Music & Lights at Fountains Abbey

Enjoy the estate in all its festive glory each weekend this December and come to see the abbey ruins lit up with bright with colourful lights right up to 5pm. It's sure to get you into the Christmas spirit on a cold winter’s afternoon.

Brighten up your weekend with a wander down to the abbey to enjoy the warming sight of the ruins illuminated with all the colours of the rainbow. Explore amongst the grand columns of the nave all aglow and walk beneath the vaulted ceilings of the cellarium, filled with light.

Sing-a-long to your favourite Christmas carols

Listen out and you might catch a carol or two in the cellarium or Fountains Hall. Local choirs and bands will be bringing a little extra festive cheer with impromptu performances. It's really casual so there's no need to sit and get chilly. Stop by if you get chance and feel free to sing and dance along!

When are the choirs on?

Each weekend there will be a choir singing in either Fountains Hall or the abbey cellarium. Choirs will sing in Fountains Hall between 2.45pm – 3.45pm and in the abbey cellarium between 3.45pm – 4.45pm. On the 9^th, 17^th and 23^rd of December there will be two choir performances, one in the Hall and one in the abbey cellarium.

On days when the choir is performing in the hall you will still be able to hear festive sounds in the abbey as you enjoy the light display. To find out where the choir will be singing you can either ring the estate office Monday – Friday on 01765 643160 or check our Facebook page on the day of your visit.  

Follies aglow! New for 2017

For this year’s Music and Lights, pack your torch for an extra treat and venture down the main path from the abbey to Studley Royal. See if you can spot the garden follies Fame, Piety and Octagon Tower lit up and glowing against the trees. But remember, you need to be back for lights out at 5pm.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need to bring?

Make sure you bring lots of warm clothing, your torch (it's dark by 4pm), cash for food if you're planning on eating and, of course, your singing voice!

Can I bring my dog?

Your dog is welcome to come with you but we ask that you keep it on a lead.

Where can I park?

The event is within normal admission times so you're able to park at any of the carparks: the visitor centre, West Gate or Studley Royal.

What time does it start?

It starts from 2:45pm and lights will be going out at 5pm. Last entry to the estate is at 4pm.

Each weekend there will be a choir singing in either Fountains Hall or the abbey cellarium. Choirs will sing in Fountains Hall between 2.45pm – 3.45pm and in the abbey cellarium between 3.45pm – 4.45pm. On the 9^th, 17^th and 23^rd of December there will be two choir performances, one in the Hall and one in the abbey cellarium.

Can I get something to eat?

Yes, there will be yummy food available on site such as pulled pork rolls, sausage butty and festive chicken. There will also be mulled wine and cider as well as coffees and other hot drinks. You will find the food and drink stalls by abbey tea-room.

Can I go into the lit-up follies?

We ask that you stay to the main path and admire the garden follies from afar - they'll be a striking sight!

Will there be music?

There will be festive music playing and you can catch choirs playing on weekends (exc. 31st Dec) at 2.45pm - 3.30pm in Fountains Hall and 3.45pm - 4.30pm in the abbey cellarium. 

On days when the choir is performing in the hall you will still be able to hear festive sounds in the abbey as you enjoy the light display. To find out where the choir will be singing you can either ring the estate office Monday – Friday on 01765 643160 or check our Facebook page on the day of your visit.

How much does it cost?

Normal admission charges apply. Please be aware that our admissions team will be unable to process payment for entry after 4pm. Members are free.

For all information see the link below