Magical woodland light trail opens at The Trafford Centre for Christmas 2024

A new woodland light trail has arrived at The Trafford Centre for Christmas. As the festive season gets underway, The Christmas Trail has taken over Wilderspool Woods in an area between the M&S car park and the fairground that will soon come to life again with the centre's Tinsel Town later this month.

From the creators of Manchester’s Twilight Trail at the city centre's Mayfield Park, the 'Christmas wonderland' is nestled in a 4.5-acre site filled with twinkling lights and festive magic.

The M.E.N's Manchester Family was among the first visitors to embark on the trail as it officially launched on Friday evening.

It starts and ends with a food pop up from Freight Island where you can get your hands on everything from authentic street food from Mega Gyros, sourdough cheese toasties from Melt, chicken favourites from Flock, and smash burgers from special guest trader, Heard, the new burger venture from two Michelin-starred chef Jordan Bailey.

READ MORE: Trafford Centre's Tinsel Town to return with ice rink, funfair, big wheel and more for Christmas 2024

A sparkling disco ball greets visitors as they enter the trail before wandering over to see an adorable gingerbread house surrounding by candy canes and stockings hanging from the washing lines.

There are some lovely photo opportunities along the way, including a sleigh for the little ones to sit in, and plenty of lights and dazzling installations to enjoy.

The dancing elf projections were one of our favourites, as well as the story book-shaped video screen where you can sit on wooden benches and watch the animation of The Night Before Christmas. There are other interactive elements too, which makes this a much more child-friendly trail than some of the others you can visit.

There's a Sorting Office where little ones can write a letter to Father Christmas and there's a craft tent where, for £5 per child, they can decorate a bauble or other festive decoration to take home.

Further around there's face painting, and another chance to buy drinks and sweet treats including some rather delicious donuts, crepes and candyfloss from Soft Boi.

There's also a stall where you can grab a marshmallow to toast on the cute-looking gas fires that have been set up.

As you carry on the trail, there are plenty more displays to take in, including a spectacular blue orb with Santa's sleigh on the front balancing on the water, illuminated presents, shooting stars and a whole lot more. Of course, there's a festive soundtrack too to help get you all in the festive mood.

The trail runs daily from now until January 2, with slots available from 4pm. Tickets are on sale here, with prices starting from £8 for children, £10 for adults, and family tickets from £32.

The Christmas Trail's charity partner is the Greater Manchester Mayor's Charity, helping support organisations across the community working to end homelessness in Greater Manchester. There's a tap-to-donate point at the marshmallow stand, where you can grab a marshmallow to toast for free, or tap to donate £3 to the charity.