A SPECTACULAR display of lights has transformed the formal gardens at Blenheim Palace into a winter wonderland.

For the second year running, the grounds of the Woodstock stately home, a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site, have been decorated with illuminations impressive enough to dazzle the most Scrooge-like of visitors.

Families across Oxfordshire are encouraged to come and see the awe-inspiring Christmas at Blenheim display, which continue until the end of December.

Zoe Bottrell, director of Culture Creative, the design team behind the festive light display, said: “I’m excited to return to Blenheim Palace and begin to transform the landscape.

"Having experienced the creative challenge of lighting the Parkland for the first time in 2016 I am excited to push the boundaries further with bigger and bolder installations, music and illuminations.”

The magical illuminated trail winds through the landscape, highlighting Blenheim Palace’s rich history, all with the magic and wonder of the festive season.

New and returning visitors can expect to see the trail take a different path to the previous year, allowing them to discover and interact with the festive scenes and seasonal experiences in a new way.

The trail does, however, once again wind along the Great Lake, which has 300 illuminated boats crossing from side to side.

The iconic lake will also feature a giant Ducal crown, based on the Duke of Marlborough’s own formal crown. The lit crown will tower above the audience with a 20m fountain erupting from its centre.

The Oxford Bus Company has again teamed up with the palace to provide transport to the display.

A park & ride service will link a car park at Oxford Airport with the palace for the rest of the year.

The Oxford Bus Company will run between three and six buses per evening, depending on passenger demand throughout the period. It will also run a special premium park & ride service on busier evenings between the Pleasure Gardens and the palace entrance.

Phil Southall, managing director of the Oxford Bus Company, said: "This is a fantastic event for the community of Oxfordshire and beyond.

"We're really proud to play a vital part in it and following last year's successful service for passengers travelling to the event we are looking forward to another great season."