27th November 2026 - 2nd January 2027
Book early, choose your date wisely and save
Two adults and two children can visit Port Lympne Illuminated for under £60 on a super off-peak date, compared with £105 for a family ticket on a peak date. That's a saving of almost £50, simply by choosing when you go.
Port Lympne Illuminated returns from 27th November 2026 to 2nd January 2027, and tickets are strictly limited. This early booker guide shows you every super off-peak and off-peak date, so you can lock in the best value before the most popular slots go.
Whether you're planning a school-night treat, a pre-Christmas visit to Santa or a festive outing between Christmas and New Year, there's a value date to suit your family.
Book your Port Lympne Illuminated ticketsWhat is Port Lympne Illuminated?
Port Lympne Illuminated is Kent's festive light trail, set in the after-dark world of Port Lympne Reserve near Folkestone. The 2026 trail builds on its animal theme with brand-new installations featuring new species, a brand-new zone, a reimagined Elf Disco and an all-new grand finale.
A few things that make it a great-value family day out:
Daytime Reserve Access
Your ticket gives access to areas of the Reserve's walking routes from 2pm on the day of your visit, so you can see the animals before your trail time.
Free parking
Included with all tickets and packages.
Under-3s go free
One free carer is admitted with each disabled guest (proof of eligibility required).
Easy to reach
Five minutes from Junction 11 of the M20 (postcode CT21 4LR).
How Port Lympne Illuminated ticket prices work
Ticket prices depend on the date you visit: super off-peak is the cheapest, then off-peak, then peak. Booking online in advance is always cheaper than paying on the gate.
| Ticket | Super off-peak | Off-peak | Peak | On the gate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Family (2 adults + 2 children) | £58 | £72 | £105 | Not available |
| Adult | £19 | £22 | £30 | £35 |
| Child (aged 3+) | £10 | £14 | £24 | £29 |
| Student and senior | £16 | £20 | £27 | £33 |
Children aged 0 to 2 go free.
What could your family save?
Booking a family ticket on a super off-peak date instead of a peak date saves £47!
The best value dates: super off-peak 2026
There are 11 super off-peak dates, all falling Monday to Thursday in the run-up to Christmas. These are the lowest prices of the season, with a family ticket at £58.
| Week | Super off-peak dates |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Monday 30th November, Tuesday 1st December, Wednesday 2nd December |
| Week 2 | Monday 7th, Tuesday 8th, Wednesday 9th and Thursday 10th December |
| Week 3 | Monday 14th, Tuesday 15th, Wednesday 16th and Thursday 17th December |
Why choose a super off-peak date?
- The lowest prices of the season, across every ticket type.
- A magical midweek treat, perfect for breaking up the school week in the run-up to Christmas.
- Every date falls within Santa's Grotto season, so you can combine both in one trip (more on this below).
- Come early and see the animals, as Reserve walking routes open from 2pm.
Tickets are strictly limited, so book early to secure your preferred date and trail time.
Great value dates: off-peak 2026
There are 12 off-peak dates, with a family ticket at £72. They include Friday evenings before Christmas and every date between Boxing Day and the final night, making them ideal for families who want a weekend or school-holiday visit without paying peak prices.
| Period | Off-peak dates |
|---|---|
| Opening night | Friday 27th November |
| Early December | Thursday 3rd December (SEN Night), Friday 4th December, Friday 11th December |
| After Christmas | Saturday 26th December to Saturday 2nd January |
Top tip for weekend visitors:
Every Saturday and Sunday before Christmas is a peak date. If you want a weekend visit at a lower price, look at Boxing Day weekend (26th and 27th December) or the final Saturday, 2nd January.
Top tip for the school holidays:
All eight dates from 26th December to 2nd January are off-peak. It's the perfect way to fill those quiet days between Christmas and New Year, and to round off the year with a festive family outing.
Add a magical visit to Santa's Grotto
Make your visit extra special with a private visit to Santa's Grotto at Port Lympne Illuminated, open from 27th November to 23rd December. Before you head out on the trail, your little ones can meet Father Christmas himself.
Thanks to his magical list (and a little help from you), Santa will greet each child by name. Every child also receives a cuddly keepsake to take home, and there's plenty of time to share festive wishes with Santa and his elves and to take your own photos.
| Santa's Grotto details | |
|---|---|
| Dates | 27th November to 23rd December 2026 |
| Times | From 2pm, final slot 7:50pm |
| Children | £22 per child, up to three per booking, no minimum age |
| Adults | Free, up to two per booking |
| Requirements | A valid Port Lympne Illuminated ticket, annual pass or Nightlights overnight stay |
The best value way to see Santa:
Every super off-peak date falls within Santa's Grotto season. A family of four visiting on a super off-peak date pays £58 for trail tickets plus £44 for two children to visit Santa, which is £102 in total (plus booking fees). That's less than a peak-date family ticket for the trail alone.
How to book:
Choose your date, tickets and trail time on the booking page, and you'll be prompted to add Santa's Grotto to your basket. If it doesn't appear, try another date.
Already have your tickets or an Annual Pass? Email info@portlympne.com to add a grotto visit.
Grotto slots are subject to availability and must be booked in advance, so it's worth booking at the same time as your trail tickets. Please arrive at least 15 minutes before your slot to reach the Port Lympne Mansion and enjoy the elves' waiting room.
Early booker tips for the best value visit
Book online, in advance
Every online price is cheaper than the on-the-gate price, and a family ticket isn't available on the gate at all.
Choose off-peak or super off-peak dates
Go midweek before Christmas for super off-peak prices, or after Christmas for off-peak weekend and holiday dates.
Make a day of it
Arrive from 2pm to explore the Reserve's walking routes before your trail time.
Reserve your spot on the nice list
Book Santa at the same time as your trail tickets, as grotto slots are limited.
Wrap up warm
The trail is outdoors and goes ahead in most weather, so bring waterproofs and sturdy footwear.
Book your best value date today
The best prices of the season are on the 11 super off-peak dates in early to mid December, with great-value off-peak dates on Fridays and right through the Christmas holidays. Tickets are strictly limited, so choose your date, add a visit to Santa and secure your family's festive adventure now.
