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Just to let you know, the light trail at Gibside has now ended and they will be sharing a more traditional Christmas experience this year.
The Cheapest North East Light Trails 2025
👉CHEAPEST LIGHT TRAIL 2025 : Earth, Wind and Fire at Ridley Park (FREE)
👉 MOST EXPENSIVE LIGHT TRAIL 2025 : Northern Lights Newcastle on Peak Dates (£70.25)
🌟Earth, Wind and Fire Garden at Ridley Park Blyth : FREE
🌟Lumiere Festival Durham : FREE (outside controlled zone) / £6 (inside controlled zone
🌟Alnwick Garden & Lilidorei Winter Lights : £28 - £64
🌟Northern Lights Newcastle : £39.25 - £79.25
🌟Plotters’ Forest Evening Enchanted Christmas Trail at Raby Castle : £43
🌟Enchanted City Newcastle : £44.50
🌟AGLOW at Auckland Palace : £61.80 - £70.56
🌟Nightfall at Stewart Park, Middlesbrough £62
NOTES: Prices checked 1 Oct 2025 and include peak and off peak prices where appropriate. Based on 2 adults, 2 children (aged 8) or a family ticket including booking fees but excluding parking / extras / gift aid. One off discounts or codes have not been included.
Northern Lights Newcastle
Leazes Park, Newcastle 
27 Nov - 31 Dec (various dates)
CHEAPEST: £39.25 
MOST EXPENSIVE: £79.25 
Suitable for most wheelchair users and pushchairs with smooth surfaced ground. There are a few small ramps. Accessible toilets at the start / end. 
Under 3s go free
Pet dogs are welcome on leads.
BOOK: https://northernlightsnewcastle.com/
-What to expect: A 1 mile circular route with 15 state-of-the-art light installations. There’s a Christmas village at the end with fairground rides & local streetfood stalls (additional charges apply).
-SAM SAYS - I usually book this trail and like that it’s super easy to get to, includes state-of-the-art installations and music and local street food at the end. It’s not overly festive and there are quite a few places where you could spend more £ (marshmallow toasting, light up toys for sale, fairground rides, big wheel, food & drink stalls).
(ad)Enchanted City Newcastle
Northumbria University City Campus 11-14 Dec CHEAPEST: £44.50 MOST EXPENSIVE: £44.50 Accessible - more info to follow Under 3s go free Dog info to follow
BOOK: https://www.enchanted-city.co.uk/
- What to expect: Discover the magic and mystery of the universe through space-inspired projection, light installations, fire, performance, interactive workshops and more.
-SAM SAYS - This sounds like it's a must-visit event for space fans and offers a night out with a difference in Newcastle. I can't wait to check it out.
(ad)Earth, Wind and Fire Garden
Ridley Park, Blyth14 & 15 Nov CHEAPEST: FREE MOST EXPENSIVE: FREE Wheelchair accessible All tickets are free Pet dogs on leads welcome
FIND OUT MORE: https://www.greatnorthumberland.co.uk/firegarden
- What to expect: Step through a fire-breathing arch into a glowing Fire Garden where flames, light, water and wind meet.
Wander among shimmering sculptures, blooming fire trees, and giant lotus flowers breathing flame. On Friday, a magical lantern parade opens the event. Ridley Park becomes a dazzling world of flickering flames, illuminated moons and starts, and enchanting performances.
-SAM SAYS - This is a free drop-in event with fire, light and water rather than traditional light projections. It's sounds brill, especially as it's free and drop in.
(ad) Forest of Light at Beamish Hall
Beamish Hall 22 Nov - 4 Jan (various dates) CHEAPEST: £50.50 MOST EXPENSIVE: £54.50 Not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs due to the natural woodland setting. Under 1s go free Pet dogs are not permitted.
BOOK: https://bit.ly/Fol-2025
-What to expect: An enchanted woodland walks with interactive light, sound and touch installations. Expect music, interactive props, projections and more. Festive food & drinks are available to purchase.
-SAM SAYS - I have booked to visit this trail for the first time this year. I’ve heard good things and that it’s especially magical for younger children who love the interactive elements.
(ad) Nightfall
Stewart Park, Middlesbrough 28-30 Nov CHEAPEST: £62 MOST EXPENSIVE: £62 Super accessible with relaxed timeslots, wheelchair/pushchair accessible paths, accessible toilets, BSL interpreters, pre-visit easy-to-read guide and more. Under 3s go free Pet dogs are not permitted.
BOOK: https://stellarcreates.co.uk/product/nightfall-2025/
-What to expect: An enchanting evening trail with glowing illuminations and lots of interactive elements including a pop-up silent disco, storytelling and shadow puppets, UV puppets plus streetfood and live DJ.
-SAM SAYS - I absolutely love Nightfall. It feels super inclusive and magical and is brimming with interactive elements and world-class installations. I’ll be visiting this year.
(ad) AGLOW
Auckland Palace, Bishop Auckland 21 November - 31 December (various dates) CHEAPEST: £61.80 MOST EXPENSIVE: £70.56 There is an accessible route however due to the natural woodland setting, it is significantly shorter. Relaxed sensory sessions are available and accessible toilets are provided. Under 5s go free Pet dogs are welcome on leads.
BOOK: https://aucklandaglow.org/plan-your-visit/
-What to expect: One of the largest installations in the country taking place over 1.5 miles. Enjoy one of the tallest christmas trees in England, a spectacular tunnel of light and even a trip to Santa’s workshop. Seasonal food and drinks are for sale
-SAM SAYS : I haven’t visited this one but only heard good things and that you get a lot of light trail for your money
Alnwick Garden & Lilidorei Winter Lights 2for1
Alnwick Garden & Lilidorei 20 November - 1 January CHEAPEST: £28 (exc gift aid) MOST EXPENSIVE: £64 (exc gift aid) The Alnwick Garden trail is accessible although there is are small hills in parts. There are accessible toilets and plenty of seating. The play equipment at Lilidorei is less accessible but you can still enjoy the lights. Under 5s go free-What to expect: Every evening light trail ticket to Alnwick Garden also includes a trip to Lilidorei afterwards so you get 2 light trails for the price of 1 (and yes, you can play on the equipment subject to weather conditions). Expect festive projections and lights to music. Do note, the fountains are not in operation but do have lights projected onto them. Festive food & drinks are for sale.
-SAM SAYS - We usually book this for an off-peak date as £28 is an absolute bargain. I love how festive this trail feels with reindeer, Santa and snowmen projections (and you can make it snow) and I like that you get to visit Lilidorei too. Such a bargain.
Plotters’ Forest Evening Enchanted Christmas Trail at Raby Castle
Plotters’ Forest, Raby Castle 3 December - 3 January CHEAPEST: £43 MOST EXPENSIVE: £43 I can’t find any access info online but from memory, do think this trail is accessible. Under 1s go free Pet dogs are not permitted
BOOK: https://www.raby.co.uk/events/the-plotters-forest-enchanted-christmas-trail/
-What to expect: A glowing woodland with twinkling lights and festive music during an illuminated trail with a treat for each child. The play equipment, deer park, castle and walled garden and a visit to Father Christmas is not included.
-SAM SAYS - I think it’s a shame they can’t open the play area at night like they do at Lilidoeri and imagine some children won’t be pleased when they’re told they can’t play. Raby Castle do put on premium events and I would visit if I was local but I think there are better trails out there for the £.
Lumiere Festival
Durham 13-15 NovCHEAPEST : £6 (for controlled central zone / free outside of this)MOST EXPENSIVE : £6Access can be challenging as Durham is famous for its cobbled streets. Accessible parking and toilets available. All ages need a ticket Pet dogs are not permitted
BOOK: https://www.lumiere-festival.com/
-What to expect: An illuminated art trail around Durham City featuring local and international artists
-SAM SAYS - This is such a bargain and will make a lovely night out in Durham. It has also been announced that this will be the last year Lumiere takes place so catch it while you can.
Notes:
Ticket prices are based on a standard 2A/2C (or a family ticket) including booking fees checked on 1 Oct 2025. Temporary discount codes are not included. Parking / additional extras are not included.
Age explanation: Under 3s = up to age 2 years, 364 days (the day before your 3rd birthday).
Photos are from previous events and for illustration only - displays may differ from the photos in 2025.
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