Best Christmas Attractions for Families in the North West, UK (2025)

Magical Light Trails & Lantern Events ✨

• Chester Zoo Lanterns
  Step into an illuminated animal kingdom as Chester Zoo lights up with glowing lanterns and enchanting displays. A spectacular evening event perfect for children and grown-ups alike.

• Dunham Massey Winter Light Trail (Greater Manchester/Cheshire border)
  Wander through a sparkling woodland, filled with dramatic light installations and festive music. Wrap up warm and let little ones discover the magic.

• Tatton Park Christmas Mansion & Garden Trail
  Tatton Park’s grand house gets a festive makeover, while the gardens glow with twinkling lights. A wonderful mix of heritage and Christmas sparkle.

• Lotherton Hall Christmas Experience, Leeds
  Step into a festive wonderland with the Twelve Days of Christmas woodland walk, Santa’s North Pole and beautifully decorated gardens. Perfect for younger families.

Santa’s Grottos & North Pole Adventures 🎅

• Stockeld Park, Wetherby
  A family favourite every Christmas. Explore the Enchanted Forest, go ice skating, enjoy the illuminated adventure playgrounds and meet Santa in a magical grotto.

• THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride (Yorkshire)

  Climb aboard a magical steam train for the Polar Express experience at Wensleydale Railway. Families are immersed in the classic story with singing chefs, hot chocolate and cookies, carols, and a meeting with Santa himself. Similar experiences also run at Embsay & Bolton Abbey Railway, making this a must-do for train-loving kids.

• The North Pole Experience, Liverpool
  A full festive day out including Santa’s cabin, an elf village, ice skating and winter fun. A top pick for families with younger children.

Festive Markets, Shows & Seasonal Fun 🎁

• Liverpool Christmas Markets & “Light Before Christmas”
  With stalls full of festive treats, twinkling decorations, and light installations across the city, Liverpool makes the perfect festive day trip.

• Harewood House Christmas (Leeds, West Yorkshire)

  Harewood House transforms into a festive wonderland each winter. Families can enjoy the Father Christmas Experience, where little ones help Santa and his elves prepare for the North Pole’s Royal Ball. Inside the mansion, Mischief at the Mansion brings the historic rooms alive with playful characters, singing baubles and seasonal surprises. Add in the annual Christmas Market and beautifully decorated gardens, and Harewood makes a magical day out for the whole family.

• York Christmas Festival

  The medieval city of York glows at Christmas with its traditional St Nicholas Fair, wooden chalets, festive food and drink, and twinkling lights around every corner. It’s ideal for families who want to combine Christmas shopping with a magical city break.

Historic Houses & National Trust Christmas Days Out 🏰

• Speke Hall, Liverpool
  A Tudor gem decked out for Christmas, with festive activities, storytelling, and cosy seasonal touches.

• Rufford Old Hall, Lancashire
  Meet Father Christmas in a historic setting while enjoying traditional festive entertainment.

• Quarry Bank, Cheshire
  Beautifully decorated mill and grounds, with seasonal trails and activities for families.

• Christmas Concert by Candlelight: Agogo Quartet
  This December, listen to a string quartet play festive compositions by candlelight. With exclusive after-hours access to the Saloon, enjoy a symphony of sound that resonates through the centuries-old walls.