Northern Lights, the popular Christmas light trail at Heaton Park in Manchester, will return for winter 2026 following a debut that attracted over 100,000 visitors. The event, organized by From The Fields, runs from 19 November to 31 December 2026, with early bird tickets already on sale.
New Theme: A Christmas Time Machine
The 2026 edition introduces 'A Christmas Time Machine', an all-new festive experience inspired by the moments, traditions, and memories that make the season magical. Guests will journey through 14 original installations, interactive zones, selfie spots, and a marshmallow zone along a nostalgic trail featuring beloved Christmas presents and festive moments such as Candy Cane Lane, a giant neon slinky, and shimmering nutcrackers.
Emma St.Croix, Senior Marketing Manager at From The Fields, said: "The response to Northern Lights Manchester last year exceeded all of our expectations. The warmth and enthusiasm from visitors made it incredibly special for our team, and we’re delighted to be returning to Heaton Park with something completely new."
Expanded Attractions and Inclusive Evenings
The trail will also feature vintage fairground rides, cosy festive pit stops, and an expanded Christmas Village showcasing artisan food and drink producers from across the region. Organizers have teased installations like Lava Lamp Lane, Slinky’s, Scalextric, Nutcrackers, and Candy Canes, each representing nostalgic moments.
Dedicated inclusive evenings will be held on Wednesday 2 and Wednesday 9 December, with visitor numbers reduced by 75% and lower audio levels to create a calmer environment for neurodivergent visitors and those who benefit from a more relaxed experience. The fully accessible mile-long route includes wheelchair-friendly paths, ramp access points, and seating areas, along with access time slots and queue jump wristbands.
Ticket Pricing and Offers
Early bird tickets are now on sale, with a limited Kids Go Free offer on selected off-peak dates. Peak tickets start from £17.95 (ranging £15.50–£22 plus £1.75 transaction fee per order). Off-peak tickets start from £13.95 (ranging £12–£17 plus £1.75 transaction fee). Neuro Inclusive Evening tickets start from £13.75 (ranging £12–£17 plus £1.75 transaction fee). Early bird pricing ends 31 August 2026 or when allocation sells out.
The Kids Go Free offer is available on selected off-peak early bird dates until 31 August 2026, using code KIDSLIGHTS. A maximum of two free child tickets (ages 3–16) can be redeemed per booking with at least one off-peak early bird adult ticket. Children under 3 and essential companion tickets are free of charge.
From The Fields, the multi-award-winning independent events company behind Kendal Calling, Bluedot, and Christmas at Bute Park, has sold over 1 million tickets across its light trails since launching in 2021.
