels more festive than ever, with a brand-new Christmas Market area, the incredible 15-metre Enchanted Christmas Tree show and the beloved Santa Train.

A brand-new light show rounds off the evening, illuminating Longleat House and culminating in a show-stopping fountain display on the lake.

Alongside Aslan, king of the lions, visitors are able to come face to face with Longleat’s very own pride of big cats along with a host of other exotic animals in the world-renowned Safari Park.

Why The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis and other ‘Treasured Tales’?

Many of the tales depicted by the stunning lanterns in The Festival of Light have a direct link to Longleat House, which has perhaps the finest privately owned book collection in the country. In addition to incredibly rare books, such as the first book printed in English (William Caxton’s Recuyell of the Histories of Troye, 1473) and a Shakespeare First Folio (1623), the Longleat library is home to rare editions of many wonderful children’s classics, including:

• Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll and illustrated by John Tenniel – Macmillan & Co., London, 1865
  One of the first print run of 2,000, the majority of which was destroyed owing to Tenniel’s reservations about the print quality. Only 22 copies are known to have survived, the majority in public collections.
• First editions of The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame, 1908 and a First Edition, 1st issue of Peter and Wendy by J.M. Barrie, illustrated by F.D. Bedford, Hodder & Stoughton, London, 1911
• A signed first edition of The House at Pooh Corner by A.A. Milne, illustrated by E.H. Shepard Methuen & Co., London, 1928 including original illustrations and a letter from Christopher Robin
  These were the inspiration for the scenes depicted in The Festival of Light this year. Visitors who add a guided House tour to their entry ticket will have an opportunity to see the limited-time exhibition of Treasured Tales and enjoy the rooms beautifully decorated for a traditional country house Christmas.

And let’s not forget the animals! From Aslan in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and Captain Hook’s nemesis, the crocodile, in Peter Pan, to all the animals who live with Winnie the Pooh in The Hundred Acre Wood – animals are a huge part of The Festival of Light. They’re also core to Longleat’s story, and visitors can learn more about the animals who call Longleat home during a drive-through, boat or walking safari, or on one of their up close and personal VIP experiences.

Three ticket types

The Festival of Light Day Ticket (from £44.95 per adult)

Experience Longleat’s Drive Through Safari, Walking Safari, Boat Safari, festive attractions and amazing lantern scenes.

The Festival of Light Non-Safari Day Ticket (from £34.95 per adult)

This ticket doesn’t include Longleat’s Drive Through Safari but you can still say hello to some of amazing animals on foot and enjoy the festive attractions and stunning lantern scenes.

The Festival of Light Twilight Ticket (from £24.95 per adult)

Let Longleat’s lanterns take the spotlight and enjoy the festive attractions and lantern scenes from 5pm.

For the ultimate festive getaway, book a luxury stay in your very own country cottage on the Longleat Estate.

Experience an unforgettable winter break in one of seven individually decorated luxurious country getaways; each with its own stunning setting and fascinating history.

For more information and to book visit www.longleat.co.uk