Northern Lights Manchester

Manchester

Tickets coming soon!

Book Northern Lights Manchester tickets & experience the award-winning Christmas light trail in Manchester

Returning to Heaton Park for 2026, Northern Lights Manchester invites you to step into a Christmas Time Machine and journey through festive memories brought to life with spectacular illuminations, immersive displays and festive fun for all ages.

  • Experience a spectacular mile-long Christmas light trail through Heaton Park
  • Step into the brand-new Christmas Time Machine theme for 2026
  • Explore 17 distinct illumination zones filled with festive magic
  • Enjoy delicious food, festive drinks and sweet treats in the Christmas Village
  • Take on classic fairground rides and festive family fun
  • Visit one of Manchester's most popular Christmas attractions created by the team behind Kendal Calling and Bluedot Festival

Spend Christmas in Manchester at Northern Lights in Heaton Park:

  • Dates: 19th November - 31st December 2026
  • First Entry: From 4:15pm daily
  • Location: Heaton Park, Manchester, M25 0DL
  • Trail Length: Just over 1 mile
  • Tickets include: Timed entry to the mile-long Christmas light trail at Heaton Park, access to Christmas village, food, drink & fairground rides 

17 unique zones, immersive visuals, illuminations & a mile-long Christmas light trail - included in your tickets! 

  • The Christmas Time Machine: Travel through the decades and relive nostalgic Christmas moments in a brand-new themed experience
  • Illumination Zones: Discover 17 unique areas filled with stunning light installations and creative displays
  • Christmas Village: Warm up with festive food, indulgent desserts and seasonal drinks
  • Fairground Fun: Enjoy classic rides and family-friendly entertainment
  • Heaton Park: Wander through one of the UK's most iconic parks transformed into a festive wonderland
  • Award-Winning Experience: Enjoy a light trail series recognised by publications including The Times, The Guardian and Radio Times

From sparkling trails and festive treats to fairground fun, enjoy must-visit Christmas events in Manchester 

Northern Lights Manchester combines beautiful illuminations, festive entertainment and seasonal food and drink to create a memorable Christmas experience for families, couples and groups of friends. 

Created by the award-winning team behind some of the UK's biggest cultural events, the trail has welcomed more than 1.2 million visitors since launching in 2021 and continues to be one of the country's leading immersive light trail experiences.

Whether you're creating a new family tradition, planning a festive date night or simply looking for magical things to do in Manchester at Christmas, Northern Lights Manchester is guaranteed to add a little extra sparkle to the season.

Book Northern Lights Manchester tickets today and get ready for one of the best Christmas events in Manhester! 

Location

Heaton Park

Bury Old Road,
Manchester,
Greater Manchester,
M25 0EQ
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How to find us

The event is at Heaton Park, Manchester.

Please follow the road signs to Heaton Park and then follow the event signage to our car park just off Sheepfoot Lane.

By car:

  • Just 15 minutes drive from Manchester City Centre, Heaton Park is ideally located just 5 minutes away from Junctions 17 and 19 of the M60, with easy access to the M62, M61 and M66.
  • EVENT PARKING POSTCODE: M25 2SW
  • Car Parking MUST be booked in advance of your visit. Car parking spaces cost £5.95 per car and can be purchased via our website.
  • There will be onsite parking with accessible spaces. Disabled parking spots are on a first come, first serve basis, we have a traffic management team that will help you park in the most suitable bay we can, should you need to park closer to the event entrance. Please bear in mind this will be at least a five-minute walk from the start of the trail, with a slight incline and descent on the path leading from the main car park to the Christmas Village and trail entrance.

By tram:

  • If you are getting the tram to the event, then please use the Heaton Park Tram Stop.
  • Once you arrive at the Metrolink stop please exit the station, cross Bury Old Road at the traffic lights and head into Gate 13. It is then approximately a 10-minute walk to the beginning of Northern Lights Manchester light trail.

By train:

  • The nearest and most well connected train stop is Manchester Piccadilly, from which you can get the tram to Heaton Park Tram Stop (along the Bury line) in just 15 minutes.

By bus:

There are frequent buses from Manchester City Centre to Heaton Park. If you are using public transport, use Gate 13, opposite the Heaton Park Tram Stop on Bury Old Road.

  • 135 to Bury: Departs from Piccadilly Gardens Stand C and runs roughly every 15 minutes, and takes approximately half an hour.
Facilities
  • Christmas Village with festive food and drink
  • Classic fairground rides
  • On-site event parking available when booked in advance
  • Accessible parking spaces available on a first come, first served basis
  • Accessible toilets available on the route
  • Park benches along the trail route
  • Picnic table seating areas halfway along and at the end of the route
  • Stewards positioned along the trail to support visitors
  • Wheelchairs available to rent on site, subject to ad hoc availability
  • Fast-track wristbands available case-by-case for guests with additional needs and personal assistants
More Info
Is Northern Lights Manchester wheelchair accessible?

Northern Lights Manchester follows existing paths through Heaton Park, including tarmacked paths and softer ground. The trail is just over 1 mile long and includes several inclines and descents, which may be difficult for some wheelchair users. Electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters should be capable of handling the trail in dry conditions, but wet winter weather may make some areas muddy.

What age is Northern Lights Manchester suitable for?

Northern Lights Manchester is suitable for families, friends and festive visitors of different ages. Adult tickets apply for ages 16+, child tickets apply for ages 3-15, and children aged 2 and under require a free infant ticket.

Is there food and drink at Northern Lights Manchester?

Yes, Northern Lights Manchester has a Christmas Village with festive food, drinks, indulgent desserts and treats.

When is Northern Lights Manchester open?

Northern Lights Manchester runs from Thursday 19th November to Thursday 31st December 2026. The first entry time each day is 4:15pm, with closing times varying depending on the date.

Does Northern Lights Manchester have parking?

Yes, Northern Lights Manchester has on-site parking, but car parking must be booked in advance. Parking costs £7.50 per car and visitors arriving by car should use the Lakeside Car Park via Sheepfoot Lane.

Is Northern Lights in Manchester dog-friendly?

Northern Lights in Manchester invites well-behaved dogs and respectful owners to the Winter Light Trail. 

Dogs must be kept on leads at all times.

Please note: Your dogs must be comfortable with large crowds, loud noises and fire. 

Are there flashing lights at Northern Lights Manchester?

The trail includes pulsing, flashing, and moving lighting effects that may affect people with photosensitive epilepsy.

Is there food and drink available at Northern Lights in Manchester?

Yes! After you've enjoyed your Winter Light Trail, swing by the Christmas Village and check out the range of local street food and licensed bars. 

There will be a variety of hot and cold drinks, light snacks and warm food on sale. 

What should I wear and bring to Northern Lights in Manchester?

Please ensure you dress appropriately for the trail. 

  • Due to the time of year, Northern Lights in Manchester may have adverse weather. Please dress in warm clothing. 
  • Make sure you wear appropriate footwear for trails that may become muddy and slippy. 
  • Feel free to bring a torch, as some displays and installations may be slightly darker. 
Can my infants go free?

Yes! Infants under age 3 go FREE!

How long is the Northern Lights Manchester trail?

The Northern Lights Manchester trail is just over 1 mile long. The route loops from the Christmas Village near Heaton Park Boating Lake through wooded areas and park pathways before returning to the Christmas Village.

Does Northern Lights Manchester have neuro-inclusive sessions?

Yes, Northern Lights Manchester states that its 2026 pricing includes two neuro-inclusive evenings. Northern Lights Trails also says neurodivergent evenings reduce capacity by 60%, lower audio volume levels and allow guests more time to move around the trail.

What do Northern Lights Manchester tickets include?

Northern Lights Manchester tickets include timed entry to the mile-long Christmas light trail at Heaton Park. Food, drink, fairground rides and car parking are not included in standard entry tickets.

Are these the cheapest tickets for Northern Lights Manchester?

Yes, we guarantee price match or better. If you can find them cheaper, we want to match it so please get in touch here.

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