AGLOW 2026
Visitors embark on a 1.5-mile illuminated walk through historic parkland featuring light installations, soundscapes, lit animal sculptures, and Europe's longest light tunnel. The trail winds past Santa's Village, where families can write letters with elves, explore Santa's workshop, and watch live half-hourly performances. Guests can also stop at a cozy tipi and food stations along the route to enjoy festive treats like loaded fries, pizza, hot crumble, and toasted marshmallows.
What to Expect
Features Europe’s longest light tunnel and the UK’s tallest lit Christmas tree.
Event Details
Duration
Allow an hour and a half to complete the trail.
Ages
All ages (Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult 18+)
Neighborhood
Bishop Auckland
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
The Auckland Project
Food & Drink
Food and drink include loaded fries, palace pies and pizza, crumble and custard, doughnuts, toasted marshmallows, festive hot chocolate, mulled wine, soft drinks, beer and wine.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with children who enjoy christmas lights and meeting santa
Vibe
Magical and festive
Energy Level
High
Budget
££
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Adults £23.50; children £16.50; family £72.50; Adults FLEX £25.50; Children FLEX £18.50; Family FLEX £75.50. A shorter trail for wheelchair users and people with mobility issues is £5. Free carer tickets are available; bring qualifying ID. Sensory sessions are mentioned, but no separate price is stated for them. – Get tickets
- Hours: Entry slots: 4:30pm-7:30pm, every 15 minutes; gates close at 9pm, with last entry at 7:30pm. Sensory session slots: Thurs 3 Dec and Thurs 10 Dec at 16.30 and 16.45; Tues 15 Dec at 16.00, 16.15, 16.30 and 16.45. Santa puts on a show every half hour, with appearances starting at 5pm.
- Parking: Free parking is available at North Bondgate car park in Bishop Auckland. The page also says parking is available at North Bondgate and Kingsway car parks, with electric car charging points, and lists charges of 80p for up to 2 hours and £2 for 2 to 3 hours. The page does not clarify which car park the charges apply to.
- Accessibility: A shorter accessible route is available for wheelchair and mobility scooter users, alongside accessible toilets and sensory sessions.
- Pets: Dogs are permitted on the trail but must be kept on a lead; visitors must clean up after them. People who do not clean up or disregard the lead rule may be asked to leave without a refund.
Tips & Advice
- Book in advance because tickets are limited and often sell out quickly, and they can't be exchanged or refunded if you pick the wrong date or time.
- Wear warm, waterproof layers and sturdy shoes, because the route has no cover and includes uneven paths and uphill sections.
- Bring a torch, because some areas of the trail are dimly lit to add to the atmosphere.
- Carry a card, because all food and drink payments on the trail are card only.
- Visitors with photosensitive epilepsy should know there's no strobe lighting, but some flashing lights are used along the trail.
Special Events & Promotions
- Sensory sessions run on Thursday 3 December, Thursday 10 December and Tuesday 15 December, with reduced capacity and quieter music.
- New for 2026: new light stories, more places to rest and a snug tipi by the palace gates.
- The food and drink offering now extends beyond Santa's Village, with more choice along the route.
- Free carer tickets are available with qualifying ID.
- Wheelchair users and people with mobility issues can take a shorter route at a reduced ticket price. It doesn't include the Deer Park section with Santa's Village.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AGLOW suitable for young children?
It suits all ages. The trail is around 1.5 miles long, so keep that in mind with very small children. Under-16s must be with an adult aged 18 or over.
What should I wear and bring?
There's no cover along the route, so wear warm, waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear for the uneven paths and uphill sections. Umbrellas are allowed. A torch helps in the dimly lit areas.
How long should we allow for the trail?
Allow an hour and a half to walk the trail and enjoy the route.
What food and drink is there?
Choices include loaded fries, Palace pies and pizza, Christmas crumble and custard, doughnuts, toasted marshmallows, hot chocolate and mulled wine. There are also beers, wines, soft drinks, and vegan and gluten-free options. Payment is by card only.
What happens if I miss my entry slot?
Staff will try to fit you into a later slot, but they can't guarantee it.
More Christmas Events Near Bishop Auckland
More Christmas Events near Bishop Auckland
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.