Christmas at Magical Woodland

We were kindly invited along to the opening night of Magical Woodland Christmas in November 2024. Read on for my Christmas at Magical Woodland review. This is a magical Christmas light trail in Cheshire. Find more Christmas light trails North West here.

Table of Contents

Ad – we were gifted entry into Magical Woodland in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, photos and opinions are my own.

Lights on grass in the dark that say "The magical woodland"

Where is Magical Woodland?

Magical Woodland Cheshire is situated at Blakemere Village. The woodland is behind the shopping village and is clearly sign posted from the car park.

The address is Magical Woodland, Cheshire Outdoors, Blakemere Village, Sandiway, Cheshire, CW8 2EB

Large train made of string lights in the dark woods

Parking at Magical Woodland

There is plenty of parking for Magical Woodland visitors in the main Blakemere village car park. You need to prebook a ticket for £3 per car with your tickets.

Pretty lights in the woods and lights illuminating the words Magical woodland on the floor

When is Christmas at Magical Woodland on?

You can visit the Christmas light trail at Magical Woodland Cheshire from 29th November – 24th December 2024. Timed entry slots run from 5 – 8 pm.

Lights in the woods that look like Santa's sleigh

Our visit to Christmas at Magical Woodland 2024

We loved our visit to Magical Woodland Halloween earlier this autumn (find my Magical Woodland Halloween review here) so we were thrilled to be invited back to the Christmas event.

If you did visit in October, the route is the same but don’t worry all the lights have changed and it is now really festive! The route does start with a few decorations repurposed from Halloween for there The Nightmare before Christmas section but the feel is very different.

As usual there are different themes to different areas of the trail. We love that despite there being distinct areas, there are no areas without any lights to enjoy. Themes this year include Whoville, Scrooge, Christmas pirates, flowers and bees amongst others.

Wooden pirate ship in the dark, illuminated by red and green lights

Just like at Halloween there are lots of characters along the trail interacting with everyone. The Grinch was the biggest hit and he had quite the crowd around him!

There is also Cindy-Lou, Scrooge, elves, winter princess and more characters. The actors are all brilliant and fantastic with children.

As well as themed areas, there are many more areas with pretty light installations for you to enjoy as you walk along the trail. We love the use of music along the trail which really adds to the festive spirit.

Lots of red string lights hanging down in a dark woodland

As you would expect there are plenty of photo opportunities along the trail and of course there is a beautiful light tunnel too.

Near the end of the trail, you’ll find the big man himself! Yes, Santa makes an a brief appearance every 15 minutes.

Large frame of lights in the dark in the shape of a bauble

There’s also real owls, singing reindeer and Mrs Clause, oh and the transformers are back!

Outdoor screen in the woods at night with image of cartoon elves dancing

Is Magical Woodland Christmas pram-friendly?

To an extent yes. The paths are woodland paths so they can get muddy!

The paths are smooth though and mostly flat so with an off-road buggy you would be fine but a baby carrier may be a better idea especially if there has been a lot of rain.

Sign in the woods at night. Welcome to Whoville sign

Are dogs allowed to attend Christmas at Magical Woodland?

Dogs are not allowed at Magical Woodland Cheshire.

How long does it take to complete the Christmas light trail?

We spent 90 minutes on the trail and in the food and drink area. You may spend more or less time than this depending on how busy the trail is and how long you spend in the food and drink area.

Reindeer heads coming out of sheds (not real reindeer)

Food and drink at Christmas at Magical Woodland Cheshire

Near the end you will find a food and drink area which also includes fire pits for toasting marshmallows. Marshmallows are for sale on meter long sticks with 4 marshmallows. These are £4 each or 3 sticks for £10. These are the perfect length for toasting in the open fires for even the youngest children.

Food stalls and Christmas lights in a woodland

There are lots of different delicious street-style food vendors selling drinks (including hot chocolate) and tasty snacks such as nachos and pizza. You can also buy light up balloons and other toys in this area.

How much does it cost to visit Magical Woodland?

Prices vary depending on the day and time you visit. This varies from £65 for a family ticket for 4 up to £75.

Trees and reindeers made of fairy lights in the woods at night

Our top tips for enjoying Christmas at Magical Woodland

Make sure you wear appropriate footwear. You will be walking through woodlands in the dark, in winter. The path may get muddy.
It’s also worth thinking about layers of clothing to keep you and your children warm as it will no doubt be cold on most evenings in December.

Large cone Christmas tree made of lights

Prams are welcome on the trail but remember you are walking in woodlands so a carrier would probably be better. There were lots of toddlers walking the trail when we visited.
There are toilets in the car park and portaloos near the start of the trail.
Make sure your phone is fully charged for all the photos you will want to take.
Arrive early to see Santa if you want seats but it doesn’t last long so you will probably be fine standing.

Pretty pink and blue lights in woodlands

Our verdict

This is a fantastic Christmas light trail for families with children of all ages looking for a festive trail. Whilst it is suitable for all ages, I would say, of the ones we have done this year (Christmas at Dunham Massey and Yuletide) this is probably the best for young children as it is so festive and they can catch a glimpse of Santa too.