Wandering around twinkling light installations has become a popular festive activity for thousands every winter, and thanks to a new Twilight Trail at Mayfield Park, you don’t even need to leave the city centre to see one.
This brand new trail (in Manchester‘s brand new 6.5 acre park) brings a giant Christmas tree that flashes in time to music, disco ball installations over the river, a fire pit area where you can roast marshmallows, and a spirograph tunnel.
It even has a disco soundtrack curated by nightlife favourites La Discotheque and the play park has been included in the trail for the little ones.
The dazzling light trail runs alongside Winter Island, Freight Island’s seasonal festival, where some of the city’s best food operators will be serving Christmas specials.
The Twilight Trail itself is a budget-friendly festive activity with tickets starting from just £9, and is just a short walk from the trains, buses and trams that stop at Manchester Piccadilly.
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The immersive winter light trail is the first of its kind to be held at Mayfield Park and will run all the way through to New Year’s Eve.
Visitors will join The Twilight Trail at the main entrance to the park, then spend around 30 minutes exploring, surrounded by twinkling illuminations.
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The light trail ends at Freight Island itself, where you can dig in to the Winter Island food offering or say hi to the Big Man himself at a Visit Santa Experience.
There’s plenty of food and drink on offer, from a build-your-own boozy hot chocolate bar from Cocoa Cabana, to the Smoking Coal German BBQ, serving a whole bratwurst menu, Schweinshaxe in a bun, and a classic hog roast butty.
Formaggi by Lazy Tony’s. Credit: The Manc GroupCocoa Cabana hot chocolates at The Twilight Trail and Freight IslandA Yorkshire pudding hot dog at The Smoking Coal at Freight Island
Cheese fanatics will want to take a quick detour to Formaggi by Lazy Tony’s, where you can tuck into all sorts of oozy, melty cheese dishes, like Italian-American toasties, deep fried burrata, melted Camembert, and roast potatoes with poutine toppings.
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That’s not to mention all of Freight Island’s resident traders – Burgerism, Voodoo Ray’s, Lazy Tony’s Lasagnaria, Patel’s Pies, Payal, Mia’s Arepas, FUKU, Mega Gyros, Oh My Cheesecake, and Fry-By are all open for business as usual too.
The Visit Santa Experience will take over the Plant Room, where for £22.50 kids can meet Father Christmas and his elves, receiving a small Lego gift, a Lindt Chocolate and photo opportunity (it’s free for accompanying adults).
Laura Percy, development director at LandSecU+I, leading the regeneration of Mayfield, said: “The new Twilight Trail promises to be a brilliant addition to both Mayfield Park and the whole of Manchester city centre, complementing the Christmas markets, which are such a popular destination for thousands of visitors every year.
“We are thrilled to be able to offer our neighbours in Ardwick and Brunswick, particularly families, a large number of complimentary tickets so that as many people as possible can come and enjoy the Trail.
“The spirit of innovation at Mayfield is long-established and it’s great to see our partners at Freight Island continuing to push the boundaries with this exciting autumn programme.”
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The spirograph tunnel at the Twilight Trail. Credit: The Manc GroupA light tunnel at The Twilight Trail at Mayfield Park
Jon Drape from The Twilight Trail said: “We are thrilled to bring a new festive experience to Mayfield Park this year.
“The Twilight Trail’s unique light installations will completely transform this incredible park. We are very proud to be able to deliver such a wonderful experience at an affordable price this year, whether for the family, groups of friends or a date night.
“Combined with the opportunity to visit the brand-new Winter Island next door we believe Depot Mayfield is set to be an unrivalled Christmas destination in the UK.”
Adult tickets are £9 in November and £10 in December, while family tickets start at £28. Children under two go free.
Featured image: The Manc Group
What's On
10 of the best North West light trails to visit this winter
Lydia Mastrolonardo
Christmas is fast approaching, meaning it’s time to wrap up warm and get booking your tickets for one of these fabulous, festive, family-friendly light trails, before the rush.
While many of us are still acclimatising to that familiar bite in the air and finally beginning to accept these darker mornings – it doesn’t have to all be doom and gloom.
There are plenty of activities across the North West currently gearing up to light the way through these dark months, as we head towards Christmas.
After all – nothing quite gets you in the mood like witnessing the first twinkly lights of the season, as our local areas are transformed into a vision of festive light and colour. Why not go the full mile and attend one of these amazing trails to maximise on that Christmas magic.
Here are our 10 suggestions…
Ignite Fire Festival – Rochdale
Rochdale set to be illuminated by fiery sculptures for this year’s Ignite Fire FestivalIgnite Fire Festival returns this winter
The Ignite Fire Festival is set to once again unite thousands of locals and visitors alike in Rochdale, with a spectacular trail of fire, lights and sound, along with some thrilling new attractions including hand-crafted blazing fire sculptures, pyrotechnics, and illuminated installations.
Visitors can expect a dramatic experience from start to finish, executed through cutting-edge technology as part of Ignite’s most ambitious light display yet.
This year’s festival will all centre around the mesmerising, multi-sensory and immersive night time-trail ‘BODY,’ which will transport visitors on a journey, through the six zones of the human anatomy.
Ignite is a free festival running across three magical evenings, between Friday 20 – Sunday 22 November, 5pm-8pm.
Read more about it HERE, and click HERE for more information about the Ignite Fire Festival.
Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience – Chester
The flying Ford Anglia will even be in attendance
This immersive, multi-sensory, night-time trail is a chance to channel your inner witch or wizard, as you step into an enchanted woodland, under the night sky and transport yourself into a wintery world.
Along down the illuminated winding path, fans will encounter some familiar faces like Hagrid or the weird and wonderful creatures from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts franchises, all brought to life through cutting-edge light shows and projections.
The installations will bring iconic scenes to life, as well as providing the perfect photo spots, opportunities for guests to practice their spell-casting skills, engage in a wand duel or summon a Patronus.
Northern Lights Manchester is taking over Heaton Park
Northern Lights has just announced a major return to Heaton Park, with a brand-new Christmas Time Machine theme.
The dazzling mile-long light trail will transform the park into a wonderland, with 14 different themed installations including Candy Cane Lane, a giant neon slinky, and shimmering nutcrackers, plus plenty of selfie spots along the route.
The Christmas Time Machine will take place from 19 November, all the way through to the end of the year, inviting visitors to step back into their favourite festive memories with a nostalgic collection in installations.
Expect original soundscapes, spectacular new illuminations, and even a marshmallow zone will bring the fully accessible trail to life.
There’ll also be vintage fairground rides, cosy festive pit stops and an expanded Christmas Village with artisan food and drink producers from across the region.
Northern Lights will also host dedicated inclusive evenings on Wednesday 2 and Wednesday 9 December, with reduced capacity and lower audio levels, to create a calmer environment that may be preferable for some neurodivergent visitors and those who benefit from a more relaxed experience.
Why not visit the glittering winter adventure at Tatton Park Gardens this winter?
This isn’t your average light trail – here, visitors have the chance to join in with festive mischief, toast marshmallows and discover magical surprises all along the route, it truly is an adventure for the whole family.
After dark, visitors are transported to an alternate reality with glowing installations and secret spaces throughout the gardens, encountering mythical creatures, inspired by ridiculous winter rituals.
The experience centres around a wonderful celebration of folklore, festive traditions and seasonal rituals, where guests should expect the unexpected with acrobats, puppets, curious characters, storytelling, live music and performances.
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This is such a special celebration of the season for all ages to get involved with, which practically guarantees getting you in the Christmassy mood.
After dark, the Lanterns & Light trail is set to completely transform Chester Zoo as we know it, into a brand new experience complete with festive lights, wildlife-themed displays, animal puppets and even adults-only evenings, for the very first time.
This year, the trail has been reimagined, with some mesmerising installations including the spectacular Suspended Jellyfish underwater display, a mirrored disco tunnel, a glittering pea-lit canopy, and Floating Feathers.
Throughout the trail, visitors can expect to see some new life-sized animal puppets including parrots, dolphins and a giant polar bear, brought to life by specialist performers.
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Alongside the new additions, the walk-through Cathedral of Light and atmospheric Fire Garden are set to return, where guests can toast marshmallows and warm up with festive food, or hot drinks by the fire pits.
Oh and if that wasn’t enough – there will also be a chance to meet Father Christmas and explore the funfair, all while helping fund Chester Zoo’s vital conservation work.
This exotic event will be running between Friday 13 November 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027, with two adults-only evenings, on 19 November and 8 December.
Last year, more than 140,000 people visited the trail, so be sure to book ahead.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of Christmas at Dunham Massey, meaning you can be well assured that they know how to put on a fabulous festive event.
Christmas at Dunham Massey is a staple winter tradition for many in the North West and we can see why – designed by award-winning light trail producers, the gardens are completely transformed into a winter wonderland with twinkling lights, colour, fire, and immersive sounds.
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For 2026, the accessible, mile-long trail, promises a brand-new array of bewitching light installations, photo opportunities and projections on the historic house, in addition to the return of Father Christmas and the festive fairground.
This trail is built for all ages whether you want to bring a date, friends or your family – you are bound to enjoy the wide range of seasonal delicacies available from mulled wine, hot chocolates and plenty of food stalls to choose from.
While this trail is dog-friendly, there are accessible sessions available where only assistance dogs are allowed to join along.
The RHS Bridgewater’s 2026 celebration of light, ‘Glow,’ follows a brand-new route through the woodland, with two new breathtaking light art commissions – an enchanted forest and an immersive sunrise to sunset display.
These are in addition to a magical moon feature, the stunning Yangzhou Scholars’ Garden and the dynamic light show ‘Halo.’
This winter walk begins with a lovely selection of cafés, serving up some seasonal treats and the opportunity to toast marshmallows on the fire.
Get your tickets HERE and allow yourself to start getting excited.
How will you possibly pick which experience to go to? Whichever you settle on – be sure to book early to avoid disappointment.
A festival dedicated to cheese is coming to Manchester next week
Daisy Jackson
A cheese festival will be launching in Manchester next week, where you can samples cheese, eat cheesy specials from food vendors, and drink some great beers too.
The newly-announced Cheese Fest, which plans to be an annual festival, will bring together eight different cheesemakers, top local food traders, and a beloved Manchester brewery.
And what would cheese be without pickles? Holly Pickles, who runs Pickle Fest and Track’s Pickle Club, will be on hand with the perfect accompaniments.
Cheese Fest has been set up by The Crafty Cheeseman, and all for a very good cause, raising money to support the vital work of The Christie.
Jonathan Pearcey, aka The Crafty Cheeseman himself, was diagnosed with an extremely rare form of cancer back in 2024, and has been receiving treatment at The Christie.
It’s not the first time he’s set up a fundraiser for the charity, but he’s hoping that Cheese Fest will grow bigger and bigger every year, with vendors all donating a portion of their takings to The Christie Charity.
As well as having the chance to sample, buy, and learn about different cheeses from eight producers, you can feast on cheese toasties from Fred’s, and pizzas from Slice Culture.
The event will be taking place next weekend at Track Brewery’s home near Manchester Piccadilly – so you’ll also have some of the city’s best beers on hand to pair with your cheese.
Jonathan said: “Okay, so, huge news. We are launching, in collaboration with the beautiful Track Brewery, a cheese festival in Manchester.
Slice Culture will have pizza specials for the Cheese FestivalTrack Brewery will host Cheese Fest
“Now as far as I’m aware there’s not been one before, or not for a long time, it’s something that I’ve been desperate to do, Track Brewery are the most wonderful people to be doing it with.
“We are doing it on the 22nd November, it’ll be 12 til 5, there’ll be cheese producers there to talk to you about the cheese, you’ll be able to taste their cheese, and more importantly, buy their cheese.
“There’ll be food vendors there doing awesome cheese specials, we will also have obviously all the extra bits you need with cheese – there’ll be someone doing pickles, there’ll be bread. You know, this is about celebrating the wonderful thing that is cheese.”
He added: “The biggest part of this for me is that we are doing it in collaboration with The Christie Charity. As a lot of you know, the journey I’m going through it’s The Christie who treats me, I’ve done previous things to raise money for charity and Track have been amazing getting behind me with this.
“I think it’s super important to try and support places like The Christie as much as we can, which is why all the vendors will be donating a portion of what we take to The Christie.”
Announcing the event online, The Crafty Cheeseman posted: “Please come down and support this cheesy event as where else can you eat and buy cheese whilst donating to charity.”
Cheese Fest will take place at Track Brewery on Sunday 22 November, from 12pm until 5pm.
Daisy Jackson -
15th November 2023 
