ONE of Cheshire’s most enchanting Christmas light trails has returned to Dunham Massey.
Tunnels of light, festive music and marshmallow toasting are among the things you should expect from an evening spent at the National Trust Park – which is just down the road from Warrington.
The event officially opens on November 17 and tickets are available up to December 31.
We were given a preview of all the festive fun, and it did not disappoint.
A hint as to when you are entering the trail is the enormous, illuminated reindeers that greet you as you walk in.
Followed by the sound of Christmas music and the delicious smell of hot food and mulled wine.
Having taken two under two-year-olds with me for the experience, their eyes immediately lit up when they were met with the sight of a merry-go-round and a Helter Skelter.
Before embarking on the wonders of the light trail, you can enjoy a great selection of fresh food from various stalls on the site, with a range of pizza, gyros, hot dogs and sweet treats on offer.
The food prices may be eye-watering, but the festive atmosphere makes up for that.
Upon my eager child’s request, we purchased a Snug-puds cookie pudding topped with ice cream and a toasted s’more for £7.50 which was pretty tasty, and they had plenty of flavours and toppings to choose from.
A Cypriot food stall selling a mixture of kebabs and gyros had prices ranging from £6.50 for a portion of halloumi fries, up to £11 for a mixed gyro.
As you enter the trail, there are surprises around every corner.
One particularly popular section for my two excited toddlers was a row of trees all decorated with lightbulbs that gave off a purple glare.
The game being to try and reach and touch them.
A new feature this year was a mesmerising garden with lines of lit torches that led to a central dome covered in beautiful shrubbery.
Sparkling Christmas trees with ever changing lights were another crowd pleaser both for young and old audiences.
While the orchestra of music that plays along the trail adds another depth of magic to the experience.
If you need a pit stop to warm your hands along the way, there is more drink vendors halfway round.
A mulled apple was an interesting drink on the menu, and tasted even better than it sounds.
Fire pits are scattered in one area and marshmallows can be purchased to toast over the warm fire while you sip your hot mulled wine.
As you approach Dunham Massey Hall, the impressive structure is illuminated in different colours.
But nothing beats the shock on the faces of little ones as they turn the corner to see the real-life Santa sat outside his grotto.
He greets each child with Christmas spirit and then there is an opportunity to snap a picture with him too.
The last and best surprise is the lake, lit up with tiny boats.
Each coloured light reflects off the water and is a pretty spectacular vision to complete the festive evening.
The hardest part is trying to prize the children away at the end.
As my daughter summarised on the journey back home – ‘that was so much fun’.
To purchase a ticket visit the Dunham Massey website christmasatdunhammassey.seetickets.com/raymondgubbay/christmas-at-dunham-massey
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