Lap Of Lights At Silverstone: Festive Magic, Family Fun, And A Night Trackside That Felt Like Home
by Damian Hall · BuzzFeedI've been to Silverstone many times, but never quite like this.
The Lap of Lights preview event offered a completely different way to experience the home of British motorsport, transforming the circuit into a festive setting that felt welcoming, thoughtful, and genuinely fun for families. Here's how it all went down!
Choosing how the night begins
For the preview event, we were given the choice of where to begin. We could visit LEGO® Santa’s Garage, head to the Ice Trak ice rink, or go straight out for the Lap of Lights.
Santa’s Garage and the ice rink were set up in the garages normally occupied by Formula One teams during the British Grand Prix weekend. Inside, Christmas films played in a cosy movie corner, Formula One cars were on display, and a small podium had been set up for photo opportunities. Outside, along the pit lane, food stalls lined the space, creating a relaxed and lively atmosphere for families to enjoy before heading off for their lap or retreating back afterwards.
Through the Hilton and over the Hamilton Straight
To get there, we passed through the Hilton lobby first, where a LEGO® Aston Martin Formula One car sat prominently on display. Fans of the sport will remember the drivers’ parade at the Miami Grand Prix earlier this year, when the grid completed a lap in full-scale LEGO® versions of their cars. It was a clever detail that added to the sense that Formula One's history and culture live at Silverstone.
From there, helpful elves guided guests along the route, pointing everyone in the right direction as we made our way through the hotel and up to the fourth floor. Their presence added to the festive feel and made what could have been a simple walk feel like part of the experience.
Stepping out onto the bridge that crosses over the Hamilton Straight was a moment in itself. Looking down, the circuit was already alive. Cars glided past beneath us on their Lap of Lights, flames burst into the air alongside the track, and, for a moment, it felt like watching a Grand Prix finish. It was impossible not to stop and take it all in.
Ice skating first, with a lesson learned
We chose to start the evening on the ice. In hindsight, it might have made more sense to head out for the Lap of Lights first. Both the lap and the ice skating run on timed slots, while the Festive Food Zone is the one place you can truly settle into and spend time at your own pace. After skating, it would have felt more natural (and made more logistical sense) to relax in the Festive Food Zone rather than having to leave and drive over to the starting point for the lap. That said, it works well once you leave enough time between bookings.
Aside from that, the ice rink was great fun. Skating has never been my strongest skill, but that didn't stop us from getting involved. Staff were friendly, encouraging, and always close by to help. After a few laps, I was offered a banana-shaped skating aid to help me make it safely around the rink. The penguin skating aids were reserved for the kids, but the banana did the job just fine.
Heading out for the Lap of Lights
With our time on the ice coming to an end, we made our way over for the Lap of Lights. Even before setting off, there was a sense of anticipation building.
Cars are guided around the circuit by a pace car, keeping everything flowing smoothly. Tuning into the event’s radio station adds another layer to the experience, drawing you into the atmosphere as the circuit comes alive around you.
As we made our way around the track, different displays appeared along the route. Lights, projections and installations transformed familiar corners into something magical. Screens positioned around the circuit showed families live as they passed, and by scanning a QR code, guests could even appear on screen themselves.
My favourite moment came on the Hamilton Straight. As you approach the finish line, the light show builds before flames burst into the air alongside the track, much like the celebrations that follow a Grand Prix finish. It is a striking, high-impact display and an unforgettable way to end the lap.
As we exited the circuit, elves were there to wave us off and wish everyone a Merry Christmas, neatly rounding off the experience.
I didn't personally get the chance to meet Santa on this occasion, as I hadn't booked in advance and his schedule was already full. I did manage to peek inside Santa’s Garage, though, and even from a quick look, it was clear how much thought had gone into the setup, including Formula One cars on display that tied the festive experience back to the circuit’s racing heritage.
Ending the night trackside at Escapade
After an evening filled with lights, noise, and excitement, staying trackside at Escapade Silverstone just made sense. It avoided a long drive home and felt like the perfect way to let the night come to a gentle close.
Check-in was smooth and quick, and the residence immediately felt more like a home than a hotel. Smart lighting presets, controlled from a central hub by the door, made the space easy to settle into, with a single Welcome button turning everything on, and a Goodbye button switching it all off.
Later that evening, I was collected by buggy and taken to the Gallery Restaurant and Bar. Dinner overlooked Maggotts, Becketts and Chapel, with professional, friendly service throughout. Motorsport-inspired artwork lined the walls (which are all available to purchase, with the scan of a QR code).
Morning arrived quietly. Breakfast at the Gallery once again looked out over the circuit, and it genuinely felt bittersweet to leave.
A festive experience done right
By the end of the night, everything about the experience just felt right. From the atmosphere and the way families were welcomed, to the balance between spectacle and simplicity, Lap of Lights delivered something genuinely memorable. It went beyond just seeing the circuit lit up and became about the moments shared, whether that was laughing on the ice, waving at the screens during the lap or talking it all through afterwards in the pit lane.
Starting from £50 per car, the experience is extremely reasonably priced. That's you and your entire family driving the full lap together, creating memories you'll genuinely talk about long after the lights come down. For the feeling it gives you and the moments it creates, it is absolutely worth it.
If I were to offer one piece of advice, it would be to consider staying overnight as well. Ending the evening trackside allows the excitement to fade naturally, and turns a great night into a complete experience – one that lingers well beyond the drive home.
A Silverstone experience that stays with you
Among those attending the preview event with me was presenter Stacey Solomon, who visited with her family. She said, "We’ve had a really special evening. It’s such a cool experience being at Silverstone at Christmas time. The light trail on the circuit was magical, and there’s loads for the kids to do.”
As I prepared to leave the following morning, an unexpected issue arose when my planned ride was unable to collect me directly from Escapade because dogs aren't permitted on the circuit. Without hesitation, Silverstone security stepped in and offered to take me to meet my ride. A special thank you goes to security team member Alan, who was extremely polite, professional, and helpful throughout.
Silverstone’s facilities are world-class and, just as importantly, the people match that standard. From festive lights to waking up overlooking Maggotts and Becketts, Silverstone continues to find new ways to make even its most familiar spaces feel special.
Book Lap of Lights here. Book Escapade Silverstone here.
Looking ahead to 2026: turning race day into a full experience
For those already thinking further ahead, Silverstone has also released hospitality packages for the 2026 Formula 1 Pirelli British Grand Prix, offering a range of ways to experience the weekend beyond the grandstands.
Following a record-breaking 2025 event that welcomed more than half a million fans, 2026 is expected to be even bigger. Packages start from £410 per person and are designed to make race day into a complete experience, combining trackside views, dining, entertainment and insider access.
Options range from relaxed, family-friendly settings like The Racing Green, which blends high-speed action with a festival-style atmosphere, to premium hospitality such as Fusion Lounge, where guests enjoy gourmet dining, live music, and insights from figures including Karun Chandhok and David Croft.
For fans seeking something even more exclusive, Starting Grid offers elevated views of the start and finish line alongside the Hamilton Straight, while Heritage Club, Ignition Club and Legends Club cater to those drawn to Silverstone’s history, prestige and prime overtaking zones.