Christmas at Dunham Massey: A Magical 2024 Experience

Christmas at Dunham Massey: A Magical 2024 Experience

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Updated October 2024

We absolutely love a good Christmas light trail, and it’s become a tradition for our family to visit at least one or two every year. Our fascination with festive lights began with the iconic Blackpool Illuminations, a place I’ve visited since I was little. Over the years, light trails have grown in popularity, becoming a magical way to kick off the holiday season, and now Christmas light trails are one of our must-do family activities each December. 

Here's everything you need to know about visiting Christmas at Dunham Massey and make sure you check out our thoughts below for our honest opinion of the event. 

What To Expect at Dunham Massey, Altrincham WA14 4SJ

Prepare to be dazzled by an incredible after-dark illuminated trail through Dunham Massey’s beautifully festive gardens. This light trail is a firm favourite on the UK’s Christmas calendar, and it’s easy to see why. Over a million twinkling lights shine across the gardens, while festive tunes fill the air. It’s the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit.

Walk through sparkling tunnels of light, see stunning reflections on the lakes, and be amazed by larger-than-life illuminations. The fire garden is an absolute must-see, with its flickering flames adding a warm, cosy glow to the chilly evening air. And of course, don’t forget to catch a glimpse of Father Christmas along the way—it’s the perfect opportunity for a family photo!

When Can You Visit?

Dunham Massey's Christmas light trail runs on selected dates from 15th November to 1st January 2025, with time slots starting from 4:30 pm to 8:15 pm. Be sure to book in advance as slots fill up quickly!

Ticket Prices

Off-peak: £19 for adults, £12.50 for children

Standard: £22.50 for adults, £14.50 for children

Peak: £24.50 for adults, £17 for children  

Family tickets are available, and carers go free with a valid proof of status.

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How Long Does The Trail Last?

The trail is roughly one mile long, but how long you spend exploring depends on you. We like to take our time, stopping to admire every twinkling light and grabbing a hot drink at the halfway point. You can even toast marshmallows if you want to add an extra cosy touch to your night!

Food, Drink and Rides

There are plenty of food and drink options available at the start, midpoint, and end of the trail, so you can enjoy hot chocolates, mulled wine, and festive treats throughout. Fairground rides are also available, adding an extra layer of fun for the little ones. Just note that additional charges apply for food, drinks, and rides.

Parking Information

Parking is available onsite and must be pre-booked when purchasing your tickets. If you're a National Trust member, parking is free with a valid membership card, as long as you book it in advance. Non-members will need to pay an additional charge for parking.

What Should I Wear?

Since the event is entirely outdoors, be sure to dress for the weather! Wear warm, waterproof clothing and sturdy shoes, as some parts of the trail can get muddy.

Our Thoughts

This was our fourth year visiting Dunham Massey’s Christmas light trail, and each year, it seems to get better and better. Last year, John and I went on our own, which was a different experience from our usual family outing. While it was lovely to wander through the lights at our own pace and enjoy the festive atmosphere, we did miss having the boys with us. So this year we made it a family outing.

Like I said Christmas at Dunham Massey just gets better and better each year. The choice of music this year was definitely my favourite. The light installations this year were also amazing and the light installation on the house at the end is not to be missed and a highlight for me.   

For families, couples, or groups of friends, a Christmas light trail is the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season. If you haven’t experienced one yet, make sure to add it to your 2024 Christmas bucket list!

Book Tickets Online

Ready to Plan Your Visit?

Christmas light trails have quickly become a beloved part of our festive season, and they offer a truly magical way to create lasting memories. Whether you’re planning to visit Dunham Massey or another light trail across the UK, make sure to book your tickets early and wrap up warm! 

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16 LIGHT TRAILS IN THE NORTH WEST TO ENJOY CHRISTMAS 2023

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT VISITING BLACKPOOL ILLUMINATIONS

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Michelle

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16 Light Trails In The North West To Enjoy Christmas 2024

16 Light Trails In The North West To Enjoy Christmas 2024

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Updated - December 2024 

We love a light trail and this year there are so many to choose from in the North West and surrounding areas. Over the years we have done a few but they have become so popular that this year we already have three booked in and hopefully will book a few more over the next few weeks. As you can imagine tickets sell fast for these events so take a look below for some inspiration on which trail to choose and don't hang about, grab your tickets before it's too late. 

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Yuletide at Tatton Park: A Magical Christmas Light Trail Adventure

Yuletide at Tatton Park: A Magical Christmas Light Trail Adventure

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We have just experienced our first Christmas light trail of 2024 and it was our first visit to Yuletide at Tatton Park. We absolutely love a Christmas light trail. it’s become a tradition for our family to visit at least one or two every year however this year we have three already booked. We will also squeeze a visit to view the iconic Blackpool Illuminations, a place I’ve visited since I was little. Over the years, light trails have grown in popularity, becoming a magical way to kick off the festive season, and now Christmas light trails are one of our must-do family activities each December. 

Here's everything you need to know about visiting Yuletide and make sure you check out

our thoughts below for our honest opinion of the event. 

Step into an incredible glittering adventure at Tatton Park Gardens this season. Fall into a world of folklore, festive tradition and rituals as the characters and creatures from winter myths and stories come to life!

Enjoy live music and fire juggling, storytelling and performance at a winter experience like no other! Roast marshmallows around the fire and warm up with a hot chocolate as you are enchanted by a traditional storyteller weaving tall tales to delight and enthral the whole family.

When Can You Visit?

Yuletide - A Glittering Winter Adventure runs on weekends from 16th November to 23rd December 2024, with time slots starting from 3pm to 7:15pm. Be sure to book in advance as slots fill up quickly!

Ticket Prices

Adults - £20

Children - £12 

Under 2's - Free

Book Tickets Online

How Long Does The Trail Last?

The trail is roughly 1km long, but how long you spend exploring depends on you. We like to take our time, stopping to admire every twinkling light. There is also entertainment including storytelling, music and fire dancers. You can even toast marshmallows if you want to add an extra cosy touch to your night!

Food, Drink and Rides

There are some food and drink options available at the start and end of the trail (the same place) so you can enjoy hot chocolates, cookie pies, pizza and other festive treats. A Carousel is are also available, adding an extra layer of fun for the little ones. Just note that additional charges apply for food, drinks, and rides.

Parking Information

Parking is available onsite and is included when purchasing your tickets. 

What Should I Wear?

Since the event is entirely outdoors, be sure to dress for the weather! Wear warm, waterproof clothing and sturdy shoes, as some parts of the trail can get muddy.

Our Thoughts

This was our first ever visit to Tatton Park during Christmas. As we visited mid November I was a little nervous that it wouldn't feel as magical as it would visiting closer to Christmas. I was wrong. Once we reached the main courtyard it felt like Christmas! The carousel was lit up and the music was playing and we couldn't wait to start our Yuletide adventure. Yuletide is in the gardens of Tatton Park which are spacious and magical during the day so we couldn't wait to step inside at night and see how they are transformed. 

There are 5 main parts to Yuletide and you can experience them all if you get your timing right. 

Fire Dancers / Juggling

We started with the fire dancers as the show was just about to begin when we entered. It was just what we expected, men with fire, dancing and juggling. Unfortunately one performer was better than the other who kept dropping his fire and actually made me want to move the kids away from the rope as it came a little too close at times. The boys enjoyed it though and we stayed and watched for 10-15 minutes. I think it was a 30 minute show but very repetitive as I guess theres only so much you can do with an open flame!

Glittering Trail

The Glittering Trail was not what we expected at all. It was different. We were expecting a Christmas light trail similar to what we have visited before however The Glittering Trail took us on a journey through the world of folklore and their festive traditions. There was so much interaction with the characters and the lights themselves as they brought us in to their world. As for Christmas twinkling lights, we didn't see much of that however I think that's what I enjoyed. It was unique, fun and the boys loved it! The highlight was Rainbow road at the end.

There were short gaps in the trail where there were no lights or characters and it got quite dark in places however there was always a member of staff to help you stay on the right path. 

Toasting Marshmallows

This has become a 'must do' when we visit a light trail of Christmas experience. I'm not sure any of us actually like the marshmallow but it's just the fun of toasting it in the open flame. The smell is amazing. Marshmallows are chargeable, however we saw a family who had brought their own and the member of staff happily let them toast their marshmallows in the fire pit.

Live Music

Unfortunately we didn't get to see any live music as it had finished by the time we got to the tent so make sure you check times if this is something you want to experience. 

Storytelling

I think this was my favourite part. Inside a tent filled with layer seating a man told folklore stories and had the whole audience engrossed. His story about the sun, moon and cockerel brought a tear to my eye. His storytelling lasted about 30 minutes and is not to be missed. 

Overall we really enjoyed our visit to Yuletide and I'm glad we chose to visit this year. 

For families, couples, or groups of friends, a Christmas light trail is the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season. If you haven’t experienced one yet, make sure to add it to your 2024 Christmas bucket list!

Book Tickets Online

READ THESE NEXT

16 Light Trails In The North West To Enjoy Christmas 2024

Christmas Light Trail At Dunham Massey

Everything You Need To Know About Visiting Blackpool Illuminations

- If you enjoyed this post leave us a comment.

-  Like us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and follow us on our adventures.

- If you have visited any of the attractions mentioned in this post share photos with us on our socials. 

- If this post has helped you in anyway you can Buy Us A Virtual Coffee to say thanks.

- If you would like to work with us please visit on Work With Us page for more details

Michelle

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60+ Things to Do in Liverpool This Month (December 2024) - Your Ultimate Guide for a Day Out or Weekend Getaway

60+ Things to Do in Liverpool This Month (December 2024) - Your Ultimate Guide for a Day Out or Weekend Getaway

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If you are looking to spend a day in Liverpool or how to spend a weekend in Liverpool then this What's On Guide will help you. With 60+ things to do in Liverpool this month there is plenty to keep you busy whether you are spending it with the family, friends, your partner or on your own. Liverpool is my favourite city as it has so much to offer and there is something for everyone. 

Image by frimufilms on Freepik

Click To Theatre, Shows, Music and Concerts

Click To Parks, Outdoors and National Trust

Click To Indoor Entertainment Venues

Click To Escape Rooms

Click To Trampoline Parks and Indoor Play Centres

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Breakout Chester, Wanted Escape Room

Breakout Chester, Wanted Escape Room

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Disclosure - We were invited to Breakout Chester for the purpose of this post. All thoughts, opinions and photographs are our own. 

Escape rooms are something both John and I enjoy and usual plan for our date nights. However over the past year we have been experiencing Escape Rooms as a family and it is such a fun family activity to enjoy together. At first I wasn't so sure doing Escape Rooms in a group of four, I thought we would get under each others feet or argue over clues and answers. I was wrong. It's a great way for us all to work together, enjoy each others company and four brains are definitely much better than two. We have visited quite a few escape rooms in and around Liverpool including Breakout Liverpool and also played lots of escape room games at home. but recently we ventured a little further to Breakout Chester to play their Wanted room.

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Gift Ideas For The Kids This Christmas

Gift Ideas For The Kids This Christmas

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Disclosure - We were sent the products below for the purpose of this post. All thoughts, opinions and photographs are our unless stated. This post contains affiliate links.

I love buying Christmas gifts and always search for inspiration. If you're the same, explore our Gift Ideas for kids, featuring a range of products perfect for even the hardest to buy for! And if you’re looking for gift for adults this Christmas, don’t miss our Christmas Gift Guide too!

Warmies Avocado is scented with real dried French lavender and perfectly weighted for a positive sensory experience. All Warmies Soft Toys are fully microwavable to provide hours of soothing warmth and comfort. 

Avast, ye me hearties, it’s time to divide the plundered booty in Skullduggery card game of treasure and treachery. Will you make off with your fair share of the doubloons or will you be double-crossed by your sneaky shipmates? 

Little shoppers can now get hands-on experience with life as a post office clerk, filing and processing orders for their customers as efficiently as possible. equipped with everything needed for a tip-top service, your little one will soon be running the best post office in existence!

Unveil a world of sugary delights with this Casdon Pick & Mix Candy Station! Perfect for budding entrepreneurs or sweet-obsessed, this captivating set offers endless playtime possibilities, making your little one the star shopkeeper of their very own candy store.

Featuring 44 pieces of playfood, this set will be sure to provide the perfect finishing touch to any kitchen (real or imaginary!). From colourful fruits and vegetables to labelled tins and burgers, this play food set has a huge variety of munch to explore. little cooks will feel spoilt for choice as they decide what to whip up for dinner! even the fussiest of eaters will find something to sink their teeth into (not literally, of course!).

VTech Sort & Discover Activity Wagon contains activities like shape sorting, gear spinners, activity keys, mazes, peek-a-boo doors and more. Pile in your favourite toys, snacks and items for little adventurers to take with them as they roll out and explore. Pushing or pulling the wagon plays cheerful music and sound effects to enhance playtime.

VTech Cuttie Paws Puppy Carrier includes buttons that introduce colours, numbers, shapes and pet phrases to help boost language skills. Role-play accessories such as comb, treats, water bottle and more, encourage responsible pet care in an adorable way. Snuggly plush puppy fits perfectly in the carrier or can be taken out, held and hugged.

Can you beat the grown-ups? This is the perfect Christmas quizzing book for all the family – packed with trivia questions for kids and adults, fun facts and games that will provide hours of fun and keep you reaching for this book year after year. With 12 rounds featuring everything from music, TV and film to science, sport and celebrations, there's something for everyone in this quizz-tastic game book! Each page has extra ideas to improve your gameplay and off-book challenges that mean the experience will be different, and fun, every time you play. This book is sure to be a family favourite!

The perfect gift for all children! Following on from The Bedtime Book of Impossible Questions, this books provides even more answers to the weird, wonderful and sometimes downright dumbfounding questions that buzz around kids' brains at bedtime – covering topics such as philosophy, science, nature, animals, geography, culture and more. With fascinating but short, succinct answers and inviting illustrations, it really is the ideal read for curious kids.

So begins Chapter 12 of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, the story of Harry Potter's magical first Christmas at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. From the wonder of the Great Hall decked with sparkling, decorated fir trees to cosy evenings by the fire in the Gryffindor common room and the joy of opening presents on Christmas morning, it's a school holiday filled with warmth, friendship, treats and magical surprises that Harry will never forget.

Make your very own replica potions from the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, with MGA's Miniverse: Make It Mini – Harry Potter Potions Mini Collectible Assortment! Make, set, collect your favourite potions from the series. Each ball comes with realistic mini ingredients, and turns into a replica potion bottle that fits the included mini display table!

The Instant Pocket Printer! Print out photos, notes, websites and all sorts. With the easy to use app, add fun photo frames, notes or use the cool AI function too to create custom pictures. Enjoy hours of fun with your friends printing photos. Let your imagination run wild as you customise your shots with markers and stickers, making every moment uniquely yours. Print over 250 photos, you’ll never run out of creative possibilities.

b.box insulated drink bottle keeps liquid cool for up to 8 hours or warm for up to 6 hours, so kids can stay hydrated whatever the weather. Easy to open and drink: Designed with easy push button opening for little hands and a continuous flow easy drinking silicone straw. Great for water, smoothies, fruit tea and more.

The Tikkers Activity Tracker Kids Watch is loaded with features that your little one will love.This fantastic watch is designed to encourage kids aged 6+ to stay active. They can connect this Tikkers Fitness Tracker to their phone with the Reflex Active App. Perfect gift for the kids this Christmas.

New Phone Who Dis? Family Edition game. Compete to pair ridiculous Inbox and Reply cards together – the funniest combo wins! Perfect for parties, family game nights, holidays, reunions, and more.

In this entry level strategy game focused on resource management and tile placement,​ you are the team leader of an epic outdoor construction project. Accumulate resources and direct your crew of woodland creatures as you race to complete the Ultimate Treehouse!

Introducing the Chroma Collection – iridescent PlayStation 5 DualSense Wireless Controller that shines, shimmers and shifts colour from every angle.

The perfect gift for the Pringles fan in your life! With 4 small tubs of assorted Pringles in a Christmas Cracker box.

Uncover our planet's most sensational secrets with this mind-boggling atlas of mysteries that's packed with more than 100 strange and unexplained enigmas.

Find out what the world is made of, from top to bottom, with The Rocks Book - the latest addition to Lonely Planet Kids' The Fact Book series. This is the ultimate study of rocks for geology-loving kids and the perfect gift for curious children who want to learn more about our planet. 

Craft Buddy have teamed up with Harry Potter, Disney, Star Wars, Marvel and many more to bring you a stunning collection of Crystal Art that combines creativity and fandom. Crystal Art Buddies are carefully designed with crafting and fans in mind. Highly collectable, the buddies are a must for any fan of these iconic worlds.

The Wickedly Welsh Chocolate Company is a family run business whose owners are truly passionate about all things chocolate. 

Handcrafted by their master chocolatiers using their award-winning blend of milk, dark, and white chocolate, with each of the three french hens allegedly embodying the spirit of Christmas—faith, hope, and love. This makes them the ultimate gift to share with loved ones during this magical season of joy and togetherness.

Immerse your little ones in the wonder of Christmas Eve with this lovingly curated treat box, designed to kindle the magic and anticipation of the festive night. As the world hushes in snowy silence and stars shimmer with promise, let your cherished little ones set out a delightful surprise for Santa and his loyal reindeer, Rudolph. Filled with handcrafted festive treats, Rudolph's Festive Feast Box is the essence of the joy and warmth that Christmas Eve brings.

Emotional Support Nuggets are the squishy plush version of your favourite food. These adorable chicken nugget plushies make a great gift for a loved one, family member of friend.

Dogs have Spots, Dice Have Spots! Dog-powered push your luck: roll dice and place them on the right spots. Easy to learn but has loads of strategy and replayability, Spots is simple to learn but have enough crunch to make every turn full of interesting decisions

What gifts are you buying this Christmas?

- If you enjoyed this post leave us a comment.

-  Like us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and follow us on our adventures.

- If you have visited any of the attractions mentioned in this post share photos with us on our socials. 

- If this post has helped you in anyway you can Buy Us A Virtual Coffee to say thanks.

- If you would like to work with us please visit on Work With Us page for more details

Michelle

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