Newcastle’s Festive Light Show set to return in 2026

Popular light show ‘Newcastle Northern Lights’ will be returning to the North East for another year.

The Newcastle Northern Lights will take place between November 20 and December 31 at Leazes Park, Newcastle upon Tyne. Since first establishing in November 2023, to celebrate Leazes Park’s 150th Anniversary, the event has become a major attraction. Since the first launch it has attracted nearly 300,000 visitors across its first three seasons.

While Newcastle Northern Lights prepares to return for another year, other North East events such as Sunderland’s ‘Festival of Light” has been absent in recent years. The last event took place is October 2024 and it is yet to return. When asked about the events absence, a spokesperson from Sunderland Council stated: “Every year we create a wide range of innovative events, bringing people together in different places and spaces and with each location offering something new and memorable. These events and their locations can vary and change.”

Meanwhile, Newcastle Northern Lights is set to welcome visitors back with this year’s theme, ‘A Christmas Time Machine’. The event will feature a mile long trail of mesmerising lights, sound and storytelling. Focusing on Christmas memories from the past and present, the event promises to evoke nostalgia and leave visitors in the Christmas spirit.

As well as their enchanting lights there will also be other activities situated along the trail waiting to entertain the whole family. You can expect vintage fairground rides, a disco wonderland and themed interactive stations, where you can even meet Santa’s elves.

There will be a wide range of food vendors serving up delicious food throughout the night. Popular stalls such as Acropolis will be returning with Greek food as well as other food stalls making their Northern Light’s debut. Davey’s is one of those making their first appearance, with a menu including smash burgers, taco sliders and ice cream shakes.

Emma St Croix, Senior Marketing Manager at From the Fields the event producer, said: “Choosing what to eat has become part of the night out at Northern Lights. There’s such a strong independent food scene here in the North East, and we’re proud to bring these traders together in the Christmas Village. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back to Leazes Park.”

North East family blogger Ruth Tapp, who has attended the Northern Lights, stated: “We have been to the Northern Lights every year since it started and we love it. It’s so magical and a perfect festive experience for little ones. We are especially excited for the festive nostalgia of the ‘A Christmas Time Machine’ this year.”

Click here to book tickets.