Light Night events in Yorkshire - The best light night events of 2023
The best thing about this time of year and the nights drawing in is that it opens up a whole new world of events in terms of light night extravaganzas. Every year these seem to be getting bigger and better and this year is no exception. These family friendly events are a perfect way to discover places after dark. All without the late night attached!
Here is the round up of light night events in Yorkshire coming up in the lead up to Christmas.
Fountains by Floodlight
Through October the annual Fountains by Floodlight event at Fountains Abbey is on. On every Saturday in October plus Friday 27th October, Friday 3rd November and Saturday 4th November experience this after dark event that is not to be missed.
As dusk falls over the Abbey the ruins start to glow. Make your way through the cellarium listening to the choral music playing. Don’t forget your torch so you can chase your shadow through the darkness. The Abbey takes on a completely different feel to the day time and is an evening adventure not to be missed.
Light Night Leeds
This year Leeds returns with a spectacular light night event, the UK’s largest annual arts and light festival. This hugely successful FREE event is on 12th and 13th October. Light installations, dynamic projections, spectacular interactive artworks and captivating performances will transform the streets of Leeds into an incredible illuminated playground. Lighting up some of the cities most famous buildings and landmarks these interactive installations will get visitors engaged like never before.
Installations will be held at Millennium Square, on the Headrow, down Briggate, The Station, Wellington Place, South Bank, SOYO, around the Universities and Outside the Centre.
Highlights will include an ultramodern white light show with surround sound that will be propelled onto Leeds Civic Hall, Evanescent aka the bubble sculptures will be in place at South Bank – iridescent in the day but illuminated in vibrant multiple colours at night, Glow in the Dark art, family activities and games supported by Canals & River Trust including an underwater themed installation, and Portals on Briggate, presented by Yorkshire Circus who will perform a one of a kind cyr wheel performance alongside local breaking crew Bust-A Move.
North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) Light Spectacular Express
From 27th to 5th November plus 10th to the 12th November take an awe-inspiring journey on the NYMR. This disco train decorated with thousands of lights is a perfect evening’s entertainment for all the family. Leaving Pickering and heading to Levisham and back this hour long trip includes on board narration, DJ-Mix of music and an interactive LED flashing wristband. This is one light night event in Yorkshire not to be missed.
Whitby Abbey Illuminated
Of all the spooky places to go this Halloween then Whitby Abbey, home of Dracula has to be high on the list. This Halloween see Bram Stoker’s inspiration come to life as Whitby Abbey is bathed in dramatic illuminations come dusk. Explore the Abbey in all it’s gothic splendour as the ruins are lit up all aglow, with a twist as they celebrate Dracula.
On from Saturday 21st October to Tuesday 31st, 6-9pm this is a great family friendly light night event in Yorkshire.
Spectacle of Light at Rufford Abbey
Discover some of the amazing characters from the Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Follow Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Woodman and Cowardly Lion as they travel to the Emerald City! Enjoy the amazing art installations around the stunning gardens, follow the yellow brick road through the spooky woodland, the field of poppies and the curve tunnel of light. Sip on mulled wine or hot chocolate whilst watching the little ones discover the play areas after dark. On from 20th October to 5th November.
Let it Glow! at Harlow Carr
This unmissable after dark light spectacle is on this festive season starting on 22nd November through to the 30th of December (Wednesdays to Saturdays). Wander through the grounds on an enchanting magical walk taking in the light displays around the park. All lit up in an array of colour, the gardens come to life. With music playing in the background the trees appear to dance along. Don’t miss out on the ‘field of fire’ on the Main Lawn, the Sun Border gilded selfie frame and new for 2023 cross Thaliana Bridge in a rainbow of lights and enjoy playing with family on the illuminated Logness Monster.
Light up! Wakefield
Following last year’s huge success this FREE event will return to Wakefield. With a series of events lighting up the city centre and beyond from 17th November to 26th November. Light installations will be installed throughout the city along with additional events hosted by local businesses including choirs, fairgrounds, live music, lantern making workshops and more. There will be partner events in Castleford, Knottingley, Pontefract Castle, National Coal Mining Museum and Pontefract too. Visit their website for all the details of these light night event in Yorkshire.
Winter Illuminations at Stockeld Park
This winter experience the Enchanted Forest come to life into a dazzling twinkling wonderland. This huge light display will leave you dazzled with the effects. The animated installations add to the wonder creating a magical beautiful event. Entry to the illuminations can include the play areas too so get there before dusk to make the most of those too. On from 18th November through to 8th January this is one of the country’s largest and most creative Christmas Light night events in Yorkshire and is renowned for being brilliant.
Winter Woodland at Sewerby Hall
The hugely popular Sewerby Winter Wonderland is returning with an all new spectacular display of lights, sounds and special effects this year. With a new theme and a new route this will keep everyone guessing. Get involved and embark on a magical Christmas Rescue along with lots of festive characters. Help the elves find all the presents that they dropped whilst flying over. The Christmas Tree fairy is there to guide you along with a touch of fairy magic thrown in too. With lots of food and drink on sale this is a full evening’s entertainment for all the family. On from 8th to 22nd December.
Winter Illuminations - Light & Lantern Festival at Yorkshire Wildlife Park
This year wrap up warm and experience the park after dark. Explore the magic of the illuminated enchanted realms as you walk for over 2km along the trails. Bigger and better than ever before, the lights and lanterns cover the walkways and are all hand crafted to tell the story of the different animal kingdoms. Lots of interactive areas for the kids to get involved in too. New for 2023 is The Space Odyssey AND The Spirit of Christmas. There are plenty of food outlets around so grab something half way round to warm up. Starting on the 17th November on selected days until the 14th January.
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