Here’s a guide to trails across the region, from new festivals to one featuring the North’s largest Christmas tree.
1. Festival of Light, Mowbray Park, October 11 - November 11
Sunderland's Festival of Light has moved to Mowbray Park this year. It features a sparkling mix of new lighting installations including a stunning light projection onto the rear of Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens, a 'selfie lane', a twinkling tunnel over the bridge connecting the two sections of the park and an immersive fairy trail and woodland glade, along with some classic favourites. It takes place from 4pm 9pm every Thursday to Sunday until Saturday, November 11, and every day during half term week, October 23 - 27. All visitors must have a ticket to enter the Festival of Light. Tickets cost £3 per person and must be purchased online in advance. They cannot be bought at the gate Photo: Will Walker / North News
2. AGLOW, Auckland Castle, November 22 - December 31
Auckland Castle in County Durham is to welcome AGLOW, a spectacular illuminated light trail this festive season, taking place from Wednesday 22 November - Sunday 31 December (Excluding Christmas Day). Set within the scenic castle grounds, the1.5 mile long light trail will dazzle visitors, with the tallest Christmas tree in the North and the longest outdoor light tunnel in the country. There’s also Santa’s Village, where visitors can enjoy festive food and drink and live shows. Tickets are £21.50 for adults, £14.50 for children or £66.50 for families (consisting of one adult and three children, or two adults and two children.) Children aged 2 and under enter for free. The Auckland Project Annual Pass Holders receive 20% discount on the ticket prices. Tickets can be booked on the website: www.aucklandproject.org/whats-on/aglow-at-auckland-castle/ Photo: submitted
3. Alnwick Winter Trail, Northumberland, November 13 - January 7
In response to popular demand, the famed North East winter Light Trail at The Alnwick Garden will be extended from November 2023 to January 2024. As an added bonus, the experience promises be more breathtaking than ever thanks to a variety of new light installations in a range of vibrant colours. It runs from November 13 to January 7. Tickets are £13.20, under 4s go free from www.alnwickgarden.com Photo: submitted
4. Northern Lights, Leazes Park, Newcastle
A brand new trail is heading to Newcastle's Leazes Park. Northern Lights at Newcastle’s oldest park includes original audio compositions, dynamic choreography and intelligent design to create a 90-minute magical experience. The fully accessible, mile-long route will see illuminations light up Leazes Park, along with a Christmas Village filled with festive food and drinks by local artisans. It's running from 23rd November until 1st January. Tickets are £20 adults £13 children over 2 years old and free for children under 2 years old from www.northernlightsnewcastle.com Photo: submitted