It's utterly priceless — a review of Sony Music and the National Trust's latest Illuminated Trail at Belton House
If, like me, you're part of a hectic family household, it can sometimes take until Christmas Eve reaches its last knockings before you find the elusive festive spirit.
While it seems everyone else is basking in a sea of Christmas content, you breathlessly rush between the demands of the office in-tray, parenthood and the endless yuletide to-do list.
It's easy to feel like an outsider looking in.
Which is what makes Belton House's annual Illuminated Trail so utterly priceless.
Even the most granite-hearted won't fail to be swept up in the pure Christmas of it all among the grounds of this lovely old National Trust property decked out in its seasonal finery.
The gardens and grounds are a magnificent sight throughout the year, but now they take on a whole new face.
Usually made redundant by the frustrating long hours of winter darkness, they become outdoor rooms, decorated by more than a million lights and colourful trees, all choreographed by an eclectic seasonal soundtrack.
You are gently bounced between pop, classical and choral, from an avenue of hearts accompanied by Christmas Wham to the more subtle shades of O Holy Night.
You may try to resist, but it's likely you'll be involuntarily humming Maria, McCartney or Tchaikovsky all the way home, or even Shakin' Stevens in the shower the next day (you may laugh now).
If you've been before, the old favourites are there, including the torchlit formal gardens, and the gorgeous Carol of the Bells, but this year the trail has been given a refresh.
The Tunnel of Lights - usually the finale which inspires a thousand selfies - comes at the very beginning, while an extended walk takes you out to the boating lake - a real highlight with a wonderfully atmospheric laser show.
A grove featuring illuminated hanging poppies and the strains of Ave Maria is beautifully reflective and moving, and an avenue of singing trees just wonderful.
There is so much for your over-stimulated mind to take in so you may find it useful to take a post-trail moment to reflect in the courtyard over a winter-warming treat, while the children take a turn on the carousel or the helter skelter.
The phrase winter wonderland has had a bad press in recent years, its legacy tainted by hundreds of tacky, underwhelming rip-offs.
This experience, however, deserves the title in its purest form - and more.
If you live to soak up every single moment of seasonal joy, you'll love it.
If, like me, you need a little encouragement to step away from the schedule and let Christmas in - make sure you find the time to go.
* This year's trail, created by Culture Creative and brought to you by Sony Music and the National Trust, opened to visitors on Thursday.
It runs all the way through the festive period to Sunday, January 2, open from 4.30pm to 10pm, with last entry at 8pm.
Pre-booked timed entry costs £20 for adults, £14 for children (free for children aged two and under), or £66 for a family ticket (two adults and two children).
Parking is £8 per car, and free for National Trust members when booked in advance.
Visit http://christmasatbelton.com for full details and bookings.
