Review of Dunham Massey Christmas Light Trail 2019
The Dunham Massey Christmas Light Trail has opened for 2019 and we were invited along to check it out. Discover what we thought here.
Running from Friday 23rd November to 30th December 2019 the Dunham Massey Christmas Light Trail is back for it’s third year. We were kindly invited along to their press night event and we sent our reviewer Gemma and her family to see what they thought. Check out the review below.
Review of Dunham Massey Christmas Light Trail 2019
Running from Friday 23rd November to Monday 30th December 2019, the Dunham Massey Christmas Light Trail is back for it’s third year. We were kindly invited along to their press night event and we sent our reviewer Gemma and her family to see what they thought. Check out the review below.
Review Of Dunham Massey Christmas Light Trail 2019
As National Trust members, we are big fans of Dunham Massey making quite a few visits each year. We were therefore very excited when invited along to check out their Christmas Light Trail for 2019 at their press event.
If you have never been to Dunham Massey before, they boast a large carpark which you need to book in advance. Tickets cost £7.00 (or free if a National Trust member but only when booked at the time of booking tickets).
On parking up we headed to the visitor centre where to my kids (and hubby’s) excitement we were invited to try some of their Christmas treats for 2019 (gifted). The range included Christmas tree and Dunham Massey Deer shaped gingerbread, mince pies, iced Christmas cake, millionaires shortbread, hot chocolate, mulled wine and lots more. Everything we tried tasted lovely and the hot chocolate was perfect for warming us up before our walk ahead.
We were then directed to walk over to the Christmas Light Trail. Although the trail takes place in Dunham Massey Gardens, the walk over featured lovely light projections lighting the way and sparking the excitement of what was to come.
We also found fun fair rides including a carousel and helter skelter in the Courtyard along with a selection of food trucks selling delights such as gourmet hot dogs and churros and a map detailing what was in store.
The trail starts at the walkway to the Dunham Massey House and soon as we entered we were greeted with an amazing show projected on the house. Starting as a giant advent calendar we we treated to a series of animations with accompanying music and lights. To say this was amazing would be an understatement, we were all totally in awe and it a great start to the evening. (Have a sneak peek on our Facebook video here).
We then moved on to the gardens, where we immediately came across two giant reindeer which could only be described as spectacular along with photo frames placed strategically for the perfect picture.
As we walked through the trail, each area had something different to offer. From a wonderful wintery scene complete with Frozen’s ‘Let It Go’ playing in the background (check a video here), the ‘Heart Walk’ with lots of large glittering hearts (which my 7 year old daughter loved) to a patch of lovely illuminated white flowers and the huge sea of light which was totally mesmerising.
When we had seen an area labeled ‘Firework Trees’ on the map we had no clue what to expect. We were nicely surprised. New for 2019 with a back drop of colourful lights and a charming song, the ground and trees lit up in sequence perfectly timed to firework sound effects resulting in a breathtaking show. It was like nothing I had ever seen before and I would have happily stayed and watched it all evening. You can take a look here.
Another favourite was the ‘Fire On Water’. Here, large rings of fire stood above and reflected on to the Dunham Massey lake, whilst christmassy animations and lights were projected on to the side of the house in time to a sound track of festive music. It felt like a show in itself and the overall affect was magical. (Take a sneak peek at our Facebook video here)
Of course a Christmas event wouldn’t be complete with the big man himself. Although Dunham Massey doesn’t have a grotto, they do have a fun interactive Christmas Show featuring a rabbit who is granted his wish from Father Christmas. My 7 year old absolutely loved the show and wanted to stay and watch it again.
The trail also housed refreshment booths serving hot chocolate, mulled wine and baked goods, along with a crepe stall which smelt great. There was also a chance to toast marshmallows in the fire pit area, with gourmet marshmallows costing £1.50 each. With flavours including chocolate orange and salted caramel they were a big hit with the kids.
The Christmas Light Trail ended at the Cathedral of Light, a giant tunnel made from white lights which was not only impressive to look at but also made the perfect back drop for a lovely family photo.
We all had a great time at the Dunham Massey Christmas Light trail. The kids were in awe throughout and we all couldn’t wait to see what was in-store around the next corner. We all left feeling that Christmas had begun and was the perfect event to start the festive season.
Tickets to the Dunham Massey Christmas Light Trail cost from £17.50 for Adults, £11.00 for children (3-16 years) and £54.00 for family tickets ( 2 adults and 2 children (aged 3-16)) when booked in advance. Children under 3 and carers go free. For details how to book see here. For detials how to book see here.
