With schools back after the summer holidays and the nights drawing in, thoughts start to turn to the return of the big festive light events that are being planned in and around Manchester. There are some huge light spectaculars, lantern parades and family-friendly festive events that are already selling fast for the winter ahead.
So here, we've rounded up some of the biggest events that you might want to start planning now to avoid disappointment. For many of the most popular dates across October, November and December are already booking up fast.
This year we've got everything from animal lanterns at Chester Zoo to festive lights spectaculars at Dunham Massey around the region for a festive day out. There's also the big return of ever-popular light displays at Heaton Park and RHS Bridgewater in Worsley.
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We've put together a handy guide on dates, times and ticket prices for the bigger events to help you get sorted.
Lightopia - Heaton Park
The huge light sculpture displays will be back at Heaton Park this year, promising to take guests on a magical journey through the new Fantasy-themed light trail through the parklands. Showcasing bright immersive installations, colourful lasers, and water shows, it is billed a festive wonderland for all ages.
Dates : November 24, 2022 - January 2, 2023
Times : Book in timeslots from 5pm to 8pm
Tickets : Priced at £14 for children (3-15) and £22.50 for adults (16+) Click here for booking.
Glow at RHS Bridgewater
Glow returns to the RHS Garden Bridgewater in Worsley with a new trail full of festive colour and sparkle. New for 2022 guests can weave your way through yew domes festooned with fairy lights, explore a magical family discovery trail inspired by local folklore and take a selfie with giant, colour-changing stars.
Dates : Wednesdays to Saturdays, from November 16 to December 17, 2022
Times : Book in timeslots from 4.30pm to 7.30pm
Tickets : RHS members Adults pay £6.50 at peak times and £6 off-peak (children from £3.50), non-members adults pay £13.50 at peak, £13 off peak; Children from £6.50. Click here for booking.
Christmas at Dunham Massey
The ever-popular light trail will be returning as part of the Christmas at Dunham Massey events for 2022. Anyone who has tried to get tickets in past years will tell you this is always one of the first to sell out thanks to its popular mile-long woodland trail with eye-popping and magical light displays and new additions this year including a giant dandelion.
Dates : From November 18, 2022 to January 2, 2023.
Times : Book in timeslots from 4.30pm to 8.15pm
Tickets : Advanced Admission Tickets priced from: Adult £22.50, Child £14.50 (Age 3-16); Family £50- £72 (1 or 2 adults + 2 children). Parking is charged at £8 per vehicle or free for NT Members. Must be booked in advance, for bookings click here.
BeWILDerwood's Glorious Glowing Lantern Parade
While we are looking at festive lights spectaculars here, there is also this spooky-themed lantern event from the BeWILDerwood woodland play park in Cheshire to look forward to through October. And there's whispers that they are also planning a Christmas spectacular to follow on from this one, which as soon as we have info on, we'll update here.
Dates : From October 15 - 31 (Christmas dates are expected to be announced soon)
Times : Time slots available from 6pm to 7.30pm
Tickets : Priced at £12.50 (under 92cm go in free). Click here for bookings.
Chester Zoo Lanterns
Chester Zoo will once again be transformed with the magical lanterns that allow guests to see the huge animal park in a whole new light. Expect colourful animal lanterns, spectacular Christmas scenes and festive characters delighting guests young and old.
Dates : from Friday November 11 to Friday December 23 on selected dates.
Times : Timed tickets from 4pm to 8.15pm
Tickets : Prices start from £13 for adults and £11 for children. Click here for booking.
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