Light Up Wakefield
Visitors can wander through the city centre to discover interactive light sculptures, walk among mirrored monoliths, and watch large-scale projection mappings. The festival features a community light switch-on accompanied by live stage entertainment from local performers. A showcase illuminated parade led by a towering Mother Nature figure brings glowing wildlife creatures through the streets.
What to Expect
City-centre light trail, community switch-on, and illuminated wildlife parade.
Event Details
Duration
The parade lasts approximately 30 minutes.
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Wakefield Council
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and fans of light art
Vibe
Festive, immersive, community-focused
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
Free
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Free.
- Hours: 17:00 - 21:00 both days; Light Switch-On: Friday 13 November at 5:30pm; parade: Saturday 14 November from 5:30pm.
- Parking: There are numerous off-street and on-street parking spaces in Wakefield City Centre, and parking is available at Trinity Walk and The Ridings Shopping Centre. WX Wakefield Exchange does not have a car park. For accessible parking, the closest and most convenient options to WX Wakefield Exchange are Trinity Walk Shopping Centre or The Ridings Shopping Centre.
- Accessibility: Step-free, wheelchair accessible event offering accessible toilets, changing places facilities, and audio description.
- Pets: Assistance dogs are welcome.
Tips & Advice
- Pick up a free trail map from the Event Hub at WX Wakefield Exchange before setting off, so you can find all six light installations.
- Park at Trinity Walk or The Ridings Shopping Centre, because WX Wakefield Exchange, where the Event Hub is, has no car park of its own.
- Come by bus if you can, since WX Wakefield Exchange is about a two-minute walk from Wakefield Bus Station.
- Find a spot along County Hall, Wood Street or Brook Street for the Saturday parade, as that is the route the illuminated creatures take.
- Know that sellers of light-up balloons and toys aren't connected with the festival, so their goods aren't official Light Up Wakefield products.
Special Events & Promotions
- Light Switch-On on the Friday in the Cathedral Precinct, with local performers on the main stage, compered by Rhubarb Radio.
- 'Nature's Return' illuminated parade on the Saturday, led by a towering Mother Nature figure, lasting about 30 minutes.
- Fringe activities, including crafts, run alongside the festival on both evenings.
- Seiko Kinoshita premieres a prototype of Distant: Shared Memories of Home at The Art House this year.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I get a trail map?
Get a free trail map from the Event Hub at WX Wakefield Exchange, or use the online version.
What's on the light trail?
There are six installations: - Twist & Shine, interactive light sculptures at The Shed, WX - The Heat Beneath Our Feet, a floor projection at The Canopy - 12 Giant Days, a projection in the Bull Ring - Continuum, mirrored monoliths on the Cathedral Steps - Rewild, an interactive projection on County Hall - Distant: Shared Memories of Home at The Art House
What route does the parade take?
The 'Nature's Return' parade goes from County Hall along Wood Street to Brook Street. A towering Mother Nature figure leads it, and it lasts about 30 minutes.
Where should I park?
There are plenty of on-street and off-street spaces in the city centre, plus car parks at Trinity Walk and The Ridings. WX Wakefield Exchange has no car park. Trinity Walk has disabled parking on the ground floor outside Sainsbury's, and The Ridings has 43 blue badge spaces.
Are the people selling light-up toys part of the festival?
No. Vendors selling light-up balloons and other toys aren't connected with Light Up Wakefield and aren't selling official festival products.
More Christmas Events Near Wakefield
More Christmas Events near Wakefield
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.