Christmas lights events across the North West in 2025 | Manchester News

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in the north west as towns and cities in the region start to light up for the festive season.

From town centre light switch-ons to city lantern parades and light trails through some of the region’s most scenic landscapes, we highlight just some of the events to help you to get into the festive spirit.

14 November – Lanterns and Light (Chester Zoo) Meet playful puppets, wander through the Ribbon Tunnel and gaze at the stars in Chester Zoo’s annual festive light trail. Runs from 14 November to 3 January.

14 November – Christmas at Dunham Massey returns with an illuminated lights trail transforming the historic grounds of the Georgian house. Runs until 3 January.

15 November – Yuletide at Tatton Park brings a “light trail meets winter festival” with a traditional storyteller, interactive performances and live folk music. Runs on selected dates in November and December.

15 November – Land of Lights Ho Go Glow Christmas lanterns trail takes place at Gulliver’s World Resort Warrington. Featuring music, entertainment and street food the event takes place on selected dates until 23 December.

22 November – Once Upon a Christmas at the Mansion will see rooms at Tatton Park in Knutsford decorated to bring to life classic stories such as the Nutcracker and the Snow Queen to life. Runs on selected date until 31 December 2025.

28 November – The Magical Woodland at Christmas is a Christmas woodland trail at Cheshire Outdoors in Blakemere Village. The trail features festive characters and a light and sound display and runs until 24 December.

25 November – The Chester Lanterns Parade takes place in the city as school children carry homemade lanterns through the streets. The parade starts at the Town Hall at 19:00 GMT and finishes in the city centre.

28 November – The Christmas Tree Festival returns to Chester Cathedral with more than 80 Christmas trees on display, now in its 11th year. A nativity trail follows a route around the trees and the cathedral and runs until 4 January.

7 November – Manchester’s Christmas markets open on Friday 7 November in locations across the city. Seasonal treats, mulled wine, and a wonderful festive atmosphere across the holiday season.

8 November – The Bury Christmas Lights Switch-On Parade takes place at The Rock on Goodall St with celebrations starting at 15:45 GMT.

15 November – The Wilmslow Christmas Lights Switch On is set to take place between 10:00 – 20:00 GMT and the Tameside Northern Lights Winter Parade is set to return with the parade in Stalybridge between 17:00- 18:00 BST.

15 November – The Trafford Centre Christmas Parade returns for families at The Orient at 11:30 GMT and 14:30 GMT.

20 to 23 November – Put Big Light On Festival in Bolton Town Centre between 17:00 – 21:00 daily with light displays, immersive installations, and vibrant street entertainment.

22 to 23 November – The Ignite Fire Festival gets underway in Rochdale on Saturday 22 with the big Christmas Lights Switch-On taking place on Sunday 23 at 17:30 GMT.

7 December – Gatley Green Christmas Lights Switch-On event takes place from 13:00 to 17:00 with the big lights switch-on at 16:30 GMT.

15 November – Darwen’s Christmas lights switch-on celebrations feature Britain’s Got Talent finalist comedian and juggler Steve Royle. The day of events starts at 10:00 GMT.

16 November – The Christmas in Chorley event kicks off with the annual Christmas Lights Switch-On with a day of entertainment from Christmas market to craft workshops and entertainment.

21 November – Blackpool’s Christmas By The Sea features a festive village complete with outdoor skating rink, log cabins, light installations and festive-themed rides. Open from 12:00 – 21:00 BST daily the event and runs until 4 January.

22 November – Blackburn’s Christmas lights switch-on will see a Christmas market, live performances and new lights for Blackburn Town Hall. Festivities get underway from 11:00 GMT.

22 November – Preston’s Christmas Lights Switch-On brings music, entertainment, food and drink to the town for the big switch-on between 17:00 and 19:30 GMT.

27 November – Accrington Christmas Light Switch-On is set to take place with special guests and details of the days’ festive entertainment yet to be announced.

4 December – The Beacon Light Trail takes place at Beacon Country Park in Upholland where you can follow an illuminated journey through the woodland. The event runs on selected dates until 21 December.