Christmas extravaganzas don't come much bigger than Winter Glow and it returns to illuminate the Three Counties Showground in Malvern once again in 2026, bringing an array of festive activities and magical experiences for joyful yuletide visitors all season long.
Winter Glow opens from Friday 20 November until Thursday 31 December 2026 – with so many opportunities for families to get stuck into a diverse range of festive fun.
Winter Glow 2026 Christmas light trail
Winter Glow's light trail is what Instagram dreams are made of – and this year promises a display that's bigger, brighter and more sparkly than ever.
With over 30 light installations spread across a 2km trail, the illuminations provide a dazzling adventure that's sure to put you in the festive mood.
Brand new, immersive features are planned for the 2026 trail, which will depict the story of Atlas Frost, the Guardian of Curios, who is carrying home news of wondrous trinkets and toy inventions from faraway lands to Father Christmas.
Back by popular demand, children under the age of 10 go free on the light trail when accompanied by a paying adult – but for a limited time only.
Meet Father Christmas in a personalised grotto experience at Winter Glow 2026
Returning to spread joy to children and families across Gloucestershire and beyond, the Father Christmas Experience at Winter Glow offers an immersive adventure into a winter wonderland that won't be easily forgotten.
Father Christmas and his elves are welcoming merrymakers to enjoy exploring the Winter Village through activities such as The Winter Games and the Elf Circus Academy, featuring a visit to Mrs Claus's cosy bakery to decorate gingerbread biscuits and warm up with a hot chocolate, discover and play at the Toy Workshop and more, all before a meet and greet with the main man himself, receiving a personalised experience and gift for each child.
New for 2026, the Father Christmas Plus option also includes anytime access to the light trail on the day, along with a festive family Christmas Eve Box.
Ice skating at Winter Glow 2026 on the largest covered ice rink in the West Midlands
Test out those skills at the region's largest covered ice skating rink!
Whether you're a hanging on for dear life type of skater or launching yourself across the rink and hoping for the best is more your style, everyone is welcome to step onto the ice, underneath the twinkling lights and giant snowflakes, soundtracked by festive musical favourites.
UV Glow Crazy Golf in The Three Counties
Both mini golf lovers and ravers are in luck this yuletide season as Winter Glow's glow-in-the-dark crazy golf returns.
With 18 holes of neon fun to be tackled, challenge friends and family members to a game on the course and look out for plenty of cheeky elf-themed surprises along the way.
Is there a Christmas market at Winter Glow 2026?
Those ticking off nice lists or grabbing last minute gifts can find plenty of fabulous festive wares to browse and purchase at Winter Glow's Christmas market – available from Friday 20 November to Sunday 20 December on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, and from Monday 21 to Thursday 24 December 2026.
There's also a Food Quarter where independent traders will be serving a variety of tasty treats, too.
Is Winter Glow 2026 dog-friendly?
Family members don't just come in human form, playful pooches can also get in on the action on selected dates at Winter Glow 2026.
Dogs are welcome to attend the Father Christmas Experience on Tuesday 20 and Wednesday 21 November, and Monday 14 to Thursday 17 December 2026. They're also welcome on the light trail on Tuesday 20 and Wednesday 21 November, from Monday 14 to Wednesday 17 December, and from Thursday 27 to Monday 31 December 2026.
Is Winter Glow 2026 accessible?
Sensory friendly sessions with reduced capacity and lower music volume take place for the Father Christmas Experience and light trail on the Friday 27 November, and Friday 4, 11 and 18 December 2026. Sessionsare available for ice skating on Friday 4, 11, and 18, and Sunday 27 December 2026.
Winter Glow is fully wheelchair accessible, with ramps throughout the site.
Where to park at Winter Glow 2026?
Parking is free at Winter Glow, with spaces located on-site at the Three Counties Showground.
How to get tickets to Winter Glow 2026?
Winter Glow opens from Friday 20 November until Thursday 31 December 2026 at the Three Counties Showground in Malvern.
Tickets are on sale now at winterglow.co.uk.
