Magical Nights: The Best Christmas Light Trails Around Harrogate & North Yorkshire

The festive season is the perfect time to layer up, sip something warm, and mosey through trails that twinkle, glitter, and glow in the woodland dusk. If you’re in or visiting Harrogate (or within easy reach), here are some of the very best illuminated trails and festive light spectacles to add to your Christmas bucket list with all the info you’ll need to plan your merry outings.

All the places listed below are payable but lets not forget the lights along the Stray! If you are looking to tire the kids out before bed and wanting to save some pennies, just head to the west park area of the stray and take a walk down down to the Cenotaph. Finish with seeing the Bettys Christmas window.

1. Glow at RHS Harlow Carr

Dates & Times: Running on selected nights from 19 November to 23 December 2025

• This is as local as it gets, you can enjoy a spectacular light trail right in Harrogate.

• The trail has been reimagined for 2025 in a figure-of-eight route, highlighting features like the Thaliana Bridge and reflections over the Queen Mother’s Lake.

• You’ll also see new installations: Octave (interactive light & sound), Libellule (glowing dragonflies), Snowballs in the trees, and more.

• Along the way, set up by the Harrogate Arms Café or Bettys Teahouse for festive treats, mulled wine, hot chocolate, and marshmallow toasting by open fires.

• It’s family-friendly, photogenic, and feels like a fairytale stroll through the garden after dark.

Tips:

• Book tickets for Glow in advance, spots go quickly. There is a charge even if you are a member.

• Wrap up warm and wear waterproof shoes (the garden paths can be damp)

• Arrive early if you’d like to enjoy a bite or drink before or after the trail

2. Luminescence at Swinton Park

Dates & Times: 6 November 2025 – 22 February 2026

• This is a truly magical woodland and lakeside walk through illuminated installations that shape-shift and whisper through the natural world.

• The trail is just over 1 mile long and typically takes 1½ to 2 hours depending on pace.

• You’ll find warming stations mid-trail (snacks, drinks), and the hotel’s restaurants and bars are open for a pre- or post-walk treat.

• Tickets: Adults ~ £12–£15, Children ~ £7.50–£10. Visit the Swinton Park website to book.

• Note: closed on 24th, 25th, 31st December.

Highlight: The way the lighting plays off the trees and water is subtle and immersive — it’s less “wow, look at that big light display” and more “you step inside a glowing woodland dream.”

3. Northern Lights Leeds

Dates & Times: 21 November – 31 December 2025

• This trail is a star attraction in Leeds, roughly 1 mile long, with around 14 distinct illumination zones, each themed and supported by musical compositions and immersive soundscapes.

• The experience also includes a Christmas Village with food, drink, festive market stalls, and live music.

• It’s designed for all ages and abilities, accessible paths are factored in.

• Expect dazzling lighting installations, laser effects, lanterns, glowing sculptures, and plenty of atmospheric surprises.

Tips:

• Book time slots ahead, evenings can sell out. Northern Lights website.

• The earlier evening slots are great if you’re bringing children & want to finish before bedtime

• Bring a flashlight for navigating unlit corners, but often the installations themselves provide ambient light

4. Winter Illuminations at Stockeld Park

Dates & Times: 22 November 2025 – 5 January 2026

• This is one of Yorkshire’s most enchanting festive attractions. The Enchanted Forest comes alive with animated installations, projections, sculptural lights, and immersive soundscapes.

• Walk the illuminated trail (almost a mile through woodland), get lost in the Snowflake Maze (8 ft high yew tree walls), and keep warm at the on-site cabins offering hot drinks.

• Beyond the trail, the wider Christmas Adventure offers extras: an illuminated Enchanted Wood, giant Christmas tree displays, and theatrical elements.

• Stockeld Park is particularly family-focused, there are adventure playgrounds (Tangle Tree Climb, Spider’s Lair, Teepee Encampment) to enjoy alongside the light show.

  
  

5. Farmer Ed’s Enchanting Light Trail

located at Piglets Adventure Farm York. Tickets £9.95 - £12.95

Farmer Ed's Enchanted Light Trail is new to Piglets Adventure Farm!

• Stroll through a twinkling illuminated trail filled with dazzling light displays and festive scenes.

• Discover magical interactive installations perfect for family photos.

• Toast marshmallows at the cosy firepits.

• Enjoy festive food and drink stalls with hot chocolates, mulled wine, pizzas, and sweet treats in the Alpine Lodge.

• Soak up the Christmas cheer with seasonal music and Farmer Ed's festive surprises along the way.

  
  

6. Other Noteworthy Light Trails in Yorkshire

If you’re willing to venture a little further, here are a few more trails to watch out for:

• Winter Illuminations: Light & Lantern Festival at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, 3 km of magical lanterns and light art, following a “Around the World in 80 Days” theme.

• Illuminate at Burnby Hall Gardens, Pocklington, a chance to see gardens and lakes lit in new ways; local and charming.

• Scarborough Lights, switching on coast-side light installations, Peasholm Island illuminations, Victorian Rose Garden light displays, and community events by the seaside.

• I know it's a trek, but can we just take a moment to mention the OG lights that are Blackpool Illuminations. Long before all the other places caught on, Blackpool has been my go-to place for illuminations since I was tiny (quite some years ago).