Christmas light trails in and around Greater Manchester for 2024

With the nights drawing in, thoughts are turning to this year's big festive light events and there are plenty of them.

Whether it's the illuminated animals at Knowsley Safari and Chester Zoo, or the glittering deer at Dunham Massey, there are all kinds of events to help get you in the festive spirit.

Among them is a brand new event coming to The Trafford Centre. From the creators of Manchester’s Twilight Trail in Manchester city centre's Mayfield Park, The Christmas Trail at Wilderspool Woods promises 'to whisk visitors into a magical wonderland of twinkling lights and festive magic'.

This year will also see the return of Yuletide, which came to Tatton Park for the first time last Christmas and was a big hit with families. The event is from Wild Rumpus, the team behind the annual Just So family festival and the Lanterns at Chester Zoo.

Billed as 'a blend of festive light trail and wondrous winter festival', visitors are told to expect an enchanting illuminated trail, where folklore is brought to life with performance and puppets, magic and lights.

Here, we've rounded up some of the biggest events that you might want to start planning now to avoid disappointment. Some are selected dates only.

Journey through vibrant lands where orangutans, elephants and lions roam. Wander through a glowing tunnel of lights, enjoy festive treats at the Christmas food markets on the trail, and greet Father Christmas in his workshop.

The zoo's winter trail promises to be 'better than ever before' after it teamed up with Sony Music for a second year.

Experience the joy of interacting with never-seen-before animal puppets including energetic meerkats, colourful peacocks, and playful snow leopards, joined by lots of favourites from previous