Over the last few years, Christmas lights trails have become a really popular way to start the Christmas festivities. Some combine Santa visits, some ice skating, and some are simply incredible lights that twinkle and make you feel festive from the get go.
We’ve experienced quite a lot of these over the years so have listed them here with some trusted reviews to read too.
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I always think when you’re reading reviews of Christmas light trails you do have to factor in the weather when people have visited. It can make a massive difference to the experience and the mood of the reviewer.
We advise you to dress for the weather. Please note these are walking experiences.
A Christmas light trail is a great alternative to a trip to Santa in Manchester but you can always do both!
Christmas Lights Trails near Manchester
BeWILDerwood Cheshire Christmas Lights 2023
The magic of Christmas returns to BeWILDerwood Cheshire this December!
With a sprinkle of Christmas cheer, a BeWILDermas panto and a glimpse of Santa Claus – it’s set to be the event of the year!
The Sparkly Light Trail – Explore brand new areas of BeWILDerwood as you follow The Sparkly Light Trail through the woods. Discover silly snowmen, curious Christmas crackers, a giant Christmas pudding and lots, lots more as you venture through the festivities.
A BeWILDermas Pantomime – Join us for this fifteen-minute mini pantomime where Mildred the friendliest Crocklebog gets into a bit of bother when she visits the snowmen! Will reindeers Sid and Nev get to Jingles in time? Full of family fun and festive cheer, enjoy our unique spin on a traditional pantomime.
Tickets are £15.50 per person and must be booked in advance online. Tickets will be limited so we advise booking in advance to guarantee your spot.
When booking you will be asked to select an arrival timeslot, which are every half hour from 4 pm – 6 pm. The event will last around 1 hour and 30 minutes.
So, wrap up warm and get ready for an evening full of festive family fun and BeWILDermas magic!
Christmas Lights at Heaton Park 2023 – Christmas Lights Cheshire
Friday 1st to Sunday 31st December 2023
A magical new after dark trail for all the family
From the makers of Christmas at Kew and Christmas at Dunham Massey comes something completely new.
The event – Christmas at Heaton Park – is already being promoted on the My Christmas Trails Facebook page and will run from December 1 to 31.
It promises ‘all the fun of the fair surrounded by breath-taking seasonal lights as never seen before’.
Families are invited to: “Discover colour-changing globes of light stretching out into the distance, larger-than-life flowers and neon strings that reach high into the sky. Wander through a laser garden filled with thousands of tiny beams of light and into a giant twinkling tunnel that surrounds you with sparkle.
“Immerse yourself in the tantalising world of thrills, spills and the sweetest of treats at the fairground village.”
There’ll be seasonal snacks on offer from hand-picked street food vendors and refreshments such as spiced winter warmer, hot chocolate or toasted marshmallows.
Tickets are on sale now and if you book before October 1, you can get them from £12 for selected dates. Relaxed sessions with fewer people and reduced volume will also be available.
You can find our Review of Heaton Park Christmas Lights trail here.
Christmas Lights Trail at Bolesworth 2023 – Christmas Lights Cheshire
Friday 24th November – 31st December 2023
New to the party in 2022, the Christmas Lights Trail at Bolesworth goes all out. The whole site is just spectacular. It’s a site to behold from off the main road. When you’re driving up to the entrance and the kids marvel at the entrance lights that are there just to mark the driveway you know it’s going to be good.
Our favourite part was the 5 minute laser light show right at the beginning of the trail. Don’t miss this.
Check out our Top Tips Christmas Lights Trail at Bolesworth
The address for entry is Bolesworth Castle, Tattenhall, Cheshire CH3 9JJ.
From £19 for adults
You can book tickets and find out more information about Bolesworth at Christmas here.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CXDroclg6UM/
Christmas Lights Trails near Manchester
Chester Zoo Lanterns 2023 – Christmas Lights Cheshire
We last went to the Chester Zoo Lanterns back in 2019 when the rain fell pretty heavily, so our photos of the event aren’t that good, although the trail still was pretty spectacular.
I’ve found some good reviews of the Chester Zoo lanterns though with comments such as “When darkness falls at Chester Zoo, and the real animals are tucked up in bed, the illuminated animals come out to play – and they are such a spectacular sight.”
What’s new for 2023?
- Festive fairground rides
- Mouthwatering marshmallow toasting
- Meet the stag! Larger than life, pea-lit animal statues
- A giant 3D projection of a life-size woolly mammoth!
- Flickering fire gardens
- A sparkling Forest of light, animated to a bespoke soundtrack
- An Instagram favourite; the towering Winter cathedral
- Neon faces
- Plus, lots of familiar favourites including our stunning lanterns and puppets!
The Lanterns at Chester Zoo – Is It Worth It? – Marvellous Mrs P
Review: The Lanterns at Chester Zoo – Typical Mummy
https://www.chesterzoo.org/events/the-lanterns-at-chester-zoo/
Christmas Lights at Dunham Massey 2023 – Christmas Lights Cheshire
Christmas at Dunham Massey has been on my radar for a long time – and so glad we were able to visit in 2023.
Firmly positioned as a must-see within the UK’s festive calendar, Christmas at Dunham Massey has everything you need for an unforgettable experience with friends and family. They’ve been doing this a long time now and they know what they are doing.
Check out our review about Christmas at Dunham Massey in 2023.
Read more from Going on an Adventure here for some Reviews and Tips of Dunham Massey at Christmas
Christmas at Dunham Massey runs from Friday 17th November to Sunday 31st December 2023.
Christmas Lights at Delamere Forest, Cheshire 2023 – Christmas Lights Cheshire
There will be sadly be no Christmas at Delamere Forest event for 2023. The information below relates to last year’s event
Magical Woodland, Blakemere Village, Cheshire 2023 – Christmas Lights Cheshire
In its sixth year, the Magical Woodland is a hugely impressive walking experience that is perfect for the whole family. The interactive light installations, many set to music, encourage adults and children of all ages to get involved. There is a woodland clearing with food and drink stalls (cash and card accepted), together with some seating and marshmallows to toast on the open fires (additional charge).
**SORRY NO DOGS ALLOWED AT THIS EVENT** (Except for Assistant Dogs) Dogs are not allowed at The Magical Woodland.
The event attracts lots of people and that, combined with very hot lights, electricity cables and loudspeakers situated at curious doggy level can make it too dangerous for our furry four legged friends.
Friday 24th November – Sunday 24th December 2023
To read more about the Magical Woodland do check out our reviews below:
REVIEW, Magical Woodland 2021
https://www.instagram.com/p/CXB78zwsk0T/
Cheshire Outdoors, Blakemere Village, Chester Road, Sandiway, Northwich, Cheshire, CW8 2EB
Luminate Cheshire 2023 – Christmas Lights Cheshire
Walton Gardens Winter Light Trail, Walton Lea Rd, Higher Walton, Warrington WA4 6SN
A spectacular, illuminated trail, full of wonder and intrigue, to delight and enthral your senses. As darkness descends, join us on our enchanting journey, as we weave a captivating light trail through the stunning, grounds of Walton Gardens. Immerse yourself in our mesmerising trail, with stunning lighting elements and fabulous light play, all set to ambient.
Whilst we don’t have a review of Luminate Cheshire we do have a review of the Luminate trail in Southport.
Luminate Cheshire at Walton Gardens will run nightly from 30th November 2023 – 24th December 2023. Entry times from 4.30pm to 8pm
Tickets must be pre-booked online in advance. https://luminate.live/walton
Why not PIN this post about Christmas Lights Cheshire
Karen Beddow founded Mini Travellers in 2014 while doing what she loves most...going on holiday!
Mini Travellers is for parents looking for holiday ideas, destination reviews, days out and things to do with the kids. We also have family travel tips, activity ideas and all other things family holiday related. Take a look at some of our latest reviews for holidays and day trips in the UK.