Preparations are under way at one of Northumberland's most visited tourist attractions for the run up to Christmas.
Alnwick Garden's winter light trail returns at the end of this month, with the return of its Winter Light Trail. The Garden was one of the few places to be able to host a festive treat in 2020, with 35,000 people passing through its gates, and 2021's event coming back even bigger and brighter.
And this year, there's a new addition that some guests might recognise from previous years at Newcastle's Christmas Market. A 39-metre toboggan is the newest addition to the garden's winter wonderland, with weekends of live music, festive dining and late-night shopping also planned for the weeks ahead.
Read more: Lilidorei clan houses arrive at Alnwick Garden after journey of more than 300 miles
The Garden, which took three Golds at the North East Tourism Awards 2022 including Experience of the Year, hopes that the light trail with dazzle visitors with a brand-new theme and never before installations, as well as a festive music track. There will also be Winter Warmer Weekends for visitors, who can visit a cocktail bar, cheese stands and a hog roast without the need for a Garden ticket.
Ian McAllister, Head of Marketing, said: " We know this festive season will look a lot different for people this year and we want to make sure that this Christmas can be just as magical.
"We pride ourselves on affordability and making Christmas as accessible as we can. The addition of The Toboggan is incredibly exciting, and we can’t wait to see our guests give it a go!"
The Garden, which is run as a charitable foundation, is set to open the world's largest play structure on the site in spring next year, Lilidorei. Clan houses for the year-round Christmas experience, which is inspired by worlds of goblin, elves, pixies and more mythical creatures, is starting to take shape - though it's not quite ready for this Christmas.
The Winter Light Trail and toboggan will be in the Alnwick Garden from November 29 to January 1. For more information, visit the website.
What events are you planning to go to in the North East this Christmas? Let us know!
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