Meet the Artists Bringing Magic to Leonardslee Lights 2025
A Sussex Winter Tradition
When the nights draw in and frost silvers the edges of the woodland, Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens once again transforms into a glittering stage. From 28 November to 30 December 2025, visitors can step into A Midwinter Light’s Dream - a mile-long illuminated trail that has become one of Sussex’s most anticipated festive traditions.
Now in its sixth year, the winter light trail continues to weave artistry, performance, and nature into an experience that feels at once otherworldly and deeply rooted in its historic setting. This winter, the trail promises more wonder than ever before, with returning favourites, new commissions, and a magical finale in Leonardslee Village.
The Keepers of the Dream
by ThirdSpace
Drifting through the trees like half-remembered myths, the performers of ThirdSpace appear as lantern bearers, faeries, and robed figures. Mischievous yet kind, they are the storytellers of the trail, guiding visitors with playful encounters that make children laugh and adults pause in wonder.
Glittering Grove
by Dan Fox
Award-winning sound artist Dan Fox turns the forest into a living instrument. Trees pulse with rhythm, responding with shimmer and song in a soundscape that shifts from serene to electric. It’s an installation that makes the forest sing, blending art and technology into pure magic.
Nighttime Creatures
by Lantern House
Hand-crafted in Brighton, these glowing lantern creatures transform the woodland into a magical menagerie. From wise owls to howling wolves, each illuminated figure is a character in a story that unfolds as you walk. Together, they create one of the most memorable family Christmas events in the South East.
Nightlight Lullabies
By Murmuration Arts
Adding a touch of wonder and playfulness, Murmuration Arts joins Leonardslee Lights for 2025. With more than 14 years of experience working with communities, the collective is celebrated for creating projects that bring people together through performance, music, and storytelling. Their glowing Half Moon offers the perfect place to pause for a keepsake photograph, while a delicate illuminated Mobile floats above the trail. In true Murmuration style, these works blur the line between audience and art, inviting everyone to share in the joy of light and imagination.
Swans
By SameSky
This year, visitors can look forward to the arrival of new lanterns, created by Brighton’s SameSky, the team behind some of the South East’s most imaginative lantern parades. These graceful figures shimmer as they appear along the water, captivating children and adults alike.
Star Galaxy
By Ithaca Studio
For 2025, the trail welcomes an extraordinary new commission by Ithaca Studio, known for pioneering light and sound environments across the UK. Details remain under wraps but expect an installation that pushes the boundaries of immersive technology.
Expect the Unexpected
Each year, Leonardslee Lights offers something new to discover, blending light, sound, and performance in ways that delight audiences of all ages. For 2025, visitors can look forward to a host of fresh installations with special surprises kept under wraps until the first evening. This sense of anticipation is part of what makes the trail so magical: no two visits are ever quite the same.
A Festive Finale in Leonardslee Village
For the first time, the trail concludes in Leonardslee Village, a lively new hub brimming with seasonal charm. Visitors can gather around firepits to toast marshmallows, sip mulled wine, and savour freshly made doughnuts while live performers bring warmth to the winter night. With an indoor covered bar, local food stalls, and both indoor and outdoor seating, it is the perfect place to rest and reflect after your illuminated adventure.
Sustainability and Care for the Landscape
Behind the spectacle lies a careful commitment to sustainability. The installations use low-energy LED technology, and every detail is designed to protect habitats across the 240-acre estate. This ethos ensures that the event not only celebrates the beauty of the natural world but helps preserve it for generations to come.
Practical Magic: Plan Your Visit
Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens is just outside Horsham, with easy access for families and groups. A shuttle bus runs from Horsham station & Horsham Carfax, making the event even more accessible for those travelling by train. Pre-booking is essential, as dates often sell out weeks in advance.
An Unmissable Sussex Light Trail
Whether you come as a family looking for festive adventure, friends seeking a cultural evening, or couples in search of a romantic escape, Leonardslee Lights offers something uniquely memorable. As one visitor put it last year, “It feels like stepping into a dream you never want to wake from.”
Leonardslee Lights runs on selected evenings from 28 November – 30 December 2025. Book your tickets today and discover why it’s one of the most spectacular winter events in Sussex.