If ever there's been a year where we've all been in need of a heavy sprinkling of Christmas magic, it's this one.

And young or old, I guarantee you'll find it, after nightfall, in the depths of a Wealden forest.

Christmas at Bedgebury is back for its third year, and as enchanting as ever.

The mile-long illuminated trail had been due to open on Friday, November 20, but a second national lockdown forced a delay.

Amid a pandemic where so many of us have found our solace in nature, the outdoors have, yet again, come to the rescue and despite new Tier 3 restrictions, Bedgebury was able to open its open-air trail yesterday.

The forest really is a mesmerising setting.

Towering pines drenched in rainbow colours are mirrored in its placid lakes, others are festooned with twinkling lights, bedecked with snowflakes and baubles, or glitter as the backdrop to light shows.

And of course there's the singing trees, a personal favourite.

The trail has a few changes this year, the first being a gauntlet of neon strings akin to a laser show, which really is a spectacle.

As was watching lights dancing over a misty lake to the soundtrack of Anastasia's Once Upon A December.

But fans of the trail will be pleased to hear that old favourites, including the stunning Tunnel of Light, lit with 100,000 tiny bulbs, remain.

No amount of pictures you may have seen before your visit can prepare you for just how stunning it is - although I defy you not to take at least one snap to try and capture the moment.

Father Christmas can be found in the depths of the forest, where little ones can also explore a light maze or search for Santa's reindeer.

And to warm up even the chilliest of nights, toward the end is a fire garden, aglow with flickering flames and fiery pine cones.

There are a few changes to keep visitors safe amid the pandemic.

The trail observes the rule of six, with a one-way system, reduced dwell times at light shows and hand sanitising stations.

But if ever an event naturally lent itself to social distancing rules, it was this one.

Apart from fewer people, you're unlikely to notice much of a difference to normal.

You'll need plastic if you fancy a burger or something to warm the cockles during the walk, the food and drink huts are only taking card payments this year.

And a nonsensical Covid regulation means no takeaway alcohol can be served, although the ingenious caterers have come up with an excellent 0% mulled wine to get around that.

So, with warm drink in hand, senses overloaded with Christmas songs and lights, and smiles all round, it's hard not to go home bursting with festive spirit.

Forget a visit from the ghosts - I'm fairly sure a visit to Bedgebury would have been enough to get Scrooge jumping out of bed on Christmas morning, proclaiming he was as 'giddy as a drunken man' and shouting for a small boy to buy the prize turkey in the butcher's window.

That's certainly how I left feeling.

Tickets must be pre-booked. They are £19.50 for adults, £13 children or £60 for a family and the trail is open until Sunday, January 10. Book at christmasatbedgebury.co.uk

Visitors are advised to wrap up warm, wear appropriate footwear and bring a torch.

To find out what’s going on in the county and for all the latest entertainment news click here.