A sell-out Christmas light trail that dazzled visitors to Bishop Auckland is returning this winter with a range of new installations, an updated route, and a new indoor festive event.

AGLOW at Auckland Palace takes visitors through 22 glittering installations that set the picturesque parkland alight and are designed to impress visitors of all ages. 

Jared Bowers, chief operating officer at The Auckland Project, which organises the event, said: “AGLOW was the highlight of last year for so many families, so it was an easy decision to bring an even better and bigger version back for this year’s festivities. 

(Image: Northern Echo) (Image: Northern Echo) (Image: Northern Echo) “For 2024, we’ll be guiding visitors on a new route, whilst making the most of features in the parkland and creating more installations that build on the themes, colours and characters that visitors enjoyed last year.

“With the addition of Christmas at the Palace which will dazzle visitors in the daytime with its beautiful decorations and historic nativity scene, we’ve created the ultimate Christmas destination for everyone in the North East and nearby counties.

"Come and see it for yourself.” 

Features returning for 2024 include everybody’s favourite and romantic ‘Tunnel of Light’ which is the longest outdoor light tunnel in the country measuring over 100 metres.

Also returning are the ‘Neon Trees’ highlighting the ancient evergreens in the parkland; and ‘O Christmas Tree’ which is one of the tallest Christmas tree in the North of England standing at over 30 metres tall and hand-decorated by Auckland Palace’s gardening and parkland team.

(Image: Northern Echo) (Image: Northern Echo) (Image: Northern Echo)

The projection of a festive story over the Palace will also return, but with a new tale for visitors to enjoy. 

Five new installations will adorn the route including ‘River of Light’, featuring a trail of cascading lights into the River Gaunless; illuminated sculptures in the deer house, featuring mushrooms and foxes to reflect some of the flora and fauna in Auckland Palace’s grounds; and an upgraded ‘Santa’s Village’ which now includes Santa’s Workshop with elves, presents and decorations.

There will be a Post Office and the popular show with Santa and his elves performing regularly throughout the evening.

The village also has games and food and beverage outlets serving mulled wine, hot chocolate and festive snacks. 

Aglow takes places from November 22 to December 31 and to complete the Christmas experience, Christmas at the Palace will already by underway having started on November 15.

Get more content including the stories that matter to your community from The Northern Echo with a £1 trial subscription for four weeks here.

Most read:

A combination ticket for AGLOW at Auckland Palace and Christmas at the Palace is available from £33.50 for adults, £22 for children and £96.50 for a family (either 2 adults, 2 children or 1 adult, 3 children). 

Ticket prices for AGLOW are £21.75 for adults, £14.75 for children and £68 for a family (either 2 adults, 2 children or 1 adult, 3 children).  Book via the website.

 Ticket prices for ‘Christmas at the Palace’ are £20 for adults, £12.50 for children and £52.50 for a family (either 2 adults, 2 children or 1 adult, 3 children), or free with an Unlimited Pass. Book via the website.