Bishop Auckland is Aglow with the ultimate festive experience

19th September 2024

A sell-out Christmas light trail that dazzled visitors to Bishop Auckland last year, is returning this November and December with a range of new installations and updated route, complemented by a new indoor festive event, Christmas at the Palace. 

AGLOW at Auckland Palace, organised by The Auckland Project, takes places from 22 November to 31 December with a new route guiding visitors through 22 glittering installations that set the picturesque parkland alight and are designed to impress visitors of all ages. 

Features returning for 2024 include everybody’s favourite and romantic ‘Tunnel of Light’ which is the longest outdoor light tunnel in the country measuring over 100 metres. It was the setting for two festive proposals during AGLOW last year.  

Also returning are the ‘Neon Trees’ highlighting the ancient evergreens in the parkland; and ‘O Christmas Tree’ which is the tallest Christmas tree in the North of England standing at over 30 metres tall and hand-decorated by Auckland Palace’s gardening and parkland team. The projection of a festive story over the Palace will also return, but with a new tale for visitors to enjoy. 

Five new installations will adorn the route including ‘River of Light’, featuring a trail of cascading lights into the River Gaunless; illuminated sculptures in the deer house, featuring mushrooms and foxes to reflect some of the flora and fauna in Auckland Palace’s grounds; and an upgraded ‘Santa’s Village’ which now includes Santa’s Workshop with elves, presents and decorations, a Post Office and the popular show with Santa and his elves performing regularly throughout the evening. The village also has games and food and beverage outlets serving mulled wine, hot chocolate and festive snacks. 

To complete the Christmas experience, for the first time The Auckland Project will open Christmas at the Palace from 15 November to 31 December.  

The historic building that was home to the rich and powerful Prince Bishops will transform into a festive paradise with elaborate Christmas decorations adorning 12 rooms. Inspiring visitors as they wander through the State Rooms, St Peter’s Chapel, The Long Dining Room and the Bishop’s Apartment, winter-warming tones with a twist of golden opulence, autumnal russets, burgundies and icy wintery white décor will transform the palace. 

Jared Bowers, chief operating officer at The Auckland Project, said: “AGLOW was the highlight of last year for so many families, so it was an easy decision to bring an even better and bigger version back for this year’s festivities. 

“For 2024, we’ll be guiding visitors on a new route, whilst making the most of features in the parkland and creating more installations that build on the themes, colours and characters that visitors enjoyed last year. Everyone’s favourite picture opportunity ‘Tunnel of Light’ will return, perfectly illuminating the top of our newly opened Walled Garden. 

“With the addition of Christmas at the Palace which will dazzle visitors in the daytime with its beautiful decorations and historic nativity scene, we’ve created the ultimate Christmas destination for everyone in the North East and nearby counties. Come and see it for yourself!.” 

A combination ticket for AGLOW at Auckland Palace and Christmas at the Palace is available from £33.50 for adults, £22 for children and £96.50 for a family (either 2 adults, 2 children or 1 adult, 3 children). 

Ticket prices for AGLOW are £21.75 for adults, £14.75 for children and £68 for a family (either 2 adults, 2 children or 1 adult, 3 children).

Ticket prices for ‘Christmas at the Palace’ are £20 for adults, £12.50 for children and £52.50 for a family (either 2 adults, 2 children or 1 adult, 3 children), or free with an Unlimited Pass.