Last updated on Friday 11th November 2022 at 11:38
Christmas at Trentham is a spectacular trail of festive themed illuminations and installations set within the award winning gardens of Trentham Estate. The trail has been designed to fit in with the natural flora and fauna of the grounds with surprises around every corner. Each year a brand new trail is created making sure that no year is the same as the last!
Friday 2nd December 2022 – Sunday 1st January 2023
Closed Monday 5th December and Saturday 25th December (Christmas Day)
First entry – 4.30pm or 4pm for twilight viewing ticket holders, Entry will be granted within your 30 minute timeslot but not before, so please do not arrive before the time shown on your ticket to allow us to manage the flow of visitors into the event.
This year due to changes in the trail, we will be allowing visitors to bring dogs onto the Christmas at Trentham trail. Owners should come prepared with bags for any rubbish to dispose of waste into the bins provided.
PLEASE NOTE: Dogs must be on a non-retractable lead at all times, retractable leads are not permitted
There is free parking available on site, on a first come first served basis. Blue badge parking is available within the main car park.
For groups of 15+ adults, tickets will be priced £19.50 including fees. Please note that groups of 15-30 can be booked online. For groups larger than 30 please contact us at info@christmasatthrentham.co.uk to book your tickets
The brand new trail route and design for 2022 are being designed at the moment. We anticipate that the length will be no longer than 2km and take about an hour to complete.
The route is designed to be viewed from the guided path. Some interactive elements may invite the audience off the path. Unless signposted please do not stray from the path.
Christmas at Trentham is set within the naturally undulating grounds of Trentham Gardens. Every effort has been made to make the trail fully accessible, however, customers should be aware that by its nature it will cover some uneven terrain with a number of varying gradients. There are also some areas that can be made more challenging by wet weather.
If you have specific access needs, please contact us here and we will do our best to accommodate you.
The Twilight Viewing ticket offers a special intimate twilight viewing of Christmas at Trentham. Experience the Trail in a limited capacity time slot to create that extra special experience.
The Twilight Viewing slot will start at 4pm and will run every day from Friday 9th December to Sunday 1st January (Christmas Day excluded).
Yes, all ages are welcome!
Our cosy Igloos are the perfect way to celebrate the festive season in comfort and style.
Our private Igloo seats up to 8 people and includes a generous sharing platter for you and your group, served with a beer, a glass of mulled wine or a soft drink per person. Our igloos fit 8 comfortably, for groups larger than 8, including those with babies and small children we recommend you book two igloos.
Enjoy your private, heated Igloo for 90 minutes before or after the trail.
Our suggested Igloo booking times are below:
5pm-6.30pm (suggested trail time is 4 or 4.30pm slot)
7pm–8.30pm (suggested trail time is 6 or 6.30pm slot)
Please note that in addition to the Igloo upgrade ticket, all attendees must have purchased a general admission ticket per person for the lights trail.
Please see here to book your ticket - https://www.christmasattrentham.co.uk/festive-pods
HOW MUCH ARE TICKETS?
These prices include a booking fee
ADULT - £22.10
CHILD (3-16) - £14.60
TWILIGHT VIEWING TICKET - ADULT - £27.50
TWILIGHT VIEWING TICKET - CHILD - £20.35
FAMILY (2 ADULTS 2 CHILDREN) - £66.40
GROUPS (15+ adults) - £19.50
IGLOO UPGRADE – £200
A disabled person purchasing a ticket may bring one essential carer companion free of charge. Please select this ticket type at point of booking. If you require more than one carer, please contact us here
All tickets will be issued as E-tickets. We encourage customers to display their tickets on their phone on arrival, rather than printing, to reduce contact with event staff.
Tickets will be safely scanned on arrival.
Please be aware that we don’t authorise or have any control over the sale of tickets via third-party websites.
Yes, children under 3 years of age can access Christmas at Trentham free of charge and will not require a ticket. All children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
There will be a box office situated on site. This will be open from an hour before the first slot each day.
We advise that you purchase your tickets ahead of your visit here
Please check your junk folder as they can sometimes fall there or use the order tracker here
We're advising all customers to arrive within the half hour time slot stated on their ticket, to keep queuing to a minimum.
If they arrive before their time slot they may be held in a separate queue until the time listed on their ticket.
At this year’s event we will have an assisted queuing lane for customers who may be unable to stand or wait for a length of time, who will be given priority entry over the main queue.
Trentham members are eligible for a discount. If you purchase your tickets before the end of June, you will receive a 15% discount. Those purchasing tickets from July to the end of October will receive a 10% discount. Details of how to redeem this discount are available via Trentham.
There isn’t an NHS discount available on this event.
Please be sure that you have chosen the right entry date and time slot at the time of making your booking, as we are generally unable to offer exchanges or refunds once tickets have been purchased. We are also not able to offer refunds on unwanted/lost tickets.
Due to the time of year, bad weather can affect any open-air event. If we have to cancel the event as it unsafe to proceed, visitors will be offered an alternative date.
No refunds will be offered simply if the weather is inclement. This includes heavy rain and snow.
If the event is cancelled by us due to weather and patrons are not able to attend an alternative night offered, then a face value refund will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Customers are unable to use their Tesco Clubcard Vouchers towards buying a ticket for Christmas at Trentham. Reward Partner codes can only be used to purchase general day tickets and memberships for the estate. Click HERE for further details (https://secure.tesco.com/clubcard/vouchers/trentham-gardens/uk-009741.prd).
Yes. Christmas at Trentham is set within the naturally undulating grounds Trentham Gardens. Every effort has been made to make the trail fully accessible, however, customers should be aware that by its nature it will cover some uneven terrain with a number of varying gradients. There are also some areas that can be made more challenging by wet weather.
We do not provide wheelchairs or mobility scooters, however, those who require a wheelchair or a mobility scooter are welcome to bring them bearing in mind the advice above.
Accessible toilets are situated at the Gardens Entrance and at the Tea Rooms.
If you have specific access needs please contact us here and we will do our best to accommodate you.
We have allocated a handful of timeslots as limited capacity which are bookable on request. These timeslots will be available to anyone who, due to a learning difficulty or condition, would benefit from experiencing the trail in quieter surroundings. Please note that the 4pm timeslots are conducted at dusk. The trail may not be fully dark until you reach the end of the trail.
Please contact us at info@christmasattrentham.co.uk should you wish to book onto these timeslots.
The slots reserved for those needing a space with fewer people will be at 4pm each day from 9th December 2022 – 1st January 2023 during the twilight viewing slot. These are held at a limited capacity so will have quieter surroundings. Please note that the 4pm timeslots are conducted at dusk. The trail may not be fully dark until you reach the end of the trail.
If you wish to book one of these slots, please contact us at info@christmasattrentham.co.uk
Closer to the time of the event we will be producing a document including a site map and detailing what to expect on the trail so that they can familiarise themselves before the visit. Please send us a message at info@christmasattrentham.co.uk if you would like to receive this.
There is nothing with any stroboscopic effects or at a frequency that should affect anyone with light sensitivity, however, there are a lot of lights and lasers on the trails so would depend on the individual’s sensitivity.
None of it is designed to be disorientating but some of it will be overhead or surrounding the customer and therefore could be disorientating to certain medical conditions but this will depend on the individual’s sensitivity and their own judgement as to whether this event is suitable to attend.
We are happy to make a detailed description of the installations available to you to help you better make a decision whether the event is suitable for your particular needs. Please request this here info@christmasattrentham.co.uk
CAN I BUY FOOD AND DRINK AT CHRISTMAS AT TRENTHAM?
There will be takeaway refreshments available along the trail route, such as hot drinks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and mince pies. Further seasonal food offerings, to include vegetarian and vegan options, will be available in the Lakeside Market. Please note, all food and drink vendors will take card payment only.
These concessions will not be open during usual Trentham Gardens opening hours.
WILL THERE BE FREE DRINKING WATER?
Drinking water will be available from the bars.
CAN I PAY USING CASH?
All food and drink vendors will take card payment only.
CAN I PROPOSE AT CHRISTMAS AT TRENTHAM?
Christmas at Trentham is a lovely setting to propose to your partner. While we can’t accommodate special arrangements, our Twilight Viewing timeslots would make the occasion extra special.
I’M VISITING TRENTHAM GARDENS DURING THE DAY, DO I NEED TO LEAVE BEFORE ENTERING THE LIGHT TRAIL IN THE EVENING?
Yes. To ensure that only ticket holders for the Christmas at Trentham trail have entry to the illuminated trail in the evening, daytime visitors must vacate the gardens at the closing time.
GENERAL INFO ON THE GARDENS AND ACCESS
Last entry to the gardens each day is 3pm, these will be closed to visitors at 4pm before the trail opens
https://trentham.co.uk/plan-your-visit/opening-times/
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
There are no covered areas on the trail so please ensure you wear appropriate clothing and footwear for the weather. We recommend coats, hats and waterproof shoes or wellies. You can use umbrellas, should it rain.
DO I NEED A TORCH?
The trail is lit, but lighting will be low level in some areas so you may wish to bring a torch. No naked flames (e.g. candles, night lights, flares or lanterns) are allowed.
CAN I TAKE PHOTOS?
Yes! We encourage visitors to take photos along the trail and share them on social media with #ChristmasatTrentham. However please be mindful when taking photographs as this can block the path for other visitors.
ARE THERE TOILETS AVAILABLE?
Yes, there will be toilets available, including fully accessible toilets and baby changing facilities.
Accessible toilets are situated at the Gardens Entrance and at the Tea Rooms.
WILL THERE BE FIREWORKS?
Christmas at Trentham does not contain fireworks.
WILL SANTA BE PRESENT?
Santa will not be present at Christmas at Trentham, but the fairies will be!
CAN WE BRING IN OUR OWN FOOD?
We do not allow food to be brought into the event, only food purchased on site may be consumed. The only exception for this is baby food.
Accessible toilets are situated at the Gardens Entrance and at the Tea Rooms.
There is Blue Badge parking available within the main car park. This is offered on a first come first served basis. All parking is free of charge.
For further information on the accessibility of Trentham Gardens, please see the accessibility guide here: https://trentham.co.uk/plan-your-visit/accessibility-of-trentham-estate/
For your safety and security there are some items that are not allowed on site. Please avoid bringing these items as they will be confiscated upon entry. If any attendee is found with any illegal item they will be refused entry and referred to the Police. The prohibited items included but are not limited to:
Aerosols
Air horns
Alcohol
Animals (except assistance dogs)
Bags (larger than A4 size)
Bicycles, scooters, roller skates
Blow torches
Cans
Chairs
Chinese lanterns
Cooking apparatus
Cool bags / boxes (large)
Drinks
Drones
Fireworks / pyrotechnics
Flares / distress flares / smoke flares
Food (with the exception of baby food
Gas cylinders/canisters
Glass
Knives
Liquids (over 100ml)
Lighter fluid
Illegal substances (drugs)
Laser pens
Legal / herbal highs
Megaphones
Professional audio-visual recording equipment
Smoke bombs / canisters
Sound systems
Tabards/High Viz Jackets
Weapons
In line with the UK law – smoking is prohibited by law in any public indoor facility / room / working environment. Smoking is only permitted away from any structures and from any sources of fuel.
For the last two years we have successfully conducted a safe event with social distancing measures in place. We will continue to review the government guidelines with regards to COVID and customer safety and communicate any further updates with all customers. Please note, if in the event Christmas at Trentham is cancelled, you will be notified and offered an alternative date, if available, or a full refund.
We will be monitoring the situation regarding COVID closely over the coming months and will update our safety policies well in advance of the event in accordance with the latest government guidance. The safety and comfort of our visitors remains our top priority
Please note, if in the event that Christmas at Trentham is cancelled due to COVID, you will be notified and offered an alternative date, if available, or a full refund.
WILL I BE SEARCHED?
For the safety and security of everyone at Christmas at Trentham we will carry out full security checks at all entrance gates. If you see anything suspicious or any persons acting suspiciously, please tell the nearest member of staff immediately.
CAN I BRING A BAG?
Your belongings and your person may be searched. Please bring only what is essential to your evening. We ask that you do not bring any large bags (larger than A4).
Please do not leave your belongings unattended at any time.
FIRST AID
If you require first aid on site, please make yourself known to one of the event staff who will be able to assist you.
SPONSORSHIP ENQUIRIES
For all brand partnership & sponsorship enquiries, please contact sponsorship@kilimanjarolive.co.uk
CRAFT AND FOOD TRADERS
Are you interested in being a trader at Christmas at Trentham? Please apply by emailing details outlining your goods and services to info@christmasattrentham.co.uk
PRESS ENQUIRIES
For all press enquiries, please contact - hello@luya.co.uk
The entrance to Christmas at Trentham is accessed by the North Entrance to The Trentham Estate and is clearly signposted from the carpark.
Please follow the “Trail Start” signage and consult the trail map.
Please also refer to the getting here sections and plan your trip in advance - https://www.christmasattrentham.co.uk/gettinghere