20 Christmas light trails North West 2026
I love a Christmas light trail and there are loads across the North West. Below you’ll find all theChristmas light trails North West for 2026. That way you can see which ones are nearest to you and find the perfect light trail for your family. This post is part of a series of posts on Christmas Events North West.
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I have done my best to make sure this post is up to date and accurate but please check the organiser’s website before travelling as events may be cancelled at short notice, details might be changed and mistakes happen.
If you have an event you want to be added, drop me an email at – info@northwestforkids.co.uk
All of these events require booking so don’t forget to click through and book your tickets. Some of these events are already sold out on some dates!
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Christmas light trails Cheshire
BeWILDerwood presents Christmas – book now for 2026
When – Selected dates from 28th November – 23rd December 2026
Follow a sparkly light trail through the woods, filled with snowy surprises. Meet delightful snowmen dotted along the trail. Enjoy a mini pantomime bursting with festive cheer, suitable for all ages and meet your favourite BeWILDerwood characters.
Spot Father Christmas along the way
We visited on their press opening night 2022, find my full review here – BeWILDerwood presents Christmas review. We think this is a fantastic event for families with children 10 and under.
Tickets are £19.50 for everyone over 92cm.
Book your tickets here BeWILDerwood present Christmas 2026
Lanterns and light at Chester Zoo – book now for 2026
When – 13th November 2026 – 3rd January 2027
Creating lasting memories on a Christmas light trail like no other. Journey through vibrant lands where orangutans, elephants, and lions roam. Explore a glowing tunnel of sparkling lights, fill up on festive treats in our Christmas food markets, and even come face-to-face with Father Christmas himself along the trail.
Ticket prices from £19.50-£27.50 for adults and £12-£19.50 for children.
Find out more and book your tickets here – Lanterns and Light | Chester Zoo
Yuletide at Tatton park – Book now for 2026
When – 14th November – 23rd December 2026
A blend of light trail and wondrous winter festival, create a new winter family tradition on this glittering winter adventure!
As we approach the longest night, they 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.
In 2026, the festival returns with a newly imagined layout that invites families to wander and explore the landscape in new ways, gathering around performances, discovering secret spaces and playing together beneath the winter night sky.
Adults £19.50, children £11.50, 2 and under free
Book here – Yuletide – A Glittering Winter Adventure
Find our review from the opening weekend in 2024 here – Yuletide at Tatton park
Christmas at Magical Woodland – book now for 2026
When – 28th November – 24th December 2026.
Enjoy a woodland walk in the dark through 15 acres of illuminated woodlands. Includes actors on the trail such as the Grinch and Scrooge. There is also a short Father Christmas appearance. This magical forest is sure to be a Christmas favourite his year. No dogs.
Adults £27.73, children £18
Book your tickets here – Magical Woodland Christmas
We were lucky enough to visit on opening night in 2024. Find our full review here – Christmas at Magical Woodland.
We also love the Halloween Magical Woodlands. Find out more here – Magical Woodland Halloween review.
Land of lights presents Wonderwild, Gulliver’s world Warrington – book now for 2026
When: 24th October 2026 – 30th January 2027 (selected dates)
Where: Gulliver’s World, Warrington
Cost: From £20,
Summary: Discover new lantern displays, glowing trails, and magical scenes lighting up the night this winter. You can add on a trip to Santa in his grotto too.
They have dog-friendly nights too.
Find out more and book here – Land of Lights Lantern Festival – Warrington
Enchanted walk at Quarry Bank Mill – book now for 2026
When: 4th – 31st December 2026
Where: Quarry Bank Mill, Styal
Cost: £9.95 per ticket (under 12 months free)
With festive lighting and illuminated walkways, wander through the Upper Garden on the 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.
This experience will take approximately 30 minutes for a wander through the gardens, some time with Mrs Claus and a warming drink.
Tickets include entry and hot drink for adults. And for children tickets include entry, reindeer food and child size hot drink.
Suitable for all ages. Babies under 12 months free of charge.
National Trust admission charges do not apply. Both NT members and non-members will need to buy tickets for this event.
Book tickets here – Enchanted walk
The Magic Lamp in the Hidden Garden , a winter light adventure at Bents – book now for 2026
When: 20th November – 30th December 2026
Where: Bents, Warrington Road, Glazebury, WA3 5NT
Cost: Adult: From £18.95 to £23.95, Child: From £12.95 to £17.95, Child Under 2: free
Summary: Follow the glow of twinkling lights and step into a spellbinding experience at our Magic Lamp in the Hidden Garden Light Trail. Perfect for all ages, our Light Trail invites you on an after-dark adventure through imagination, mystery, and enchantment. Expect dazzling theatrical light installations, immersive soundscapes, and magical storytelling touches around every corner.
And after your adventure enjoy seasonal treats and winter warmers from our Winter Food Market, brimming with festive flavours and feel-good bites. Or cosy up in our Outdoor Christmas Teepee, the perfect place to relax, unwind and soak up the seasonal spirit with a warm drink in hand. Do check the full details is these afterwards options are important to you as they are reduced on Sundays and from the 27th onwards.
Book here – The Magic Lamp in the Hidden Garden – A Winter Light Adventure
Luminate Cheshire – no event in the North West in 2026
Their website shows the venues for 2026 and there isn’t one in Cheshire or the North West region.
Christmas at Bolesworth – no details for 2026
No event in 2025
Christmas light trails Manchester
Christmas at Dunham Massey – 2026 tickets on sale now
When – 20th November 2026 to 2nd January 2027
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Christmas at Dunham Massey is established as a Christmas tradition for many in the North West. Don’t miss out as 2026’s after-dark illuminated trail promises an array of enchanting new light installations, offering a magical experience for visitors of all ages.
From a sweeping sea of light to memorable selfie worthy moments, Christmas at Dunham Massey transforms the historic house and garden into a glowing landscape of colour, fire and festivity. This magical, accessible, and unforgettable mile-long trail bring new installations and projections and returning favourites in an experience powered by innovative technology, artistic design and distinctive seasonal music.
The trail is approximately one mile long and we’d recommend allowing 1 to 2 hours for your visit. Food, drink and fairground rides are available onsite.
Dog-friendly trail except 27th Nov, 1st, 7th, and 30th December where only assistance dogs will be permitted. Dogs (max 2 per person) should be kept on a short leash and be well behaved. No booking is required.
Find our review from 2025 opening night here – Christmas at Dunham Massey
Tickets from Adult Off Peak – £19.50 (£28 standard), Child (3-16 Years) Off Peak – £13 (£19 standard). Prices vary between dates and times though. Family tickets available.
Parking £8
Book your tickets here – Christmas at Dunham Massey tickets
Glow at RHS Bridgewater 2026 – Book now for 2026
When – Selected date from 26th November – 30th December 2026.
Take an enchanted walk through RHS Garden Bridgewater, marvelling at spectacular light displays along your way. Expect interactive and immersive displays as well as festive treats and late night shopping.
Cost – Members: adult from £6-£13.50, child from £4-£7.50, Non-members: adult from £9.25-£18.25, child from £5.50-£10.75
Book here – RHS Bridgewater Glow | Winter Garden Illuminations in Greater Manchester / RHS
Northern lights at Heaton Park – Book now for 2026
When – 19th November – 31st December 2026
Expect a 1 mile long trail with around 14 illumination zones. There will of course be plenty of food and drink stalls.
For 2026 they are launching a brand-new theme which will rewind the wonder and let you relive the magic. Journey through the decades and relive the nostalgia of Christmas magic in an unforgettable immersive experience.
Book here – Northern Lights Manchester
Early bird Adult tickets from £17, Children from £12
The Twilight trail, Mayfield Park – no details yet for 2026
When – November – December 20256
Where – Mayfield park, Boardman Gate Entrance, Baring Street, Manchester, M1 2PY
An immersive light show trail, designed for all ages, from families, couples, groups, and everyone in between.
Find out more and book here – The Twilight Trail
Free Lightwaves, Salford – limited details for 2026
Free light trail around MediaCity.
When – 27th November – 13th December 2026, 5pm – 10pm
Enjoy illuminated works from established as well as emerging artists, local and national, bringing a variety of different pieces; thought-provoking, surprising and playful.
Full details here – Lightwaves – Light Up the North
Free Light Night, Wigan – Details for 2026
Where: Mesnes Park, Wigan
When – 20-22 November 2026, 5-9pm
Light Night Wigan is curated and produced by Things That Go On Things, in collaboration with Wigan Council. The programme, now in its 6th year, takes place across Wigan Town Centre presenting artworks from local, national and international artists to inspire and delight audiences of all ages.
Full details here – Light night – Light Up the North
The Christmas Trail, Trafford Centre – no event since 2024
Christmas light trails Lancashire
Blackpool illuminations 2026
Could this be the original Christmas light trail? You could walk through parts of them, drive through them all or enjoy a tram ride through them.
This year they will be on from 4th September 2026 until January 2027 (last date still to be confirmed)
Free Light up Lancashire – details for 2026
Where: Lancaster city centre
When: 5-7 November 2026, 5-10pm
The festival delivers an enchanting and heart-warming stroll, transforming the city itself into an eye-catching vision of unforgettable light. Be prepared to be filled with delight and wonder at seeing captivating adventurous site-specific art, music and performance from local, national and international companies – all brilliantly illuminated!
Full details here – Light up Lancashire
Beacon light trail, Beacon Country Park – no details yet for 2026
Where: The Beacon country Park, Beacon Ln, Up Holland, Wigan, WN8 7RU
When: 4th – 21st December 2025
Cost: £15 per adult, £10 per child, family ticket £45. Meet Santa is an add on for £6 per child (plus booking fees.
Summary: Magical Christmas light trail through woodlands. There will also be a Santa’s lodge where children can meet Santa and receive a special gift (additional fee). You can also toast marshmallows and purchase festive food and drink from the street food vendors.
Book here – Festive Light Trail at Beacon Country Park, Upholland
Curden Valley Christmas lights – no details yet for 2026
Where:
When:
They’ll be Illuminating the Pinetum for a magical light trail experience. It will feature interactive performances & special effects from our friends at CDS Events.
Wind your way through the trees and light installations; including a series of handmade lanterns all made by our fabulous volunteers!
Book here – Christmas lights Curden Valley Park
Christmas light trails Liverpool
Enchanted at Knowsley Safari – Book now for 2026
When – 20th November – 23rd December 2026
Follow an all-new extended illuminated trail through the Foot Safari, where dazzling displays, glowing animal installations and magical surprises await around every corner. From sparkling pathways and enchanting woodland scenes to festive treats and unforgettable family moments.
While you’re there, ride the festive rides (extra cost) and enjoy the festive favourite activity of toasting marshmallows by the fire.
Want to add an extra bit of sparkle to your Enchanted experience? You can add on a trip to the Santa’s grotto.
Cost – Adults and children £9.95 – £25, Toddlers (1-2 years) £3, under 1s free.
Book tickets here – Enchanted: Knowsley Safari Christmas Lights
Free Liverpool’s Brightest Light Trail, Royal Albert Dock, Liverpool – no details yet for 2026
When: 20th November 2025 – 5th January 2026
Royal Albert Dock will transform into a full festive glow-up with giant baubles, shimmering arches and Christmas trees dressing the Colonnades for the season
Full details – Royal Albert Dock at Christmas
Photo below is from 2024.
Noel (immersive light trail), Liverpool Cathedral – Book now for 2026
When: 27th November – 5th December 2026
Where: Liverpool Cathedral
Cost: From Adult: £10.50, Child (Aged 3-15): £8.50, Child (Under 3): Free, Carer: Free
Family: £29.50
Designed by the world-renowned Luxmuralis team, this immersive experience brings the Cathedral to life with stunning projections, captivating music, and a journey through cherished Christmas memories, featuring reimagined excerpts from the Nutcracker Suite, the Nativity story, and a new interpretation of The First Noël, projected throughout the Cathedral. Â
Book here – Noel Liverpool Cathedral
Christmas light trails Lake District
There aren’t as many light trails in cumbria. So far there is just Sizergh Castle which is back for it’s second year and a brand new trail at Lowther Castle.
Lights of Lowther, Lowther Castle – book now for 2026
When – 14th November – 30th December 2026
You will start your journey in the beautiful gothic ruins. Lit after dark, you will rediscover the Castle in a completely new light. Leaving the ruin, the trail leads you out into the gardens, which will be adorned in colour and twinkling lights. There will be immersive installations, photo opportunities and the grand finale which will be the view of the castle from the lawns like you have never seen it before.
Along the way festive food and drink including mulled wine and luxury hot chocolate will be served, as well as the opportunity to toast giant marshmallows over our fire pit.
Adults £20, children £15, under 3s free. Family tickets £65 (2 adults and up to 3 children or 1 adult and 4 children).
Book here – Lights of Lowther
Winter at Sizergh, book now for 2026
When – 20th November – 24th December 2026
Experience an enchanting trail of light and sound installations around Sizergh’s grounds and make magical memories with friends and family this winter.
Designed by local artists, this year’s outdoor trail is their most immersive yet. Inside the House, you’re invited to an extravagant Georgian winter celebration, get creative with seasonal crafts in the Great Barn and enjoy delicious festive food and drinks.
NT Members (adults and children over 5 years) £6.50, Children over 5 years (non-members), £9.75, adult non-members £13
Book here – Winter at Sizergh | National Trust
More Christmas guides for the North West
Find all the Christmas markets North West here.
Find out where to enjoy Breakfast with Santa North West here.
Find all the Christmas Shows North West here.
Find all the Free Christmas events Cheshire here.
Find loads of Christmas walks North West here.
If you’re reading this in October and can’t wait to do a light trail, I’ve found 3 in October. Find them and more Halloween walks North West here.
Where to next?
Find more Family events North West England here.
