Skip advert
Advertisement

‘Lap of Lights’ festive illuminations open at the Silverstone circuit

Silverstone gets into the Christmas spirit with Lap of Lights festival

Silverstone’s Lap of Lights festive track tour has been officially opened by Anthony Davidson at the wheel of the World Championship-winning Mercedes-AMG Petronas W10 Formula 1 car.   

The Lap of Lights is an unique attraction at the famous motor circuit, which families can enjoy from the comfort of their own cars from 26 November until 3 January. Billed as the UK’s only light and laser drive, Silverstone says this year visitors will be able to travel from Silverstone to San Francisco, Paris to the Pyramids and get ready to follow Santa on his epic, globe-hopping adventure.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The Mercedes-AMG Petronas team embraced the Christmas spirit at the official opening on 25 November, decorating their car in festive lights. Spectators at the preview event included invited NHS and Emergency Service employees and their families as well as staff from Silverstone. 

On completion of the opening laps, the 2019 Formula 1 World Championship-winning Mercedes driven by Davidson came to a halt on Hamilton Straight for a visit from Santa.

Silverstone Managing Director, Stuart Pringle, commented “Anthony and Mercedes-AMG Petronas have put on a great show and I could not think of a more fitting way to open Lap of Lights. I have had to reassure Father Christmas that the rest of our nights will be run at a more subdued pace as I think he got a bit of a shock this evening when he saw the W10 approach his grotto at speed! After 11 months of planning it is great to see so many families here having fun and I look forward to welcoming many more over the festive period.”

Now open to the public, the Lap of Lights event is billed as ‘fun for all the family’. As well as the chance to drive around the circuit to view the light and laser show, visitors can also have a go at ice skating in the Formula 1 pit lane and garages, while the Lodge features festive activities such as axe throwing, curling and music. There’s also a children’s cinema and a ‘Santa’s letter’ corner. For more info visit the Silverstone website.

Check out the best gifts for petrolheads under £50 here...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Current affairs and features editor

Chris covers all aspects of motoring life for Auto Express. Over a long career he has contributed news and car reviews to brands such as Autocar, WhatCar?, PistonHeads, Goodwood and The Motor Trader.

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Car Deal of the Day: Bag a desirable plug-in hybrid BMW X3 M Sport for less than £380 a month
BMW X3 - full width, front

Car Deal of the Day: Bag a desirable plug-in hybrid BMW X3 M Sport for less than £380 a month

The new BMW X3 is fresh out of the blocks, but you can already lease a well-specced one for an eye-opening £378 a month. It’s our Car Deal of the Day …
News
17 Aug 2025
New Suzuki Swift Allgrip 2025 review: why bother with an SUV?
New Suzuki Swift Allgrip - front tracking

New Suzuki Swift Allgrip 2025 review: why bother with an SUV?

The Swift Allgrip’s all-wheel-drive system makes this a niche option in the supermini class, but one that some customers will definitely appreciate
Road tests
19 Aug 2025
Three car garage: Skoda Superb Estate, BMW i3 and a Ford Mustang GT Convertible for £75k
3-car garage for 75k

Three car garage: Skoda Superb Estate, BMW i3 and a Ford Mustang GT Convertible for £75k

The 75-plate is coming but what if you spent £75k on used cars instead? This three-car garage covers all the bases
Features
18 Aug 2025