Illuminate Poole is bringing a new winter light trail to Upton Country Park from 20 November 2026 to 3 January 2027. Discover illuminated installations, festive food, hot drinks and marshmallow toasting, with timed entry slots and advance booking required. Here’s what to know before planning your visit.
12th October 2026
Upton Country Park is preparing for a brighter winter, with a new evening light trail opening on Friday 20 November 2026.
Illuminate Poole will transform the grounds with colourful installations, giving families and friends a new reason to wrap up warm and head outdoors this festive season.
For anyone who knows the park through its daytime walks, this promises a different way to experience a familiar local setting. The illuminated route will take visitors through the grounds after dark, with seasonal food, warm drinks and marshmallow toasting adding to the evening.
The organisers describe a trail taking around 60 to 80 minutes, with light installations designed to make the most of the park’s landscape.
Rather than rushing through, visitors can take their time enjoying the displays once they have entered during their booked arrival slot.
It has the makings of an easy festive outing, whether you are planning an evening with the children, catching up with friends or looking for something seasonal to do together.
Towards the end of the route, a food court will offer savoury dishes and sweet treats.
The advertised selection includes flatbread wraps, roast dishes, burgers and chips, while The Alpine Bar will serve hot chocolate, mulled wine, cider and other drinks.
Marshmallow toasting, supplied by The Marshmallow Toasting Company, will also be available.
It is a welcome excuse to linger a little longer before heading home.
Illuminate Poole will run from 20 November 2026 until 3 January 2027, with closures on 23 and 24 November, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
The published opening hours are 4pm to 9pm, with visitors choosing an entry slot when booking.
Tickets must be purchased in advance, as there will be no sales at the gate.
Advertised ticket prices start at:
Prices depend on the selected session, so check your chosen date when booking.
This is an outdoor experience, so warm layers and suitable footwear are sensible choices.
The organisers recommend wellies, and the event is expected to go ahead in rain.
On-site parking is available, with visitors asked to add a parking ticket during checkout.
With a new illuminated route and somewhere to stop for a hot chocolate afterwards, Illuminate brings another festive evening out to Poole’s winter calendar.
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