The Best Christmas Light Trails in Yorkshire 2026
Ready to add some sparkle to your Christmas? Yorkshire’s illuminated trails transform gardens, historic estates, woodland and even a wildlife park into glowing winter wonderlands.
From huge lantern animals and immersive projections to twinkling forests and dazzling light tunnels, these are some of the best Christmas light trails and illuminated festive experiences in Yorkshire for 2026.
Most trails require advance booking and popular weekend slots can sell out, so follow the booking links for current prices and availability.
Prefer a free community celebration? See our guide to Yorkshire Christmas light switch-on events for 2026.
Winter Woodland Walks at Mother Shipton’s
When: 28–29 November; 5–6, 12–13 and 18–24 December 2026
Where: Mother Shipton’s Cave, Knaresborough
Cost: Groups of up to five from £44; individual tickets from £18
✨ Why go?
- Wander through Mother Shipton’s ancient woodland illuminated by thousands of twinkling lights.
- Visit Mother Shipton’s Cave and the famous Petrifying Well, subject to weather and ground conditions.
- Stop for hot drinks, mince pies and marshmallows for toasting along the route.
- Enjoy the festive atmosphere without booking the full Santa experience.
- Browse the pop-up Christmas shop during your visit.
Tickets are pedestrian-only and must be booked online in advance. Parking isn’t included, but Conyngham Hall car park is approximately a two-minute walk from the entrance. Dogs aren’t permitted during the Christmas event, except registered assistance dogs.
Check dates, prices and book with Mother Shipton’s
Northern Lights Leeds at Temple Newsam
When: 20 November–31 December 2026
Where: Temple Newsam, Leeds
Cost: Ticket prices vary by peak and off-peak date
✨ Why go?
- Follow a spectacular mile-long trail through the historic Temple Newsam estate.
- Discover a brand-new 2026 theme, The Lost Light of Christmas, inspired by folklore and fairies.
- Look out for immersive installations and never-before-seen displays.
- Finish at the Christmas Village, with festive food, drinks and fairground fun.
- Two neuro-inclusive evenings are planned.
The Enchanted Illuminations at Stockeld Park
When: 21 November 2026–3 January 2027
Where: Stockeld Park, Wetherby
Cost: Ticket prices vary; advance booking recommended
✨ Why go?
- See the Enchanted Forest filled with illuminated installations, projections, sculptures, animations and soundscapes.
- Explore three outdoor adventure playgrounds included with an illuminations ticket.
- Find your way around the illuminated Snowflake Maze.
- Warm up with hot drinks and seasonal treats from cabins along the route.
- Add ice skating to create a full festive day out.
Check dates, prices and book with Stockeld Park
RHS Glow at Harlow Carr
When: Selected dates from 26 November–30 December 2026
Where: RHS Garden Harlow Carr, Harrogate
Cost: Prices vary by date and ticket type
✨ Why go?
- Celebrate the tenth anniversary of RHS Glow at Harlow Carr.
- Follow constellations of colour through the garden on a light-filled adventure.
- Discover new festive surprises around the route.
- Enjoy winter warmers, festive food and seasonal shopping.
- Choose from Super Off Peak, Off Peak and flexible Premium ticket options.
Check dates, prices and book through the RHS
Winter Illuminations at Yorkshire Wildlife Park
When: Selected dates from 14 November 2026–9 January 2027
Where: Yorkshire Wildlife Park, Doncaster
Cost: Prices vary; advance booking recommended
✨ Why go?
- Explore a 3km trail filled with bespoke lanterns and dazzling light displays.
- The brand-new 2026 theme is The Polar Bear Express.
- Discover immersive festive scenes, photo opportunities and a water-fountain display.
- Seasonal food and drinks are available around the route.
- Daytime wildlife park admission can be added when booking.
2026 dates: 14–15, 20–22 and 26–29 November; 3–6 and 10–24 December; 26 December–3 January; and 9 January.
Check dates, prices and book with Yorkshire Wildlife Park
The Christmas Experience at Lotherton
When: 21 November 2026–3 January 2027
Where: Lotherton, Aberford, Leeds
Cost: Ticket options vary depending on the experience
✨ Why go?
- Walk through a newly reimagined illuminated woodland filled with nostalgic toys and Christmas characters.
- Enjoy a whimsical, colourful experience created by the artists behind Lotherton’s original woodland walk.
- Combine the lights with festive activities around the estate.
- Santa experiences are available separately on selected dates.
- Winter illuminations and park activities continue into the New Year.
Check the official Lotherton event listing
Christmas at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal
When: Selected dates during Christmas 2026; check the official page for the current calendar
Where: Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, Ripon
Cost: Normal admission charges may apply; National Trust members enter under membership terms
✨ Why go?
- Wander through the atmospheric abbey ruins as they glow in the fading afternoon light.
- Follow a family-friendly festive trail through this World Heritage Site.
- Discover rooms inspired by A Christmas Carol inside Fountains Hall.
- Enjoy seasonal music and selected carol performances.
- Carols by Candlelight take place on 6 and 13 December and require booking.
Check the official National Trust information
Scarborough Lights
When: 11 November–20 December 2026
Where: Locations across Scarborough
Cost: A mixture of free and affordable displays
✨ Why go?
- Explore illuminations spread across the seaside town.
- See the town-centre displays and glowing Dino-bouts.
- Look out for shimmering harbour installations including Ships Ahoy!
- Combine the displays with a winter trip to the Yorkshire coast.
- A useful lower-cost alternative to a single ticketed trail.
Check the official Scarborough Lights programme
Magic at the Mansion at Harewood
When: 6 November 2026–3 January 2027
Where: Harewood House, Leeds
Cost: From £24.50 adults and £10 children online; under-fours and Harewood members free. Parking must be booked separately unless exempt.
✨ Why go?
- Discover imaginative new installations in every room of the Mansion.
- Experience an award-winning collaboration between Harewood and Studio McGuire.
- Explore the grounds and follow the family Snow Globe Trail.
- Toast marshmallows around the fire and enjoy seasonal treats.
- This is primarily an indoor immersive Christmas experience rather than a traditional outdoor light trail.
Check prices and book with Harewood
Christmas at Castle Howard
When: Selected dates from November 2026–3 January 2027
Where: Castle Howard, near York
Cost: Prices vary by ticket type; parking is charged separately
✨ Why go?
- Step inside A Dickens of a Christmas, a theatrical transformation inspired by Charles Dickens’ stories.
- See lavish sets, projections, sound, costumes and festive installations inside the House.
- Walk beneath lit Christmas trees along the North Drive and fairy lights on the South Drive.
- Reduced-price Max Card and Universal Credit options are available on specified tickets.
- Calm, relaxed and BSL-interpreted sessions are available on selected dates.
Check the official Christmas at Castle Howard information
Santa’s Grotto and Christmas Trail at Thorp Perrow
When: 28 November–24 December 2026
Where: Thorp Perrow Arboretum, Bedale
Cost: Check the booking page for 2026 prices
✨ Why go?
- Follow a twinkling woodland trail through the arboretum.
- Discover Santa’s woodland hideaway among the trees.
- Combine a festive trail with a visit to Father Christmas.
- Enjoy the winter atmosphere in one of North Yorkshire’s loveliest gardens.
Check the current Visit North Yorkshire listing
Before You Book a Christmas Light Trail
- Check whether parking must be booked or paid for separately.
- Look at the route length and terrain if you are bringing a pushchair or wheelchair.
- Wear warm, waterproof clothing and suitable shoes.
- Check each venue’s policy before bringing a dog.
- Look for quieter, neuro-inclusive or relaxed sessions if they would suit your family.
- Recheck the organiser’s website before setting off, especially during severe weather.
More Christmas Days Out in Yorkshire
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