CHRISTMAS light trails have become increasingly popular but can come with pricey entry fees.
Would you rather save your cash and enjoy magical illuminations without the cost?
Follow these tips . . .
BUS RIDE: City centres are usually where you’ll find the best decorations.
You could fill a flask with warm mulled wine and head through the streets for a stroll — or jump on a bus and head to the top deck to get a great view without the chill.
In London, you can pay around £25 for a bus tour of the Christmas lights, but a single fare is £1.75 on TFL services.
Try getting on the 139 at Oxford Street. It will wind through Piccadilly Circus and Trafalgar Square as well as The Strand before finishing at Waterloo.
From here you can check out the Southbank Centre’s free winter light installation, where the site is illuminated by outdoor artworks.
CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL: Churches and cathedrals throughout the country hold tree festivals, which are often free or only have a small entry free.
These events are full of trees usually decorated by local schools, businesses and groups, and they make for a lovely way to enjoy the splendour without the cost.
Try the Worcester Christmas tree festival, which is free to enter and running from December 4 to January 6.
It will feature more than 100 trees. Or Chester Cathedral’s Christmas tree festival has more than 80 trees and is open from today until January 4.
Adult tickets cost £4.50.
Check out eventbrite.co.uk for festivals happening near you.
HOUSE SEARCH: Many houses and neighbourhoods go to town when decorating their homes — and heading for an early-evening drive with the kids to spot the best ones is cheap festive fun they will love.
It’s worth asking in local Facebook groups to get an idea of where some of the most elaborately decorated homes are located.
- All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.
DEAL OF DAY
BAG top beauty products from brands including Molton Brown, Rodial and Olaplex, worth more than £170, for £42.50 with the Christmas present edit from lookfantastic.com.
SAVE: £127.50
CHEAP TREAT
ADD a seasonal touch to your home decor with this fir tree wax candle, £7.49 at laredoute.co.uk.
WHAT’S NEW?
UPDATE your winter wardrobe with this knitted ski jumper, £16, new in at Primark.
TOP SWAP
TAKE a walk on the wild side with these Gola x Anthropologie trainers, above, £95 from anthropologie.com.
Or try the leather leopard-print trainers, below, £44.80 from Marks & Spencer.
SAVE: £50.20
SHOP & SAVE
LEGO’S Minecraft The Creeper set is going to be in demand this Christmas, and it’s down from £35 to £28 at The Entertainer.
SAVE: £7
LITTLE HELPER
FROM now until Monday, train passengers can get GWR tickets with a discount of up to 50 per cent for travel from December 5 to March 13, 2026.
HOT RIGHT NOW
TESCO is offering 1,000 Clubcard points when you add winter sports cover to a new travel insurance policy before December 10.
