Industry News
A festive family favourite to return to Auckland Palace
AGLOW, one of the North East’s must-see experiences, will once again dazzle visitors to Auckland Palace in Bishop Auckland this festive season, with one of the tallest Christmas trees in the North, one of the longest outdoor light tunnels in the country, as well as dozens of other breathtaking light installations.
Now in its third year and running from 21 November to 31 December 2025 (excluding Christmas Day), AGLOW has become a much-loved tradition in Bishop Auckland, drawing thousands of visitors each year to enjoy one of the largest light trails in the country.
Starting at AGLOW arch, followed by a 100-metre-long tunnel of light and stretching across 1.5 miles of historic parkland, this year’s illuminated trail comprising over 20 large scale illuminations will light up the skies and take visitors on a journey through the ancient grounds, including the Deer Park and River Gaunless, with glowing projections on the Palace walls, shimmering mirror balls, and dazzling laser and fire displays.
Moreover, towering over Santa’s Village at 32 metres (104 feet) high is a giant Christmas tree beside the river, bedecked with almost one kilometre of colourful lights.
In front of this backdrop, the picturesque wooden cabins of Santa’s Village offer a vast array of food and drinks where visitors can also enjoy toasted marshmallows around the fire pit, sip on mulled wine or hot chocolate, and catch live performances by Santa’s elves.
Cheryl Durkin, Head of Events and Programming at The Auckland Project, said: “We’re delighted to bring AGLOW back to Auckland Palace for another year. It has become a real festive tradition for many families in the region, and we’re excited to welcome visitors of all ages to experience the trail once again. The Palace and its parkland provide the perfect setting that makes AGLOW a truly special part of the season.”
With ticket prices starting from £13.50 and high demand expected, families are encouraged to book early to avoid missing out.
AGLOW offers free parking and a specially designed Accessible Route, as well as sensory sessions. Visitors are encouraged to contact the team at enquiries@aucklandproject.org for help choosing the most suitable ticket option. More info can also be found at https://aucklandaglow.org/
For those planning a full-day out, Auckland Palace, the Spanish Gallery, the Faith Museum, and Mining Art Gallery will be open from Wednesday to Sunday, 10:30 am–4 pm (separate tickets apply).