A stunning new illuminated Christmas trail will bring festive sparkle to Hillsborough for the first time this year.

The magical after-dark trail at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens will enchant visitors with spectacular lighting and classical festive tunes, and transform the estate's beautifully landscaped grounds and gardens.

Wrap up warm and be immersed in twinkling lights, colourful trees and amazing illuminated installations.  With special light installations and even the chance to spot Father Christmas along the way, it will take between one to two hours to complete the mile-long trail, choreographed to a soundtrack of Christmas classics.

Claire Woods, Gardens Manager at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens said, “We're really excited about creating a magic new experience in our much-loved gardens this Christmas season. We hope that visitors young and old alike will enjoy getting in the festive spirit with our sparkling displays, and make memories that will last a lifetime.”

The trail, which opens December 3, will be brought to Northern Ireland for the first time by the creators of the magical Christmas illuminations at London's Royal Botanic Gardens Kew.

Visitors will be able to make memories as they discover sparkling tunnels of light, walk under giant baubles and beneath trees drenched in jewel-like colour; pause at the mesmerising flickering flames in the fire garden and find the mistletoe bench.

New Trail Highlights include:

• Laser Garden – Using up to one hundred custom made laser effects, the laser garden immerses visitors in thousands of slowly rotating coloured laser beams that pierce through added theatrical fog effects. The result is a truly immersive light artwork that captures the imagination of children and adults alike.
• Christmas Cathedral – This majestic tunnel, adorned with over 100,000 pea-lights and almost 50 metres long, is stunning to look at from a distance or to immerse yourself within, making it an Instagram showstopper.
• Snowdrop Walk – colourful oversized clusters of snowdrops brightly glow along the edge of the path.

Independent street food vendors will bring a delicious twist to tasty treats on offer, including festive hot drinks like a spiced winter warmer* or hot chocolate* complete with some delicious *toasted marshmallows perfect for sharing with someone special.

Christmas at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens provides a special way to celebrate the festive season with an unmissable outdoor experience. The trail is designed for visitors of all ages to enjoy.

Tickets are on sale now. For full ticket information, pricing and timings, please visit www.hrp.org.uk/christmasathillsborough

Christmas at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens is brought to you by Sony Music in partnership with Historic Royal Palaces.  The trail is created by Culture Creative.

What:       Christmas at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens - The after-dark illuminated trail through festive gardens

When:      The festive trail is open on selected dates:

• Fri 3rd Dec – Sun 5th Dec
• Wed 8th Dec – Fri 24th Dec
• Sun 26th Dec – Sun 2nd Jan

Open from 4.30pm, last entry 8pm and closes at 10pm.

Why Visit:        Discover a Christmas illuminated trail for all the family set within the beautiful landscape of the Hillsborough Castle and Gardens.

Admission:      From: Adult £18, Child £12, Family £56 (2 adults & 2 children). Free entry for carers and children aged 2 & under. Parking is free of charge  

Website:           Hillsborough Castle & Gardens| #christmasattHillsboroughcastleandgardens |#mychristmastrails

https://christmasathillsborough.seetickets.com/raymondgubbay/christmas-at-hillsborough/faqs

Address:          Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, The Square, Hillsborough,BT26 6AG

For more information please contact:

Matt Dixon | matt@flamingo-marketing.co.uk | T: 01637 873379

Notes to Editors

• For full pricing details and booking please visit: https://mychristmastrails.co.uk/
• For information about COVID19 and booking tickets with confidence visit: https://mychristmastrails.co.uk/covid-19/
• *Additional charges apply

Image Credits

• Illuminated Fountain by Culture Creative, My Christmas Trails 2020. Photo by Richard Haughton © Sony Music
• Cathedral of Light by Mandylights, My Christmas Trails 2020. Photo by Richard Haughton © Sony Music
• Neon Tree by Culture Creative, My Christmas Trails 2020. Photo by Richard Haughton© Sony Music

About Hillsborough Castle and Gardens

Hillsborough Castle has been a grand family home and is now the official home of the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, and a royal residence. Members of the Royal Family stay at Hillsborough when visiting Northern Ireland.  Viewed by some as a politically neutral venue, Hillsborough has played an important role in the Peace Process in Northern Ireland since the 1980s.  In 2014, Historic Royal Palaces took over the running of Hillsborough Castle and Gardens and began an ambitious project to restore the house and gardens to its former glory.  https://www.hrp.org.uk/hillsborough-castle

About Historic Royal Palaces

Historic Royal Palaces is a team of people who love and look after six of the most wonderful palaces in the world. We create space for spirits to stir and be stirred. We want everyone to feel welcome and accepted. We tell stories about the monarchs you know and the lives you don't. We let people explore and we set minds racing. We are a charity and your support gives the palaces a future, for everyone.  Registered charity number 1068852. For more information visit https://www.hrp.org.uk/

About Sony Music

Sony Music has been delivering themed illuminated trails for over eight years. Each trail is designed to showcase the natural and unique environment of the individual location and to immerse visitors into a world of light, fire and soundscape. They currently have 26 trails across the UK, Europe, USA, and Australia.

The chosen partners for national and international heritage and prestigious venues include: Blenheim Palace; The National Trust; Forestry England; The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew; Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh; Schwetzingen Palace, Germany;  Botanic Gardens, Chicago, USA and Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, Melbourne, Australia.

mychristmastrails.co.uk | FB @mychristmastrails | Twitter @MyChristmasTrails

About Culture Creative
Culture Creative is a creative project and production management company based in the North East of England. The Company works across a wide range of cultural fields including art, sport, heritage, tourism, festivals and events, developing projects from concept to delivery. Since 2013 Culture Creative has worked closely with Sony Music to create illuminated trails in various venues across the UK and overseas.

www.culturecreative.co.uk | FB @culturecreativeltd | Twitter @CCLCreative | Instagram @culturecreativeltd

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