The winter drawing in means it gets darker a lot quicker, but it also makes it the perfect environment to take in some brilliant illuminations around Hampshire.

Colourful lights contrasting against the night sky often make for a beautiful view alongside creative displays inside as well.

From the likes of Marwell Zoo to Wellington Country Park, there are plenty of places to go in the county for these displays.

Here are some of the best Christmas/winter light installations you can see in Hampshire during the last couple of months of 2023.

Christmas and winter light installations around Hampshire

Glow Winter Light Trail at Marwell Zoo

Marwell Zoo's illumination experience will use more than 500,000 lights in a rainbow of colours.

Describing the spectacle Marwell Zoo says: "Venture through a 36 metre multicoloured light tunnel, gaze in wonder at a towering Enchanted Tree with fluttering butterflies, wander through colourful clouds projected overhead and meet some new creatures brought to life in a magical Glow Forest."

Tickets for this attraction can be bought at the website here, but there is limited availability.

Light Up at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens

Open on selected dates between November 30 and December 31 the Light Up festive installations at the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens in Romsey should be a treat to take in.

Features include a "breathtakingly beautiful" light show in Himalayan Valley, projected animals on the trees and a shimmering Tree of Joy.

You can book a ticket for the experience at the website here.

Christmas Illuminated Garden Adventure at West Green House

West Green House in Hook will be hosting its Christmas Illuminated Garden Adventure from the end of November.

There will be a mile-long trail around the lake lit by thousands of lights which tells the story of Alice in Wonderland through illuminated installations.

Additionally, the Five Bridges will become tunnels of light with creatures beneath whilst the Paradise Garden will transform into the flamingo’s crocket lawn.

Tickets can be bought for the attractions at the website here.

Enlightened Winter Light Trail at Staunton Farm

Taking place during December at Staunton Farm in Havant the Enlightened Winter Light Trail will include plenty of interactive and immersive elements.

It will run from December 8 to 24 with slots running every 15 minutes from 4.30pm to 7.30pm.

Tickets can be bought at the website here.

Steam Illuminations at the Watercress Line, Alresford

The Watercress Line going from Alresford will be displaying a light show on a steam train, and tickets can be bought at the website here.

It will consist of thousands of coloured LED lights and LED wristbands "creating a kaleidoscope of different colours and flashing patterns".

On the website, it adds: "Join the festive action on board with our Christmas Chart Crackers DJ mix up until Christmas Day then after Christmas continue the on board family fun and celebrate the new year with our Pop Anthems Journey."

Trains depart from either Alresford or Alton and complete a round trip, back to the starting station, with the journey lasting around an hour and 45 minutes.