Sunderland Christmas Lights 2025

Discover 11 verified christmas lights in Sunderland and nearby areas.

Welcome to your guide for Sunderland Christmas lights and holiday displays, where the city’s festive spirit shines bright each winter. Whether you’re a local or visiting, Sunderland Christmas lights offer a warm, inviting atmosphere to enjoy the season.

In and near Sunderland, you’ll find beloved neighborhood favorites lighting up streets and parks, creating charming walking trails perfect for a cozy evening stroll. Keel Square is also a key spot for festive light displays that bring the community together.

This guide covers everything from free displays to ticketed events, including drive-through lights and walkable options. Discover the best spots to enjoy holiday lights and make the most of your festive visit.

All Christmas Lights Around Sunderland

Winter Wonderland 2025

HOUGHTON LE SPRING 6 mi from Sunderland
$$

Festive attractions and entertainment for all.

Step into a magical Winter Wonderland, a festive celebration promising something for everyone. This event offers a delightful mix of attractions, engaging activities, and captivating entertainment. Visitors can indulge in a variety of festive food and drinks from an array...

Holiday Light DisplaysFamily FriendlySeasonal Activities

Forest of Light at Beamish Hall Hotel

Beamish 12 mi from Sunderland
$$

Enchanted woodland illuminated with music and interactive props.

Step into an enchanted ancient woodland after dark for the captivating Forest of Light experience. This unique event transforms the natural landscape with dazzling illuminations, immersive music, and interactive props that create a magical world to explore.

Holiday Light DisplaysFamily FriendlyFestive Atmosphere

A Magical Christmas with Gibside

Newcastle upon Tyne 13 mi from Sunderland
$$

Magical Christmas storytelling with Father Christmas at Gibside Stables.

Step into a wintry landscape at Gibside for a magical Christmas experience. Enjoy festive traditions, twinkling lights, and playful encounters with Father Christmas. Discover enchanted woodland animals, a fairy trail, and live music in the historic chapel. Craft your own...

Christmas MarketFamily FriendlySanta Visits

Santa's Enchanted Elf Journey 2025

Morpeth 20 mi from Sunderland
$$$

All-inclusive VIP Christmas journey with Santa and personalized gifts.

Embark on Santa's Enchanted Elf Journey for a magical Christmas experience at Whitehouse Farm. This VIP event includes a festive tractor ride to the Enchanted Forest to meet Santa, receive a special gift, and enjoy interactive elf challenges. Create memories...

Santa VisitsFamily FriendlyInteractive Displays

Christmas at Auckland Palace

Bishop Auckland 20 mi from Sunderland
$$

Sumptuously decorated palace interiors with a Neapolitan Nativity scene.

Step into a world of unparalleled festive splendor at Christmas at Auckland Palace. This enchanting event transforms twelve rooms of the historic palace, including the State Rooms and Private Apartments, with breathtaking Christmas decorations. Marvel at opulent designs featuring autumnal...

Christmas MarketFamily FriendlyFestive Decorations

AGLOW Light Trail

Bishop Auckland 20 mi from Sunderland
$$

One of the largest light installations in the country.

Step into a magical winter wonderland at AGLOW, Auckland Palace's spectacular Christmas light trail. This enchanting 1.5-mile journey features breathtaking illuminations, including the region's longest outdoor light tunnel and one of the North of England's tallest Christmas trees. Meet Santa...

Holiday Light DisplaysChristmas MarketFamily Friendly

Christmas at Newham Grange Farm

Middlesbrough 27 mi from Sunderland
$$

Magical Winter Wonderland farm transformation with character meet-and-greets.

Experience the magic of the season at Newham Grange Farm's Winter Wonderland. This enchanting event transforms the farm into a festive paradise with twinkling lights, charming character meet-and-greets, and delightful holiday music. Children can meet Santa in his grotto, enjoy...

Christmas VillageSanta VisitsBreakfast With Santa

The Plotters' Forest Enchanted Christmas Trail

Darlington 27 mi from Sunderland
$$

Enchanted Christmas trail with day and evening experiences

Step into a world of festive wonder at The Plotters' Forest Enchanted Christmas Trail. This magical experience at Raby Castle offers a daytime adventure with access to the adventure playground and a festive treat, or an enchanting evening walk through...

Holiday Light DisplaysFamily FriendlySeasonal Activities

Raby Castle at Christmas Tour

Darlington, Co. Durham 27 mi from Sunderland
$$

Historic castle rooms dressed for Christmas

Step back in time for a traditional family Christmas at Raby Castle. For the first time in over 50 years, the castle's ground-floor rooms are transformed with festive evergreens, gifts, and magnificent Christmas trees. Journey through eight rooms depicting Christmas...

Christmas VillageFestive DecorationsFamily Friendly

The Plotters' Forest Enchanted Christmas Trail

Staindrop 27 mi from Sunderland
$$

Enchanted Christmas trail through woodland with day and evening options.

Step into a world of festive wonder at The Plotters' Forest Enchanted Christmas Trail, nestled within the beautiful Raby Castle, Park & Gardens. This magical experience features twinkling lights and joyful music throughout the woodland, creating a must-visit family adventure....

Holiday Light DisplaysFamily FriendlyFestive Atmosphere

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top Christmas light displays in and around Sunderland?

Keel Square is a central location for festive light displays in Sunderland, featuring the annual Christmas lights switch-on event. Additionally, several beloved neighborhood displays near Sunderland offer charming walking trails filled with holiday lights.

Are there drive-through light displays as well as walkable options near Sunderland?

While Sunderland offers many walkable holiday lights and neighborhood displays, drive-through light displays are less common in the immediate area. Visitors can enjoy festive walking trails and illuminated public spaces throughout the city.

When do Sunderland Christmas lights typically start each year?

The Sunderland Christmas lights usually begin with a grand switch-on event in mid-November, often held in Keel Square, marking the start of the festive season and lighting up the city for weeks to come.

Are there free Christmas light displays available in Sunderland?

Yes, many of Sunderland’s Christmas light displays, including those in Keel Square and various neighborhood areas, are free to enjoy. These public displays offer accessible festive experiences for all visitors.

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