We may be basking in summer sunshine, but at one Hampshire attraction thoughts are already turning to Christmas.

Sir Harold Hillier Gardens are set to shine bright this winter as the outdoor light trail returns following a hugely successful inaugural season.

Created by Light Up Trails, the award-winning Hampshire-based designers who specialise in bringing wonder in light to inspirational places, Light Up Sir Harold Hillier Gardens At Christmas is a magical walk under the stars with the magnificent collections of trees and rare plants illuminated by millions of LED lights in a series of spectacular light art installations.

The highlights include the premiere of an exciting new work by The Projection Studio, specialists in creating art on an architectural scale at locations all over the world. Presented in partnership with Oxford University, the piece will be projected on to the pine tree collection and will tell the story of the Christmas Pine.

Moment of Flight is a beautiful sculpture by artist Michael Condron who is known for his dynamic, larger-than-life pieces. The four-metre high structure outlines an osprey bathed in light and references the successful conservation projects to restore a breeding population to the South Coast.

Enjoy a shimmering sea of 5000 pink and white flowers that immerse viewers in 360° light and sound; while James Smith's dramatic walk-through installation Beyond places the visitor inside a world of reflected light using infinity mirrors.

"The reaction to our first light trail was just incredible and we're absolutely thrilled to be back again in this wonderful location," says Light Up Trails director Libby Battaglia. "We've spent months planning this second edition - it's bigger and even better than last year. Nearly all the light and sound installations are new and our fabulous artists have designed some mind-blowing interactive and immersive pieces that will take your breath away."

An expanded menu of food, plus mulled wine, hot chocolate and Irish coffees, will keep the winter chills at bay.

The trail opens on Thursday November 30 and runs until Sunday December 31.

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