AS the stunning lights trail at Blenheim Palace is revealed, the countdown to Christmas truly begins.

The popular winter walkway - now in its third year - has been described by designers as ‘bigger than ever’ and opens today.

Thousands of people are expected to visit the wintry wonderland and Oxford Bus Company will run extra buses at weekends to take people to the Woodstock stately home.

Additional buses will operate in the evening, depending on passenger demand.

This year’s Christmas at Blenheim celebrations include a Christmas market and a new Cinderella’s Fairy Tale Palace Experience as well, as the dazzling light display in the formal Capability Brown-designed gardens.

Trail designer Zoe Bottrell said: “The Blenheim Palace winter trail will be brighter than ever before with lasers, projections, and thousands of pea-lights.

"From the delicate and twinkling to the grand and spectacular, the Formal Gardens will light up once again for a festive journey of exploration and wonder.

“You can wander beneath unique tree canopies drenched in seasonal colour, shards of light, frosty snowflakes, stars and glistening baubles, and catch a glimpse of Santa and his elves along the way.

“Highlights include a new Field of Light, scented Fire Garden, Canopy of Light, and the mesmerising voices of the Singing Trees.”

The palace is being transformed inside and out, showcasing the biggest Christmas celebrations ever to take place at the Oxfordshire World Heritage site.

The Great Court will be turned into a market village featuring 80 chalets selling food and gifts and the new indoor Cinderella experience will take over the Palace State Rooms during the day.

The lights trail opens at 4.40pm. Entry costs up to £18 per person and the show runs until January 1.

Times for the trail vary on different dates.

For more information visit blenheimpalace.com