The Magical Light Trails Across Yorkshire This Autumn/Winter
These magical illuminated trails and light shows are lighting up Yorkshire
Light Night Leeds
22ND & 23RD OCTOBER
Leeds City Centre
lightnightleeds.co.uk
Light Night Leeds is the UK’s largest annual arts and light festival and for the past 20 years some of Leeds’s most iconic indoor and outdoor spaces have been transformed by artworks and performances from local, national and international artists alike. We can’t wait to see what’s in store this year.
Illuminated Whitby Abbey
FROM 24TH OCTOBER
Whitby Abbey
english-heritage.org.uk
Where better to head this spooky season than to the Gothic ruins of Whitby Abbey? Stick around after dark and get your camera ready for the dramatic illuminations.
Echoes of Yorkshire
24TH OCTOBER–2ND NOVEMBER
York Museum Gardens
yorkmuseumstrust.org.uk
Luxmuralis are renowned for their stunning light displays and you won’t want to miss this light and sound installation in the York Museum Gardens this autumn. This immersive experience will celebrate the story of this iconic site in light, colour and sound.
Luminescence
FROM 6TH NOVEMBER
Swinton Park Hotel
swintonestate.com
This winter, Swinton Estate is inviting visitors to its inaugural Luminescence – A Winter Light Trail, set amidst the lakes and woodland garden of Swinton Park Hotel near Masham. Launching from Thursday 6th November and running until the end of February 2026, the landscape will be illuminated by a light installation depicting the magic of the natural world.
Illuminate The Gardens
7TH–9TH NOVEMBER
Sheffield Botanical Gardens
illuminatethegardens.co.uk
From an ambitious idea a whole decade ago to a sold-out sensation, Illuminate The Gardens has attracted thousands of people to Sheffield. This year is their final show, so don’t miss your last chance to marvel at the sparkling lights.
BD: is LIT
7TH & 8TH NOVEMBER
Bradford
visitbradford.com
BD: is LIT will transform Bradford’s city centre with a collection of magical light installations and performances by local, national and international artists. In collaboration with Bradford2025, BD: is LIT invites you to see Bradford in a new light with large-scale installations, theatre and awe-inspiring light and sound artwork.
Winter Illuminations
FROM 15TH NOVEMBER
Yorkshire Wildlife Park
yorkshirewildlifepark.com
Head to Yorkshire Wildlife Park after dark and follow the illuminated trail with bespoke lanterns, light displays and selfie spots. Don’t miss The Wizard’s Quest – brand-new this year – where children can join the Warthogs School for Young Wizards & Witches and meet enchanted creatures and the wicked Snow Queen.
RHS Glow
19TH NOVEMBER–23RD DECEMBER
RHS Harlow Carr
rhs.org.uk
This year’s reimagined trail through RHS Harlow Carr will lead you to hidden corners which have been transformed into a world of winter wonders. There’ll be festive food and Christmas shopping along the route too.
Northern Lights
21ST NOVEMBER–31ST DECEMBER
Temple Newsam, Leeds
northernlightsleeds.com
Follow this mile-long trail around Temple Newsam and explore 14 illumination zones, each with their own unique themes, and there’ll be plenty of places to refuel along the way.
AGLOW
From 21st NovemberAuckland Gardens & Auckland Palace, Bishop Aucklandaucklandproject.orgOne of the most spectacular Christmas light trails returns this year with 22 illuminations and some of the largest light installations in the country. You’ll begin your trail at Auckland Palace and follow a glittering route through the palace’s gardens and grounds – and it’s dog friendly!
Light Up Wakefield
21ST–23RD NOVEMBER
Wakefield City Centre
experiencewakefield.co.uk
Head along to the Cathedral Precinct in Wakefield on Friday 21st November for live music and entertainment before the Christmas Light Switch-On which launches this light trail. Don’t miss the Norse mythology inspired ‘Ship of the Gods’.
Winter Illuminations
FROM 22ND NOVEMBER
Stockeld Park, Wetherby
stockeldpark.co.uk
A great choice to keep the kids entertained, as well as its enchanting illuminations, this trail at Stockeld Park also features three adventure playgrounds to explore. Complete your visit by getting lost in the illuminated Snowflake Maze.
