International light artists behind Glastonbury’s visuals and Netflix productions illuminate a completely new route at Leazes Park this Christmas
- Returning for a third year, Northern Lights Newcastle opens this Thursday (27th November 2025) at Leazes Park
- This year’s trail features 13 brand-new installations created by internationally recognised artists behind Glastonbury Festival visuals, Netflix productions, and major UK light shows
- A completely new route through Leazes Park
- Heartfelt new addition Lantern Lane, has been created with Newcastle Hospitals Charity and The Great North Children’s Hospital
- Opening-night performance from Voice of the Town Choir
- Produced by From the Fields — the award-winning team behind Kendal Calling, Bluedot and winter trails across Manchester, Leeds and Cardiff
- Previously recognised by The Times as one of the UK’s leading light-trails
Aurora Lillies to be on show at Northern Lights Newcastle
24th November 2025: Northern Lights Newcastle returns this Thursday with its ambitious trail — unveiling a completely reimagined route and 13 large-scale installations designed by acclaimed international and UK-based light artists whose work appears at Glastonbury Festival, in Netflix productions, and at major cultural events across the country – bringing festival-grade visual artistry into the heart of the park.
Produced by From the Fields, the award-winning team behind Kendal Calling, and winter trails in Manchester, Leeds and Cardiff, the 2025 edition marks a major creative step forward for the city’s much-loved winter attraction. The event was previously recognised by The Times as one of the UK’s leading light-trails.
Last year’s trail welcomed almost 95,000 visitors, making it one of the region’s most popular winter attractions.
Lantern Lane — a collaboration with Newcastle Hospitals Charity and young hospital patients
A moving new addition, Lantern Lane, has been created in partnership with Newcastle Hospitals Charity and The Great North Children’s Hospital. The illuminated pathway features overhead lanterns hand-drawn by young patients spending Christmas on the ward — a moment that gives them a way to be part of the trail even when they’re unable to visit in person, whilst giving families a reflective moment at the centre of the trail.
“Seeing our young patients’ creativity reflected back to the whole city is incredibly meaningful,” said Katie Newell, Head of Arts Programmes, Newcastle Hospitals Charity.
“Lantern Lane gives them a way to be part of the festive celebrations even when they’re unable to visit in person.”
Opening night performance
Visitors on Thursday will be welcomed with a live performance from Voice of the Town Choir, one of the North East’s most accomplished vocal collectives known for appearances with Take That, Lulu and BBC Christmas Specials.
Installation highlights
The redesigned route weaves through woodland, lakeside and open paths, with standout moments including:
- River of Light by Ithaca Studio — over 8,000 glowing spheres sweeping across the lake in a choreographed display
- Echoflare by Mandy Lights — a high-energy fusion of neon rings, sound and sweeping searchlights
- Henge, Spiropath and Beam & Bauble — large-format, motion-responsive and highly photogenic scenes
- Lantern Lane — this year’s emotional centrepiece created with Newcastle Hospitals Charity and GNCH
Festive Village
The Christmas Village features popular regional food vendors including: Parm-o-Rama, Truly Madly Pizza, Acropolis, Redheads Mac ’n’ Cheese, Yorkshire Pudding Wraps, Doughvine Desserts and more — along with mulled wine, marshmallow toasting and family-friendly rides.
Accessibility
The 2025 trail includes step-free routes, accessible toilets, and dedicated quiet sessions on selected dates to support visitors with additional needs.
Booking
Tickets for opening week have are expected to be highly popular, with some peak slots already limited. Visitors are encouraged to book early to secure preferred dates.
“Northern Lights Newcastle has become part of the city’s winter traditions” said Roxy Robinson, Creative Director, From the Fields.
“This year brings a completely new route and a host of new experiences created through light and sound — with plenty of moments and photographic opportunities that are designed to be enjoyed by everyone, at your own pace.”