Christmas at Dunham Massey: A Magical 2024 Experience

Christmas at Dunham Massey: A Magical 2024 Experience

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Updated October 2024

We absolutely love a good Christmas light trail, and it’s become a tradition for our family to visit at least one or two every year. Our fascination with festive lights began with the iconic Blackpool Illuminations, a place I’ve visited since I was little. Over the years, light trails have grown in popularity, becoming a magical way to kick off the holiday season, and now Christmas light trails are one of our must-do family activities each December. 

Here's everything you need to know about visiting Christmas at Dunham Massey and make sure you check out our thoughts below for our honest opinion of the event. 

What To Expect at Dunham Massey, Altrincham WA14 4SJ

Prepare to be dazzled by an incredible after-dark illuminated trail through Dunham Massey’s beautifully festive gardens. This light trail is a firm favourite on the UK’s Christmas calendar, and it’s easy to see why. Over a million twinkling lights shine across the gardens, while festive tunes fill the air. It’s the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit.

Walk through sparkling tunnels of light, see stunning reflections on the lakes, and be amazed by larger-than-life illuminations. The fire garden is an absolute must-see, with its flickering flames adding a warm, cosy glow to the chilly evening air. And of course, don’t forget to catch a glimpse of Father Christmas along the way—it’s the perfect opportunity for a family photo!

When Can You Visit?

Dunham Massey's Christmas light trail runs on selected dates from 15th November to 1st January 2025, with time slots starting from 4:30 pm to 8:15 pm. Be sure to book in advance as slots fill up quickly!

Ticket Prices

Off-peak: £19 for adults, £12.50 for children

Standard: £22.50 for adults, £14.50 for children

Peak: £24.50 for adults, £17 for children  

Family tickets are available, and carers go free with a valid proof of status.

Book Tickets Online

How Long Does The Trail Last?

The trail is roughly one mile long, but how long you spend exploring depends on you. We like to take our time, stopping to admire every twinkling light and grabbing a hot drink at the halfway point. You can even toast marshmallows if you want to add an extra cosy touch to your night!

Food, Drink and Rides

There are plenty of food and drink options available at the start, midpoint, and end of the trail, so you can enjoy hot chocolates, mulled wine, and festive treats throughout. Fairground rides are also available, adding an extra layer of fun for the little ones. Just note that additional charges apply for food, drinks, and rides.

Parking Information

Parking is available onsite and must be pre-booked when purchasing your tickets. If you're a National Trust member, parking is free with a valid membership card, as long as you book it in advance. Non-members will need to pay an additional charge for parking.

What Should I Wear?

Since the event is entirely outdoors, be sure to dress for the weather! Wear warm, waterproof clothing and sturdy shoes, as some parts of the trail can get muddy.

Our Thoughts

This was our fourth year visiting Dunham Massey’s Christmas light trail, and each year, it seems to get better and better. Last year, John and I went on our own, which was a different experience from our usual family outing. While it was lovely to wander through the lights at our own pace and enjoy the festive atmosphere, we did miss having the boys with us. So this year we made it a family outing.

Like I said Christmas at Dunham Massey just gets better and better each year. The choice of music this year was definitely my favourite. The light installations this year were also amazing and the light installation on the house at the end is not to be missed and a highlight for me.   

For families, couples, or groups of friends, a Christmas light trail is the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season. If you haven’t experienced one yet, make sure to add it to your 2024 Christmas bucket list!

Book Tickets Online

Ready to Plan Your Visit?

Christmas light trails have quickly become a beloved part of our festive season, and they offer a truly magical way to create lasting memories. Whether you’re planning to visit Dunham Massey or another light trail across the UK, make sure to book your tickets early and wrap up warm! 

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Michelle

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Yuletide at Tatton Park: A Magical Christmas Light Trail Adventure

Yuletide at Tatton Park: A Magical Christmas Light Trail Adventure

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We have just experienced our first Christmas light trail of 2024 and it was our first visit to Yuletide at Tatton Park. We absolutely love a Christmas light trail. it’s become a tradition for our family to visit at least one or two every year however this year we have three already booked. We will also squeeze a visit to view the iconic Blackpool Illuminations, a place I’ve visited since I was little. Over the years, light trails have grown in popularity, becoming a magical way to kick off the festive season, and now Christmas light trails are one of our must-do family activities each December. 

Here's everything you need to know about visiting Yuletide and make sure you check out

our thoughts below for our honest opinion of the event. 

Step into an incredible glittering adventure at Tatton Park Gardens this season. Fall into a world of folklore, festive tradition and rituals as the characters and creatures from winter myths and stories come to life!

Enjoy live music and fire juggling, storytelling and performance at a winter experience like no other! Roast marshmallows around the fire and warm up with a hot chocolate as you are enchanted by a traditional storyteller weaving tall tales to delight and enthral the whole family.

When Can You Visit?

Yuletide - A Glittering Winter Adventure runs on weekends from 16th November to 23rd December 2024, with time slots starting from 3pm to 7:15pm. Be sure to book in advance as slots fill up quickly!

Ticket Prices

Adults - £20

Children - £12 

Under 2's - Free

Book Tickets Online

How Long Does The Trail Last?

The trail is roughly 1km long, but how long you spend exploring depends on you. We like to take our time, stopping to admire every twinkling light. There is also entertainment including storytelling, music and fire dancers. You can even toast marshmallows if you want to add an extra cosy touch to your night!

Food, Drink and Rides

There are some food and drink options available at the start and end of the trail (the same place) so you can enjoy hot chocolates, cookie pies, pizza and other festive treats. A Carousel is are also available, adding an extra layer of fun for the little ones. Just note that additional charges apply for food, drinks, and rides.

Parking Information

Parking is available onsite and is included when purchasing your tickets. 

What Should I Wear?

Since the event is entirely outdoors, be sure to dress for the weather! Wear warm, waterproof clothing and sturdy shoes, as some parts of the trail can get muddy.

Our Thoughts

This was our first ever visit to Tatton Park during Christmas. As we visited mid November I was a little nervous that it wouldn't feel as magical as it would visiting closer to Christmas. I was wrong. Once we reached the main courtyard it felt like Christmas! The carousel was lit up and the music was playing and we couldn't wait to start our Yuletide adventure. Yuletide is in the gardens of Tatton Park which are spacious and magical during the day so we couldn't wait to step inside at night and see how they are transformed. 

There are 5 main parts to Yuletide and you can experience them all if you get your timing right. 

Fire Dancers / Juggling

We started with the fire dancers as the show was just about to begin when we entered. It was just what we expected, men with fire, dancing and juggling. Unfortunately one performer was better than the other who kept dropping his fire and actually made me want to move the kids away from the rope as it came a little too close at times. The boys enjoyed it though and we stayed and watched for 10-15 minutes. I think it was a 30 minute show but very repetitive as I guess theres only so much you can do with an open flame!

Glittering Trail

The Glittering Trail was not what we expected at all. It was different. We were expecting a Christmas light trail similar to what we have visited before however The Glittering Trail took us on a journey through the world of folklore and their festive traditions. There was so much interaction with the characters and the lights themselves as they brought us in to their world. As for Christmas twinkling lights, we didn't see much of that however I think that's what I enjoyed. It was unique, fun and the boys loved it! The highlight was Rainbow road at the end.

There were short gaps in the trail where there were no lights or characters and it got quite dark in places however there was always a member of staff to help you stay on the right path. 

Toasting Marshmallows

This has become a 'must do' when we visit a light trail of Christmas experience. I'm not sure any of us actually like the marshmallow but it's just the fun of toasting it in the open flame. The smell is amazing. Marshmallows are chargeable, however we saw a family who had brought their own and the member of staff happily let them toast their marshmallows in the fire pit.

Live Music

Unfortunately we didn't get to see any live music as it had finished by the time we got to the tent so make sure you check times if this is something you want to experience. 

Storytelling

I think this was my favourite part. Inside a tent filled with layer seating a man told folklore stories and had the whole audience engrossed. His story about the sun, moon and cockerel brought a tear to my eye. His storytelling lasted about 30 minutes and is not to be missed. 

Overall we really enjoyed our visit to Yuletide and I'm glad we chose to visit this year. 

For families, couples, or groups of friends, a Christmas light trail is the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season. If you haven’t experienced one yet, make sure to add it to your 2024 Christmas bucket list!

Book Tickets Online

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- If you enjoyed this post leave us a comment.

-  Like us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and follow us on our adventures.

- If you have visited any of the attractions mentioned in this post share photos with us on our socials. 

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- If you would like to work with us please visit on Work With Us page for more details

Michelle

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Christmas at Trentham 2022

Christmas at Trentham 2022

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Disclosure - We were invited to Christmas at Trentham. All thoughts, opinions and photographs are our own.

Returning for 2022, the Christmas at Trentham illuminated trail is designed to sprinkle a little Christmas magic, accentuate the flora and fauna and see the stunning historic landscape in a world of light and colour.

Christmas at Trentham was our first Christmas trail this year and it's one we have never visited before so we were excited to see what Trentham had to offer and share our thoughts on the trail and any tips that might help when you visit. 

Christmas at Trentham, The Trentham Estate, Stone Road, Trentham, Stoke-On-Trent, Staffordshire, ST4 8JG

When?

Selected dates from Friday 2nd December to Sunday 1st January 2023 - 4:30pm -8pm (time slots may vary by date) 

What To Expect at Christmas at Trentham

As soon as you step foot through the visitor centre doors you will be blown away by the amount of lights that await you. As we have never visited Trentham Gardens before we had no idea just how large the estate is, it was breathtaking. 

To enjoy the trail all you need to do is follow the one way path that will take you on a journey through the gardens. The trail is clearly signposted with the opportunity to weave in and out in certain areas.

Food and Drink

Only food purchased at Trentham is allowed with the exception of baby food. There are two opportunities to purchase food and drink. Firstly you can take a detour within the first ten minutes of the trail to the refreshments area. There is an option to buy snacks such as pancakes and pizza plus hot and cold drinks. There is an outside seating with heaters just in front of the food stands. 

The food and drink was not cheap. We had already eaten however we did take a look and it could be quite costly especially for families of four or more. 

Half way around the trail there is a tea room which offers hot, cold and alcoholic beverages. A price list is clearly advertised on a board as you enter. There is also a chance to purchase a mince pie. There is plenty of in and outdoor seating available at the tea rooms however the outdoor is not under shelter so would not be ideal on rainy days. 

Outside the tea rooms is the opportunity to toast your own marshmallow. This cost £3 and we were given a huge marshmallow on a long stick that we toasted over the fire pit. 

Toilets

Toilets are available outside the visitor centre before you enter and also at the tearooms. 

Accessibility 

The paths were flat in most places and the surface was easy to walk on however there are some small inclines in places. The paths were wheelchair and pushchairs friendly. There is a low narrow bridge in to the laser garden but there are ropes either side to hold on to if necessary. 

Cost

Prices start at £22.10 for adults and £14.60 for children. There are a range of different ticket options including family, twilight viewing and igloo. 

Children under 3 are free of charge. 

A disabled person purchasing a ticket may bring one essential carer companion free of charge. Please select this ticket type at point of booking.  

You can Book your tickets to Christmas at Trentham online

Parking 

There is free parking available on site, on a first come first served basis. Blue badge parking is available within the main car park. We found a space straight away just at the entrance. 

Anything Else?

Wrap up warm and prepare for all weathers. The Christmas at Trentham light trail is an outdoor experience with no shelter. 

I don't like to put a time limit on this type of experience as there is so much to see however I would say if you are pushed for time you could complete the trail in less than an hour. 

There are plenty of opportunities to take photographs and staff along the trail are happy to take family photographs if asked. 

There is lots of space and the paths are really wide in places. 

There are two fairground rides by the food stalls which you can access about ten minutes in to the trail or at the end. The ferris wheel and swings are £3 per person. We went on the ferris wheel and thought it was great value for money with at least 8 rotations.

Book early! These type of experiences tend to sell out very quickly so make sure you book in advance. 

Have you visited the trail or are you planning to?  If so I would love to know. Do leave us a comment or message us on socials. 

Also you can always keep up to date with us on our socials, give us a like on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or if this post has helped you, you can Buy Us A Virtual Coffee to say thanks.

Michelle

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