Where to see Christmas lights in Yorkshire in 2026

Are you looking for a Christmas lights switch-on in Yorkshire? Explore 6 of the best in our local guide.

Looking for the best places to see Christmas lights in Yorkshire in 2026?

Spectacular illuminated woodland trails… Magical festive gardens… Sparkling seaside displays… Yorkshire has plenty of ways to get into the Christmas spirit.

Planning a family day out, a romantic evening walk or a festive weekend away? Here are some of the best Christmas light displays and illuminations to visit across Yorkshire in 2026.



1. RHS Glow at Harlow Carr, Harrogate

Dates: Thursday 26 November to Wednesday 30 December 2026

Timings: evening entry sessions; check the official booking calendar for your chosen date and time

RHS Garden Harlow Carr is a fantastic choice for anyone who loves a traditional winter garden transformed by dazzling lights. The popular Glow event returns for its 10th year in 2026, with eight spectacular new installations to discover.

Expect illuminated garden features, atmospheric winter walks and colourful displays that make the most of the garden's natural landscape. A new 30-metre illuminated installation is among the highlights, making this an excellent option for couples, families and keen photographers.

2. Winter Illuminations at Yorkshire Wildlife Park

Dates: selected dates from Saturday 14 November 2026 to Saturday 9 January 2027

Timings: evening entry by allocated time slot; the event closes by 9pm at the latest

For a spectacular family evening, head to Yorkshire Wildlife Park near Doncaster for its Winter Illuminations. The 2026 theme, The Polar Bear Express, promises an Arctic-inspired adventure filled with glowing lanterns, colourful light installations and festive scenes.

The illuminated trail stretches for around three kilometres, with snowy landscapes, sparkling tunnels and festive creatures creating plenty of photo opportunities. Allow around 90 minutes to explore the route, with seasonal food, drinks and fairground rides adding to the festive atmosphere.

The event runs on selected dates, not every evening, so check availability before travelling. Entry is ticketed, and advance booking is recommended.

Book your visit: Yorkshire Wildlife Park Winter Illuminations.



3. Lotherton Christmas Experience, near Leeds

Dates: Saturday 21 November 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027

Timings: dates and entry times vary

Lotherton's Christmas Experience is ideal for families wanting more than just a walk through Christmas lights. The historic estate near Leeds becomes a festive wonderland, complete with twinkling woodland displays, traditional decorations and seasonal activities.

One of the main attractions for 2026 is the reimagined Twelve Days of Christmas trail through Captain's Wood, featuring larger-than-life festive characters and nostalgic toys. Visitors can also explore the Elf Village, enjoy Christmas crafts and toast marshmallows around the fire pit.

There are opportunities to meet Father Christmas, enjoy activities with Mrs Claus and soak up the atmosphere inside the beautifully decorated Edwardian hall.

Book your visit: Lotherton Christmas Experience.



4. Scarborough Lights

Dates: Wednesday 11 November to Friday 20 December 2026

Timings: displays run during the event dates, with some installations operating on selected evenings; check local listings for individual attraction times

Christmas by the coast has its own special charm – and Scarborough Lights offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy the seaside after dark.

The town's festive illuminations include:

• Sparkling town-centre displays
• Colourful dinosaur installations at Vernon Road and Aquarium Top roundabouts
• Harbour-themed lighting celebrating Scarborough's maritime heritage
  
  

The event is particularly appealing if you'd like a festive outing without committing to a long, ticketed woodland trail. You can combine an evening looking at the lights with a stroll around the harbour or a meal in town.

Additional installations under the Histories and Mysteries theme are scheduled at St Mary's Church on selected dates between Saturday 14 November and Monday 7 December.

Find out more about Scarborough Lights.



5. Christmas lights in Helmsley

Date: Friday 27 November 2026

Timings: entertainment and Santa from 4.30pm; lights switch on at 5.30pm

For a traditional Yorkshire Christmas atmosphere, head to Helmsley in North Yorkshire. This attractive market town is a lovely place to enjoy festive lights, independent shops and cosy places to stop for a warming drink.

The Christmas lights switch-on takes place in Market Square, with festive entertainment from the Swinton and District Excelsior Band and Helmsley Arts Centre Singers. Santa is also expected as part of the celebrations, making it a great choice for families.

The event offers a more intimate alternative to the larger commercial light trails, with the town's historic streets providing a beautiful backdrop.

Find out more about the Helmsley Christmas Lights Switch-On.



6. Christmas lights in Leeds city centre

Date: Thursday 19 November 2026

Timings: listed event hours are 5pm to 8pm, with the main lights moment at 6.30pm

Leeds is a brilliant option if you want to combine Christmas lights with shopping, festive food and a lively city-centre atmosphere.

The city's seasonal displays help bring the shopping streets and central precincts to life, making an evening visit an easy addition to a Christmas shopping trip. You can browse the shops, enjoy a hot chocolate and explore the illuminated streets as the festive season gets underway.

The 2026 city-centre switch-on is listed for Thursday 19 November, with the main countdown scheduled for early evening. As event arrangements can change, check local announcements before setting off.

Find out more at the Visit Leeds website.



Discover more Christmas sparkle at Stump Cross Caverns

Looking for something a little different this Christmas? Yorkshire has another magical option hidden beneath the Yorkshire Dales.

Here at Stump Cross Caverns, we're putting on a festive experience that takes Christmas lights underground, with our ancient cave passages and rock formations illuminated by twinkling displays.

But the lights are only part of the fun. Families can:

• Visit Santa and his Head Elf for a festive show and sing-along
• Make reindeer food
• Solve Christmas riddles as they explore the caverns
• Settle down for a classic festive film afterwards
  
  

Participating children even get a sparkly crystal gift to take home.

It's a memorable alternative to a traditional outdoor light trail – and a chance to turn your Christmas lights trip into a whole festive day out. Where else can you meet Santa, watch a Christmas film and explore a real ancient cave dressed up in its Christmas best?



Ready for a Yorkshire Christmas experience with a difference? Find out more about Christmas in the caves – or book your tickets online before they sell out!