WANT to put some sparkle back into your Christmas? Well, head for Westonbirt in the next few weeks where you’ll find thousands of magical twinkling lights and a truly enchanted evening.

The massive trees at the arboretum, near Tetbury, have been lit up once again to create an illuminated trail. Along the way, you’ll find a life-size willow reindeer and a tree lit by solar power, as well as amazing lights you can turn on by singing to them.

You can also meet Father Christmas, sing along to some carols and enjoy mulled wine and roasted chestnuts to get you in the festive spirit.

Enchanted evenings at Westonbirt Arboretum take place every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening until December 20. Events run from 5pm to 8.30pm, with last entry at 7.15pm. Admission is £8 for adults, £4 for children aged five to 18, and £7 for concessions. Call 01842 814612 to buy tickets.

Other Westonbirt treats in store in the countdown to Christmas include: n Daily until December 24: Reindeer trail. Discover the reasons behind many of our festive traditions and help Santa find his missing reindeer. Free after admission.

n Saturday, December 5: Tree dressing. Discover what trees mean to people around the world, and think about what they mean to you. Create your own natural tree decoration. From 10.30am to 4pm.

n Sustainably sourced Christmas trees are also be on sale at Westonbirt’s specialist plant centre between 10am and 5pm.

Meanwhile, closer to home, Lydiard Park has its own events lined up for the Christmas run up.

Lydiard’s Country House Christmas begins on Saturday - visitors can step back in time to enjoy the state rooms decked out for a Victorian family Christmas, with traditional trimmings, beautiful floral decorations and a festive feast laid out in the dining room. The Country House Christmas runs until December 23.

On Sunday, December 13, there is live music at the house with the Swindon Choral Society. Enjoy Christmas carols from this popular group in a festive setting from 2.30pm. On the same day, you can make a star lantern from noon to 3pm using willow and tissue paper. The cost is £3 per person.

On Sunday, December 20, the Purton Pealers Hand Bell Ringers will be performing carols and seasonal music at 2.30pm, and you can also make a festive table decoration using natural materials from noon to 3pm. The craft event costs £3 per person.