PODCAST EXCLUSIVE: Christmas at Belton 2025 magical highlights revealed by creative director Zoe Bottrell
It’s never too early to deck the halls - not in Zoe Bottrell's world. In fact it's Christmas every day.
As founder and Managing Director of Culture Creative, 'Mrs Christmas' is the visionary who spends all year planning 22 spectacular light trails world-wide, turning historic gardens, forests and iconic estates into winter wonderlands, writes Graham Walker.
Amongst them, the region's own beloved Christmas at Belton - set to once again turn the stunning National Trust grounds of Belton House, Lincolnshire, into a dazzling winter wonderland from November 21 to December 31, 2025.
Christmas At Belton 2025 details revealed
Exclusive chat with Culture Creative's Zoe Bottrell.
LISTEN: In our exclusive podcast - listen above or click here - Zoe reveals behind the scenes secrets and magical highlights of this year’s after-dark trail, including a new Northern Lights inspired show-stopper and returning favourites, including the beloved Christmas Cathedral, a glowing tunnel of lights.
BUY TICKETS: Tickets are for timed entries and visitors are urged to book early to guarantee popular early evening and weekend slots on this year’s spectacular trail - CLICK HERE.
Zoe explained how trails creator Culture Creative works with Raymond Gubbay Live, part of Sony Music, to deliver My Christmas Trails and Lightscape attractions at iconic venues, including historical grounds and parklands, across Europe, the United States, Australia and even Saudi Arabia, with a dozen sites in the UK, including Kew and Blenheim Palace.
Christmas at Belton is brought in partnership with the National Trust.
More than a million LED light bulbs sparkle at Christmas at Belton, with up to 30 kilometers of cables powering a dazzling fusion of art, light, and nature.
A dazzling electronic version of the Northern Lights, a real Fire Garden, a dazzling Laser Garden and other magical secrets of this year's Christmas at Belton light trail are revealed in our podcast with Zoe.
Christmas Cathedral is back - not just one of the most popular backdrops for Instagram selfies but also a hotspot for wedding proposals.
The ever-popular real Fire Garden is also returning, with a new look, alongside 12 Days of Christmas and a new festive themed animated story projected onto Belton House’s facade.
Visitors can also wander through glowing crocuses, romantic heart arches, and neon winter flowers — finishing with the chance to wish upon a star along the long walk.
Created by award-winning, internationally acclaimed light trail producers and firmly positioned within the UK’s seasonal calendar, Christmas at Belton has everything you need for an unforgettable time with friends and family, including a fairground, and, of course, magical glimpses of Father Christmas along the way.
Exciting firsts include Aurora, a stunning electronic version of the Northern Lights created by ITHACA Studio, and there's a serene display of over 200 illuminated, what look like ‘paper boats’ that shimmer across the water.
On the Tide by Squidsoup is a water-based floating floral lightwork created from points of light floating in strands, positioned by the natural movement of the water.
“Belton’s landscapes are a treasure,” says Zoe Bottrell. “You’ve got the house and Orangery, the formal Italian gardens and sunken garden, and then the more natural spaces by the boathouse pond — that shift from formal to wild gives us such variety to work with.
"Working with Ithaca Studio, we have our fantastic Aurora, which is an electronic Aurora Borealis, so we can make the Northern Lights happen every night. That's really special.
“My favourite at Belton is the huge, great, big seat that's at the end of the long walk. It's a fantastic place to sit and take a Christmas selfie. I love it.
“There was a time we gave a bottle of champagne for every engagement at the Christmas Cathedral — it got expensive!” Zoe laughs.
“But our team still helps make those moments happen. We’ve even part the crowds so couples could have their perfect photo.”
Zoe explained how they plan festive light trails that dazzle audiences while caring for the landscapes that host them.
As Culture Creative marks its 20th year, she old how each dazzling light trail takes up to 11 months to design and 2–4 weeks to build in historic gardens and parklands.
Extra cable is often used to work around sensitive areas and safeguarding wildlife, following careful ecology studies.
“It’s vital the only things we leave are footprints and memories,” she says.
Tickets are by timed entry , but she insists the only best time to visit is with your whole family, bringing generations together to make magical memories.
"My advice to get the best experience is to wrap up warm, come to enjoy the surroundings, a bit of seasonal music and see these wonderful landscapes that are there by day in a whole new light.
“Enjoy a warm tipple of mulled wine or a hot chocolate and something to eat, and make an evening of it.
“And just take it slow. Don't come for a jog around the park. Come for a wander as a family group. One thing we have always prided ourselves on is that we plan these trails to appeal to whole family groups of all ages."
The accessible trail is designed for visitors of all ages.
What: Christmas at Belton 2025 - The after-dark illuminated trail through festive gardens.
Where: Belton House, Grantham, Lincolnshire, NG32 2LW.
When: November 21 until December 31, 2025.
Admission: Limited capacity with timed entry, early booking advised.
Adult tickets: off-peak - £16.00, standard - £22.50, peak - £25.00
Child tickets: off-peak - £12.00, standard - £16.00, peak - £18.50
Tickets: BOOK HERE.
READ MORE: PREVIEW: Christmas At Belton 2025 enchanting new light trail revealed - tickets on sale now
LINKS:
Belton House website: nationaltrust.org.uk/beltonhouse
Facebook: www.facebook.com/BeltonHouseNT