Stockeld Park is celebrating 20 years of magical Yorkshire Christmases in 2026, marking two decades since Peter and Susie Grant transformed the estate’s long-established Christmas tree farm into a festive visitor experience by launching the Christmas Adventure.
Beginning with Winter Illuminations around the estate in 2006, the Christmas Adventure has since grown into an annual tradition, welcoming generations of families back each winter to enjoy its enchanted experiences.
To celebrate its landmark 20th year, this year’s Christmas Adventure will unveil Stockeld Park’s biggest and most dazzling Winter Illuminations yet. New highlights include Wonders of the World, an epic forest projection following an intrepid explorer through spectacular Arctic, jungle and desert landscapes, and Aqua Lumina, an expanded lake show inspired by the mysterious folklore of the Enchanted Forest Lake. Across the wider trail, visitors will also encounter glowing tendrils, the hypnotic colours of Liquid Drift and the enchanting smoke-filled bubbles of Illumibubble, and many more exciting, illuminated installations!
Alongside numerous installations and designs created in-house, Stockeld Park has collaborated with Simon Hayes Design, NMS Design and Kevin Murray Sound Design & Music to create some of this year’s magical new experiences. Together, the team has extensive experience of large-scale illuminated trails and outdoor spectacles, including work for Christmas at Kew Gardens, Glasgow Botanic Gardens and RHS Wisley. At Stockeld, original music, immersive sound, lighting, fountains and practical effects will all come together to bring these new experiences to life.
The Christmas Adventure runs from 21st November to 24th December 2026, with Santa’s Arrival Parade taking place at 1pm on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd November to mark the start of the season. During this period, visitors can enjoy Santa’s Grotto, a Jack & The Beanstalk pantomime and a full day of magical indoor and outdoor family adventures.
The Winter Illuminations, ice skating and park activities continue until 3rd January 2027, giving visitors more time to enjoy the winter season after Christmas too.
Alongside the new light experiences, Christmas favourites including the Snowflake Maze and Flying Stocksman land train, whilst visitors can also enjoy the indoor Playhive, whatever the weather!
New memberships also offer more ways to come back throughout the season, whilst a Christmas shopping evening gets the festivities under way.
The one-off shopping evening takes place on 19th November, from 5pm to 8pm. Entry is £3 per person, and includes mulled wine and mince pies, with shoppers receiving a £5 voucher when spending £10.
This year’s pantomime, Jack & The Beanstalk, brings 30 minutes of family fun as Jack, Dame Trot and Daisy the cow take on the Giant. The show is included in Gold packages on weekends from 21st November to 13th December and daily from 18th to 24th December. Performances from 27th to 31st December can be booked by all guests as an additional purchase.
Peter Grant, owner at Stockeld Park, said: “Reaching 20 years of the Christmas Adventure is a real moment for us and has become such an important part of Stockeld Park’s story. Over the past two decades, we have seen families return year after year, with children who once visited Santa now bringing their own little ones to experience the magic. This year, we wanted the anniversary season to feel both familiar and full of new discoveries, from the first glimpse of the lights to the final festive surprise. It is a celebration of everything Stockeld Park has grown into, and of the families who have made it part of their Christmas tradition.”
Families seeking a quieter visit can consider midweek sessions, with a limited-time Illuminations Midweek Meal Deal available from 23rd to 27th November and 30th November to 10th December, Monday to Friday only. Saving visitors over £10 per person, the ticket includes entry to the Winter Illuminations, Enchanted Forest and Snowflake Maze, plus a main meal at Farmer Foster’s Burger Barn or the Playhive Pizzeria.
Guests can also upgrade to include ice skating, 90 minutes in the Playhive or a ride on the Flying Stocksman. The Monday-to-Friday Tinsel Tots offer is also available for younger children, with visitors advised to check the booking pages for available sessions and offer details.
For full details and to book, visit stockeldpark.co.uk.
