Here’s some of the best light trails, as well as other magical Christmas events, in the region which are set to get you in the festive spirit.
1. Festival of Light, Roker Park, Sunderland
The festival of Light at Roker Park runs every Thursday, Friday and Saturday until November 12, with tickets available at www.mysunderland.co.uk/fol The illuminations are also lit up along the seafront until the end of the year and are free to see. Photo: Stu Norton
2. 12 days of Christmas, Bamburgh Castle, Northumberland
After the success of its Christmas experience last year, Bamburgh Castle has unveiled its theme for 2022. The indoor festive experience will see award-winning theatrical designer Charlotte Lloyd-Webber present The Twelve Days of Christmas. As part of the extravaganza, the castle’s interior will be transformed into a spectacular festive experience inspired by the famous song. It runs from Saturday 12 November – Sunday 8 January, daily from 10am – 4pm. Entrance included with general admission tickets: Adults £15.50 / Children £7.65 / Children aged four and under free of charge. Photo: submitted
3. Winter Light Trail, The Alnwick Garden, Northumberland
The Alnwick Garden will come to life with a spectacular light and sound display this winter. Tickets for the Winter Light Trail are available at selected time slots between 4:45pm - 9pm (Boxing Day, finishes at 8pm) from Monday 28 November 2022 to Sunday 1 January 2023. The Alnwick Garden Winter Light Trail is not available on Thursday 1st and Friday 2nd December and Sunday 25th December. Photo: submitted
4. Christmas at Gibside
Enchanting illuminations return to Gibside, near Gateshead, this Christmas. The Christmas trail at the National Trust’s Gibside estate returns from December 1, 2022 to January 1, 2023, complete with a choreographed festive soundtrack. Visitors can wander between the specially-chosen illuminations, all to a soundtrack of Christmas classics, which light up the pathways and landmark buildings on the Georgian estate. Pause at the mesmerising flickering flames in the fire garden and don’t forget to glimpse Father Christmas along the way. Advanced tickets are priced from: Adult £19.50, Child £14, Family £64 (2 adults & 2 children). Free entry for carers and children aged two and under. Parking on-site is £8 per car. Photo: submitted