The best light trails around Greater Manchester to explore this winter

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The best Christmas light trails in and around Greater Manchester

Well done Manchester, we’ve finally done it – with the amount of light trails illuminating our skyline this winter, you might be able to see us from space.

Who doesn’t love a light trail? The incredible views that brighten up the dreary winter nights, the synchronised wows as we gaze at the statues and figures along the way, or the hot chocolate waiting for you at the end that greets you like a warm hug.

That’s why we’ve rounded up some of the best light trails around Greater Manchester for you to explore this winter.

The 10 best Christmas light trails in and around Manchester 2024

1. Yuletide – Tatton Park

A festive event with a difference is taking over Tatton Park this winter, bringing folklore stories to life with illuminated puppets, live music and storytelling.

The latest seasonal event from Wild Rumpus, ‘Yuletide’ will captivate families as they explore the stunning illuminated landscape.⁠

Organisers say the captivating event promises to be a ‘truly magical experience’.

2. Land of Lights – Gulliver’s World

We’ve found a light trail with a difference for you to explore this winter – a magical world of glowing lanterns has taken over Gulliver’s World, and it’s a brand-new installation for 2024.

‘Land of Lights’ is a one-mile trail that showcases a huge array of lanterns and displays, with loads of nature-inspired enchanting realms to explore from Fantasy Forest, Ice Kingdom and Winged Wonders.

Plus you can treat yourself to a hot chocolate or toast some marshmallows on your way round, and then fill yourself up with Yorkshire pudding wraps and crumble at the end.

3. The Christmas Trail – The Trafford Centre

The Trafford Centre‘s hidden woodland has been transformed into a festive wonderland, with stunning light displays, Santa’s sleigh and, of course, mulled wine at the ready for the adults.

There are even free marshmallow toasting and letter-writing stations for the kids to get their Christmas lists ready.

Then there’s food from Freight Island’s traders, including premium smashed burgers from a Michelin chef, southern fried buttermilk chicken, cheese toasties and more. Plus, kids eat free for ticket holders when buying an adult meal.

4. RHS Glow 2024 at RHS Bridgewater – Salford

The magnificent grounds of RHS Bridgewater will be aglow this winter, when its popular Glow event returns to the gardens in Salford.

The brand-new route will feature magical installations like light-up hedgehogs, fairy lights, and interactive displays that will weave around the gardens.

There’ll also be gift-shopping opportunities, music, and delicious food and drink.

5. Spectrum: A World of Illumination – Knutsford

A new festive light maze is heading to Cheshire for the first time this December. (Credit: Supplied)

There’s a brand-new festive light maze heading to Cheshire this Christmas, and it sounds absolutely a-maze-ing (so, so sorry).

‘A World of Illumination’ ⁠will feature giant candy canes, tunnels of light, and an overhead laser show all hidden inside a festive maze. ⁠There’s much more than meets the eye with this light trail and

And the eagle-eyed amongst you can look out for hidden handles and buttons which lead to secret rooms and festive treasures.

6. The Twilight Trail – Mayfield Park

Mayfield Park has launched their impressive illuminated trail which covers six and a half acres of land and houses more than 50,000 lights.

But I’m guessing you probably knew that considering their unmissable light-up floor has been all over our social media feeds.

There are also some incredible offerings with food vendors in collaboration with Freight Island, a known and trusted foodie favourite.

7. Christmas at Dunham Massey – Cheshire

Arguably the toast of Cheshire’s light trail offerings. (Credit: Supplied)

This National Trust site is one of the founding godfathers when it comes to light trails and has been consistent ever since they first lit up the iconic house and its gardens.

Whether your favourite part is the lit-up moat, the array of bright figures and statues, or toasting a marshmallow, Dunham Massey has got you covered.

Being an important hub for wildlife, each ticket sold helps with the conservation and care of this UK historical landmark.

8. Lanterns and Light – Chester Zoo

Always one of the best Christmas light trails every year. (Credit: Supplied)

Boasting their longest light trail yet as well as an appearance from Father Christmas, Chester Zoo is pulling out all the stops.

Alongside the walk, guests will be able to interact with brand-new puppets and let loose on the fun fairground rides.

And, for the first time ever, the light trail at this Zoo is even taking bookings for New Year’s Day, so you can brighten your future in 2025.

9. Put Big Light On – Bolton

Running for four nights only in December, the festival aptly named after what your Mum shouts five times a day is back in Bolton town centre.

This festival prides itself on bringing experiences to all and this year visitors get to admire ‘Gaia’.

This six-metre-wide illuminated Earth replica will be on display throughout the festival’s duration, and is a direct detail comparison of the imagery NASA utilises. Wow!

10. Lightwaves Salford – MediaCityUK

This Salford special has stood as one of the most beloved light trails in Manchester for some time now.

Spread across two kilometres and branded as ‘MediaCity‘s winter season highlight’, this experience features 14 different art installations that are set to be awe-inspiring.

One of the most engaging pieces, ‘I Caught a…’, will change throughout the night with a varying display of animals pictured in a cage.

Originally commissioned in 2021, ‘Through No 4’ will receive a glow-up with some innovative lights helping to really enhance this pretty little project located along Salford Quays.

And one to bookmark for next year…

Ignite Fire Festival is back in Rochdale this month. (Credit: Supplied)

Goblets of fire, a daisy chain of flaming flowers, a firebird with blazing eyes and even fire eaters – it could only be the return of ‘Ignite Fire Festival’. ⁠

Rochdale will be looking extra glowy next week when the free event by Walk the Plank arts group fills the gardens opposite @rochdaletownhall with dazzling pyrotechnic displays.⁠

There’ll be three nights of fiery displays, culminating in the annual Christmas lights switch-on.⁠

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So whether you’re a light trail enthusiast or just coming along for the ride, just don’t forget to have lots of fun this festive season.

Happy (light) trails!

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Featured Images – Publicity pictures (supplied)