- Play Hard
- 15th Nov 2023
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- 4 minutes
7 Christmas light trails across the North East in 2023

Looking for after-dark illuminations to kickstart the festive spirit? These North East Christmas light trails look epic…
DURHAM LUMIERE
16th – 19th November
Venues across Durham city and Bishop Auckland
The UK’s Light Art Biennial festival returns for four spectacular nights with its biggest and most exciting programme yet.
It’s a spectacle that promises to impress, with Durham city and Bishop Auckland transformed into a nocturnal, open-air art experience by hosting more than 40 innovative works made with light on their streets, bridges, building and river.
Tickets: Free
NORTHERN LIGHTS NEWCASTLE
23rd November – 1st January
Leazes Park, Newcastle upon Tyne
The newest among Newcastle’s Christmas light trails sits right in the heart of the city, taking you on a (fully accessible) mile-long journey through the magnificent parkland of Leazes Park. And with jaw-dropping illuminations set to a magical score of music, this after-dark experience will light up Newcastle like never before.
Afterwards, fuel up on festive food and drinks in the Christmas village and take a spin on some of the vintage fairground rides.
Tickets: from £19.00
AGLOW AT AUCKLAND CASTLE
22nd November – 31st December
Auckland Castle, Bishop Auckland
Watch as the night sky comes to life over Bishop Auckland this winter.
With 17 incredible illuminations and some of the largest light installations in the country, AGLOW promises to be one of the most spectacular Christmas light trails in the North East. And that’s before we mention Santa’s Village, with fairground rides and a fun show with Mr Claus and his mischievous elves.
Begin your journey at Auckland Castle and embark on a glittering trail through its gardens and grounds, with surprises to be found around every corner…
Tickets: from £19.50
THE ALNWICK GARDEN WINTER LIGHT TRAIL
Now – until 7th January
The Alnwick Garden, Northumberland
The award-winning winter light trail at The Alnwick Garden is a firm family favourite for good reason.
But with a dazzling trail of illuminations around the gardens to explore, including life-sized Nutcrackers, gingerbread men and baubles to clamber inside, plus romantic swings looking out over the fairy lights and deer by the lake – all set to a score of Christmas music guaranteed to make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside – you also don’t need to take little ones to step into the festive spirit here.
Tickets: from £14.85
THE PLOTTERS’ FOREST ENCHANTED CHRISTMAS TRAIL
18th November – 7th January
Raby Castle, Darlington
As the sun sets and the stars emerge in the night sky, take your first steps on a journey through The Plotters’ Forest and watch in awe as one of the most enchanted Christmas light trails comes to life under the blanket of darkness, every corner illuminated with a warm and inviting glow.
Let twinkling lights and festive music guide your path through this captivating winter wonderland for all the family.
Tickets: from £15.00
NIGHTFALL 2023
29th November – 3rd December
Stewart Park, Middlesbrough
Across five nights, a cosmic event for all the family will unfold: revealing enchanting, twinkling stars and their stories untold…
Nightfall stargazers, near and far: you’re invited on an adventure as magical as a shooting star. Get ready for a galaxy playground descending from the Middlesbrough night sky, full of hopeful stars bursting to play, dance and fly.
Tickets: from £14.50
FOREST OF LIGHT
17th November – 7th January
Beamish Hall Hotel, Stanley
When the moon takes its place in the night sky, the enchanted ancient woodland around Beamish Hall Hotel comes to life this winter.
Forest of Light makes a welcome return to County Durham, carving a trail through the trees that is filled with illuminations, music, interactive props and dazzling projections that promise to bring the Christmas magic to life for the whole family.
Please note: this outdoor trail is not accessible for wheelchair users.
Tickets: from £12.00
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