Christmas Light Trails ·
Light Trails ·
National Trust ·
review ·
Tatton Park ·
Yuletide
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Yuletide at Tatton Park: A Magical Christmas Light Trail Adventure
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
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!
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Michelle
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