A magical festive experience
Port Lympne Illuminated
ABOUT PORT LYMPNE ILLUMINATED
Step into the secret after-dark world of Port Lympne, where forest fairies have enchanted the woodland walks and gardens to create a dazzling, illuminated celebration of their animal companions.
Port Lympne Illuminated isn’t just a light trail, it’s a full sensory journey that blends the wild of the reserve with cutting-edge illumination and festive wonder.
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REVIEWS
Discover what the media and public’s reaction was to our first ever Port Lympne Illuminated.
Kent Online
"Does not disappoint"
“The holographic tiger that appears from behind the trees, the row of fairies dancing in their bubbles, the talking tree projection and the twinkling animal figures are unlike anything I’ve ever seen… the latest string to its bow does not disappoint.”
Time Well Spent
"Explosion of christmas magic"
“Snow flurries, fairy discos, talking trees, a stunning illuminated trail and Santa himself - the brand new Port Lympne Illuminated has arrived in an explosion of Christmas magic.”
Kids4Kent
"Best light trail we've been to"
“We had such a fantastic evening, I would go as far as saying it’s the best light trail we’ve been to. You can tell a lot of hard work has gone into the planning and execution of this event, it really does have the wow-factor and the family-friendly theming is spot on.”
Visited the Illuminated Trail and had a great experience even in the rain ! The staff were all helpful and cheery despite the weather. The animal sculptures where the best bits for us. Definitely worth a visit
Amazing Illuminations
This is the first year that they have done Christmas illuminations. It is well worth a visit. The layout was easy to navigate even on crutches. The lights were amazing. The animals were all tucked up safely in their beds with keepers checking in on them to make sure they were OK. I really hope they do this again next year as I will definitely go. The safari park is always worth a visit even without extras like this. Something for all the family. It's a really good day out.
Everything about our visit to the Illuminations was spectacular and I can't speak highly enough of the overall experience. Great staff interaction, enough staff all around the park to show you where to go and to ask questions and to wish us a great evening.
From arrival at the very well organised car park to coming out after the Trail and finding that the fairground rides were only £2 a ride just made the whole evening so enjoyable. Riding the Big Wheel brought back plenty of childhood memories.
It is great for all ages and the kids' disco was so good with bubbles that turn into smoke (great fun for adults as well!), great music and a hologram fairy DJ.
The tiger hologram and the fairies in the trees, added to the brilliantly coloured lighting, strobes and wide and enjoyable choice of music was exceptional, creating a brilliant atmospheric and magical feel. Some Christmassy ones in there as well to get you into the festive spirit!
There were many food outlets where there seemed to be a wide choice and the hot chocolate was lush. Marshmallows were available at the end of the trail for a very modest £2 which could be roasted over the open fire. The house looked great and the Father Christmas grotto will be enjoyed by everyone.
The finale with the fountains, colour and music topped off the evening.
This was excellent value for money and we came away fulsome in our praise for all the hard work that must have gone in to make the event such a success and we all hope that you realise quite how good this is.
Thank you to all the management and staff for providing an extremely enjoyable family outing. For a first attempt in hosting an event such as this, you have over-delivered and can be very proud of what you have created.
We visited Kew Gardens a few years ago for a similar event and if they were Premier League, then Port Lympne you are Champions League and beyond!
You now have a challenge to improve on next year's event, which I am sure you will and we will look forward to being one of the first to book for 2026.
Lightshow
Just got back , from the port lymph christmas light show , it’s the first one they’ve done , and after doing several lights shows at Christmas , this by far the best , it mixes Christmas , lights and the animal world perfectly , it’s only on for a month , and if you can get tickets , this a must do , we’re going back next christmas
Stunning illuminations
Fantastic christmas illumination. Stunning lights and displays. Lovely atmosphere and music. Very friendly and welcoming staff. Lovely cafe with good snacks and hot chocolate excellent. Well worth booking tickets.
Illuminated - Spectacular
Well done PL on your first Xmas light trial - it’s fantastic.
Three generation visit, inc children aged 3 & 6, and we all had a wonderful time (2.5 hours in total). The lights are spectacular, especially those of animals and water finale; fairy disco great addition; lots of staff around throughout, all friendly and helpful; food decent quality and reasonably priced; and Super Off-Peak tickets excellent value.
Having been to PL several times and read a couple of detailed reviews of Illuminated, we expected it be good, but exceeded those expectations. Brilliant.
Amazing Experience
Port lympe illuminated was amazing even in when it’s busy, lines moved fast and lights were really cool and colourful, very well organised and set up 100% recommend
Five stars for an amazing Christmas event
This has to be one of the most Christmas-filled experiences we have ever attended. From the moment of arrival, everything felt polished, atmospheric and beautifully thought through. The light displays were exceptional. Creative, immersive and genuinely magical, without ever feeling overdone. Every turn revealed something new, from dramatic installations to subtle details that showed real care and imagination.
The overall setting felt elegant and festive rather than commercial, which made the whole experience feel special. Food and drink were excellent and, refreshingly, very reasonably priced for an event of this quality. Service was smooth and efficient, even with large numbers attending, and there was a relaxed, welcoming feel throughout.It struck the perfect balance between being visually spectacular and genuinely enjoyable to spend time at. Ideal for a leisurely stroll, taking in the displays, and soaking up the Christmas atmosphere without feeling rushed or crowded.A truly memorable festive outing and easily one of the finest seasonal events we have visited. Highly recommended and we will absolutely return
Dazzle and Amazed
This is NOT to be missed !!.. I've been to lots of light shows and trails but this surpassed all my expectations. I was blown away by the creativity and immersive experience . The fairy disco was epic, with little kiddies dancing with bubble machines and strobe lights .
Holograms of fairies and tigers greeted us and beautifully lit up trees have the whole place and enchanted feeling .
We also ate at the garden restaurant on site and the food was exceptional!. The staff and maitre d were so friendly and warm .
I can't recommend this experience enough !!!!
