Now in its fifth year, Windsor Illuminate snakes its way through the Great Park with a spell-binding array of displays and activities, including the world’s first LED snowman
The Windsor Express train at Windsor Illuminate (Image: Supplied)
Nothing says Christmas like a light trial, and Windsor Illuminated is up there with the best.
Now in its fifth year, the stunning display in Windsor’s Great Park’s Savile Gardens sees visitors walk a 2.2km loop through ancient forests enjoying the Windsor Express Train, Snowball Elves, Woodfest, a dazzling Water Show and ‘Frosty Fred’ – the world’s first outdoor LED screen snowman. It takes between one and a half and two hours to complete.
Dog friendly, the trail has ample stops for little legs – and thirsty adults alike – with cosy alpine bars serving mulled wine and open fires to toast marshmallows lining the route. Organisers warn that some areas as unsuitable for pushchairs but there were many families giving it a crack when I visited with seemingly relative ease.
At one point, owls fly out of the trees as deer scatter, escaping a hungry wolf that stalks through the forest – all projected on huge screens.
Another section sees guests walk through a magical tunnel of snow but the most incredible part came at Woodfest – a stage buried in the woodland featuring cute performances from animals.
Setting the scene was a bubble machine, but these aren’t regular bubbles. Reaching out to pop one, it disappeared in a puff of smoke. My confusion soon turned to amazement. Magic! The only problem was that I couldn’t get my four year old to leave.
There’s a traditional funfair featuring a carousel, heater skelter and big wheel that my son convinced me to go on. He loved every second. I’m scared of heights and did not.
We finished off with a stop at the cosy outdoor bar where we tucked into hot chocolate around the fire pit. A lovely festive treat for all the family.
The trail runs until January 3 with a family ticket for two adults and two children starting at £56.10. For more information, visit https://www.windsorilluminated.com/.
For decades, the Stahl House in the Hollywood Hills has been a rarity — a globally known icon of Midcentury Modernism and Los Angeles glamour, still in the hands of the family who commissioned it in 1960. But now it’s for sale.
The asking price is $25 million, which might seem a startling figure for a two-bedroom, 2,300-square-foot home on a snug lot. But that figure might not surprise lovers of modernist architecture who know it as Case Study House #22.
It was designed for the Stahl family by architect Pierre Koenig, captured on black-and-white film by photographer Julius Shulman and has been admired worldwide ever since.
The Architect’s Newspaper called it “one of the world’s most famous buildings.” Los Angeles magazine called Shulman’s image “perhaps the most famous picture ever taken of Los Angeles.”
“There are no comps for the Stahl house. It’s incomparable,” said William Baker, architecture director for the real estate firm the Agency Beverly Hills. The home was included in the company’s fall catalog Nov. 12.
By Friday afternoon, Baker said, he had received hundreds of inquiring calls. In considering offers, Baker said, the family is open to individuals or institutions — “someone who’s going to understand it, honor the house and the story about it.”
The Stahls purchased the lot in 1954 for $13,500 and enlisted Koenig to design the house after other architects were daunted by the slope of the lot. Koenig’s solution was a cantilevered L-shaped structure with walls of steel and glass, a pool and a free-standing stone-faced fireplace between the living and dining areas.
The second bedroom can only be accessed through the primary bedroom — “an efficient use of space” for a family of five, Baker said. The Stahl family has said the home cost $37,500 to build.
Shortly after the home’s completion, photographer Julius Shulman made a black-and-white photograph that became emblematic of the era. It shows the home at night, with two young women sitting inside in a cantilevered corner, its floor-to-ceiling windows revealing the lights of the L.A. Basin glittering in the background.
To bring up the lights, Shulman later told Los Angeles magazine, he used a seven-minute exposure. The resulting image, along with others Shulman made of the house, is now owned by the Getty Research Institute.
In years since, the home has served as a filming location for many TV and film productions, including the 1968 pilot episode of “Columbo” and the movies “Galaxy Quest” (1999) and “Nurse Betty” (2000).
“This home has been the center of our lives for decades, but as we’ve gotten older, it has become increasingly challenging to care for it with the attention and energy it so richly deserves,” the Stahl family announced on its website. Bruce and Shari Stahl, the surviving children of original owners Buck and Carlotta Stahl, added, “[O]ur tour program will continue unchanged for the time being, and we will provide ample notice before any adjustments are made.”
For the last 17 years, the house has been open for tours, most recently on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, starting at $60 per adult during the day, $90 in the evening, with advance booking required and tight limits on photography. However, the Stahl website indicates all tours are sold out through the end of February.
The real estate listing notes that the home is “a protected landmark and the only Case Study House with original family ownership.”
In nominating it for the National Register of Historic Places in 2009, Amanda Stewart of the Los Angeles Conservancy called it “perhaps the most iconic house constructed in the Case Study House Program.” That program, sponsored by John Entenza’s Arts & Architecture magazine from 1945 to 1966, yielded 25 completed homes, today considered top exemplars of Midcentury home design.
“There’s not a lot of these Case Study houses left. I think there are 19 now,” Baker said. (Baker also said he had recently handled the sale of Case Study House #10 in Pasadena to a buyer who lost a home in January’s Pacific Palisades fire.)
The Stahl home stands on Woods Drive just north of West Hollywood’s city limit, about a quarter of a mile from Chateau Marmont.
Many architecturally important Southern California Modern homes have landed in the hands of institutions, including Frank Lloyd Wright’s Hollyhock House (1921), owned by the city of Los Angeles; the Schindler House (1922), owned by the Friends of the Schindler House and operated by the MAK Center for Art and Architecture; and the Eames House (1949), owned by the nonprofit Eames Foundation. The Sheats-Goldstein Residence, designed by John Lautner in 1961-63 and renovated by Lautner in the 1990s, has been promised by owner James Goldstein to the L.A. County Museum of Art.
Weekly insights and analysis on the latest developments in military technology, strategy, and foreign policy.
The Dubai Airshow in the United Arab Emirates ended on a tragic note, with the fatal crash of an Indian-made Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk 1A fighter. As you can read about here, the Mk 1A version of the jet, manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), is set to be built in considerably greater numbers than the initial Mk 1 version, bringing with it a host of new features.
The Tejas Mk 1A was performing a low-altitude maneuver as part of its display at Al Maktoum International Airport. The pilot appears to perform a negative-g ‘push turn’ toward the crowd before attempting to roll out. The jet then descended rapidly and impacted the ground at around 2:00 p.m. local time, in front of onlookers. The Indian Air Force confirmed that the pilot was killed.
The Dubai Airshow has been running all week and comes to a close today. Highlights of the show have included an appearance by the Russian T-50-9 as part of the effort to win customers for the Su-57E export version, as you can read more about here.
As regards today’s crash, in a statement, an Indian Air Force spokesperson said: “A Tejas of IAF has crashed in Dubai Airshow 25. Further details are being ascertained at the moment. Will give further details in some time.”
Sometimes even the best end up buying it, trying to push the envelope for a better display. It’s a sad day for aviation, when such losses happen during pubic displays. pic.twitter.com/GZH2EdJgJF
A follow-up statement from the Indian Air Force read: “The pilot sustained fatal injuries in the accident. IAF deeply regrets the loss of life and stands firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief. A court of inquiry is being constituted to ascertain the cause of the accident.”
An IAF Tejas aircraft met with an accident during an aerial display at Dubai Air Show, today. The pilot sustained fatal injuries in the accident.
IAF deeply regrets the loss of life and stands firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief.
The first Tejas Mk 1A took to the air in Bengaluru, southern India, in March 2024.
Compared to the Tejas Mk 1, 40 production examples of which were built, the Mk 1A has some significant improvements that make it a much more realistic ‘generation 4.5’ fighter proposition.
The Mk 1A adds a new active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar (understood to be the Elta Systems EL/M-2052), updated avionics, a comprehensive electronic warfare capability, as well as more minor changes to the internal structure and outer mold line.
In 2021, India placed a contract for 73 single-seat and 10 twin-seat Tejas Mk 1A jets, with production planned to run through 2028.
Imagery of the ill-fated Tejas Mk 1A from earlier this week at the Dubai Airshow:
My thoughts and prayers to go out to the people affected. I was literally standing next to the very Tejas jet yesterday chatting with the crew. This is heartbreaking. pic.twitter.com/Qz0qXBgoF2
There has only been one previous Tejas crash, with a March 2024 incident involving a Mk 1 version of the aircraft in Jaisalmer, in the state of Rajasthan. This was blamed on an “engine seizure.” On that occasion, the pilot was able to eject.
This latest crash is a blow to the Indian aerospace industry, coming as it does on one of the world’s most prominent stages.
This is a developing story, and we will update it as more information becomes available.
AS the nights draw in and the festive season gets closer, many of us are looking forward hanging up some Christmas lights.
But it’s not just the halls that get decked.
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Christmas at Kew is one of the country’s most popular light showsCredit: phil wilkinsonWinter Glow is in WorcestershireCredit: Mikal Ludlow Photography
Many gardens and unique spaces across the country transform into glimmering wonderlands – the perfect places to get in the festive spirit.
Here are 12 of the most magical light shows that are set to illuminate England with holiday cheer this winter.
Kew Gardens, London
Dates: November 14, 2025 – January 4, 2026 (selected dates) Tickets: Adults £27.50, children £18, under 4s free
Year on year, the light trail at Kew Gardens is firm favourite of the seasonal calendar.
Christmas at Kew is a true spectacle, illuminating the UNESCO World Heritage site with sustainable LED lights and installations by leading artists.
Visitors can enjoy projections and music dotted all around the natural space, including at iconic spots like the Palm House fountain.
The three kilometre trail has a range of entertainment beyond lighting too.
Spot Father Christmas on your walk and enjoy delicious treats from food stalls along the route.
Most read in Best of British
Last entry is between 7-8pm and tickets are limited, so book while you can.
Longleat, Wiltshire
Dates: November 8, 2025 – January 11, 2026 Tickets: Adults £34.95, children £26.20, under 3s free
Longleat is famous for its safari parkCredit: DAVE PRATT
Longleat is usually famous for its drive-through safari park, but come Christmastime it is its light show that really shines.
The trail displays thousands of imaginative lanterns, this year celebrating the theme of British Icons.
Look out for Wallace & Gromit, various British singers and authors, and landmarks like Tower Bridge and Stonehenge all aglow.
A Twilight ticket will give you access to this Festival of Light plus the Enchanted Christmas Tree Show, but you can also upgrade to a Day ticket to include the safari or book a ride on the Santa Train as an add-on.
The theme this year is British IconsCredit: Unknown
Dunham Massey, Cheshire
Dates: November 14, 2025 – January 3, 2026 Tickets: Adults £19, children £12.50, under 3s free
Its light show is an after-dark experience complete with sparkling trees and colourful, 5m-tall stars.
Expect an immersive evening of sights and sounds created by award-winning producers, and the option to enjoy the fairground for an extra charge.
Entry is timed, so securing a slot is advised.
Dunham Massey offers an immersive experienceCredit: Richard HaughtonIt is just outside ManchesterCredit: AFP
Winter Glow, Worcestershire
Dates: November 21 – December 31, 2025 Tickets: Adults £12.50, children £6.50, under 3s free
Local craftspeople and lighting designers are behind the show at Winter Glow in the Worcestershire countryside.
The trail is transformed into a winter dreamland with twinkling bulbs and fairytale structures.
It’s a super accessible experience, with sensory-friendly trails available on selected dates, dog friendly sessions on offer and full wheelchair access.
Winter Glow turns the countryside into a dreamlandCredit: Mikal Ludlow PhotographyThe experience offers sensory-friendly trailsCredit: Mikal Ludlow Photography
Northern Lights, Newcastle
Dates: November 27 – December 31, 2025 Tickets: Adults £15, children £5, under 3s free
Winding along the mile-long path at Leazes Park in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne is fun for all the family.
Take in its 15 different illumination zones from Lantern Lane to the Butterfly Blizzard, and even a marshmallow roasting station.
More winter warmers are available from the park’s Christmas Village, access to which is included in the ticket price.
A ticket to Northern Lights gives you access to the light show and moreOne illumination zone is called the Butterfly Blizzard
Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire
Dates: November 14, 2025 – January 3, 2026 Tickets: Adults £24, children £18, under 3s free
This year, the illuminated trail at Blenheim Palace promises to be “bigger, better and brighter than ever before”.
The light show has already earned a place as one of the UK’s most popular trails.
Visitors can buy a combined ticket to access both the light trail and the palace or a ticket for the illuminations only.
Allow around an hour to explore the route, with extra time factored in to meet Father Christmas along the way or to stop at the chalet-style huts for tasty food and drink.
Blenheim Palace is also home to a top light showCredit: Richard HaughtonIts route takes about an hour to explore
Helmingham Hall, Suffolk
Dates: November 14 – December 19, 2025 Tickets: Adults £20, children £10, under 2s free
Helmingham Hall’s gardens and parkland attract visitors all year round.
Where its flowers bloom in spring, lights glint in winter along the illuminated garden trail.
The mesmerising experience takes place after dusk, when you’ll cross a historic drawbridge and weave through shining walkways.
If that isn’t enough reason to go, grown-ups can enjoy a complimentary mulled wine with their ticket while kids can toast snacks at the firepits along the route.
And if you have a pooch, you can can bring them too.
Adults get a complimentary mulled wineCredit: AJ Feather Photography
Liverpool Cathedral, Liverpool
Dates: November 28 – December 6, 2025 Tickets: Adults £9.50, children £7.50, under 3s free
The Light Before Christmas comes to Liverpool Cathedral for a fourth year running, and attending the show has become a yuletide tradition in the city.
As they journey through the building, ticket-holders will find enchanting scenes ranging from the nativity to Santa’s reindeer, plus candlelit areas.
There are even bean bags to lie on to take in the acoustics of Britain’s biggest cathedral and marvel at the projections on the ceiling.
A visitor last year said: “It’s the perfect thing to get you in the mood for Christmas”, while another commented: “I come every year and it’s always beautiful.”
Kids are also big fans of the event, with one saying: “It was really Christmassy and magical.”
Liverpool Cathedral is Britain’s biggestCredit: AFPIts festive show is called ‘The Light Before Christmas’Credit: Alamy
Hever Castle, Kent
Dates: November 21, 2025 – January 2, 2026 Tickets: Adults £24.50, children £16, under 5s free
Follow the yellow brick road to Hever Castle for a themed light extravaganza.
This year the castle will be decked out in all things Wizard of Oz.
From spotting the flying monkeys in the Christmas tree forest to arriving at the Emerald City as the castle glows bright green, it promises to be an other-worldly visit.
Hever has traditional Christmas offerings too, with log fires burning inside the beautifully decorated rooms of the castle and fairy lights glittering in the grounds.
And don’t worry – despite being in Oz and not Lapland, little ones will still be able to pay a visit Father Christmas’ grotto.
Fairground ride tickets are just £2 each and can be purchased on the day.
Hever Castle is in KentUnder 5s can can enter for freeCredit: Oliver Dixon
Stockeld Park, Yorkshire
Dates: November 22, 2025 – January 5, 2026 Tickets: Adults & children £17.50, under 2s free
The Enchanted Forest at Stockeld Park transforms for the Christmas season.
Its woodland boasts interactive adventure playgrounds as well as an enormous snowflake-shaped maze made from 2,000 trees and lined with glistening lights.
After getting lost in the maze – which is included in the ticket – you can stop by cosy cabins in the woods for a hot chocolate and explore animations and soundscapes further along the trail.
There is a maze at Stockeld ParkCredit: Alamy
Light Up Trails, Hampshire
Dates: November 27, 2025 – January 3, 2026 Tickets: Adults £20, children £12.50, under 2s free
Nestled among the greenery between Winchester and Southampton you will find a dazzling light display with all the trimmings.
The trail is divided into eight zones, each one offering a different feast for the eyes.
Catch the fibre-optic flowers in the Bloom and Glow zone, golden lanterns at Step into the Magic and a laser show at The Rhythm of Light.
Halfway along the trail you can warm up at its ski-themed Christmas Village and indulge in food from bratwurst to crepes.
It even includes a laser showCredit: Elliott Franks
Ashridge House, Hertfordshire
Dates: November 27, 2025 – January 1, 2026 Tickets: Adults £23.50, children £14.40, under 4s free
Ashridge House was once a royal residence of King Henry III, and its grounds are referred to to by insiders as the ‘Garden of Gardens’.
The stately home puts on a proper show at Christmas, where gentle gleaming lights meet impressive pyrotechnics and festive music.
A 115ft Ferris wheel gives you sweeping views of the 190 acres of garden below – book this at the online checkout.
On the ground, showstoppers include the star-shaped tunnel and giant bauble field.
Dog-friendly nights are on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Ashridge House is a stately home that was once a royal residenceCredit: Ashridge HouseLight trails, like Northern Lights, are great places to get in the festive spiritCredit: DAVID LAWSON
THE UK isn’t short of light trails when it comes to the winter period, but high street favourite, John Lewis, is now joining the club.
This year John Lewis is bringing its 2025 Christmas advert – ‘Where Love Lies’ – to life as part of the Northern Lights Manchester at Heaton Park.
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Northern Lights Manchester with John Lewis opens on November 20Credit: northernlightsmanchester.comThe experience is expected to be like stepping into the John Lewis Christmas advertCredit: northernlightsmanchester.com
This year’s John Lewis Christmas tells the story of a teenage boy and his father who struggle to communicate, yet when it comes to Christmas the boy gives him a music record that helps them to reconnect.
Running from November 20 to December 31, the event will mark the first time the retailer has brought its annual Christmas advert off the screen.
According to the Northern Lights Manchester website, John Lewis will join this year’s “brand new large-scale winter light trail”.
The website adds that the high street brand will join “Northern Lights to firmly establish Manchester’s newest seasonal tradition from year one”.
Visitors can expect an in-person experience with music that is designed to connect visitors to the story of John Lewis’ Christmas advert – think feelings of joy, nostalgia and festive cheer.
The Northern Lights trail at Heaton Park is brand new for this year and in total stretches a mile long.
Venturing around the trail visitors will find 14 illumination zones and there will also be a number of food spots along the way.
The illumination zones include the Frosted Forest, Laser Garden and Runway to the Sky.
In addition, there will be a Christmas Village with local food, drinks and more music.
The village will have eight foodie destinations in total including God Save the Toasties, The Sausage Factory and the Super Sweet Fry Guys – who serve Terry’s Chocolate Orange churros, battered mince pies with boozy cream and hot chocolate with a dash of Salford Rum and topped with a Tunnock’s Marshmallow Snowball.
In total, there are 14 different light installations at the eventCredit: northernlightsmanchester.com
There is also the Bees Knees Tavern, a heated alpine-themed bar, where visitors can grab a range of alcoholic and soft drinks, including mulled wine.
Hotel Chocolat will even have its own van selling velvety, hot chocolate.
There are four types of ticket prices in total.
For super off-peak tickets, it costs £15 per adult and £5 per child.
For off-peak tickets, it costs £19.50 per adult and £13.95 per child.
For a standard entry ticket, it costs £21.50 per adult and £14.95 per child.
And finally, for a peak entry ticket, it costs £23.95 per adult and £16.50 per child.
Rosie Hanley, brand director, added: “At John Lewis, we love bringing people together to create shared experiences and magical Christmas memories.
“This spectacular light trail is a brilliant way for us to share the spirit of the season with Manchester and its communities, and we are excited to be a part of it.”
CHRISTMAS is just six weeks away, and with that, many festive events and experiences are opening.
But sometimes meeting Santa or heading to a light trail can set you back quite a bit of money – especially when you add on the inevitable hot chocolate your child screams for when they get cold.
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There are a number of free festive events across the UK for the family to enjoyCredit: Just Giving
With Christmas already stretching our pockets, finding something to do with the family that doesn’t require you to get out your debit card is hard.
So we’ve rounded up some of the free events across the UK you can head to this Christmas, from pop-up performances to lantern parades.
Santa’s Grottoes and Meet & Greets
In Leeds, at Kirkgate Market, families get the chance to meet Santa for free on December 6, 13, 20, 22 and 23 between 12pm and 3pm.
At the Cadbury House Christmas Fayre on December 3, families can meet Santa in his grotto between 5pm and 7pm.
At Willow Brook Centre in Bradley Stoke, near Bristol, families can head to a Christmas Jamboree for free on November 28.
The event will have a Santa meet and greet, as well as a free bouncy castle, Rodeo Rudolf, obstacle course, slide and bungee run.
Visitors will also be able to meet the Grinch, and Glinda and Elphaba from Wicked.
For a slightly different Santa meet and greet, head to Hamleys toy store.
Over the Christmas period, visitors can share hugs and high fives every day at either 1pm or 2:30pm, with Santa Hamley Bear outside the Regent Street store in London.
Light trails
South Bank Winter Light Trail in London features numerous artworks by different artists that glow in the dark night.
The event takes place from November 6 to January 18, 2026.
In Liverpool, you could head to the Royal Albert Dock which features giant light-up figurines and a fairytale carousel.
Over in Sheffield, Light Up Sheffield features three of the city’s most iconic landmarks lit up – Sheffield Cathedral, Sheffield Central Library and Pounds Park.
The event will take place across 10 nights from December 5 to 14.
For example, Light Up Sheffield lights up three of the city’s most iconic buildingsCredit: Alamy
Light Up Wakefield will take place in Wakefield city centre from November 21 to 23.
On November 21, visitors can head to the Cathedral Precinct to enjoy live music and entertainment before the switch on event at 5:30pm.
Just after Christmas is Christmas Dubs in Clifton Village, near Bristol.
Taking place on December 26, visitors can see a number of Volkswagens light up Clifton Village, as they are decked out in lights.
In Torquay in Devon, visitors can head out on the Bay of Lights illuminated trail from November 28 to January 2, 2026.
Or you could head to the Bay of Lights in Devon which runs along the seafront in TorquayCredit: Alamy
Across the event, Torquay waterfront will become illuminated with a light trail stretching 1.5 miles.
In Devon, Lanterns, Lights and Luminations in Brixham will take place from November 21 to 22.
The popular event features a lantern parade, firework display, live music, street entertainment and a market.
Markets
A lot of markets across the UK are free to enter, but once inside you usually do spend money – whether that be on food and drink or attractions.
However, if you take some snacks with you and skip the attractions you can get into the festive spirit without spending a penny.
For example, you could head to one of Liverpool’s most loved buildings, the Bombed Out Church, for their weekend Makers Market.
From 10am to 4pm on various dates throughout November and December, you can wander around stalls selling fresh bakes and pretty creations.
There will be a free-to-enter Christmas village at Royal Hospital ChelseaCredit: Alamy
In London, you could head to the Chelsea Winter Village where there is street food, artisan markets, firepits, traditional fairground rides, and an aprés ski bar.
The event is set within the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, so even if you don’t want to spend any money, it is a pretty market to see and take in the free choir performances.
Festive treasure hunts and other trails
In London, visitors can head off on the Snowman Trail, which is a free outdoor sculpture trail inspired by Raymond Brigg’s The Snowman.
Each sculpture has been decorated by artists and then place close to the city’s landmarks.
There will also be a Snoopy Trail around Fleet Street.
London will have a free snowman sculpture trailCredit: Alamy
Light switch ons
Up and down the country there are thousands of Christmas light switch-ons taking place in November and December – and most of which are free to attend.
This includes the Christmas Light Switch On in Oldham, just outside Manchester.
Taking place on November 15, the event will feature the turning on of the Christmas lights, a visit from Santa, as well as Bluey and Bingo from the hit TV show and fireworks.
For a slightly different ‘switch on’ event, head to Tavistock in Devon on December 5, for a Victorian Christmas lights switch on, with people in Dickensian costumes and vintage entertainment.
In Richmond, the Christmas lights will be switched on, on November 27 and visitors can expect entertainment with the Wickedly Witches, Candy Cane Stilt Walkers and Giant Nutcracker.
In Tavistock in Devon, the Christmas light switch on event has a Dickensian themeCredit: Alamy
Store events
Ikea stores across the country also offer a number of free events so it is worth checking out the events page for your local store.
For example, at Ikea Greenwich children can write a letter to Santa and post it in a special post box between November 10 and December 23.
At Ikea Southampton, families can even have breakfast with Santa if they are an Ikea family member – which is free to sign up to.
The same goes for Hamleys with events at the Regent Street store including Box of Christmas Mischief, a festive game show (November 6 to December 24) and Twinkle Jingle Town Parade where Hamleys elves dance their way through the store (November 6 to December 5).
A number of stores also host events, such as Hamleys toy store on regent StreetCredit: http://www.hamleys.com
If your kids love to read or you want them to explore more stories, Waterstones offers loads of events up and down the country, including regular free storytelling sessions.
Over the festive period, there are even more events such as Epsom Christmas Evening with local authors and illustrators and late night Christmas shopping nights, with free mince pies and mulled wine.
Other events
Inside Sheffield Cathedral, visitors can explore 40 Christmas trees decorated by different local charities.
A similar event will also take place at Selby Abbey – the Christmas Tree Festival, which will take place from November 28 to January 5, 2026, will feature 30 trees decorated by locals.
On November 21, when Wakefield’s Christmas lights are switched on, there will be a lantern parade through the city at 6pm.
At Wakefield’s Christmas lights switch on event there will also be a lantern paradeCredit: Alamy
At Windmill Hill City Farm, near Bristol – a free family farm attraction with a play area and animals – the cafe will be hosting free screenings of much-loved children’s films every weekday from 3:45pm.
In Devon, Candlelit Dartmouth is from November 28 to 30.
Visitors can see a procession of hundreds of handmade paper lanterns through the town as well as Father Christmas’ boat gliding across the River Dart.
For fans of Charles Dickens, the UK is home to some Victorian and Dickensian-themed events including a Victorian evening in Newton Abbot, Devon on December 3.
The high street will be transformed into a Dickensian Christmas Shopping scene with performers and a chance to meet Santa.
For more ideas of things to do around the festive season, the UK’s biggest Christmas event is returning with 150 rides and attractions… and new FREE Santa’s grotto.
The burst of energy was likely triggered when an unusually large star wandered too close to the black hole.
Published On 4 Nov 20254 Nov 2025
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Scientists have documented the most energetic flare ever observed emanating from a supermassive black hole, a cataclysmic event that briefly shone with the light of 10 trillion suns.
The new findings were published on Tuesday in the journal Nature Astronomy, with astronomer Matthew Graham of the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) leading the study.
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The phenomenal burst of energy was likely triggered when an unusually large star wandered too close to the black hole and was violently shredded and swallowed.
“However it happened, the star wandered close enough to the supermassive black hole that it was ‘spaghettified’ – that is, stretched out to become long and thin, due to the gravity of the supermassive black hole strengthening as you get very close to it. That material then spiralled around the supermassive black hole as it fell in,” said astronomer and study co-author KE Saavik Ford.
The supermassive black hole was unleashed by a black hole roughly 300 million times the mass of the sun residing inside a faraway galaxy, about 11 billion light years from Earth. A light year is the distance light travels in a year, 5.9 trillion miles (9.5 trillion km).
The star, estimated to be between 30 and 200 times the mass of the sun, was turned into a stream of gas that heated up and shined intensely as it spiralled into oblivion.
Almost every large galaxy, including our Milky Way, has a supermassive black hole at its centre. But scientists still aren’t sure how they form.
First spotted in 2018 by the Palomar Observatory, operated by the Caltech, the flare took about three months to reach its peak brightness, becoming roughly 30 times more luminous than any previously recorded event of its kind. It is still ongoing, but diminishing in luminosity, with the entire process expected to take about 11 years to complete.
Because of how far away the black hole is located, observing the flash gives scientists a rare glimpse into the universe’s early epoch. Studying these immense, distant black holes helps researchers better understand how they form, how they influence their local stellar neighbourhoods, and the fundamental interactions that shaped the cosmos we know today.
A day out at a theme park isn’t just a summer activity. Many parks will be open for Christmas-themed fun, and you’ll find fun, festive activities to suit all ages
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Theme parks such as Drayton Manor will be decked out for Christmas(Image: Drayton Manor)
Looking for a festive day out for all the family? Many theme parks will be opening their doors for the Christmas season with a range of activities for all the family. In addition to themed days out, some parks will also be offering special short breaks, with extras such as Santa visits and evening entertainment and even the chance to enjoy a festive-themed sleepover at the on-park hotels. Here’s a round-up of some of the most popular theme parks in the UK and what they’ll be offering this November and December.
Alton Towers – Magical Days Out
From £18 per person
In the run up to Christmas and the New Year, Alton Towers offers Magical Days Out starting at just £18 per person. While it’s a cheaper way to visit the park, it’s worth noting that only CBeebies Land and Mutiny Bay are open, plus a couple of the bigger rides, so you don’t expect all the usual thrill rides to be available.
However, the park is set to be decked out in festive decorations, and visitors can enjoy Christmas-themed shows such as Hey Duggee Live: The Christmas Badge!, which is bound to be a hit with the younger members of the family.
Families can also book a Santa Sleepover at one of the park’s on-site hotels, starting at £91 per person. This includes a one-day theme park ticket, a visit to Santa’s grotto, a traditional pantomime, and a festive dinner and entertainment for the whole family. Booking the Santa Sleepover also gives you access to the on-site waterpark and crazy golf.
Three of Gulliver’s theme parks will be offering Christmas events: Rotherham, Milton Keynes, and Warrington, with a selection of Christmas rides and attractions open during this time. What’s available over the festive period varies by park, and some of the activities on offer include festive breakfasts, Santa’s grottos, Christmas shows, Elf workshops, and more, with a variety of packages available.
Each park will also have a Land of Lights attraction – a spectacular light trail that opens during the winter. Tickets for this attraction are sold separately and start at £13.75 per person.
Drayton Manor say they’ve unwrapped their “biggest and most magical Christmas plans ever”. The Midland-based park, which is best-known for being the home of Thomas Land, will open on selected dates from November 22 to December 31 with most of the park’s rides open.
There will also be a range of themed attractions for family days out. Fans of Elf on the Shelf can enjoy Elftoria, with the cheeky creatures taking over the park and adding a mischievous touch to your day. Children can even take part in pranking workshops and enjoy a live elf show.
Kids can visit the Castle Grotto, which will include a story-time experience with Mrs Claus and a visit to the man in red, while Thomas Land will be decked out in seasonal decorations and have festive family shows. In the evening, families can board the Twinkling Express, a gentle journey surrounded by Christmas light trails.
Paultons, perhaps most famous for being the home of Peppa Pig World, will be turning their park into a Christmas wonderland. On selected dates through December, visitors can visit Peppa and friends in their festive clothing, enjoy Santa’s Christmas Wish show, or enjoy festive-themed menus in the park’s cafes.
If you prefer thrill rides, the Tornado Springs are will be also be open as well as selected rides in Lost Kingdom and Critter Creek.
Chessington’s Christmas village ticket will include a selection of the park’s rides, as well as access to the zoo and SEA LIFE centre. Visitors will be able to enjoy a Christmassy silent disco, wander through a snowy trail, and see the elves making toys in their workshop. Of course, there’s also a visit to Santa to give him your Christmas list.
Visitors can stay for longer by booking the on-site Safari or Azteca Resort Hotel, and there’s even a range of VIP experiences that can be added onto your package to create unique Christmas memories. Book an elf wake up call, with a small pre-Christmas gift for the kids, or take part in a reindeer encounter and see Santa’s helpers up close.
But the fun doesn’t stop once January comes round. Chessington now offer a themed Christmas Room, which will be a permanent fixture in their hotel year-round. No matter when you visit, you’ll be able to enjoy a decorated tree, Christmas crackers, hot chocolate, and even a decorated Christmas parking space. It’s perfect for the Christmas obsessive in your life.
