Updated - December 2024
We love a light trail and this year there are so many to choose from in the North West and surrounding areas. Over the years we have done a few but they have become so popular that this year we already have three booked in and hopefully will book a few more over the next few weeks. As you can imagine tickets sell fast for these events so take a look below for some inspiration on which trail to choose and don't hang about, grab your tickets before it's too late.
Christmas At Dunham Massey
Dunham Massey, Altrincham WA14 4SJ
When?
Selected dates from 15th November 2024 to 1st January 2025 - 4:30 to 8:15pm (time slots may vary by date)
What To Expect
' Masses of twinkling lights, magnificent installations, and seasonal music come together against the beautiful backdrop of the Dunham Massey gardens, moat and park.
This unforgettable, family-friendly festive event is perfect for making memories with loved ones. Find beams of light amongst ancient trees, marvel at dancing lights on the moat, and discover beautiful installations along the winding paths of the gardens. '
The trail usually lasts anywhere between 60 - 90 minutes. We like to take our time and stop at the refreshments half way round. There are also refreshments available before/after the trail with fairground rides.
As this is an outdoor event suitable clothing for all weathers is a must!
Luminate at Arley Hall
Arley, Northwich, Cheshire. CW9 6NA
When?
30th November to 24th December 2024 - 4.30pm to 8pm (time slots may vary by date)
What To Expect
Nestled deep within Arley Hall Estate (Famous for Peaky Blinders and a Harry Potter trail in the same woodland) awaits a spectacular, illuminated trail, full of wonder and intrigue, to delight and enthral your senses.
As darkness descends, join us on our enchanting journey, as we weave a captivating light trail through the woodlands at Arley estate. Immerse yourself in our mesmerising mile long trail, with stunning lighting elements and fabulous interactive light play, all set to music.
A timeless experience to be enjoyed by all, young and old alike.
The trail is 1.8km approx and can take anywhere between 60-90 minutes.
Yuletide - A Glittering Winter Garden Adventure
Tatton Park, Knutsford, Cheshire WA16 6QN (Sat Nav WA16 6SG)
When?
Selected dates from 16th November to 23rd December 2024. Times start at 3pm to 7:30pm (time slots may vary by date)
What To Expect
A blend of festive light trail and wondrous winter festival, create a new winter family tradition on this glittering winter adventure!
As we approach the longest night, we invite you to step into an incredible, wild, glittering world at Tatton Park Gardens this Christmas. Fall into a world of folklore, festive tradition and ridiculous rituals as the characters and creatures from winter myths and stories come to life.
Expect an incredible illuminated trail, where winter witch goddesses have captured the moon and sun and shapeshifting snow hares play tricks on us all. Visit the heart of Yuletide, keeping warm as you dance to wild folk bands, crown your family’s ‘Lord of Misrule’ and gather round the fire for wondrous tales.
Magical Woodland At Christmas
Cheshire Outdoors, Blakemere Village, Sandiway, Cheshire, CW8 2EB
When?
Selected dates from 29th November to 24th December 2024 - 4pm to 8pm (time slots may vary by date)
What To Expect
'Get into the Christmas spirit this year and experience never-seen-before light features, in the 15-acre enchanted Cheshire Woodland. Fully immerse yourself into a world of pure festive magic; with special guests Mr & Mrs Claus making an appearance this year! Bringing back some favourites: dazzling cathedral canopies of fairy lights, interactive light features, tunnels of Boreralis-style lasers, floating umbrellas, and clouds of flying lanterns
We haven't experienced this trail yet so I'm not sure how long the trail is or how long you need to allow. Will update as soon as possible.'
Enchanted Winter Walk
Styal, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 4HP
When?
Selected dates between 28th November – 21st December 2024.
What To Expect
With festive lighting and illuminated walkways, wander through the Upper Garden on our Enchanted Winter Walk. Keep an eye out for Mrs Claus preparing the sleigh for Christmas Eve, and little ones, don’t forget to pick up your reindeer food ready for the big day. Tickets include entry and hot drink for adults. And for children tickets include entry, reindeer food and child size hot drink.
The experience is expected to last 30 minutes
Spectrum - A World Of Illumination
Royal Cheshire County Show Ground, Clay House Farm, Flittogate Ln, Tabley, Knutsford WA16 0HJ
When?
Selected dates between 1st – 31st December 2024. 4:30pm - 10pm
What To Expect
Step into the whimsical world of Spectrum Cheshire, the best light maze in Cheshire! Your journey begins through a fairy-lit woodland and a vibrant, multi-coloured string tunnel. Navigate through artistic light displays, from Candy Cane Cove to the Alice in Wonderland walkway, and get lost in the Infinity Light Tunnel. Sing your heart out in the Sound Tubes and hunt for hidden activations marked by the Spectrum logo—they're quick, so don't blink! Fields of fairy lights, whimsical sculptures, stars, and a giant moon await, all set to enchanting soundscapes and a laser finale. It's a magical, unforgettable experience for the whole family, making it one of the top events in Cheshire for a Christmas vibe event!
As we have not experienced this trail ourselves we cannot give any opinions or more information.
BeWILDerwood Presents Christmas
Bickley Moss, Whitchurch, Cheshire, SY13 4JF
When?
Selected dates from 30th November to Saturday 23rd December 2024 - 4pm - 6:00pm (time slots may vary by date)
What To Expect
Follow The Sparkly Light Trail through BeWILDerwood this Christmas! Spot Silly Snowmen, candy canes and other festive favourites along the way!
The light trail this year seems to be one of the activities you can experience. There is also a chance to meet Father Christmas and also visit the pantomime.
We haven't experienced this before so can't really say what to expect but if you have please do let us know.
Christmas At Bolesworth
Bolesworth Castle, Bolesworth Road, Tattenhall, Chester, CH3 9JJ
When?
2024 dates have yet to be confirmed
What To Expect
Unfortunately there are no details for 2024 as of yet however I will keep you updated should any be announced.
Book your tickets to Christmas At Bolesworth online
Christmas at Heaton Park
Heaton Park, Middleton Road, Manchester M25 2SW
When?
2024 dates have yet to be confirmed
What To Expect
Unfortunately there are no details for 2024 as of yet however I will keep you update should any be announced.
Book your tickets to Christmas At Heaton Park online
The Twilight Trail
Boardman Gate Entrance, Baring St, Manchester M1 2PY
When?
Thursday - Sunday from 14th November through to 31st December 2024. Dates to be confirmed.
What To Expect
Step in to a world of enchantment right in the heart of the city this Winter with the Twilight Trail at Mayfield Park. Enjoy spectacular light displays and lantern installations as you roam at your own pace through this enchanting journey.
The trails is expected to last approx 30 minutes however does depend on your pace.
Land Of The Lights
Gulliver's World, Warrington WA5 9YZ
When?
Selected dates from 9th November to 4th January 2024. Times vary depending on day. Check website for availability.
What To Expect
Land of Lights Lantern Festival returns to Gulliver's Warrington this October, welcome to WonderWild! Discover a place where nature’s most majestic creatures and natural wonders have been reimagined. Journey through a huge new collection of incredible lanterns and displays.
We have not done this trail so we are unable to give our opinion or give any more information. Please do let us know if you have visited Land of the Lights last year
Christmas at Delamere Forest
Linmere, Delamere, Northwich. Sat Nav Postcode: CW8 2HZ.
When?
No dates have been confirmed yet for 2024 - will keep updated
What To Expect
No information yet for 2024
Book your tickets to Christmas at Delamere Forest Online
The Lanterns At Chester Zoo
Moston Rd, Upton, Chester CH2 1EU
When?
Selected dates from 15th November to 1st January 2025 - 4:15pm -8pm (time slots may vary by date)
What To Expect
This year, get ready to discover a winter trail that promises to be better than ever before. Our reimagined trail is now even longer, packed with brand new features, and for the first time we’re opening on New Year’s Day! Experience the joy of interacting with never-seen-before animal puppets including energetic meerkats, colourful peacocks, and playful snow leopards, joined by lots of your favourites from previous years.
Returning for 2024, our illuminating sea of light will be synchronised to music, creating a mesmerising spectacle of light and sound, plus an impressive fire garden, rainbow bridge and pea-lit lanterns all return too!
It's been a long time since we have visited The Lanterns at Chester Zoo but I remember it well and it was certainly one of our favourites.
Enchanted At Knowsley Safari Park
Prescot, L34 4AN
When?
Selected dates from 30th November to 23rd December 2024 - 4:30pm -7:15pm (time slots may vary by date)
What To Expect
'This winter, our Foot Safari will once again transform into a magical wonderland, where you can wander among illuminated animals, from camels to wolves, to exciting new additions like towering giraffes and playful lion cubs. For the third year running, explore our Winter Village, stroll through the sparkling light tunnel, and catch Santa’s elves hard at work. While you're here, post your Christmas wish list and enjoy the festive favourite activity of toasting marshmallows by the fire. There will also be plenty of pitstops along the way where you’ll be able to enjoy festive foods throughout the trail and then jump on our thrilling rides to complete your adventure*
Want to add an extra bit of sparkle to your Enchanted evening? NEW for 2024, you can add on a trip to our Santa Panto*, filled with songs, magic, and more jokes than a Christmas cracker!
RHS Glow At Bridgewater
Occupation Road, Off Leigh Road, Worsley, Salford, Greater Manchester, M28 2LJ
When?
Selected dates from 27th November to 30th December 2024 - 4:30pm - 7:30pm (time slots may vary by date)
What To Expect
Step into a festive kaleidoscope of colour as you follow the enchanting trail around RHS Garden Bridgewater. With captivating views at every turn, see much-loved areas of the garden transformed into a botanical winter wonderland. It’s the perfect backdrop for festive family time, date nights and catching up with friends. Prepare to be dazzled by thousands of lights twinkling across the garden and magnificent trees, shrubs and water features bathed in a breathtaking spectrum of light. Don’t miss the spectacular light shows, as talented performers create mind-blowing effects to wow the whole family.
Christmas at Trentham
The Trentham Estate, Stone Road, Trentham, Stoke-On-Trent, Staffordshire, ST4 8JG
When?
Selected dates from 29th November to 31st December 2024 - 4:20pm - 7:20pm (time slots may vary by date)
What To Expect
Step into an enchanting illuminated trail around Staffordshire’s Trentham Gardens. Watch little faces light up in awe and wonder at the festive surprises around every corner. From interactive displays, captivating soundscapes and larger than life illuminations, this year’s Winter Light Trail is the place to create unforgettable memories with loved ones!
We are so excited that Christmas at Trentham is back for 2024. We really missed it last year. hoping to get booked for 2024 so watch this space for our full review.
We love visiting the different venues and experiencing the light trails. It's such a magical experience that I know we will never get tired of. Do you have any different trails I can add or if you have visited any of the above do let us know what you thought.
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