The festive season is slowly creeping up on us and what better way to get into the Christmas spirit than visiting winter and illuminating light trails in West Yorkshire.
There are so many to choose from, offering displays of dazzling light installations to woodland adventures over the next month or so.
It’s time to wrap up warm with family and friends and head out across the region to be immersed in these jolly and bright events.
Please check the opening times with each event before your visit as timings may vary.
Some of the best winter and festive light trails across West Yorkshire for 2023
Robin Robin Adventure Trail at RSPB Fairburn Ings
Location: RSPB Fairburn Ings Visitor Centre, Newton Lane, Castleford, WF10 2BH
Dates: November 26 - January 7
The RSPB website says: "Every year, Robin joins her family on a big sneak to find food to survive the winter. Join us on the great RSPB sneak and celebrate your inner robin!
"Our exclusive activity packs will help you complete all the fun challenges along the trail as well as give robin-related activities to do at home, a certificate (for when you become a brilliant robin) and much more!"
It adds: "We’ve also provided an audio trail. Scan the QR codes as you complete the sneak, to hear Robin herself guide you along the way. Voiced by Bronte Carmichael, the voice actor for Robin Robin."
#RSPBFairburnIngs volunteers and warden team have been super busy!🍃
— RSPB Fairburn Ings and RSPB St Aidan’s (@RSPBAireValley) November 29, 2023
They had their first #ScrubClub, where everyone meets to help cut back some of the #vegetation around the #reserve as part of the #AireValley #conservation management plan.
📷|Rachael Tulloch#WardenWednesday pic.twitter.com/gW9RKE1YnD
Trail packs are available from the Welcome Hut and the Visitor Center for £3 each.
The Christmas Experience at Lotherton Hall and Gardens
Location: Lotherton Hall, Off Collier Lane, Lotherton Lane, Aberford, Leeds, LS25 3EB
Dates: November 25 – December 23
As part of the Christmas Experience at Lotherton Hall, there will be light installations and “old and new” festive traditions for all to enjoy.
This magical woodland walk at Lotherton Hall offers twinkling lights down winding paths.
Visitors can also challenge family and friends by pulling a giant Christmas cracker or racing the reindeer to see who wins, as well as a game of hide and seek amongst the towering presents.
You can even take a look inside the “larger than life gingerbread house before searching for fun facts behind the doors of an advent calendar.”
Lotherton Hall adds: “A magical journey through the enchanting world of Christmas. From visiting Santa in the North Pole to crafting in the Elf Village, there’s something for all the family.
“Explore the Christmas Traditions Woodland Walk, and Fairy Dell. Marvel at Lotherton’s splendour in the Hall and lit gardens. Warm up with a hot chocolate or mulled wine, don’t forget to visit the Christmas stalls on a weekend.”
You can book tickets to the Christmas Experience here.
Holmfirth and Honley Elf and Grinch Trail
Location: Shop windows around Holmfirth and Honley
Dates: November 20 - December 31
The Holmfirth Information website explains: “Merrily wander around our local shops and businesses in Holmfirth and Honley, and spot the mischievous elves and Grinches in the shop windows. When you have spotted one, fill in your sheet with the elf’s number and the shop name.
“The sheets have a donation of £2 per sheet, which will go to Holmepride – Community in Action who help to keep Holmfirth colourful, clean and tidy and also to the Honley village Community Trust.
“All children when buying a sheet (£2) will receive a small prize for taking part (a cute gonk, Christmas Hat or Elf Stationery Set).”
Visit the website to find out where you can purchase the sheets from in Holmfirth and Honley.
Nostell Priory Winter Trail
Location: Doncaster Road, Nostell, Wragby, Wakefield, WF4 1QE
Dates: Various dates
Nostell Priory is the ideal place to make festive memories this year, from experiencing a magical world of fairy tales and folklore in the house and gardens to a winter walk around the scenic surroundings.
The National Trust website adds: “The fires will be lit, seasonal music will be playing and the trees will be twinkling with pretty lights.”
Father Christmas will be making a special visit to the house in the run-up to Christmas.
Will the UK get snow this winter?
Ticket prices vary but more information can be found here.
Saltaire Living Advent Calendar
Location: Saltaire Village, Shipley, West Yorkshire, BD18 3LA
Dates: December 1 – January 1
For 2023, there will be 57 festive windows opening on the Saltaire Living Advent Calendar.
The first 15 will be revealed on December 1, with at least one being opened every day after that until Christmas Eve.
The Saltaire Inspired website says: “Window designs remain a secret until they are revealed at 4pm on their light-up date, and typically include traditional and modern festive scenes, quirky characters and tales influenced by Saltaire, culture, and the window creators own lives and experiences – often with a good sprinkling of festive humour!"
The festive windows will be illuminated from 4pm – 10.30pm each evening and will remain lit until January 1.
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