Port Lympne Illuminated returns for 2026, bigger and brighter than ever, as Port Lympne Reserve near Hythe is transformed after dark. Building on its animal theme, this year's light trail adds brand-new installations featuring new species, plus a new zone that extends the journey, a reimagined Elf Disco and a brand-new grand finale. Along the 1.6km trail you'll find glowing light installations, holograms, a talking tree, a water show, a vintage-style funfair and festive food. Families can also book a visit to Santa's Grotto as an extra.
Please note: Santa's Grotto, funfair rides and food and drink are charged separately.

Prices
Online |Gate
Child: £9.09-£25 | £29.55-£32.50
Adult £17.27-£30 | £36.36-£40
Child - under 3 years:  Free
Family £52.73-£105 | N/A
Student and senior tickets available
SEN Friendly Night: Adult £19 | Child £10 | Carers free.
Carers: One free carer per disabled guest
Santa's Grotto: £22 per child, with up to 2 adults free. A light trail ticket is also needed and must be bought separately.  Booking fees apply
Parking: Free

Booking Highlights
Your Port Lympne Illuminated ticket includes access to parts of the Reserve's walking route from 2pm on the day of your visit, so you can see the animals before the trail.
Port Lympne Annual Pass holders get free entry but must pre-book online.

Dates & Times
27th November 2026 to 2nd January 2027
Reserve walking route: from 2pm, bookable slots from 4pm
27th November to 23rd December: 2pm-8pm
24th December: 2pm-6.15pm
26th December to 2nd January: 2pm-8pm.

Runtime & Schedule
Runtime: Self-led along the 1.6km trail at your own pace.
Schedule Note: Entry to the light trail is only at your booked time slot. Our calendar displays the event's provisional daily hours, from the Reserve opening at 2pm. End time is the latest session slot.

Accessibility
The trail is outdoors, with steep inclines and natural paths, and some areas can be challenging for wheelchairs, mobility scooters and buggies. Light levels vary between installations. The Elf Disco includes flashing lights, music, bubbles and smoke.

SEN Sessions
An SEN Friendly Night runs on 3rd December 2026, with reduced music volume, fewer flashing and twinkling light effects and limited visitor numbers.

Dogs
Only registered assistance dogs are allowed.

📍 Port Lympne Reserve Visitor Details
Check out our main listing for Port Lympne Reserve in Hythe for more visitor info, including accessibility and parking. For more adventures at Port Lympne Reserve, click the Events button under the listing's main image.

Good To Know
This is a cashless event. Food is available from festive pop-ups and the family-friendly Garden Room restaurant.
The trail goes ahead in the rain, so dress for the weather. Tickets are non-refundable.
Festive Afternoon Tea and Nightlights overnight stays are also available to book.

⭐ Ready to book Port Lympne Reserve's Port Lympne Illuminated? Click on the Website link above to go directly to the venue's booking page

🔗 More Like This
Love a bit of festive magic? Explore our Santa's Grottos in Kent guide, or our Seasonal category for all our Christmas listings.

Picture Credit: © Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve.

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