The nights are drawing in, so it’s only a matter of time before thousands of twinkling lights begin to illuminate the county after dark.

Some of Kent’s biggest attractions are joining the festive fun with glittering Christmas light trails this winter. Here are five dazzling dates to add to your calendar…

BEDGEBURY NATIONAL PINETUM AND FOREST, Goudhurst

The sell-out trail, Christmas at Bedgebury, returns for a special anniversary this winter. It’s 100 years since the opening of the pinetum and, as a tribute, some of the site’s centenary trees will be illuminated along the woodland path. There will also be several new installations, including 20 tree stars, 12 UV-lit feathers and six dragonfly lanterns, along with food and drink stalls and seasonal music.

Details: Friday, November 21 to New Year’s Eve at Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest in Goudhurst. Book online here.

BRANDS HATCH, near Sevenoaks

This year, the world-famous racing track at Brands Hatch will be doing something a little different over the Christmas period. For the first time, the woodland area surrounding the circuit will be illuminated with colourful lights and seasonal projections, many of which have a fun, motorsport twist. There will also be food stalls and funfair rides for the family.

Details: Friday, November 21 to New Year’s Eve at Brands Hatch in West Kingsdown, near Sevenoaks. Book online here.

HEVER CASTLE, near Edenbridge

The historic Hever Castle will be transformed into a glittering Emerald City this Christmas as it celebrates the classic family film, The Wizard of Oz. The themed trail will begin at Dorothy’s house in Kansas before sweeping visitors away to the colourful Land of Oz, where you will meet the Scarecrow, Tin Man and Cowardly Lion. The illuminations will bring the Technicolour world to life and, inside the castle, there will be lavish decorations, sparkling trees and crackling fires.

Details: Select dates from Friday, November 21 to Friday, January 2 at Hever Castle, near Edenbridge. Book online here.

LEEDS CASTLE, near Maidstone

This year’s glowing trail at Leeds Castle, organised by the same team behind the Bedgebury event, is set to be the “most immersive in its history”. The nighttime experience will include interactive elements, a seasonal soundscape and a children’s fairground. New installations, such as the Peacock Promenade walkway and the Ribbon Tunnel, will join returning favourites like the Christmas Cathedral.

Details: Friday, November 21 to New Year’s Eve at Leeds Castle, near Maidstone. Book online here.

PORT LYMPNE HOTEL AND RESERVE, Hythe

The brand new festive light trail coming to Kent’s biggest wildlife park, Port Lympne, is one of the county’s most anticipated Christmas events. It’s set to include colourful art installations, such as 3D projections, snow scenes and holographic tigers, as well as a Santa’s Grotto, an enchanted fairy disco and vintage funfair. There will also be festive treats, including custard crumble pots and mini pie and mash, and a marshmallow toasting station.

Details: Friday, November 28 to Saturday, January 3 at Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve in Hythe. Book online here.

SCOTNEY CASTLE, near Tunbridge Wells

The mansion at this National Trust property will be open after hours over Christmas for visitors to enjoy beautiful illuminations and sparkling decorations. It might not be a full-blown light trail like some of the others, but the country house will be lit up with vibrant projections that are well worth seeing in the dark, along with festive decor inside the building. There will also be Christmas gifts in the shop, seasonal treats in the tearoom and a chance to toast marshmallows.

Details: Saturday, November 22 to Sunday, January 4 at Scotney Castle in Lamberhurst, near Tunbridge Wells. No need to book, included in standard admission.