Best of Christmas in London: Magical Lanterns back at Chiswick House
Looking for Christmas magic for small and big kids in London? Look no further, the Magical Lanterns are back for the 3rd time at Chiswick House and Gardens, announcing magnificently 2017 festive season.
Larger than life lanterns in all shapes and forms are spread around the stunning grounds. The lake, the moon and the cold night make a fairytale night out – even better than Halloween decided my 4 years old!
And it takes a lot to match the joy from all those candies and funky decorated Holland park villas our hood.
The entrance is guarded by rows of snowmen dressed up, as you go in you are welcomed by London landmarks, lots of animals and a Noah’s ark, jelly fish, dolphins and flowers, tea cup parties, temples, Bambi and of course lots of Santas, elves, carriages and reindeers.
It instantly transports big and small into childhood, ludic and joy.
Wrap up warmly as much as you can, it will get cold even with lots of mulled wine and hot chocolates.
Our strong willed 19 months almost managed to finish the trail but the mischief continued from where he left it in February – constantly getting rid of his boots and hat! Very lucky on this occasion, all dry so no more complexities with umbrellas, lenses, camera and soaked kiddies. His dad and him headed home just after 7pm and left us with friends to enjoy the last part of the trail in (relative) peace.
Our 4 years old loves the Magical Lanterns and the night out, this was his third time year and was more excited as ever. Few friends joining us, so they jumped, ran, observed and speculated about – pure joy. His first time (when he was 2.5) he was intrigued and liked it; his second time (3.5 years) excited and soaked and now (4 years and a bit) thrilled and knowing his way around!
We wrapped the Magical Lanterns up at the funfair with bumper cars and chain carousel rides, more mulled wine, hot dogs and churros.
Delightful and very Christmassy, there’s also a Santa Grotto for keen parents and kids. Thank you Magical Lanterns for a fabulous illuminated winter evening!
PS: Many thanks to Magical Lanterns Festival for the complimentary passes. Comments, pics and overexcited kiddies – mostly ours.
24 comments on “Best of Christmas in London: Magical Lanterns back at Chiswick House”
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Aww this looks like such a magical place to visit with the kids love all your photos I want to go now!! Mandyxxx #explorerkids
Great to hear Mandy and hope you get to go shortly! X
I do love some great illuminations, we have seen them in Blackpool but the last time we went to a big display like this was when my older girl was just a toddler.
#countrykids
Hi Raisie, I hope to get to see he Magical lanterns on their UK tour soon ! And thanks for stopping by!
We visited in January and we really enjoyed it so much it was spectacular. Sarah #ExplorerKids
Spectacular indeed Sarah, dare I say we liked it on this occassion even more than January Chinese NY, so if you can – GO 😉
Oh Wow! I so wanted to go to this. Many of my London went there this year too. For some reasons I kept missing the event! lol! I must have a look if it stills going on. I so want to take the kids there. Glad you had a great time with friends. What a great place to create a good memory by. & I love mulled wine! hehe. 😉 Thank you so much for linking up with us on #ExplorerKids xx
I hope you get to go Su, it’s on until begining of January and it’s as festive and as good as it gets! Xo
Do you know, I never even knew this existed! But it looks fabulous – loving how you do your round pictures – so cool! #explorerkids
I can’t believe I’ve never heard of this before, it looks quite amazing. I know lots of the country houses have light displays but this is different again and I love that there are bumper cars and rides to do as well as just soaking up the amazing displays. If we ever do a Festive London trip I’m looking this one up, I think my kids would love it even if they are older.
Thank you for sharing with me on #CountryKids
Absolutely Fiona, the Magical Lanterns are such a treat! First time arrived in London 2 years ago, now at the 3rd edition they are a classic – just like Xmas at Kew! Pleasure to link in as always! Hope December treats you well and festively ! X
Oh wow that looks totally magical #CountryKids
We go to a similar thing here in the Hunter. That looks gorgeous! #CityTripping
I’ve heard such good things about this event, it certainly looks like you all had a brilliant time.
The colours look absolutely mesmerising. #countrykids
Thank you Emma, can second all the great things you’ve heard. As you say – mesmerizing! I love a mulled wine in the cold winter nights with fairytale lights and when kids behave a bit becomes indeed a brilliant time 😉 Thanks for stopping by!
We saw this advertised and would love to visit Chiswick House. The lights look amazing…maybe next year x #CountryKids x
I hope you get to go this year, it’s stunning and fun! X
I keep meaning to visit Chiswick House for these lights. Must make it next year. Looks very magical and fun. Thanks for linking #citytripping
Pleasure! They are still on until early January, so maybe you manage even this year! I am sure your lovely girls would be enchanted! X
Ooh maybe we can squeeze in a trip!
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