The UK streets with the best festive decorations
With plenty of Brits decorating their houses for Christmas, which UK streets have the most festive spirit?
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36% of Brits believe their neighbours should put more effort into adorning their homes during the merry season.
In fact, most people in the UK (73%) feel that seeing festive decorations in the build-up to Christmas positively impacts their mood, with the brightness of the lights often bringing back cherished childhood memories.
But if your street lacks the festive cheer you’re craving, where can you find your glowing dose of Christmas spirit?
Sam Sheehan, our motoring editor, said: “If you have a soft spot for all things Christmas, taking a trip to festively lit streets in your area should be at the top of your to-do list.
“Whether you’re cruising along the South Coast or across Scotland in your used BMW or used VW, you’re bound to discover a few homes that are going all-out with their decorations.
“To help you map out your itinerary, we’ve listed a few residential streets with the shiniest displays in the country – perfect for a drive-through with your family.”
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Runton Road, Poole (Dorset)
One of the most festive streets in the UK is Runton Road, located in the coastal town of Poole in Dorset, a 20-minute drive from Bournemouth.
The residents of this street have been illuminating their cul-de-sac for more than 30 years, delighting motorists and pedestrians with festive lights each Christmas season.
Runton Road’s light switch-on event was even featured on the BBC’s The One Show back in 2012 and has since become a well-loved Christmas attraction.
Visitors from all over the country are invited to enjoy the colourful lights on display and donate a few pennies to charity to embrace the Christmas spirit. This year, the lights are on from 9 December.
If you’re planning to visit Runton Road, park away from the street to avoid blocking locals’ driveways.
Colonels Lane, Boughton-under-Blean (Kent)
Immersed in the green Kentish lands, Boughton-under-Blean is a tiny village not far from Canterbury. Here, on Colonels Lane, lives a resident who certainly knows how to kick off the festive season right.
With more than 80,000 lights, 3,000 ornaments, a huge gingerbread house and even a snow machine, local Ross Clark has been taking Christmas decorations to the next level since 2018. The lighting is so bright that even drivers on the A2 can see it.
To add to the festive magic, as well as gleaming LED illuminations and inflatable Santas, the setup includes speakers playing Christmassy tunes, which helps bring the whole street to life in the run-up to 25 December.
To make things even more special, this miniature Winter Wonderland has a poignant meaning behind it.
The festive installation commemorates the family’s newborn baby, who sadly passed away in 2002, and acts as the perfect occasion to raise money for important charitable causes.
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Longdykes Road, Prestonpans (Scotland)
There are plenty of scenic routes north of the border, especially during the white winter months.
But if you’re looking for something more dazzling and colourful, you should consider heading to the Scottish mining town of Prestonpans.
On Longdykes Road, you will find a house coated in 10,000 lights that shine bright every night from 5pm to 9pm.
Featuring a grotto filled with Grinches, Disney characters and movie projections, the decorations are hands-down a family favourite.
Social media users have been praising the efforts of the organisers, with comments saying it’s “absolutely amazing”.
The good news is that Prestonpans is only eight miles east of Edinburgh, a mere 20-minute drive away.
The Longdykes Road decorations could make the ideal conclusion to a day of hot chocolate and mulled wine in the capital’s iconic Christmas market.
Stone Brig Lane, Rothwell (Yorkshire)
While it might feel like a mild Lapland street at first, Stone Brig Lane is actually located in Rothwell, a small town on the outskirts of Leeds.
It all started as a joke among neighbours, where a few households would compete against each other to see who could put up the most eye-catching Christmas decorations.
Soon enough, the preparations became an annual tradition and now attracting thousands of Brits every year.
Stone Brig Lane features dozens of houses covered in sparkling lights, making it an unmissable destination for all Christmas-lovers in Yorkshire.
It’s so popular that some people have moved there just to be a part of the seasonal celebrations!
The street comes with wintery grottos, gingerbread cottages, candy canes, and all things Christmas. If you’re on the hunt for some festive cheer, be sure to add Stone Brig Lane to your car’s sat-nav.
Andover Road, Bristol
Running through December and attracting about 100 visitors daily, Christmas decorations on Andover Road in Bristol are a must-see for festive souls.
Locals Ann and Ian Cooper have been transforming their house into a Christmas haven for five years, with more than 28,000 colourful bulbs timed to festive music tickling the imagination of residents and visitors alike.
The couple start planning their installation, aptly named Cooper’s Light Show, one year in advance – on Boxing Day, to be precise.
Ian arranges the positioning and wiring for the setup while Ann focuses on matching the lights to the right tunes.
The result is a four-hour-long show that puts a smile on people’s faces while supporting the Great Western Air Ambulance charity.
In the evenings, numerous families flock to the house to watch the display, with kids dancing to Christmas music on the Coopers’ driveway.
So, if you want a festive experience to remember, Andover Road is no doubt a good place to stop.
Are there any Christmassy neighbours where you live? If not, just hit the road to find the festive cheer you’re longing for.
From Poole in Dorset to Prestonpans in Scotland, plenty of locations across the country will get you in the Christmas mood ahead of 25 December.
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