There are plenty of cracking Christmas events and spectacles in Bristol to look forward to this year, but if you're willing to travel a little further afield there are many more to enjoy.
One of the most popular annual events during the festive season near Bristol is the Festival of Light at Longleat, an hour's drive from the city, which sees magnificent lanterns of all shapes and sizes lit up in spectacular fashion.
This year’s Festival of Light includes more than 3,000 lanterns, crafted using 50,000 LED lights and 30,000 metres of silk.
Festive light shows will also be projected on to the front of Longleat House for the first time ever as part of a stunning new feature - and visitors can even paint their very own lanterns using special light projections.
The theme for 2019: Myths and Legends
This year's Festival of Light will see the magical world of myths and legends come to life.
Eye-catching glowing models will bring this mysterious realm to life, from the heroes and villains of Ancient Greece and Norse Mythology to the Day of the Dead, the Arabian Nights and the tale of the Sword in the Stone.
Visitors will be able to enter the Land of the Gods and come face to face with Zeus, Poseidon, Medusa and the Minotaur.
They will also venture past Cerberus, the three-headed hound and gatekeeper to the Underworld, to witness Hercules battle the many-headed serpent.
Elsewhere the monstrous Kraken is seen emerging from the depths of Longleat’s lake and Jack the Giant Slayer takes on his colossal foe.
Attendees will also need to be aware of the troll as they step under his bridge and look out for the mischievous leprechauns and fairies of folklore inside the Fairy Garden.
Alongside the lanterns the giant and enchanted musical Christmas Tree returns once again and the Santa Trains will be taking visitors to meet Father Christmas in his wintry woodland grotto.
Visitors can also immerse themselves in the magic of storytelling with the ‘Flight Before Christmas’ - a unique festive experience featuring real flying owls.
Dates and tickets
The Festival of Light: Myths and Legends runs from November 9 until January 5, excluding Christmas Day.
A Longleat spokesperson said: "We’re expecting this year’s Festival of Light to be extremely popular so advanced booking online is essential as tickets may sell out, and if they do, no walk-up tickets will be available to purchase on the gate."
Prices range from £31.45 upwards for adults and £23.55 for children aged between 3-15.
For information and to book, visit Longleat's website.
