Discover 22 verified christmas lights in York and nearby areas.
Welcome to your guide for York Christmas lights and holiday displays, where the city transforms into a festive wonderland each winter. Whether you're a local or visiting, you'll find plenty of ways to enjoy the season's glow.
Near York, beloved neighborhood favorites like the Bright Nights display at WellSpan Park and Christmas Magic at Rocky Ridge Park offer dazzling light shows that capture the holiday spirit. These spots are perfect for families and friends to gather and celebrate.
This guide covers everything from free neighborhood displays to ticketed events, including drive-through lights and walking trails. Discover the best light displays and make the most of your holiday visit to York.
Spectacular Christmas trees within a historic cathedral setting.
Experience the magic of the season at York Minster's Christmas Tree Festival. Wander through the awe-inspiring cathedral, adorned with a spectacular display of festive trees. Discover the rich history and artistry within its walls, from ancient artifacts in the Undercroft...
Festive decor inspired by past residents' stories.
Step into a magical Christmas at Treasurer's House, where history comes alive with festive decorations inspired by past residents. Explore rooms adorned with unique, handcrafted decor and discover stories of those who lived there. Enjoy a special stained glass trail...
North of England's largest outdoor ice rink
Yorkshire's Winter Wonderland returns for its 20th anniversary, offering a magical festive experience. Glide across the North of England's largest outdoor ice rink, surrounded by illuminated woodland scenes and a towering Christmas tree. Enjoy thrilling funfair rides, meet Santa in...
Magical sleigh ride to Santa's Woodland Village.
Embark on a magical sleigh ride to Santa's Woodland Village for an unforgettable Christmas adventure. Meet cheerful elves, complete activities at the Polar Post Office, and join the Elf Academy. Visit Santa Claus in his grotto for a cherished photo...
The House transformed into the magical world of Oz.
Step into a world of festive enchantment at Castle Howard's 'Christmas at Castle Howard' event. The iconic stately home is transformed into the magical realm of Oz, offering a truly unique Christmas experience. Visitors can explore immersive installations, enjoy special...
England's first illuminated enchanted forest.
Step into a world of Christmas magic at Stockeld Park's annual Christmas Adventure. Experience a dazzling mile-long light show through the Enchanted Forest, meet Santa Claus in his cozy grotto, and enjoy festive theatre performances. Glide across the covered ice...
Enchanting woodland walk with fairies and festive installations
Step into a world of festive wonder at Lotherton Hall's Christmas Experience. Wander through a beautifully decorated Edwardian Hall and explore an enchanting woodland walk illuminated by twinkling lights. Discover the magical Fairy Dell, toast marshmallows by the firepit, and...
Yorkshire's most magical Christmas light show
Step into Yorkshire's most enchanting winter wonderland at Stockeld Park's spectacular Christmas light show. Wander through the illuminated Enchanted Forest, brought to life with dazzling installations, projections, and soundscapes. Discover three adventure playgrounds, get lost in the magical Snowflake Maze,...
Regency-inspired Christmas Ball transformation by Siobhan Murphy.
Step into a world of festive grandeur at Harewood's Grand Christmas Ball. The magnificent State Floor is transformed with 'A Glittering Invitation' theme, showcasing Regency-inspired decor, twinkling lights, and a story of a glittering host. Explore rooms alive with colour...
A mile-long illuminated light trail with 14 unique zones.
Experience the magic of Northern Lights Leeds, a spectacular light trail returning to Temple Newsam for 2025. Wander through a mile-long illuminated path featuring 14 distinct zones, each offering unique sights and tasty pit stops. The event culminates in a...
Official light switch-on ceremony and festive market.
Castleford Town Centre transforms into a winter wonderland for the 'Light Up Castleford' event. Visitors can browse a festive market, enjoy live performances from local artists, and savor delicious street food and drinks. The highlight is the official light switch-on...
Magical winter illuminations trail at a renowned botanical garden.
Step into an enchanted world at RHS Harlow Carr's Glow 2025. As twilight falls, the garden transforms into a magical spectacle of light and color with a brand new illuminated trail. Discover shimmering vistas, breathtaking light displays, and festive cheer...
Festive outdoor ice rink in Millennium Square
Get ready to glide into the holiday spirit at Ice Cube, returning to Millennium Square from November 21 to December 31, 2025. This popular Christmas event promises a festive atmosphere perfect for seasonal celebrations. While full details are still being...
Christmas traditions within historic abbey ruins
Step back in time for a magical Christmas at Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal. Explore the illuminated abbey ruins, discover Victorian splendor, and join in festive carols. Engage in hands-on Toymaker's Workshops, browse artisan crafts, and spot deer in the...
Magical steam train journey with Santa and his elves.
All aboard the North Yorkshire Moors Railway Santa Express for an unforgettable family adventure! This magical steam train journey is packed with Christmas spirit, featuring lively songs, festive jokes, and the enchanting presence of Santa's Elves. Children will have the...
Narnia-inspired Christmas transformation of historic estate.
Step into a magical Narnia-inspired Christmas at Nostell, where the house and grounds are transformed into scenes from 'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe'. Explore festive decorations, meet Father Christmas on select weekends, and browse a Christmas craft market....
Interactive light trail with Santa welcome and keepsake.
Step into a glowing wonderland at Tingley Garden Centre's Winter Light Trail. This spectacular walk-through experience transforms the grounds into a magical display of light, color, and festive joy, featuring ten dazzling themed zones. Engage with interactive games, capture memorable...
Dazzling light art installations illuminating the city center.
Experience the magic of Light Up Wakefield, transforming the city center into a dazzling spectacle of light art. Discover interactive installations like 'Let's Draw' and be mesmerized by 'Ship of the Gods.' The event kicks off with a Christmas Light...
Multiple garden centres offering diverse Christmas experiences.
Yorkshire Garden Centres invites families to create magical Christmas memories across their seven locations. Experience enchanting Santa encounters, dazzling light trails, and festive ice skating. From traditional grottos to heartwarming storytimes with Santa, and a spectacular Winter Light Trail, there's...
Community Christmas light switch-on with festive markets
Experience the magic of the festive season at Light Up Ossett. This vibrant community event marks the official Christmas light switch-on, transforming the town center into a dazzling spectacle. Browse unique items at the festive markets, savor delicious street food...
Illuminated trails within a wildlife park setting.
Step into a world of enchantment at the Yorkshire Wildlife Park's Winter Illuminations. This captivating event transforms the park into a wonderland of light, featuring dazzling displays synchronized to festive music. Stroll through magical trails and discover a truly unique...
Town-wide light installations and community advent calendar
Scarborough Lights transforms the town into a dazzling spectacle of light installations and illuminated art. Explore 'Reflections' at St. Mary's Church, featuring works inspired by history and the cosmos. Don't miss the community-driven Scarborough Live Advent Calendar, with a new...
See the location of all christmas lights around York and nearby areas
Open Map →Some of the top displays near York include Bright Nights at WellSpan Park, featuring over 3 million lights on a walkable trail, and Christmas Magic at Rocky Ridge Park, a half-mile woodland trail with festive scenes. Additionally, neighborhood displays like Lights on Glendale and Applewine Court are popular local favorites.
Drive-through light displays allow you to enjoy festive lights from the comfort of your vehicle, such as Koziar's Christmas Village nearby. Walkable options, like Bright Nights and Christmas Magic, offer immersive experiences on foot with trails and holiday scenes to explore up close.
York Christmas light displays generally begin in mid to late November. For example, Bright Nights opens around November 20, and Christmas Magic starts the day after Thanksgiving, running through December.
Yes, several neighborhood displays such as Lights on Glendale and Applewine Court offer free viewing. These community-driven displays run nightly throughout the holiday season and provide a festive experience without an admission fee.