The world-famous Blenheim Palace estate has become one of the best places in the UK to see festive illuminations. One of the main highlights for this years holiday season will be the magical story of the Nutcracker retold through lights, music and a workshop.
Over one million twinkling lights, colourful trees and unique illuminated installations will let you see Blenheim’s majestic gardens as you’ve never seen them before. Visitors will be surrounded by a choreographed soundtrack of much-loved seasonal music as they wander around, enjoying the magic of Christmas. Another thing that is sure to delight parents and children alike is that the palace staterooms will be turned into The Nutcracker’s fairy-tale workshops.
Let’s take a closer look at what visitors to Blenheim Palace can expect during the holiday season:
The Illuminated Trail
The illuminated trail returns and will grab your attention, whisking you into the world of the Nutcracker. It takes a brand-new route across the South Lawn and into the mystical woods beyond. The lake takes the reflections of the moon and stars, captivating you. Mesmerising Firework trees fizz, and lights flash from the undergrowth while others are entwined within the branches. As you move along the trail, you will see beautiful stars and baubles where you least expect them, then discover the spectacular rainbow effect in the laser garden.
A stunning installation from French light artists TILT comes to the UK for the first time, where a beautiful Bloom of light will rise high into the night sky. Blenheim has kept the favourite Christmas creations like the glorious Tunnel of Light and the wonderful Water Terrace Fire Garden.
The Palace staterooms will be exquisitely transformed and filled with hidden surprises to awe you. On your journey through the Palace, discover the toymaker’s workshop on a frosty Christmas Eve. You can then stroll in the glistening Land of Snow before heading onto the candy-cane Kingdom of Sweets adorned with the sweetest of treats and larger-than-life gingerbread men. Nothing is quite as it seems in the fairy-tale world of the dashing Nutcracker Prince, where you will find an army of mice, a Sugar Plum Fairy and a music box with a difference.
The Christmas Market returns to Blenheim Palace
Beneath the stunning backdrop of the baroque Oxfordshire Palace, the Christmas Market is a great experience where you can purchase items not found in shops. Artisans bring their merchandise and sell them from decorated wooden chalets; you can sample wines, cheeses and meats from local producers and buy in your food for Christmas.
I went to the illuminations and market last year, and it was superb. Our entire group got caught up in the joy of the celebrations; the performers were outstanding, as was the light trail and music. I thoroughly recommend visiting as it certainly gets you in the Christmas spirit, and that is not just the Mulled Cider I enjoyed from the market. My party consisted of three adults and two children, and we were all delighted with our day at Blenheim.
This years theme of the Nutcracker has caught our attention, so we have booked to go again this year.
More information on the festive celebration at Blenheim Palace for 2021
Blenheim Christmas celebrations will take place from 19 November 2021 to 2 January 2022. There will be limited numbers per day to allow everyone to enjoy the Nutcracker and the other experiences, supported by timed entry into the Palace. Ticketing information is available on the website, and I would advise you to book early, as I know it is a popular event. You can find more information at www.blenheimpalace.com.
Address: Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxfordshire. OX20 1UL.
Image Credits: The story of the Nutcracker by Culture Creative, Blenheim Palace 2021. Photo by Richard Haughton ©Sony Music. Fire Garden by pa-BOOM, My Christmas Trails 2020. Photo by Richard Haughton ©Sony Music.
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