It’s mid-November and I’m already thinking about putting up the tree and what Christmas film to watch…a tough decision, I know.
One of the many traditions I have started in the lead-up to the festive period is a walk around Bedgebury Pinetum and its magical after-dark display.
The annual colourful and dazzling lights spectacular will undoubtedly get me in the mood for singing Elton John’s Step Into Christmas.
I was looking forward to finding out what had changed from last year, as I had heard through the grapevine there were some sparkly new additions.
The organisers say people can expect a magical and “unforgettable time” with their friends and family.
It is massively popular and now in its seventh year, so they must be doing something right.
More than a million twinkling lights have been set up to wow spectators – what’s not to love?
Even Santa has made a special trip to Bedgebury before the big day, and you might be able to catch a glimpse of him as you toast marshmallows over a fire pit in the woodlands.
The 2.3km trail is also dog-friendly, so my friend and her cute nine-month-old goldendoodle joined me to explore.
It was opening day when we went and we felt very special to be among the first to see what must have taken months of planning and assembling.
I won’t give it all away and spoil the surprise, but the new installations have really gone to town this year.
There were carnival carousel horses, lifesize Nutcracker soldiers and sparkly red robins, as well as giant dandelion seeds suspended up high and glowing brightly.
My favourite was an ingenious design which incorporated fibre optic cables.
They looked to be woven in between the tree roots and sections of it had sprouted mushrooms, which gradually changed colour from vivid purples to deep blues and bold greens.
It looked as if nature had come to life. A picture won’t do it justice but there will be plenty of people wanting to try.
The trail includes music, and you could tell each song that had been selected played a big part.
It’s no surprise the organisers at Forestry England have partnered with Sony Music for this special event.
Coming up to the halfway mark, we were feeling peckish.
Luckily, we had reached several street food vendors who were selling mac and cheese delights, freshly baked pizza, waffles and a selection of traditional sausages.
I opted for a plate of pizza along with a hot chocolate with all the trimmings. It certainly warmed me up!
Fuelled up and ready to go again, we ventured onto the next display.
There are, of course, some visitor favourites which have returned this year.
One of the classics – the Christmas Cathedral – is always a hit for family photos or a cheeky selfie.
The 39-metre-long tunnel, adorned with hundreds of lights all aglow, feels ethereal as you walk through it.
Nearing the end of the trail, I noticed I had exactly the same reaction as a group of children who were peering up at the twinkling trees.
It was truly magical.
After two hours of oohing and aahing, plus one luxurious hot chocolate consumed, I was almost skipping back to my car.
It felt like I had just experienced my own Hallmark movie.
I admit there was no shame in finding my Christmas playlist and listening to a few festive hits on the way home – well after that, wouldn’t you?
The event in Goudhurst runs from Friday, November 15 to Wednesday, January 1.
Tickets for the trail at Bedgebury must be pre-booked.
For adults it varies from £17 to £25 depending on what time you visit, and £12 to £18 for children.
Parking is £8 and must be arranged in advance. If you’d like to book, click here.
Visitors are advised to wrap up warm, wear appropriate footwear and bring a torch.
