Christmas at Delamere Forest is back for its second year and we were very excited to be invited along to the opening night. It’s a family-friendly Christmas light trail in the heart of Cheshire in Delamere forest. Find more Christmas days out in the North West here. Read on to find my review of this light trail and our top tips for visiting.
Ad – we were invited along to the press opening. All photos, words and opinions are my own.
This might only be the second year of this light trail but the team behind the event are responsible for 13 other light trails across the UK, some of which have been around for a long time including Christmas at Dunham Massey.
From the minute we arrived, we knew it was going to be a magical evening. The whole of the trail is filled with stunning light effects and installations and it’s perhaps one of the longer trails too at just short of a 2 mile circuit (the first and last quarter of a mile is the same path). That’s 1.5 miles of lights!
I have to admit loving a trip to the woods anyway but there is something really special about walking around them all illuminated in brightly coloured lights with lots of festive music too.
There are a few different light tunnels which are firm favourites of ours and many others. We also loved the huge Christmas tree made of lights that were constantly changing colour in patterns, set to Christmas music of course.
We also loved the firework trees that appeared to explode like fireworks again set to music and firework sound effects (nowhere near as loud as actual fireworks).
I won’t share details of every light installation as I’m sure you want some surprises. There are loads of different but equally beautiful light displays around every corner. The whole trail is one long light show. There is no part of the trail that isn’t lit up or where it feels like you are walking between distinct different light installations. The whole trail is illuminated in lots of different, magical ways.
You’ll also catch a glimpse of Father Christmas who is there waving and chatting to all the families on their way around.
There was lots of different Christmas music around the trail which really got us in the festive spirit. We heard lots of Christmas classics and even a bit of frozen music which was a big hit with my youngest.
Food and drink
There are a few food vans by the visitor centre (the start and end of your trail). The visitor centre was also open so you could use the facilities.
In this area, there are also a couple of rides which are aimed at young children. These are extra and you need to purchase tokens to ride them.
There is a drinks hut by the Christmas tree and further, still, there is another drinks hut and Marshmallows stall. There are a couple of firepits for toasting the Marshmallows here too overlooking the fire garden.
The Marshmallows are £1.60 each for a large square on a stick. This stall (and I’m presuming the others are card only). You can choose chocolate, vanilla or salted caramel flavour and they are delicious!
We loved this light trail and can’t recommend it enough for families with kids of all ages.
Our top tips
- You are walking in the woods so dress for the weather including suitable footwear. It had rained heavily the day before our visit and the trail overall was fine but there were puddles and muddy parts as you expect with any woodland walk.
- Try toasting Marshmallows. They’re so good and my kids love this part.
- The paths are wide and suitable for prams. It is a bit up and downhill but it’s relatively easy. Expect to walk about 2 miles. Kids won’t notice though as there is always so much to see and hear.
- Use the toilets in the visitor centre at the start. There are also a couple of portaloos by the fire garden.
- Allow 90 minutes to 2 hours for your visit depending if you’ll go on the rides and stop for food &/or drinks. We were 90 minutes with marshmallows and no rides.
- Don’t forget to book your parking in advance with your tickets.
- The postcode for your satnav is CW8 2HZ. This is the main Delamere forest car park by the visitor centre.
Book your tickets here – Christmas at Delamere tickets
Where to next?
Find more Christmas light trails North West here.
If you fancy visiting Delamere during the day, find out all about Delamere forest walks here.