This was my second visit to Northern Lights, having thoroughly enjoyed my time there last year. I was keen to see what they had in store for us in 2025.
From the off, it was clear they hadn’t just rolled out the tried and tested installations. This year, they are aiming to build on the previous resounding success and provide the people of Leeds with an even more incredible visual experience.
For those who missed it in 2024, Northern Lights is a collection of themed light installations along a winding trail through the grounds of the Temple Newsam estate. It is the brainchild of From The Fields, the team behind the popular Blue Dot and Kendal Calling festivals.
Most of the trail takes you through wooded areas which have been used to enhance the light show to the full. There is also a lake installation (Lily of the Lake) which for me stood out as the highlight. The way the lights reflect on the water is truly impressive, creating another lasting memory of time well spent.
The other thing that differed from last year was the weather, or more specifically, the temperature. We had the arrival of a spell of Arctic chill and it was noticeably colder than last year!
Having spent an overly long time mesmerised by the Lily on the Lake, both myself and my trusty companion were clap cold and in need of some warmth. This was more than adequately provided by an oasis of melting sugar and corn syrup, a little before the halfway point.
We didn’t actually opt for the marshmallows and instead my eager companion headed for the insanely good Biscoff doughnuts. Trust me, you need to try these incredibly tasty, freshly cooked (you get them warm) doughnuts. If Biscoff isn’t your bag, then they have plenty of other options, including the classic plain, dipped in sugar variety.
If I were to offer any advice for your visit, it would be to skip the food vendors (sorry guys) and use the marshmallow toasting fires to recharge the batteries and treat yourself to overprocessed morsels of pure delight. If you’re not driving, then a piping hot mulled wine will complete the package perfectly, while continuing to provide much-needed warmth for the hands. As we continued on the trail and left the fires behind us, those wine cups remained a comforting addition. For an out-of-the-bag mulled wine, it was surprisingly tasty and as it wasn’t overly sweetened, paired well with the doughnuts.
Feeling much refreshed, we continued along the trail to one of my other firm favourites, Kaleidoscope. A similar offering appeared last year, but they have taken something good and made it quite exceptional. It is worth hanging around this one for a while as it doesn’t loop quite as quickly as some of the other installations, so you may miss something.
As the warming benefit of mulled wine began to fade, we upped the pace for the second half, passing through fast swathes of fairytale mushrooms and candles. I’m not sure how long it takes them to set up, but I’d wager it’s some considerable time.
There’s one final highlight for me in the stages of the trail. Framed, as the name would suggest, is a sequence of illuminated picture frames that form a tunnel through which you walk and, in the case of my companion, dance.
This wasn’t just a treat for the eyes but also a delight for the ears. Music forms an important part of the journey, with each installation accompanied by a fitting soundtrack which helps to bring the whole thing alive.
Before I sign off, I must make it clear that although this is a family-friendly activity, if, like me, you don’t have any kids, I defy you not to be mesmerised by some of the installations on display here. For certain, this is something to be enjoyed by children and adults alike. Just remember to wrap up warm.
The magic stays at Temple Newsam until 31 December. You can book your tickets online.
Photography by Paul Simon unless otherwise captioned.
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