Nothing says Christmas like a mesmerising light trail. This list compiles the best ones in and around Manchester that are already available to book now.
Image credit: Jason Lock
The PRISM Light Trail is a community-led project featuring of a series of light installations coming to Sale Town Centre, running from Thu 21 Nov – Tue 31 Dec. The exhibit promotes a heart-warming community spirit as it has been designed by children and young people from the borough. Entry is free.
Experience a captivating light display this Christmas at Dunham Massey – a great place for those festive family photos. The famous trail includes spellbinding beams between ancient trees, dancing sparkles on the moat surface and a variety of magical surprises along the route. Running from Fri 15 Nov – Wed 1 Jan, tickets start at £18 – profits support the conservation of Dunham Massey to ensure there are many more magical Christmases to come.
The spectacular, enchanting light installation at RHS Garden Bridgewater is back with a bang this Christmas. Stroll through illuminated archways and yew domes full of fairy lights, alongside touch-activated giant petunias and the ever-popular Moonlight Gardener show. Tuck into delicious food and drink at the café and take a trip to the Garden Centre for last-minute Christmas shopping. Open Wed – Sat from Wed 27 Nov to Mon 30 Dec, non-member prices from £12.95 and RHS member prices from £7.95.
Escape the madcap retail frenzy and head deep into The Trafford Centre’s evocative Wilderspool Woods, where a twinkling trail awaits with shimmering displays, entrancing sounds and heaps of festive food.
This year, families can stop by the Freight Island pop-up and treat the little ones to a free meal with every adult main purchased.
The Trafford Centre Christmas Trail runs until Thu 2 Jan, with tickets starting at £9 for kids, £11 for adults or £36 for a family of four.
This year, Northwich’s Arley Hall hosts Luminate – a mystifying after-dark trail set to ambient music amongst the atmospheric woodlands as seen in Harry Potter and Peaky Blinders. Expect light play to guide you through the experience, promising countless memorable moments. After the trail indulge in mulled wine and toasted marshmallows by the firepit. Running from Sat 30 Nov – Tue 24 Dec, every day. tickets start at £10 for children and £15 for adults.
Lightwaves festival returns to Salford Quays this December (Thu 5 – Sun 8) featuring work from both established and emerging artists from around the region and beyond. The 11th edition showcases 14 breathtaking works and is free to attend, with no booking required.
Lightwaves forms part of the Quays Culture Programme, aiming to bring art into the community for everyone to enjoy.
Open now and running until New Year’s Eve, Mayfield Park’s 2nd annual Twilight Trail transforms the urban oasis into a wondrous wintry realm with another after-dark light show, featuring A first for Mayfield Park this Christmas, The Twilight Trail is set to illuminate Manchester with a brand-new winter light show. Tickets start at £9 for children and £11 for grown-ups.
Breathing new life into the arresting world of festive folklore, traditions and rituals, Yuletide takes over Tatton Park with live music, storytelling, fire-juggling and a host of wonderfully rendered characters from winter myth.
As always, there’ll be plenty of hot chocolate and toasted marshmallows to guarantee a cosy, immersive campfire tale experience.
Children’s tickets start at £12, with adults starting at £20.
- Words:
- Chloe Tuff
- Published on:
- Fri 15 Nov 2024
Lanterns and Light returns to Chester Zoo from Fri 15 Nov – Wed 1 Jan with its biggest, brightest and longest installation yet. The experience lasts around 60-90 minutes and features giant candy canes, neon walkways, an appearance from Father Christmas and interactive puppets of meerkats, snow leopards, peacocks and more. There’s also a Christmas market full of festive food and drink – making it the perfect family adventure. Tickets start from £12.