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Over the last few years, Christmas lights trails have become a really popular way to start the Christmas festivities. Some combine Santa visits, some ice skating, and some are simply incredible lights that twinkle and make you feel festive from the get go.
We’ve experienced quite a lot of these over the years so have listed them here with some trusted reviews to read too.
I always think when you’re reading reviews of Christmas light trails you do have to factor in the weather when people have visited. It can make a massive difference to the experience and the mood of the reviewer.
We advise you to dress for the weather. Please note these are walking experiences.
Christmas Lights Trail at Bolesworth
New to the party this year, the Christmas Lights Trail at Bolesworth goes all out. The whole site is just spectacular. It’s a site to behold from off the main road. When you’re driving up to the entrance and the kids marvel at the entrance lights that are there just to mark the driveway you know it’s going to be good.
Our favourite part was the 5 minute laser light show right at the beginning of the trail. Don’t miss this.
Check out our Top Tips Christmas Lights Trail at Bolesworth
The address for entry is Bolesworth Castle, Tattenhall, Cheshire CH3 9JJ.
From £19 for adults
You can book tickets and find out more information about Bolesworth at Christmas here.
Chester Zoo Lanterns
We last went to the Chester Zoo Lanterns back in 2019 when the rain fell pretty heavily, so our photos of the event aren’t that good, although the trail still was pretty spectacular.
I’ve found some good reviews of the Chester Zoo lanterns though with comments such as “When darkness falls at Chester Zoo, and the real animals are tucked up in bed, the illuminated animals come out to play – and they are such a spectacular sight.”
The Lanterns at Chester Zoo – Is It Worth It? – Marvellous Mrs P
Review: The Lanterns at Chester Zoo – Typical Mummy
https://www.chesterzoo.org/events/the-lanterns-at-chester-zoo/
From £13 for adults, £11 for children
Christmas Lights at Dunham Massey
Christmas at Dunham Massey has been on my radar for a long time – but isn’t somewhere we’d ever got round to visiting before now – partly due to always having such a busy festive schedule ourselves and partly due to the fact that the light trail at Dunham Massey regularly sells out pretty early in the season! (As I write, I think there are a handful of tickets left for the very start of January so you might still be able to visit if you’re quick!)
However, the creators of Christmas at Dunham Massey are also operating a brand new light trail 40 minutes away – Christmas at Delamere Forest (read more below).
Read more from Going on an Adventure here for some Reviews and Tips of Dunham Massey at Christmas
Christmas at Dunham Massey runs from Friday 19th November 2021 to Sunday 2nd January 2022. Tickets for the 2022 Dunham Massey light trail will go on sale in the spring.
Why not PIN this post about Christmas Lights Trails in Cheshire
Christmas Lights at Delamere Forest, Cheshire
A brand new after-dark illuminated trail through a festive forest
Why Visit: Discover a Christmas illuminated trail for all the family set within the beautiful landscape of Forestry England’s Delamere Forest.
Admission: Advanced From: Adult £19.50, Child £13.50, Family £62 (2 adults & 2 children).
Sat Nav Postcode: CW8 2HZ
Please click here to find out more and book tickets.
Magical Woodland, Blakemere Village, Cheshire
In its fifth year, the Magical Woodland is a hugely impressive walking experience that is safe, socially distanced, and perfect for the whole family. The interactive light installations, many set to music, encourage adults and children of all ages to get involved. There is a woodland clearing with food and drink stalls (cash and card accepted), together with some seating and marshmallows to toast on the open fires (additional charge).
To read more about the Magical Woodland do check out Jenny’s full review.
Ticket prices start at
£13.75 pp when buying a family ticket for 4 people.
Adults £17.95
Children £14.50 with Under 2’s free.
Cheshire Outdoors, Blakemere Village, Chester Road, Sandiway, Northwich, Cheshire, CW8 2EB
Luminate Cheshire
Walton Gardens Winter Light Trail, Walton Lea Rd, Higher Walton, Warrington WA4 6SN
A spectacular, illuminated trail, full of wonder and intrigue, to delight and enthral your senses. As darkness descends, join us on our enchanting journey, as we weave a captivating light trail through the stunning, grounds of Walton Gardens. Immerse yourself in our mesmerising trail, with stunning lighting elements and fabulous light play, all set to ambient.
Whilst we don’t have a review of Luminate Cheshire we do have a review of the Luminate trail in Southport.
Luminate Cheshire at Walton Gardens will run nightly from Friday 24th November until Friday 24th December 2021. Tickets must be pre-booked online in advance. https://luminate.live/walton
Why not PIN this post about Christmas Lights Trails in Cheshire
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