It wouldn’t feel like Christmas without the shimmering of Christmas lights. While there isn’t a Light Switch-on event, there are plenty of immersive light shows and eye-catching Christmas trails to visit over the festive period.

1. Manchester city centre

This year, Manchester City Council are displaying several glorious, illuminated sculptures, including the famous Giant Santa that once sat proudly on the town hall pre-renovation. You can find all sorts of light up figures like the iconic Manchester Bee, across Piccadilly Gardens, St Peter’s Square, New Cathedral Street, St Ann’s Square and the Cathedral. Definitely something to include during your evening Christmas Shopping in the city centre.

Winter Island

2. Mayfield Park

A brand-new light show has come to Manchester City Centre. Located in Mayfield Park, just next to Escape to Freight Island and Piccadilly Station. The first new public park in over 100 years is hosting an enchanting winter light show known as The Twilight Trail, where visitors can explore impressive light installations across the 6.5 acre park. Escape to Freight Island is hosting their annual Escape to Winter Island to extend your festive evening, with Christmas food, drinks, Santa’s grotto and much more.

Running from 17th November – 31st December 2023.

For more information, visit here.

Heaton Park

3. Heaton Park

From the same team behind the spectacular Kew in London, Christmas at Heaton Park is a Christmas music and lights trail. Providing another festive highlight for Greater Manchester with everything you need for a memorable evening with friends or family. A breath-taking seasonal light show with colour changing orbs, glowing flowers and neon strings that stretch across the park. It’s a mesmerising experience, with tickets starting from £18.

Running from 1st – 31st December 2023.

Book your spot here.

Glow

4. RHS Bridgewater

Salford’s new RHS Bridgewater is brightening up this Christmas with their first light trail that spans the whole park. With sparkling trees, shrubs and the iconic water features – this trail promises to be photo-ready. With a selection of warm drinks and festive treats to pick up along the trail, RHS Bridgewater is a must-see Christmas show.

Running from 15th November – 30th December 2023.

Get your tickets here.

5. Dunham Massey

Back for 2023 is Dunham Masseys stunning festive illumination trail, transforming the beautiful gardens into a winter wonderland. The after dark light up trail will include three new installations dotted around the formal gardens and deer park. With light up tunnels, huge strobe effects and light sculptures, this isn’t one to miss! Adult tickets will be available from £19 with group offers available.

Running from 17th November – 31st December 2023

Book your visit to Dunham Massey here.

Chester Zoo

6. Chester Zoo

Explore new immersive light installations and be transported into enchanting land of festive exploration. Where you can meet orangutans, lions, dolphins and woolly mammoths as you make your way along the trail. With 3D projections, lit up animals and the Forest of Light exhibition. Making a comeback this year is the Instagram favourite, Winter Cathedral. Timed tickets give entry every 15 minutes from 4.15 pm to 8 pm with the last entry for The Lanterns at 8.15 pm and the zoo closes at 9.15 pm.

Running from 17th November – 31st December 2023

Book your Zoo tour here.

7. Lightwaves, Salford Quays  

Explore the dramatic light installation taking over Salford Quays this December. Visitors of all ages can enjoy illuminated works from established as well as emerging artists, local and national, bringing a variety of different pieces; thought-provoking, surprising and playful. Lightwaves Festival is part of the Quays Culture Programme, a partnership initiative with a mission to animate public spaces, bringing extraordinary art into the heart of the community for everyone to experience free of charge. 

Running from 7th to 10th December 2023 

No booking required, but you can find more information here.

For more things to do this Christmas, check out our 51 things to do in Manchester this Christmas guide.  

If you’re looking for ideas on what do to in Manchester while you visit, check out our Ideas and Inspiration page.