I was sent some press tickets for Silverstone’s Lap of Lights, and a friend went along for me as we were deep in helping my MIL move house. And if you know anything about me you will know how gutted I was not to be able to drive around the iconic Silverstone circuit. Especially after my trip round the Isle of Man circuit in September!
I hadn’t quite known what to expect. I’ve visited a few Christmas light displays before, but they’re usually either crowded city parks or curated gardens. The idea of seeing festive lights at a motor racing circuit felt, honestly, a little unusual. But it turned out to be a really delightful surprise.
The first thing that struck me, even from the reports my friend sent back, was how accessible it all was. Unlike walking trails or garden paths, this is a drive‑through experience. You stay in your car, you follow the track, and you can take it at your own pace. It’s completely flat, and navigation is straightforward, so there’s none of the usual stress of worrying about uneven ground or crowded walkways. For anyone with mobility needs, or even just a small child who might tire easily, it’s perfect. The thoughtfulness of the layout extended to the facilities as well. There were plenty of disabled loos, easily accessible from the car, which may seem like a small detail but matters a lot when you’re out for a couple of hours in the cold.
The lights themselves are designed around Silverstone’s famous circuit. You drive past sweeping arcs of glowing colour, tunnels of twinkling bulbs, and installations that snake alongside the track’s curves. It’s immersive in a way that most walk-through displays can’t manage — because the scale of the circuit gives each display room to breathe. You can roll along slowly and really take it in. One of the cleverest touches was how they incorporated the track’s identity into the experience. You don’t just see lights on fences and trees; you see them echoing the circuit’s curves and straightaways, so it feels like the lights are racing along with you.
Part of the event is the ice rink, which was a real highlight. It’s set in a covered area, well-managed, and fun to watch whether or not you skate yourself. If you do want to step out of the car and glide for a bit, it’s smooth and safe, with staff on hand to help anyone wobbling on skates. The rink adds an extra layer of winter magic — the crisp sound of blades on ice, the reflections of the lights on the surface, the smell of hot chocolate wafting from nearby stalls — it all makes the whole evening feel festive in a very tangible way.
Speaking of food, there is a lot of choice. Mulled wine, hot chocolate, festive snacks, burgers, churros — whatever you like, there’s probably a stall serving it. The queues were long, and prices were on the higher side, which is to be expected for a seasonal event, but the selection means you can find something for everyone. It’s worth noting that having a car makes it easy to time your stops without feeling rushed — you can enjoy a hot drink and then continue at your own pace, which is a huge advantage compared to crowded pedestrian displays.
Ticket prices are straightforward. The drive-through tickets start from around £50–£80 per car, depending on the date and time you book. Ice skating is extra, usually around £8–£11 per person, and there are other festive experiences like Santa’s Garage which cost around £18 per person. Booking ahead is strongly recommended, as the slots can fill up, particularly on weekends in December.
What made the experience feel especially thoughtful was how smoothly everything was organised. The car queueing system was clear and efficient, marshals were friendly and helpful, and even at busy times it didn’t feel chaotic. The pacing of the trail allows you to pause, take in the lights, and even roll back a little if you want to revisit a section — something you rarely get at walk-through displays. It’s a gentle, relaxed way to enjoy a festive evening without the usual pressure of crowds or standing around in cold weather.
There’s also something quietly charming about seeing a Christmas display from the comfort of your car. You’re wrapped in your own little bubble of warmth, listening to seasonal music if you want, and yet you’re still part of a larger shared experience. Cars slowly snaking around the track, their headlights reflecting off the twinkling installations, give a sense of collective enjoyment without ever feeling cramped or intrusive.
Accessibility goes beyond the physical ease of driving. The event clearly considers a wide range of needs. The presence of multiple disabled parking areas, well-signposted accessible loos, and the ease of following the route from your own vehicle makes it genuinely inclusive. And it’s thoughtful touches like this — small but meaningful — that can turn an enjoyable night into a stress-free, memorable one.
Even if you don’t usually seek out Christmas light events, Lap of Lights at Silverstone feels different enough to be worth it. It blends the spectacle of festive lights with the identity of a world-famous racing circuit, creating a sense of space and scale that most other events can’t match. There’s something playful about driving along a track usually reserved for Formula 1 cars, surrounded by glowing arches and twinkling tunnels. It feels like a treat for both kids and adults — though if you have children, I’d recommend bringing some extra blankets and hot drinks to keep them cosy in the car.
Reflecting on the evening, it struck me that the success of the event isn’t just in the lights themselves, or even the ice rink or food options. It’s in the thoughtfulness of the planning, the attention to accessibility, and the way it allows you to enjoy Christmas magic without stress. You leave feeling like you’ve experienced something festive, yet different; traditional, yet modern; exciting, yet gentle.
In short, Silverstone’s Lap of Lights is a surprisingly calm and accessible festive treat that feels well worth the trip. It’s easy to imagine returning, whether with family, friends, or just to enjoy a quiet, beautiful evening of lights and ice. If you’re looking for a Christmas outing that’s a little unusual, well thought out, and genuinely enjoyable for everyone, this ticks all the boxes.