Step into a world of festive magic at Christmas at Dunham Massey. Make everlasting memories in the gardens as they're transformed into a glowing winter wonderland after-dark.
Christmas at Dunham Massey
Friday 20 November 2026 – Saturday 2 January 2027
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Christmas at Dunham Massey is established as a Christmas tradition for many in the North West. Don’t miss out as 2026’s after-dark illuminated trail promises an array of enchanting new light installations, offering a magical experience for visitors of all ages.
Explore the grounds of Dunham Massey as they're transformed into a glowing winter wonderland. Created by award-winning light trail producers, this breathtaking illuminated trail features the very best in twinkling lights and immersive seasonal sounds.
Designed to surprise and delight
From a sweeping sea of light to memorable selfie worthy moments, Christmas at Dunham Massey transforms the historic house and garden into a glowing landscape of colour, fire and festivity. This magical, accessible, and unforgettable mile-long trail bring new installations and projections and returning favourites in an experience powered by innovative technology, artistic design and distinctive seasonal music.
Highlights for 2026
✨A mile-long trail of immersive and wonder-fuelled light and sound installations.
✨New lights in the gardens, new projections on the historic house.
✨A dog-friendly trail with accessible sessions nights which are assistance dog only.
✨An appearance from Father Christmas along the way.
✨Seasonal treats and winter warmers from hand-picked vendors.*
✨Free parking for National Trust members (when booked in advance).
More Than Just Lights…
Christmas at Dunham Massey is more than a light trail - it’s a complete picture-perfect Christmas experience. Enjoy the festive fairground*, indulge in delicious seasonal treats*, and sip on mulled wine* or hot chocolate* from our hand-picked food and beverage stalls. And of course, don’t miss a magical glimpse of Father Christmas along the way.
Your New Winter Tradition
This unmissable Christmas attraction is one of the best Christmas events near Manchester. It’s ideal for families, friends, and couples in search of a date with a difference. Perfect for creating unforgettable memories with loved ones. Book early to secure your pick of the dates before they sell out.
Your very merriest Christmas starts here. Limited capacity with timed entry.
Christmas at Dunham Massey this year will run from Friday 20 November 2026 to Saturday 2 January 2027. Tickets are allocated by staggered trail start times and digital or printed tickets are accepted.
The trail is approximately one mile long and we’d recommend allowing 1 to 2 hours for your visit. Please be aware that the event closes 1.5 hours after the last allocated entry time.
Are there refreshements and fairground rides?
Food, drink and fairground rides are available onsite. Food and drink can be found at the beginning and end of the trail. Separate charges apply for all food, drink and rides.
What should I wear?
The event takes place entirely outdoors and appropriate clothing and footwear is essential.
Is there car parking available?
Car parking is available onsite and all parking must be pre-booked at the time of ticket purchase. Parking is free for National Trust members when booked in advance and with a valid membership card. Parking is available at an additional charge for non-National Trust members.
Quieter sessions
These sessions will begin at twilight (4pm and 4.15pm), making the transition into the dark much easier. Quiet access sessions are available for adults and young people who prefer a calmer experience with reduced audio levels and numbers of visitors on trail. Quiet access sessions are open to assistance dogs only.
Quieter sessions will run on 27 November, 1 December, 7 December and 30 December at 4pm and 4.15pm.
The Christmas at Dunham Massey trail route follows majority flat paths that are checked and cared for, daily.
Path markers can be non-traditional – for example strings of lights or short barriers – or absent if the route follows an established path.
Seating
Limited seating is located along the route for those who may require a brief pause in the walk. Ask one of our team for the location of the nearest seat. Seating can also be found at the beginning and end of the trail, alongside the food, drink and fairground rides.
Wheelchair and mobility scooter loan
Wheelchairs and mobility scooters are available for booking in advance by calling the team at Dunham Massey on 0161 941 1025. Numbers are limited and are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, please book early to avoid disappointment. This is a free service with donations welcome and used in support of the National Trust’s conservation and care of Dunham Massey.
Dogs and assistance dogs
Well behaved dogs that are comfortable around crowds, noise and people, are welcome most nights of Christmas at Dunham Massey. All visitors planning to bring their dogs must ensure their dogs are under control and kept on a short lead at all times. Dog owners must also clean up any dog waste or mess and use designated bins for disposal.
On some dates, assistance dogs only will be allowed. These dates are: 27 November, 1 December, 7 December and 30 December. Please note that the 4pm and 4.15pm sessions on these dates are quieter sessions where there will be reduced audio levels.
Specific accessibility questions
If you have any specific questions relating to accessibility or what to expect at Christmas at Dunham Massey, we are happy to help. You can email us at dunhammassey@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Christmas at Dunham Massey takes place at one of the National Trust’s most visited places.
As a home for important animal species, annual ecological surveys support us to ensure the impact of the event on this beautiful place is carefully managed.
The trail route, lights and sound are planned with bat roosts, animal homes, and ancient trees in mind. Using bio-fuel and efficient approaches to power usage helps us reduce any environmental impact.
As a conservation charity, the care and longevity of Dunham Massey’s gardens, park and buildings remain our ultimate priority. Every ticket sold supports the conservation and care of Dunham Massey for everyone, forever.
You can book off-peak, standard or anytime tickets for Christmas at Dunham Massey. Tickets start at £19 for adults and £13 for children (under 3s go free). The most popular days can book up quickly, so we'd recommend booking early to avoid disappointment.
From winter illuminations to houses dressed for the season, there's plenty of festive things to do across Cheshire and Greater Manchester. Plan ahead and find a Christmas event near you this year.
Entertain the whole family this season at Dunham Massey. Enjoy adventures in the garden, take a walk in the deer park and stop for a bite to eat in the Stamford Café.
Summer is a celebration of colour and contrast at Dunham Massey. During the warmer months, the garden comes alive with layered planting and fresh foliage. Paths are lined with emerging blooms, and each week reveals something new.
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